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Choi JH, Thung SN. Advances in Histological and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2582. [PMID: 37761023 PMCID: PMC10526317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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2
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Zhou P, Huang H, Li R, Zeng Z, Cui Z, Tian R, Jin Z, Liu J, Huang Z, Li L, Huang Z, Tian X, Yu M, Hu Z. VIS Atlas: A Database of Virus Integration Sites in Human Genome from NGS Data to Explore Integration Patterns. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:300-310. [PMID: 36804047 PMCID: PMC10626058 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Integration of oncogenic DNA viruses into the human genome is a key step in most virus-induced carcinogenesis. Here, we constructed a virus integration site (VIS) Atlas database, an extensive collection of integration breakpoints for three most prevalent oncoviruses, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, and Epstein-Barr virus based on the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, literature, and experimental data. There are 63,179 breakpoints and 47,411 junctional sequences with full annotations deposited in the VIS Atlas database, comprising 47 virus genotypes and 17 disease types. The VIS Atlas database provides (1) a genome browser for NGS breakpoint quality check, visualization of VISs, and the local genomic context; (2) a novel platform to discover integration patterns; and (3) a statistics interface for a comprehensive investigation of genotype-specific integration features. Data collected in the VIS Atlas aid to provide insights into virus pathogenic mechanisms and the development of novel antitumor drugs. The VIS Atlas database is available at https://www.vis-atlas.tech/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Office of Scientific Research & Development, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician Expert Workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician Expert Workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Zifeng Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zhuang Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jiashuo Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zheying Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician Expert Workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Meiying Yu
- Department of Pathology, the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi 445000, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China.
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3
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Wang WQ, Xu GY, Li J, Liang BY, Li J, Lin ML, Chen XP, Zhang EL, Huang ZY. HBcAb positivity increases the risk of postoperative complications after extended hemihepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9627-9636. [PMID: 36847156 PMCID: PMC10166974 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positivity is considered a prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, little is known about the effect of HBcAb positivity on surgical safety for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA). The present study aims to investigate the role of HBcAb positivity on postoperative complications of hCCA. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the status of HBcAb positivity, liver fibrosis, perioperative surgical complications, and long-term outcomes of hCCA patients with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negativity who underwent surgical treatment in Tongji Hospital from April 2012 to September 2019. RESULTS HBcAb positivity with negative HBsAg occurs in 137 hCCA patients (63.1%). A total of 99 hCCA patients with negative HBsAg underwent extended hemihepatectomy, of whom 69 (69.7%) and 30 (30.3%) were HBcAb-positive and HBcAb-negative, respectively. Significant fibrosis was detected in 63.8% of the patients with HBcAb-positive, which was markedly higher than those with HBcAb-negative (36.7%) (p = 0.016). The postoperative complications and 90-day mortality rates were 37.4% (37/99) and 8.1% (8/99), respectively. The incidence of postoperative complications in HBcAb-positive patients (44.9%) was significantly higher than that in HBcAb-negative patients (20.0%) (p = 0.018). All the patients who died within 30-day after surgery were HBcAb-positive. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors for complications were HBcAb positivity, preoperative cholangitis, portal occlusion >15 min, and significant fibrosis. There were no significant differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between HBcAb-positive and HBcAb-negative patients (p = 0.642 and p = 0.400, respectively). CONCLUSIONS HBcAb positivity is a common phenomenon in hCCA patients from China, a country with highly prevalent HBcAb positivity. The status of HBcAb-positive markedly increases the incidence of postoperative complications after extended hemihepatectomy for hCCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qiang Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang-Yuan Xu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin-Yong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei-Long Lin
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Er-Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Liang W, Wang S, Wang H, Li X, Meng Q, Zhao Y, Zheng C. When 3D genome technology meets viral infection, including SARS-CoV-2. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5627-5639. [PMID: 35916043 PMCID: PMC9538846 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian chromosomes undergo varying degrees of compression to form three-dimensional genome structures. These three-dimensional structures undergo dynamic and precise chromatin interactions to achieve precise spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression. Most eukaryotic DNA viruses can invade their genomes into the nucleus. However, it is still poorly understood how the viral genome is precisely positioned after entering the host cell nucleus to find the most suitable location and whether it can specifically interact with the host genome to hijack the host transcriptional factories or even integrate into the host genome to complete its transcription and replication rapidly. Chromosome conformation capture technology can reveal long-range chromatin interactions between different chromosomal sites in the nucleus, potentially providing a reference for viral DNA-host chromatin interactions. This review summarized the research progress on the three-dimensional interaction between virus and host genome and the impact of virus integration into the host genome on gene transcription regulation, aiming to provide new insights into chromatin interaction and viral gene transcription regulation, laying the foundation for the treatment of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizheng Liang
