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Li S, Hao L, Li N, Hu X, Yan H, Dai E, Shi X. Targeting the Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: From mechanisms to therapeutic drugs (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:88. [PMID: 39092548 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating cell growth and organ size. Its regulatory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) encompass diverse aspects, including cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, tumor drug resistance, metabolic reprogramming, immunomodulatory effects and autophagy. Yes‑associated protein 1 (YAP1), a potent transcriptional coactivator and a major downstream target tightly controlled by the Hippo pathway, is influenced by various molecules and pathways. The expression of YAP1 in different cell types within the liver tumor microenvironment exerts varying effects on tumor outcomes, warranting careful consideration. Therefore, research on YAP1‑targeted therapies merits attention. This review discusses the composition and regulation mechanism of the Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway and its relationship with HCC, offering insights for future research and cancer prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghao Li
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Liyuan Hao
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, P.R. China
| | - Erhei Dai
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, P.R. China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Center of Experimental Management, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi 030619, P.R. China
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Wesener MC, Weiler SME, Bissinger M, Klessinger TF, Rose F, Merker S, Luzarowski M, Ruppert T, Helm B, Klingmüller U, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. CRKL Enhances YAP Signaling through Binding and JNK/JUN Pathway Activation in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8549. [PMID: 39126118 PMCID: PMC11312940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158549] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transducers yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1/TAZ) are key regulators of liver tumorigenesis, promoting tumor formation and progression. Although the first inhibitors are in clinical trials, targeting the relevant upstream regulators of YAP/TAZ activity could prove equally beneficial. To identify regulators of YAP/TAZ activity in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) cells, we carried out a proximity labelling approach (BioID) coupled with mass spectrometry. We verified CRK-like proto-oncogene adaptor protein (CRKL) as a new YAP-exclusive interaction partner. CRKL is highly expressed in HCC patients, and its expression is associated with YAP activity as well as poor survival prognosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated CRKL-dependent cell survival and the loss of YAP binding induced through actin disruption. Moreover, we delineated the activation of the JNK/JUN pathway by CRKL, which promoted YAP transcription. Our data illustrate that CRKL not only promoted YAP activity through its binding but also through the induction of YAP transcription by JNK/JUN activation. This emphasizes the potential use of targeting the JNK/JUN pathway to suppress YAP expression in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. Wesener
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M. E. Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias F. Klessinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Merker
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Marcin Luzarowski
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Thomas Ruppert
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Barbara Helm
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Lin M, Zheng X, Yan J, Huang F, Chen Y, Ding R, Wan J, Zhang L, Wang C, Pan J, Cao X, Fu K, Lou Y, Feng XH, Ji J, Zhao B, Lan F, Shen L, He X, Qiu Y, Jin J. The RNF214-TEAD-YAP signaling axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via TEAD ubiquitylation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4995. [PMID: 38862474 PMCID: PMC11167002 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49045-y] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
RNF214 is an understudied ubiquitin ligase with little knowledge of its biological functions or protein substrates. Here we show that the TEAD transcription factors in the Hippo pathway are substrates of RNF214. RNF214 induces non-proteolytic ubiquitylation at a conserved lysine residue of TEADs, enhances interactions between TEADs and YAP, and promotes transactivation of the downstream genes of the Hippo signaling. Moreover, YAP and TAZ could bind polyubiquitin chains, implying the underlying mechanisms by which RNF214 regulates the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, RNF214 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and inversely correlates with differentiation status and patient survival. Consistently, RNF214 promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and HCC tumorigenesis in mice. Collectively, our data reveal RNF214 as a critical component in the Hippo pathway by forming a signaling axis of RNF214-TEAD-YAP and suggest that RNF214 is an oncogene of HCC and could be a potential drug target of HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, and National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zheng
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianing Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ran Ding
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinkai Wan
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism of Ministry of Science and Technology, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, and Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism of Ministry of Science and Technology, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenliang Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinchang Pan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaolei Cao
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiyi Fu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, 321000, China
| | - Junfang Ji
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, 321000, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, 321000, China
| | - Fei Lan
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism of Ministry of Science and Technology, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, and Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianglei He
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 3100014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunqing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, and National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianping Jin
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, 321000, China.