- Central LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North UniversityZhangjiakouChina
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Shuangqing Wang
- Department of NeurologyShenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen, Guangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShenzhen University General HospitalShenzhen, GuangdongChina
| | - Xiushen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShenzhen University General HospitalShenzhen, GuangdongChina
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen University Health Science CenterShenzhen, GuangdongChina
- Shenzhen Key LaboratoryShenzhen University General HospitalShenzhen, GuangdongChina
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Central LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North UniversityZhangjiakouChina
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Mathematics and Computer ScienceFree University BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
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Zhang CH, Cheng Y, Zhang S, Fan J, Gao Q. Changing epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Asia. Liver Int 2022; 42:2029-2041. [PMID: 35319165 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of malignant death in Asia, and Asia reports 72.5% of the world's cases in 2020. As the most common histological type, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of incidence and mortality of liver cancer cases. This review presents the changing epidemiology of HCC in Asian countries in recent years. Globally, aged, male and Asian populations remain the group with the highest risk of HCC. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are still the leading risk factors of HCC with a slight decline in most Asian countries, which is mainly attributed to HBV vaccination of newborns, prevention of HCV horizontal transmission and treatment of chronic hepatitis. However, the prevalence of HCC caused by metabolic factors, including metabolic syndrome, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, is increasing rapidly in Asian countries, which may eventually become the major cause of HCC. Excessive alcohol consumption continues to be an important risk factor as the average consumption of alcohol is still growing. Hopefully, great effort has been made to better prevention and treatment of HCC in most Asian regions, which significantly prolongs the survival of HCC patients. Asian countries tend to use more aggressive intervention than European and American countries, but it remains unclear whether this preference is related to a better prognosis. In conclusion, HCC remains a major disease burden in Asia, and the management of HCC should be adjusted dynamically based on the changing epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hao Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Saitta C, Pollicino T, Raimondo G. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071504. [PMID: 35891484 PMCID: PMC9318873 DOI: 10.3390/v14071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) refers to a condition in which replication-competent viral DNA is present in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In this peculiar phase of HBV infection, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is in a low state of replication. Many advances have been made in clarifying the mechanisms involved in such a suppression of viral activity, which seems to be mainly related to the host's immune control and epigenetic factors. OBI is diffused worldwide, but its prevalence is highly variable among patient populations. This depends on different geographic areas, risk factors for parenteral infections, and assays used for HBsAg and HBV DNA detection. OBI has an impact in several clinical contexts: (a) it can be transmitted, causing a classic form of hepatitis B, through blood transfusion or liver transplantation; (b) it may reactivate in the case of immunosuppression, leading to the possible development of even fulminant hepatitis; (c) it may accelerate the progression of chronic liver disease due to different causes toward cirrhosis; (d) it maintains the pro-oncogenic properties of the "overt" infection, favoring the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Saitta
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-902212392
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Association of Increased Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression and Regulatory T Cells Infiltration with Higher Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S2 Mutant after Curative Surgical Resection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061346. [PMID: 35746817 PMCID: PMC9229682 DOI: 10.3390/v14061346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although surgical resection is available as a potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high recurrence of HCC after surgery remains a serious obstacle for long-term patient survival. Therefore, the discovery of valuable prognostic biomarkers for HCC recurrence is urgently needed. Pre-S2 mutant is a mutant form of hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface protein which is expressed from the HBV surface gene harboring deletion mutations spanning the pre-S2 gene segment. Pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients have been regarded as a high-risk population of HCC recurrence after resection surgery and display increased immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and pro-tumor regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltration in tumor tissues. In this study, the association of higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues with post-operative HCC recurrence in pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients was evaluated. We found that patients with pre-S2 mutant in combination with higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues were independently associated with a higher risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, 4.109; p value = 0.0011) and poorer recurrence-free survival (median, 8.2 versus 18.0 months; p value = 0.0004) than those of patients with either one or two of these three biomarkers. Furthermore, a combination of pre-S2 mutant, intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression, and tumor-infiltrating Tregs exhibited superior performance in identifying patients at a higher risk of HCC recurrence (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.8400). Collectively, this study suggests that higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues predicted a higher risk of HCC recurrence in pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients after curative surgical resection.
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Ji F, Zhu X, Liao H, Ouyang L, Huang Y, Syeda MZ, Ying S. New Era of Mapping and Understanding Common Fragile Sites: An Updated Review on Origin of Chromosome Fragility. Front Genet 2022; 13:906957. [PMID: 35669181 PMCID: PMC9164283 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.906957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Common fragile sites (CFSs) are specific genomic loci prone to forming gaps or breakages upon replication perturbation, which correlate well with chromosomal rearrangement and copy number variation. CFSs have been actively studied due to their important pathophysiological relevance in different diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. The genetic locations and sequences of CFSs are crucial to understanding the origin of such unstable sites, which require reliable mapping and characterizing approaches. In this review, we will inspect the evolving techniques for CFSs mapping, especially genome-wide mapping and sequencing of CFSs based on current knowledge of CFSs. We will also revisit the well-established hypotheses on the origin of CFSs fragility, incorporating novel findings from the comprehensive analysis of finely mapped CFSs regarding their locations, sequences, and replication/transcription, etc. This review will present the most up-to-date picture of CFSs and, potentially, a new framework for future research of CFSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ji
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinli Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Liao
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liujian Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingfei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Madiha Zahra Syeda
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Crosstalk between Hepatitis B Virus and the 3D Genome Structure. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020445. [PMID: 35216038 PMCID: PMC8877387 DOI: 10.3390/v14020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses that transcribe their DNA within the nucleus have to adapt to the existing cellular mechanisms that govern transcriptional regulation. Recent technological breakthroughs have highlighted the highly hierarchical organization of the cellular genome and its role in the regulation of gene expression. This review provides an updated overview on the current knowledge on how the hepatitis B virus interacts with the cellular 3D genome and its consequences on viral and cellular gene expression. We also briefly discuss the strategies developed by other DNA viruses to co-opt and sometimes subvert cellular genome spatial organization.
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10
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Bousali M, Karamitros T. Hepatitis B Virus Integration into Transcriptionally Active Loci and HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020253. [PMID: 35208708 PMCID: PMC8879149 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA integrations into the human genome are considered major causative factors to HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma development. In the present study, we investigated whether HBV preferentially integrates parts of its genome in specific genes and evaluated the contribution of the integrations in HCC development per gene. We applied dedicated in-house developed pipelines on all of the available HBV DNA integration data and performed a statistical analysis to identify genes that could be characterized as hotspots of integrations, along with the evaluation of their association with HBV-HCC. Our results suggest that 15 genes are recurrently affected by HBV integrations and they are significantly associated with HBV-HCC. Further studies that focus on HBV integrations disrupting these genes are mandatory in order to understand the role of HBV integrations in clonal advantage gain and oncogenesis promotion, as well as to determine whether inhibition of the HBV-disrupted genes can provide a therapy strategy for HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bousali
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-6478871
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11
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Mahapatra S, Mohanty S, Mishra R, Prasad P. An overview of cancer and the human microbiome. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 191:83-139. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Yi D, Wen-Ping W, Lee WJ, Meloni MF, Clevert DA, Cristina Chammas M, Tannapfel A, Forgione A, Dietrich CF. Hepatocellular carcinoma in the non-cirrhotic liver. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2021; 80:423-436. [PMID: 34842182 DOI: 10.3233/ch-211309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is an established high-risk factor for HCC and the majority of patients diagnosed with HCC have cirrhosis. However, HCC also arises in non-cirrhotic livers in approximately 20 %of all cases. HCC in non-cirrhotic patients is often clinically silent and surveillance is usually not recommended. HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in these patients. Current information about HCC in patients with non-cirrhotic liver is limited. Here we review the current knowledge on epidemiology, clinical features and imaging features of those patiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yi
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Wen-Ping
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Won Jae Lee
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Department of HealthScience and Technology and Medical Device Management and Research, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Franca Meloni
- Radiology Department of Interventional Ultrasound Casa di Cura Igea, Milano, Italy Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dirk-Andre Clevert
- Department of Radiology, Interdisciplinary Ultrasound-Center, University ofMunich-Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Cristina Chammas
- Institute of Radiology, Hospital dasClínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Antonella Forgione
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary andImmunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria diBologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christoph Frank Dietrich
- Department AllgemeineInnere Medizin (DAIM), Kliniken Beau Site, Salem und Permanence, Hirslanden, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Lin SY, Su YP, Trauger ER, Song BP, Thompson EGC, Hoffman MC, Chang TT, Lin YJ, Kao YL, Cui Y, Hann HW, Park G, Shieh FS, Song W, Su YH. Detection of Hepatitis B Virus-Host Junction Sequences in Urine of Infected Patients. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1649-1659. [PMID: 34558837 PMCID: PMC8485884 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, found in more than 85% of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinomas (HBV-HCCs), can play a significant role in HBV-related liver disease progression. HBV-host junction sequences (HBV-JSs), created through integration events, have been used to determine HBV-HCC clonality. Here, we investigate the feasibility of analyzing HBV integration in a noninvasive urine liquid biopsy. Using an HBV-targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, we first identified HBV-JSs in eight HBV-HCC tissues and designed short-amplicon junction-specific polymerase chain reaction assays to detect HBV-JSs in matched urine. We detected and validated tissue-derived junctions in five of eight matched urine samples. Next, we screened 32 urine samples collected from 25 patients infected with HBV (5 with hepatitis, 10 with cirrhosis, 4 with HCC, and 6 post-HCC). Encouragingly, all 32 urine samples contained HBV-JSs detectable by HBV-targeted NGS. Of the 712 total HBV-JSs detected in urine, 351 were in gene-coding regions, 11 of which, including TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase), had previously been reported as recurrent integration sites in HCC tissue and were found only in the urine patients with cirrhosis or HCC. The integration breakpoints of HBV DNA detected in urine were found predominantly (~70%) at a previously identified integration hotspot, HBV DR1-2 (down-regulator of transcription 1-2). Conclusion: HBV viral-host junction DNA can be detected in urine of patients infected with HBV. This study demonstrates the potential for a noninvasive urine liquid biopsy of integrated HBV DNA to monitor patients infected with HBV for HBV-associated liver diseases and the efficacy of antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yih-Ping Su
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research InstituteDoylestownPAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ting-Tsung Chang
- Department of Internal MedicineNational Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of MedicineTainanTaiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Department of SurgeryNational Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of MedicineTainanTaiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lan Kao
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research InstituteDoylestownPAUSA
| | - Yixiao Cui
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research InstituteDoylestownPAUSA
| | - Hie-Won Hann
- Liver Disease Prevention CenterDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyThomas Jefferson University HospitalPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Grace Park
- Liver Disease Prevention CenterDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyThomas Jefferson University HospitalPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | | | - Wei Song
- JBS Science, Inc.DoylestownPAUSA
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research InstituteDoylestownPAUSA
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14
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Li YT, Wu HL, Liu CJ. Molecular Mechanisms and Animal Models of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: With Emphasis on Metastatic Tumor Antigen 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9380. [PMID: 34502289 PMCID: PMC8431721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cause of cancer death worldwide, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiology, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Lack of sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC and lack of effective therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC are the main reasons for high HCC mortality; these clinical needs are linked to the molecular heterogeneity of hepatocarcinogenesis. Animal models are the basis of preclinical and translational research in HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC). Recent advances in methodology have allowed the development of several animal models to address various aspects of chronic liver disease, including HCC, which HBV causes in humans. Currently, multiple HBV-HCC animal models, including conventional, hydrodynamics-transfection-based, viral vector-mediated transgenic, and xenograft mice models, as well as the hepadnavirus-infected tree shrew and woodchuck models, are available. This review provides an overview of molecular mechanisms and animal models of HBV-HCC. Additionally, the metastatic tumor antigen 1 (MTA1), a cancer-promoting molecule, was introduced as an example to address the importance of a suitable animal model for studying HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tsung Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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15
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Bousali M, Papatheodoridis G, Paraskevis D, Karamitros T. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration, Chronic Infections and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1787. [PMID: 34442866 PMCID: PMC8398950 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is an Old World virus with a high mutation rate, which puts its origins in Africa alongside the origins of Homo sapiens, and is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family that is characterized by a unique viral replication cycle. It targets human hepatocytes and can lead to chronic HBV infection either after acute infection via horizontal transmission usually during infancy or childhood or via maternal-fetal transmission. HBV has been found in ~85% of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC), and it can integrate the whole or part of its genome into the host genomic DNA. The molecular mechanisms involved in the HBV DNA integration is not yet clear; thus, multiple models have been described with respect to either the relaxed-circular DNA (rcDNA) or the double-stranded linear DNA (dslDNA) of HBV. Various genes have been found to be affected by HBV DNA integration, including cell-proliferation-related genes, oncogenes and long non-coding RNA genes (lincRNAs). The present review summarizes the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, focusing on the evolutionary and molecular side of the integration events along with the arising clinical aspects in the light of WHO's commitment to eliminate HBV and viral hepatitis by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bousali
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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16
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Ren Y, Yang L, Li M, Wang J, Yan H, Ma N, Liu W, Wang L, Gao X, Gao P, Li T, Liu D. 4210 Da and 1866 Da polypeptides as potential biomarkers of liver disease progression in hepatitis B virus patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16982. [PMID: 34417517 PMCID: PMC8379215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96581-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HBV infection is recognized as a serious global health problem, and hepatitis B virus infection is a complicated chronic disease leading to liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). New biochemical serum markers could be used to advance the diagnosis and prognosis of HBV-associated liver diseases during the progression of chronic hepatitis B into cirrhosis and HCC. We determined whether the 4210 Da and 1866 Da polypeptides are serum metabolite biomarkers of hepatopathy with hepatitis B virus. A total of 570 subjects were divided into five groups: healthy controls, those with natural clearance, and patients with CHB, LC, and HCC. The 1866 Da and 4210 Da polypeptides were measured by Clin-ToF II MALDI-TOF-MS. There were significant differences in 4210 Da and 1866 Da levels among the five groups (P < 0.001). For the differential diagnosis of CHB from normal liver, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 4210 Da and 1866 Da and their combination via logistic regression were 0.961, 0.849 and 0.967. For the differential diagnosis of LC from CHB, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.695, 0.841 and 0.826. For the differential diagnosis of HCC from CHB, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.744, 0.710 and 0.761, respectively. For the differential diagnosis of HCC from LC, the areas under the ROC curve of 4210 Da and 1866 Da were 0.580 and 0.654. The positive rate of 1866 Da was 45.5% and 69.0% in AFP-negative HCC patients and that of 4210 Da was 60.6% 58.6% in AFP-negative HCC patients of the study HCC vs. CHB and HCC vs. LC. The 4210 Da and 1866 Da polypeptide levels were positively correlated with HBV DNA levels (P < 0.001, r = 0.269; P < 0.001, r = 0.285). The 4210 Da and 1866 Da polypeptides had good diagnostic value for the occurrence and progression of HBV-related chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and could serve to accurately guide treatment management and predict clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ren