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Park Y, Hu S, Kim M, Oertel M, Singhi A, Monga SP, Liu S, Ko S. Therapeutic potential of SOX9 dysruption in Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Cholangiocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.22.595319. [PMID: 38826352 PMCID: PMC11142171 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.22.595319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) represents a challenging subtype of primary liver cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Recently, we and others have highlighted the context-dependent roles of the biliary-specific transcription factor SOX9 in the pathogenesis of liver cancers using various Cre applications in Sox9 (flox/flox) strains, to achieve elimination for exon 2 and 3 of the Sox9 gene locus as a preventive manner. Here, we reveal the contrasting responses of developmental Sox9 elimination using Alb-Cre;Sox9 (flox/flox) ( Sox9 LKO) versus CRISPR/Cas9 -based tumor specific acute Sox9 CKO in SB-HDTVI-based Akt-YAP1 and Akt-NRAS cHCC-CCA formation. Sox9 LKO specifically abrogates the Akt-YAP1 CCA region while robustly stimulating the proliferation of remaining poorly differentiated HCC pertaining liver progenitor cell characteristics, whereas Sox9 CKO potently prevents Akt-YAP1 and Akt-NRAS cHCC-CCA development irrespective of fate of tumor cells compared to respective controls. Additionally, we find that Akt-NRAS , but not Akt-YAP1 , tumor formation is partially dependent on the Sox9-Dnmt1 cascade. Pathologically, SOX9 is indispensable for Akt-YAP1 -mediated HC-to-BEC/CCA reprogramming but required for the maintenance of CCA nodules. Lastly, therapeutic elimination of Sox9 using the OPN-CreERT2 strain combined with an inducible CRISPR/Cas9 -based Sox9 iKO significantly reduces Akt-YAP1 cHCC-CCA tumor burden, similar to Sox9 CKO. Thus, we contrast the outcomes of acute Sox9 deletion with developmental Sox9 knockout models, emphasizing the importance of considering adaptation mechanisms in therapeutic strategies. This necessitates the careful consideration of genetic liver cancer studies using developmental Cre and somatic mutant lines, particularly for genes involved in hepatic commitment during development. Our findings suggest that SOX9 elimination may hold promise as a therapeutic approach for cHCC-CCA and underscore the need for further investigation to translate these preclinical insights into clinical applications.
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Mills KR, Misra J, Torabifard H. Allosteric Modulation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD Interaction by Palmitoylation and Small-Molecule Inhibitors. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3795-3806. [PMID: 38606592 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a highly conserved signaling network that plays a central role in regulating cellular growth, proliferation, and organ size. This pathway consists of a kinase cascade that integrates various upstream signals to control the activation or inactivation of YAP/TAZ proteins. Phosphorylated YAP/TAZ is sequestered in the cytoplasm; however, when the Hippo pathway is deactivated, it translocates into the nucleus, where it associates with TEAD transcription factors. This partnership is instrumental in regulating the transcription of progrowth and antiapoptotic genes. Thus, in many cancers, aberrantly hyperactivated YAP/TAZ promotes oncogenesis by contributing to cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Because YAP and TAZ exert their oncogenic effects by binding with TEAD, it is critical to understand this key interaction to develop cancer therapeutics. Previous research has indicated that TEAD undergoes autopalmitoylation at a conserved cysteine, and small molecules that inhibit TEAD palmitoylation disrupt effective YAP/TAZ binding. However, how exactly palmitoylation contributes to YAP/TAZ-TEAD interactions and how the TEAD palmitoylation inhibitors disrupt this interaction remains unknown. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations, our investigation not only provides detailed atomistic insight into the YAP/TAZ-TEAD dynamics but also unveils that the inhibitor studied influences the binding of YAP and TAZ to TEAD in distinct manners. This discovery has significant implications for the design and deployment of future molecular interventions targeting this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira R Mills
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Jyoti Misra
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Hedieh Torabifard
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 PMCID: PMC11323288 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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He H, Sugiyama A, Snyder NW, Teneche MG, Liu X, Maner-Smith KM, Goessling W, Hagen SJ, Ortlund EA, Najafi-Shoushtari SH, Acuña M, Cohen DE. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 12 suppresses YAP-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting glycerolipid biosynthesis. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216210. [PMID: 37150501 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216210] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells use acetate to support the higher demand for energy and lipid biosynthesis during uncontrolled cell proliferation, as well as for acetylation of regulatory proteins. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 12 (Acot12) is the enzyme that hydrolyzes acetyl-CoA to acetate in liver cytosol and is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A mechanistic role for Acot12 in hepatocarcinogenesis was assessed in mice in response to treatment with diethylnitrosamine(DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration or prolonged feeding of a diet that promotes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Relative to controls, Acot12-/- mice exhibited accelerated liver tumor formation that was characterized by the hepatic accumulation of glycerolipids, including lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and that was associated with reduced Hippo signaling and increased yes-associated protein (YAP)-mediated transcriptional activity. In Acot12-/- mice, restoration of hepatic Acot12 expression inhibited hepatocarcinogenesis and YAP activation, as did knockdown of hepatic YAP expression. Excess LPA produced due to deletion of Acot12 signaled through LPA receptors (LPARs) coupled to Gα12/13 subunits to suppress YAP phosphorylation, thereby promoting its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. These findings identify a protective role for Acot12 in suppressing hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting biosynthesis of glycerolipids including LPA, which preserves Hippo signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyue He