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Man Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050021, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wenxuan Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Tao Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Dianwu Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
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17
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Kong F, Zhang F, Liu X, Qin S, Yang X, Kong D, Pan X, You H, Zheng K, Tang R. Calcium signaling in hepatitis B virus infection and its potential as a therapeutic target. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:82. [PMID: 34362380 PMCID: PMC8349099 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a ubiquitous second messenger, calcium (Ca2+) can interact with numerous cellular proteins to regulate multiple physiological processes and participate in a variety of diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which is a major cause of hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that depends on the distinct Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, as well as mitochondria, HBV can elevate cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Moreover, within HBV-infected cells, the activation of intracellular Ca2+ signaling contributes to viral replication via multiple molecular mechanisms. Besides, the available evidence indicates that targeting Ca2+ signaling by suitable pharmaceuticals is a potent approach for the treatment of HBV infection. In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms related to the elevation of Ca2+ signaling induced by HBV to modulate viral propagation and the recent advances in Ca2+ signaling as a potential therapeutic target for HBV infection. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong China
| | - Xiangye Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Suping Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Delong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
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18
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Hsu YC, Tseng CH, Huang YT, Yang HI. Application of Risk Scores for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: Current Status and Future Perspective. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:285-297. [PMID: 34161993 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Accurate risk prediction for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may guide treatment strategies including initiation of antiviral therapy and also inform implementation of HCC surveillance. There have been 26 risk scores developed to predict HCC in CHB patients with (n = 14) or without (n = 12) receiving antiviral treatment; all of them invariably include age in the scoring formula. Virological biomarkers of replicative activities (i.e., hepatitis B virus DNA level or hepatitis B envelope antigen status) are frequently included in the scores derived from patients with untreated CHB, whereas measurements that gauge severity of liver fibrosis and/or reserve of hepatic function (i.e., cirrhosis diagnosis, liver stiffness measurement, platelet count, or albumin) are essential components in the scores developed from treated patients. External validation is a prerequisite for clinical application but not yet performed for all scores. For the future, higher predictive accuracy may be achieved with machine learning based on more comprehensive data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chun Hsu
- Center for Liver Diseases, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Tsung Huang
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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19
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Distinct Patterns of HBV Integration and TERT Alterations between in Tumor and Non-Tumor Tissue in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137056. [PMID: 34209079 PMCID: PMC8268258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the cellular genome is well known in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients, its biological role still remains uncertain. This study investigated the patterns of HBV integration and correlated them with TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) alterations in paired tumor and non-tumor tissues. Compared to those in non-tumors, tumoral integrations occurred less frequently but with higher read counts and were more preferentially observed in genic regions with significant enrichment of integration into promoters. In HBV-related tumors, TERT promoter was identified as the most frequent site (38.5% (10/26)) of HBV integration. TERT promoter mutation was observed only in tumors (24.2% (8/33)), but not in non-tumors. Only 3.00% (34/1133) of HBV integration sites were shared between tumors and non-tumors. Within the HBV genome, HBV breakpoints were distributed preferentially in the 3' end of HBx, with more tumoral integrations detected in the preS/S region. The major genes that were recurrently affected by HBV integration included TERT and MLL4 for tumors and FN1 for non-tumors. Functional enrichment analysis of tumoral genes with integrations showed enrichment of cancer-associated genes. The patterns and functions of HBV integration are distinct between tumors and non-tumors. Tumoral integration is often enriched into both human-virus regions with oncogenic regulatory function. The characteristic genomic features of HBV integration together with TERT alteration may dysregulate the affected gene function, thereby contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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20
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Goyal A. Modeling reveals no direct role of the extent of HBV DNA integrations on the outcome of infection. J Theor Biol 2021; 526:110793. [PMID: 34087271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) with its high prevalence and death toll is one of the most important infectious diseases to study. Yet, there is very little progress in the development of within-host models for HBV, which has subsequently hindered our understanding of this virus. The uncertainty around the proliferation of infected hepatocytes has been studied but never in association with other important biological continuous events such as integrations and superinfections. This is despite the fact that these processes affect the diversity and composition of infected cell population in the liver and an improved understanding of the cellular composition will undoubtedly assist in strategizing against this viral infection. Here, we developed novel mathematical models that incorporate these key biological processes and analyzed them both analytically and numerically. Unaffected by the extent of integrated DNA (IDNA), the outcome of HBV infection was primarily dictated by the balance between processes generating and killing infected hepatocytes containing covalent closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The superinfection was found to be a key process in the spread of HBV infection as its exclusion could not reproduce experimentally observed composition of infected hepatocytes at peak of acute HBV infection, a stage where our model predicts that infected hepatocytes most likely carry both cccDNA and IDNA. Our analysis further suggested the existence of some form of selective advantage of infected hepatocytes containing only IDNA to explain the viral dynamics observed during antiviral treatment and the transition from peak to acute infection. Finally, the fine line between liver destruction and resolution of acute HBV infection was found to be highly influenced by the fate of cccDNA during cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Goyal
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, United States
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21
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Unique Features of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102454. [PMID: 34070067 PMCID: PMC8158142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102454] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the unique features for HBV-induced HCC can shed new light on the unmet needs in its early diagnosis and effective therapy. During decades of chronic hepatitis B, hepatocytes undergoing repeated damage and regeneration accumulate genetic changes predisposing to HCC development. In addition to traditional mutations in viral and cellular oncogenes, HBV integration into the cell chromosomes is an alternative genetic change contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis. A striking male dominance in HBV-related HCC further highlights an interaction between androgen sex hormone and viral factors, which contributes to the gender difference via stimulating viral replication and activation of oncogenes preferentially in male patients. Meanwhile, a novel circulating tumor biomarker generated by HBV integration shows great potential for the early diagnosis of HCC. These unique HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenic mechanisms provide new insights for the future development of superior diagnosis and treatment strategies. Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, accounting for around 50% of cases. Chronic hepatitis B infection generates an inflammatory microenvironment, in which hepatocytes undergoing repeated cycles of damage and regeneration accumulate genetic mutations predisposing them to cancer. A striking male dominance in HBV-related HCC highlights the influence of sex hormones which interact with viral factors to influence carcinogenesis. HBV is also considered an oncogenic virus since its X and surface mutant proteins showed tumorigenic activity in mouse models. The other unique mechanism is the insertional mutagenesis by integration of HBV genome into hepatocyte chromosomes to activate oncogenes. HCC survival largely depends on tumor stages at diagnosis and effective treatment. However, early diagnosis by the conventional protein biomarkers achieves limited success. A new biomarker, the circulating virus–host chimera DNA from HBV integration sites in HCC, provides a liquid biopsy approach for monitoring the tumor load in the majority of HBV–HCC patients. To maximize the efficacy of new immunotherapies or molecular target therapies, it requires better classification of HCC based on the tumor microenvironment and specific carcinogenic pathways. An in-depth study may benefit both the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-related HCC.
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22
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Mahmutović L, Bilajac E, Hromić-Jahjefendić A. Meet the Insidious Players: Review of Viral Infections in Head and Neck Cancer Etiology with an Update on Clinical Trials. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1001. [PMID: 34066342 PMCID: PMC8148100 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) occur in the upper aerodigestive tract and are among the most common cancers. The etiology of HNC is complex, involving many factors, including excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption; over the last two decades, oncogenic viruses have also been recognized as an important cause of HNC. Major etiological agents of nasopharynx carcinoma and oropharyngeal carcinoma include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs), both of which are able to interfere with cell cycle control. Additionally, the association of hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection was observed in oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and nasopharyngeal cancers. Overall prognoses depend on anatomic site, stage, and viral status. Current treatment options, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are distributed in order to improve overall patient prognosis and survival rates. However, the interplay between viral genome sequences and the health, disease, geography, and ethnicity of the host are crucial for understanding the role of viruses and for development of potential personalized treatment and prevention strategies. This review provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of a vast field, including HNC risk factors, as well as viral mechanisms of infection and their role in HNC development. Additionally, currently available treatment options investigated through clinical practice are emphasized in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (L.M.); (E.B.)
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23
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Studies on the correlation between mutation and integration of HBV in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:226088. [PMID: 32797164 PMCID: PMC7442973 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that both the mutation and integration of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are of great significance in liver cancer, however, the relationship between mutation and integration is still unclear. In the present study, sequencing data from 426 previously published samples were analyzed and 5374 specific HBV mutations in cancer tissues were discovered. By comparing integrated samples and non-integrated samples, we found that the integrated samples had higher sample single nucleotide variants (SNVs) positive rates and SNV numbers, as well as higher sample frequency of SNV in the X region of the HBV genome. Samples with HBV integration in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) region showed higher SNV positive rates and numbers than samples without integration. Moreover, the SNVs (209 [T>G] and 531 [T>C; T>G]) were seen with higher frequency in samples with integration in the TERT region. Our study showed that the occurrence of viral integration events is closely related to the occurrence of SNV, and SNV in the X region should be more directly associated with viral integration. The present study provides an initial exploration of the relationship between HBV mutation and integration to help improve our understanding of the relationship between viral integration and mutation.