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Akiko Sugiyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcos G Teneche
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Kristal M Maner-Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Susan J Hagen
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - S Hani Najafi-Shoushtari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariana Acuña
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - David E Cohen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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9
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Liang B, Wang H, Qiao Y, Wang X, Qian M, Song X, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Shang R, Che L, Chen Y, Huang Z, Wu H, Monga SP, Zeng Y, Calvisi DF, Chen X, Chen X. Differential requirement of Hippo cascade during CTNNB1 or AXIN1 mutation-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1929-1942. [PMID: 35921500 PMCID: PMC10572102 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations of CTNNB1 and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations of AXIN1 are recurrent genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to investigate the functional contribution of Hippo/YAP/TAZ in GOF CTNNB1 or LOF AXIN1 mutant HCCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS The requirement of YAP/TAZ in c-Met/β-Catenin and c-Met/sgAxin1-driven HCC was analyzed using conditional Yap , Taz , and Yap;Taz knockout (KO) mice. Mechanisms of AXIN1 in regulating YAP/TAZ were investigated using AXIN1 mutated HCC cells. Hepatocyte-specific inducible TTR-CreER T2KO system was applied to evaluate the role of Yap;Taz during tumor progression. Cabozantinib and G007-LK combinational treatment were tested in vitro and in vivo . Nuclear YAP/TAZ was strongly induced in c-Met/sgAxin1 mouse HCC cells. Activation of Hippo via overexpression of Lats2 or concomitant deletion of Yap and Taz significantly inhibited c-Met/sgAxin1 driven HCC development, whereas the same approaches had mild effects in c-Met/β-Catenin HCCs. YAP is the major Hippo effector in c-Met/β-Catenin HCCs, and both YAP and TAZ are required for c-Met/sgAxin1-dependent hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, AXIN1 binds to YAP/TAZ in human HCC cells and regulates YAP/TAZ stability. Genetic deletion of YAP/TAZ suppresses already formed c-Met/sgAxin1 liver tumors, supporting the requirement of YAP/TAZ during tumor progression. Importantly, tankyrase inhibitor G007-LK, which targets Hippo and Wnt pathways, synergizes with cabozantinib, a c-MET inhibitor, leading to tumor regression in the c-Met/sgAxin1 HCC model. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that YAP/TAZ are major signaling molecules downstream of LOF AXIN1 mutant HCCs, and targeting YAP/TAZ is an effective treatment against AXIN1 mutant human HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Manning Qian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runze Shang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Haixia Hospital of Huaqiao University (The 910 Hospital), Quanzhou, China
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Legend Biotech USA, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yifa Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Hawaii, USA
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10
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SOX9 Expression Is Superior to Other Stem Cell Markers K19 and EpCAM in Predicting Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1-11. [PMID: 36322988 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Various stem cell markers (eg, epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM], cytokeratin 19 [K19]) have been reported as predictors of poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the data remain limited, particularly in Western populations, and are often contradictory. In this study, the prognostic value of positive SOX9 immunohistochemistry was compared with that of more established markers EpCAM and K19 in a large cohort (n=216) of North American patients. The independent HCC cohort in The Cancer Gene Atlas (n=360) was utilized to validate our findings. Finally, molecular signatures associated with SOX9 -high HCC were determined. We found that the expression of SOX9, but not EpCAM or K19, was associated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in our North American cohort, in which hepatitis C infection was the most common underlying etiology. High SOX9 mRNA level, but not increased expression of EpCAM mRNA or K19 mRNA, was also associated with worse DFS and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in The Cancer Gene Atlas cohort. This group had underlying causes, including an increased incidence of hepatitis B, significantly different from our initial cohort. High SOX9 mRNA level is associated with molecular pathways important in HCC pathogenesis. Increased SOX9 expression is clinically and biologically relevant for HCC arising in patients with a variety of underlying etiologies. Immunohistochemistry for SOX9 is a reliable proxy for increased SOX9 mRNA and can be used to predict prognosis in HCC cases.
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11
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Zhang J, Xun M, Li C, Chen Y. The O-GlcNAcylation and its promotion to hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188806. [PMID: 36152903 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a posttranslational modification that attaches O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) to the serine and threonine residues of proteins. Such a glycosylation would alter the activities, stabilities, and interactions of target proteins that are functional in a wide range of biological processes and diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that O-GlcNAcylation is tightly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in its onset, growth, invasion and metastasis, drug resistance, and stemness. Here we summarize the discoveries of the role of O-GlcNAcylation in HCC and its function mechanism, aiming to deepen our understanding of HCC pathology, generate more biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis, and offer novel molecular targets for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Min Xun
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Chaojie Li
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China.
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12
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Wang Y, Chen H, Yu J, Kang W, To KF. Recent insight into the role and therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in gastrointestinal cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188787. [PMID: 36041574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of cancer treatment, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are still the most prevalent malignancies with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been recognized to play a critical role during cancer development and adopted for monitoring disease progression and therapy response. Despite the well-documented tumor proliferation and metastasis, recent efforts in two core Hippo components, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), have identified as the driving forces behind cancer metabolism, stemness, tumor immunity, and therapy resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ facilitates the tumorigenesis and progression of GI cancer, and identifying novel therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP/TAZ are crucial to GI cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, we summarize the latest findings on the function and regulatory mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in GI cancers, and highlight the translational significance of targeting YAP/TAZ for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huarong Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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13
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Benhammou JN, Sinnett-Smith J, Pisegna JR, Rozengurt EJ. Interplay Between Fatty Acids, Stearoyl-Co-A Desaturase, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, and Yes-Associated Protein/Transcriptional Coactivator With PDZ-Binding Motif in Promoting Hepatocellular Carcinoma. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:232-241. [PMID: 39132609 PMCID: PMC11308718 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has reached pandemic proportions with one of its most consequential complications being hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related HCC is becoming the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Given the scarcity of available organs, early detection and prevention remain key in prevention and management of the disease. Over the years, the yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) pathway emerged as a key signal transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this review, we explore the interplay between the YAP/TAZ pathway as a point of convergence in HCC pathogenesis. We review the evidence of how lipid reprogramming and key lipid pathways, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (through the rate-limiting enzyme stearoyl Co-A desaturase), the mevalonic acid pathway (the role of statins), and mechanistic target of rapamycin all play critical roles in intricate and complex networks that tightly regulate the YAP/TAZ pro-oncogenic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihane N. Benhammou
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jim Sinnett-Smith
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joseph R. Pisegna
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Enrique J. Rozengurt
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Zhang Y, Xu H, Cui G, Liang B, Chen X, Ko S, Affo S, Song X, Liao Y, Feng J, Wang P, Wang H, Xu M, Wang J, Pes GM, Ribback S, Zeng Y, Singhi A, Schwabe RF, Monga SP, Evert M, Tang L, Calvisi DF, Chen X. β-Catenin Sustains and Is Required for YES-associated Protein Oncogenic Activity in Cholangiocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:481-494. [PMID: 35489428 PMCID: PMC9329198 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS YES-associated protein (YAP) aberrant activation is implicated in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD)-mediated transcriptional regulation is the primary signaling event downstream of YAP. The role of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in cholangiocarcinogenesis remains undetermined. Here, we investigated the possible molecular interplay between YAP and β-Catenin cascades in iCCA. METHODS Activated AKT (Myr-Akt) was coexpressed with YAP (YapS127A) or Tead2VP16 via hydrodynamic tail vein injection into mouse livers. Tumor growth was monitored, and liver tissues were collected and analyzed using histopathologic and molecular analysis. YAP, β-Catenin, and TEAD interaction in iCCAs was investigated through coimmunoprecipitation. Conditional Ctnnb1 knockout mice were used to determine β-Catenin function in murine iCCA models. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the genes regulated by YAP and/or β-Catenin. Immunostaining of total and nonphosphorylated/activated β-Catenin staining was performed in mouse and human iCCAs. RESULTS We discovered that TEAD factors are required for YAP-dependent iCCA development. However, transcriptional activation of TEADs did not fully recapitulate YAP's activities in promoting cholangiocarcinogenesis. Notably, β-Catenin physically interacted with YAP in human and mouse iCCA. Ctnnb1 ablation strongly suppressed human iCCA cell growth and Yap-dependent cholangiocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that YAP/ transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) regulate a set of genes significantly overlapping with those controlled by β-Catenin. Importantly, activated/nonphosphorylated β-Catenin was detected in more than 80% of human iCCAs. CONCLUSION YAP induces cholangiocarcinogenesis via TEAD-dependent transcriptional activation and interaction with β-Catenin. β-Catenin binds to YAP in iCCA and is required for YAP full transcriptional activity, revealing the functional crosstalk between YAP and β-Catenin pathways in cholangiocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guofei Cui
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangzheng Chen
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Silvia Affo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xinhua Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Liao
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianguo Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Agricultural Product Processing and Nutrition & Health, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, China
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California; Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Giovanni M Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yong Zeng
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aatur Singhi
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California; Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.