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24
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HBV-Integration Studies in the Clinic: Role in the Natural History of Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030368. [PMID: 33652619 PMCID: PMC7996909 DOI: 10.3390/v13030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem causing acute and chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is essential for viral replication and the establishment of a persistent infection. Integrated HBV DNA represents another stable form of viral DNA regularly observed in the livers of infected patients. HBV DNA integration into the host genome occurs early after HBV infection. It is a common occurrence during the HBV life cycle, and it has been detected in all the phases of chronic infection. HBV DNA integration has long been considered to be the main contributor to liver tumorigenesis. The recent development of highly sensitive detection methods and research models has led to the clarification of some molecular and pathogenic aspects of HBV integration. Though HBV integration does not lead to replication-competent transcripts, it can act as a stable source of viral RNA and proteins, which may contribute in determining HBV-specific T-cell exhaustion and favoring virus persistence. The relationship between HBV DNA integration and the immune response in the liver microenvironment might be closely related to the development and progression of HBV-related diseases. While many new antiviral agents aimed at cccDNA elimination or silencing have been developed, integrated HBV DNA remains a difficult therapeutic challenge.
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Caruso S, O'Brien DR, Cleary SP, Roberts LR, Zucman-Rossi J. Genetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Approaches to Explore Molecular Diversity. Hepatology 2021; 73 Suppl 1:14-26. [PMID: 32463918 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Daniel R O'Brien
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Sean P Cleary
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,European Hospital Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
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26
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Jang JW, Kim JS, Kim HS, Tak KY, Nam H, Sung PS, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Roberts LR. Persistence of intrahepatic hepatitis B virus DNA integration in patients developing hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 27:207-218. [PMID: 33317255 PMCID: PMC7820213 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the host genome in hepatocarcinogenesis following hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains unknown. Our study aimed to investigate and characterize HBV integration events in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after HBsAg seroclearance. Methods Using probe-based HBV capturing followed by next-generation sequencing technology, HBV integration was examined in 10 samples (seven tumors and three non-tumor tissues) from seven chronic carriers who developed HCC after HBsAg loss. Genomic locations and patterns of HBV integration were investigated. Results HBV integration was observed in six patients (85.7%) and eight (80.0%) of 10 tested samples. HBV integration breakpoints were detected in all of the non-tumor (3/3, 100%) and five of the seven (71.4%) tumor samples, with an average number of breakpoints of 4.00 and 2.43, respectively. Despite the lower total number of tumoral integration breakpoints, HBV integration sites in the tumors were more enriched within the genic area. In contrast, non-tumor tissues more often showed intergenic integration. Regarding functions of the affected genes, tumoral genes with HBV integration were mostly associated with carcinogenesis. At enrollment, patients who did not remain under regular HCC surveillance after HBsAg seroclearance had a large HCC, while those on regular surveillance had a small HCC. Conclusions The biological functions of HBV integration are almost comparable between HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-serocleared HCCs, with continuing pro-oncogenic effects of HBV integration. Thus, ongoing HCC surveillance and clinical management should continue even after HBsAg seroclearance in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Seoub Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Yong Tak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
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Lim HK, Jeffrey GP, Ramm GA, Soekmadji C. Pathogenesis of Viral Hepatitis-Induced Chronic Liver Disease: Role of Extracellular Vesicles. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:587628. [PMID: 33240824 PMCID: PMC7683521 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.587628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are encapsulated lipid nanoparticles secreted by a variety of cell types in living organisms. They are known to carry proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, and lipids as their cargoes and are important mediators of intercellular communication. The role of extracellular vesicles in chronic liver disease has been reported. Chronic liver disease such as viral hepatitis accounts for a significant mortality and morbidity burden worldwide. Hepatic fibrosis has been commonly associated with the chronic form of viral hepatitis, which results in end-stage liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and carcinoma in some patients. In this review, we discuss the potential role of extracellular vesicles in mediating communication between infectious agents (hepatitis B and C viruses) and host cells, and how these complex cell-cell interactions may facilitate the development of chronic liver disease. We will further discuss how understanding their biological mechanism of action might be beneficial for developing therapeutic strategies to treat chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Kiat Lim
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary P Jeffrey
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Hepatology Department and Liver Transplant Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carolina Soekmadji
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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28