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15
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Cigliano A, Zhang S, Ribback S, Steinmann S, Sini M, Ament CE, Utpatel K, Song X, Wang J, Pilo MG, Berger F, Wang H, Tao J, Li X, Pes GM, Mancarella S, Giannelli G, Dombrowski F, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X, Evert K. The Hippo pathway effector TAZ induces intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in mice and is ubiquitously activated in the human disease. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:192. [PMID: 35655220 PMCID: PMC9164528 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive primary liver tumor with increasing incidence worldwide, dismal prognosis, and few therapeutic options. Mounting evidence underlines the role of the Hippo pathway in this disease; however, the molecular mechanisms whereby the Hippo cascade contributes to cholangiocarcinogenesis remain poorly defined. Methods We established novel iCCA mouse models via hydrodynamic transfection of an activated form of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), a Hippo pathway downstream effector, either alone or combined with the myristoylated AKT (myr-AKT) protooncogene, in the mouse liver. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR were applied to characterize the models. In addition, in vitro cell line studies were conducted to address the growth-promoting roles of TAZ and its paralog YAP. Results Overexpression of TAZ in the mouse liver triggered iCCA development with very low incidence and long latency. In contrast, co-expression of TAZ and myr-AKT dramatically increased tumor frequency and accelerated cancer formation in mice, with 100% iCCA incidence and high tumor burden by 10 weeks post hydrodynamic injection. AKT/TAZ tumors faithfully recapitulated many of the histomolecular features of human iCCA. At the molecular level, the development of the cholangiocellular lesions depended on the binding of TAZ to TEAD transcription factors. In addition, inhibition of the Notch pathway did not hamper carcinogenesis but suppressed the cholangiocellular phenotype of AKT/TAZ tumors. Also, knockdown of YAP, the TAZ paralog, delayed cholangiocarcinogenesis in AKT/TAZ mice without affecting the tumor phenotype. Furthermore, human preinvasive and invasive iCCAs and mixed hepatocellular carcinoma/iCCA displayed widespread TAZ activation and downregulation of the mechanisms protecting TAZ from proteolysis. Conclusions Overall, the present data underscore the crucial role of TAZ in cholangiocarcinogenesis Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02394-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cigliano
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sara Steinmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcella Sini
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cindy E Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Maria G Pilo
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fabian Berger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, 250031, China
| | - Giovanni M Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA.,University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany.
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16
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Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
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17
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Wang X, Zeldin S, Shi H, Zhu C, Saito Y, Corey KE, Osganian SA, Remotti HE, Verna EC, Pajvani UB, Schwabe RF, Tabas I. TAZ-induced Cybb contributes to liver tumor formation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Hepatol 2022; 76:910-920. [PMID: 34902531 PMCID: PMC8934258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but mechanisms linking NASH to eventual tumor formation remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigate the role of TAZ/WWTR1, which is induced in hepatocytes in NASH, in the progression of NASH to HCC. METHODS The roles of hepatocyte TAZ and its downstream targets were investigated in diet-induced and genetic models of NASH-HCC using gene-targeting, adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8)-H1-mediated gene silencing, or AAV8-TBG-mediated gene expression. The biochemical signature of the newly elucidated pathway was probed in liver specimens from humans with NASH-HCC. RESULTS When hepatocyte-TAZ was silenced in mice with pre-tumor NASH using AAV8-H1-shTaz (short-hairpin Taz), subsequent HCC tumor development was suppressed. In this setting, the tumor-suppressing effect of shTaz was not dependent of TAZ silencing in the tumors themselves and could be dissociated from the NASH-suppressing effects of shTaz. The mechanism linking pre-tumor hepatocyte-TAZ to eventual tumor formation involved TAZ-mediated induction of the NOX2-encoding gene Cybb, which led to NADPH-mediated oxidative DNA damage. As evidence, DNA damage and tumor formation could be suppressed by treatment of pre-tumor NASH mice with AAV8-H1-shCybb; AAV8-TBG-OGG1, encoding the oxidative DNA-repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine glycosylase; or AAV8-TBG-NHEJ1, encoding the dsDNA repair enzyme non-homologous end-joining factor 1. In surrounding non-tumor tissue from human NASH-HCC livers, there were strong correlations between TAZ, NOX2, and oxidative DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS TAZ in pre-tumor NASH-hepatocytes, via induction of Cybb and NOX2-mediated DNA damage, contributes to subsequent HCC tumor development. These findings illustrate how NASH provides a unique window into the early molecular events that can lead to tumor formation and suggest that NASH therapies targeting TAZ might also prevent NASH-HCC. LAY SUMMARY Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as the leading cause of a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but molecular events in pre-tumor NASH hepatocytes leading to HCC remain largely unknown. Our study shows that a protein called TAZ in pre-tumor NASH-hepatocytes promotes damage to the DNA of hepatocytes and thereby contributes to eventual HCC. This study reveals a very early event in HCC that is induced in pre-tumor NASH, and the findings suggest that NASH therapies targeting TAZ might also prevent NASH-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Sharon Zeldin
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hongxue Shi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Changyu Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yoshinobu Saito
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Corey
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Helen E. Remotti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Verna
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Utpal B. Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;,Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert F. Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;,Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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18
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Ko S, Kim M, Molina L, Sirica AE, Monga SP. YAP1 activation and Hippo pathway signaling in the pathogenesis and treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:283-317. [PMID: 35961703 PMCID: PMC9972177 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the second most common primary liver cancer, is a highly lethal epithelial cell malignancy exhibiting features of cholangiocyte differentiation. iCCAs can potentially develop from multiple cell types of origin within liver, including immature or mature cholangiocytes, hepatic stem cells/progenitor cells, and from transdifferentiation of hepatocytes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and genetic drivers that diversely drive specific cell lineage pathways leading to iCCA has important biological and clinical implications. In this context, activation of the YAP1-TEAD dependent transcription, driven by Hippo-dependent or -independent diverse mechanisms that lead to the stabilization of YAP1 is crucially important to biliary fate commitment in hepatobiliary cancer. In preclinical models, YAP1 activation in hepatocytes or cholangiocytes is sufficient to drive their malignant transformation into iCCA. Moreover, nuclear YAP1/TAZ is highly prevalent in human iCCA irrespective of the varied etiology, and significantly correlates with poor prognosis in iCCA patients. Based on the ubiquitous expression and diverse physiologic roles for YAP1/TAZ in the liver, recent studies have further revealed distinct functions of active YAP1/TAZ in regulating tumor metabolism, as well as the tumor immune microenvironment. In the current review, we discuss our current understanding of the various roles of the Hippo-YAP1 signaling in iCCA pathogenesis, with a specific focus on the roles played by the Hippo-YAP1 pathway in modulating biliary commitment and oncogenicity, iCCA metabolism, and immune microenvironment. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the YAP1/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional machinery in iCCA, its current limitations, and what future studies are needed to facilitate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Ko
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Laura Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alphonse E Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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19
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Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional coactivator that activates transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcription factors upon inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway, to regulate biological processes like proliferation, survival, and differentiation. YAP1 is most prominently expressed in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in normal adult livers and during development. In the current review, we will discuss the multiple roles of YAP1 in the development and morphogenesis of bile ducts inside and outside the liver, as well as in orchestrating the cholangiocyte repair response to biliary injury. We will review how biliary repair can occur through the process of hepatocyte-to-BEC transdifferentiation and how YAP1 is pertinent to this process. We will also discuss the liver's capacity for metabolic reprogramming as an adaptive mechanism in extreme cholestasis, such as when intrahepatic bile ducts are absent due to YAP1 loss from hepatic progenitors. Finally, we will discuss the roles of YAP1 in the context of pediatric pathologies afflicting bile ducts, such as Alagille syndrome and biliary atresia. In conclusion, we will comprehensively discuss the spatiotemporal roles of YAP1 in biliary development and repair after biliary injury while describing key interactions with other well-known developmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Wang H, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Jia J, Wang J, Liu X, Zhang J, Song X, Ribback S, Cigliano A, Evert M, Liang B, Wu H, Calvisi DF, Zeng Y, Chen X. TAZ is indispensable for c-MYC-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2022; 76:123-134. [PMID: 34464659 PMCID: PMC9569156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Mounting evidence implicates the Hippo downstream effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the functional contribution of YAP and/or TAZ to c-MYC-induced liver tumor development. METHODS The requirement for YAP and/or TAZ in c-Myc-driven hepatocarcinogenesis was analyzed using conditional Yap, Taz, and Yap;Taz knockout (KO) mice. An hepatocyte-specific inducible TTR-CreERT2 KO system was applied to evaluate the role of YAP and TAZ during tumor progression. Expression patterns of YAP, TAZ, c-MYC, and BCL2L12 were analyzed in human HCC samples. RESULTS We found that the Hippo cascade is inactivated in c-Myc-induced mouse HCC. Intriguingly, TAZ mRNA levels and activation status correlated with c-MYC activity in human and mouse HCC, but YAP mRNA levels did not. We demonstrated that TAZ is a direct transcriptional target of c-MYC. In c-Myc induced murine HCCs, ablation of Taz, but not Yap, completely prevented tumor development. Mechanistically, TAZ was required to avoid c-Myc-induced hepatocyte apoptosis during tumor initiation. The anti-apoptotic BCL2L12 gene was identified as a novel target regulated specifically by YAP/TAZ, whose silencing strongly suppressed c-Myc-driven murine hepatocarcinogenesis. In c-Myc murine HCC lesions, conditional knockout of Taz, but not Yap, led to tumor regression, supporting the requirement of TAZ for c-Myc-driven HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS TAZ is a pivotal player at the crossroad between the c-MYC and Hippo pathways in HCC. Targeting TAZ might be beneficial for the treatment of patients with HCC and c-MYC activation. LAY SUMMARY The identification of novel treatment targets and approaches for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is crucial to improve survival outcomes. We identified TAZ as a transcriptional target of c-MYC which plays a critical role in c-MYC-dependent hepatocarcinogenesis. TAZ could potentially be targeted for the treatment of patients with c-MYC-driven hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jiaoyuan Jia
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA,Department of Oncology and Hematology, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA,School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xianqiong Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA,School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology II, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bingyong Liang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA,Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Corresponding authors. Address: Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. (D.F. Calvisi), or Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. Tel.: +86 18980602421, Fax: +86 028 8542 2114. (Y. Zeng), or Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. (X. Chen). (D.F. Calvisi), (Y. Zeng), (X. Chen)
| | - Yong Zeng
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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21
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Tóth M, Wehling L, Thiess L, Rose F, Schmitt J, Weiler SME, Sticht C, De La Torre C, Rausch M, Albrecht T, Grabe N, Duwe L, Andersen JB, Köhler BC, Springfeld C, Mehrabi A, Kulu Y, Schirmacher P, Roessler S, Goeppert B, Breuhahn K. Co-expression of YAP and TAZ associates with chromosomal instability in human cholangiocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1079. [PMID: 34615513 PMCID: PMC8496054 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of the oncogene yes-associated protein (YAP) is frequently detected in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA); however, the expression pattern and the functional impact of its paralogue WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1; synonym: TAZ) are not well described in different CCA subtypes. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis of YAP and TAZ in iCCA and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA) cohorts was performed. YAP/TAZ shuttling and their functional impact on CCA cell lines were investigated. Target genes expression after combined YAP/TAZ inhibition was analyzed. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of iCCA and eCCA revealed YAP or TAZ positivity in up to 49.2%; however, oncogene co-expression was less frequent (up to 23%). In contrast, both proteins were jointly detectable in most CCA cell lines and showed nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling in a cell density-dependent manner. Next to the pro-proliferative function of YAP/TAZ, both transcriptional co-activators cooperated in the regulation of a gene signature that indicated the presence of chromosomal instability (CIN). A correlation between YAP and the CIN marker phospho-H2A histone family member X (pH2AX) was particularly observed in tissues from iCCA and distal CCA (dCCA). The presence of the CIN genes in about 25% of iCCA was statistically associated with worse prognosis. Conclusions YAP and TAZ activation is not uncoupled from cell density in CCA cells and both factors cooperatively contribute to proliferation and expression of CIN-associated genes. The corresponding group of CCA patients is characterized by CIN and may benefit from YAP/TAZ-directed therapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08794-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lilija Wehling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Organismal Studies/BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Thiess
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schmitt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolina De La Torre
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melina Rausch
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Albrecht
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niels Grabe
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis Center (TIGA), BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lea Duwe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruno C Köhler
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany;, Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany;, Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yakup Kulu
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Wang H, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): the most promising therapeutic targets in the preclinical arena based on tumor biology characteristics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:645-658. [PMID: 34477018 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1976142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver tumor characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, which has hampered the development of effective targeted therapies severely. Recent experimental data have unraveled novel promising targets for HCC treatment. AREAS COVERED : Eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to July 2021. This review summarizes the established targeted therapies for advanced HCC, focusing on the strategies to overcome drug resistance and the search for combinational treatments. In addition, conventional biomarkers holding the promises for HCC treatments and novel therapeutic targets from the research field are discussed. EXPERT OPINION : HCC is a molecularly complex disease, with several and distinct pathways playing critical roles in different tumor subtypes. Experimental models recapitulating the features of each tumor subset would be highly beneficial to design novel and more effective therapies against this disease. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of combinatorial drug synergism and the role of the tumor microenvironment in HCC will lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Lu X, Peng B, Chen G, Pes MG, Ribback S, Ament C, Xu H, Pal R, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X, Fan B, Wang J. YAP Accelerates Notch-Driven Cholangiocarcinogenesis via mTORC1 in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1651-1667. [PMID: 34129844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a lethal malignant neoplasm with limited therapeutic options. Previous studies have found that Notch1 overexpression alone suffices to induce iCCA in the mouse, albeit after long latency. The current study found that activation of the Yes-associated protein (Yap) proto-oncogene occurs during Notch1-driven iCCA progression. After co-expressing activated Notch1 intracellular domain (Nicd) and Yap (YapS127A) in the mouse liver, rapid iCCA formation and progression occurred in Nicd/Yap mice. Mechanistically, an increased expression of amino acid transporters and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway was detected in Nicd/Yap mouse liver tumors. Significantly, the genetic deletion of Raptor, the major mTORC1 component, completely suppressed iCCA development in Nicd/Yap mice. Elevated expression of Notch1, YAP, amino acid transporters, and members of the mTORC1 pathway was also detected ubiquitously in a collection of human iCCA specimens. Their levels were associated with a poor patient outcome. This study demonstrates that Notch and YAP concomitant activation is frequent in human cholangiocarcinogenesis. Notch and YAP synergize to promote iCCA formation by activating the mTORC1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjun Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Baogang Peng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Chen
- University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mario G Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cindy Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California; Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Biao Fan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California; School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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24
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Zhang Y, Liang B, Song X, Wang H, Evert M, Zhou Y, Calvisi DF, Tang L, Chen X. Loss of Apc Cooperates with Activated Oncogenes to Induce Liver Tumor Formation in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:930-946. [PMID: 33545120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma are the major types of primary liver cancer in adulthood and childhood, respectively. Wnt/β-catenin signaling deregulation is one of the most frequent genetic events in hepatocarcinogenesis. APC regulator of WNT signaling pathway (APC) encodes an inhibitor of the Wnt cascade and acts as a tumor suppressor. Germline defects of the APC gene lead to familial adenomatous polyposis, and its somatic mutations occur in multiple tumor types. However, the contribution of APC in hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, APC mutations and expression patterns were examined in human HCC and hepatoblastoma samples. Whether loss of Apc alone or in cooperation with other oncogenes triggers liver tumor development in vivo was also investigated. sgApc alone could not drive liver tumor formation, but synergized with activated oncogenes (YapS127A, TazS89A, and c-Met) to induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, Apc deletion induced the activation of β-catenin and its downstream targets in mouse liver tumors. Furthermore, Ctnnb1 ablation or TCF4-mediated transcription blockade completely prevented liver tumor formation, indicating the requirement of a functional β-catenin pathway for loss of Apc-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. This study shows that a subset of HCC patients with loss-of-function APC mutations might benefit from therapeutic strategies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California; Department of Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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