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Yang M, Yang G, Li F, Ou M, Li C, Chen J, Lin H, Zhang Y, Xue W, Wu Y, Xu Y, Sui W, Dai Y. HBV integrated genomic characterization revealed hepatocyte genomic alterations in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinomas. Mol Clin Oncol 2020; 13:79. [PMID: 33062269 PMCID: PMC7549396 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2020.2149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies that is closely associated with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV integration into host genomes can induce instability and the aberrant expression of human genomic DNA. To directly assess HBV integration breakpoints at whole genome level, four small sequencing libraries were constructed and the HBV integration profiles of four patients with HCC were characterized. In total, the current study identified 11,800,974, 11,216,998, 11,026,546 and 11,607,842 clean reads for patients 1-3 and 4, respectively, of which 92.82, 95.95, 97.21 and 97.29% were properly aligned to the hybrid reference genome. In addition, 220 HBV integration events were detected from the tumor tissues of four patients with HCC and an average of 55 breakpoints per sample was calculated. The results indicated that HBV integration events may be implicated in HCC physiologies and diseases. The results acquired may also provide insight into the pathogenesis of HCC, which may be valuable for future HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Guiqi Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Fengyan Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Minglin Ou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China.,College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Jiejing Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Hua Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xue
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Yong Xu
- Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Weiguo Sui
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yong Dai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory, Nephrology Department of Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
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Occult hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma: Epidemiology, virology, hepatocarcinogenesis and clinical significance. J Hepatol 2020; 73:952-964. [PMID: 32504662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) refers to a condition where replication-competent HBV DNA is present in the liver, with or without HBV DNA in the blood, in individuals with serum HBsAg negativity assessed by currently available assays. The episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in OBI is in a low replicative state. Viral gene expression is mediated by epigenetic control of HBV transcription, including the HBV CpG island methylation pathway and post-translational modification of cccDNA-bound histone, with a different pattern from patients with chronic HBV infection. The prevalence of OBI varies tremendously across patient populations owing to numerous factors, such as geographic location, assay characteristics, host immune response, coinfection with other viruses, and vaccination status. Apart from the risk of viral reactivation upon immunosuppression and the risk of transmission of HBV, OBI has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic HCV infection, those with cryptogenic or known liver disease, and in patients with HBsAg seroclearance after chronic HBV infection. An increasing number of prospective studies and meta-analyses have reported a higher incidence of HCC in patients with HCV and OBI, as well as more advanced tumour histological grades and earlier age of HCC diagnosis, compared with patients without OBI. The proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of OBI-related HCC include the influence of HBV DNA integration on the hepatocyte cell cycle, the production of pro-oncogenic proteins (HBx protein and mutated surface proteins), and persistent low-grade necroinflammation (contributing to the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis). There remain uncertainties about exactly how, and in what order, these mechanisms drive the development of tumours in patients with OBI.
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30
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Lee HW. [Long Term Efficacy of Antiviral Therapy: Mortality and Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 74:251-257. [PMID: 31765553 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2019.74.5.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that oral antiviral therapies reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and improved the survival of patients with chronic hepatitis B when compared with that of untreated patients. In particular, entecavir and tenofovir share the qualities of high efficacy in reducing the HBV DNA levels, and they have excellent tolerability and safety. These drugs modified the natural history of liver fibrosis, improve liver function, decrease the incidence of HCC, decrease the need for liver transplantation, and improve survival. Many studies have suggested that long-term antiviral therapy reduces the risk of HCC and liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. The mechanism of these drugs in reducing the risk of HCC is not clear. This article reviews the mechanisms of carcinogenic HBV by conducting a review of the literature on the efficacy of therapy for reducing the risk of HCC. A few recent articles have suggested that tenofovir offers advantages over entecavir in terms of HCC prevention, but these articles have the inherent limitations of observational data. No other head-to-head randomized trials exist. Further randomized studies would help provide stronger evidence of the association between the type of antiviral agent and the HCC outcomes. Only achieving complete viral eradication from the liver will truly decrease the mortality and incidence of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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31
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He Z, Zhu J, Mo J, Zhao H, Chen Q. HBV DNA integrates into upregulated ZBTB20 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:380-386. [PMID: 32319639 PMCID: PMC7248478 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the integration sites of HBV DNA and the expression of the zinc finger protein, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 20 (ZBTB20) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Integration of the HBV gene was detected using a high-throughput sequencing technique based on the HBV-Alu-PCR method. The expression of ZBTB20 was detected by western blotting. HBVX integration sites were detected in ~70% of the HCC tissue samples. HBV-integrated subgene X detection suggested that 67% of the integrated specimens were inserted into the host X gene in a forward direction, 57% in a reverse direction, 24% in both forward and reverse directions, and 38% had two HBV integration sites. A total of 3,320 HBV integration sites were identified, including 1,397 in HCC tissues, 1,205 in paracancerous tissues and 718 in normal liver tissues. HBV integration fragments displayed enrichment in the 200–800 bp region. Additionally, the results suggested that HBV was highly integrated into transmembrane phosphatase with tensin homology, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA (LINC)00618, LOC101929241, ACTR3 pseudogene 5, LINC00999, LOC101928775, deleted in oesophageal cancer 1, LINC00824, EBF transcription factor 2 and ZBTB20 in tumour tissues. Furthermore, the expression of ZBTB20 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal control liver tissues, and was associated with HBV integration frequency. The present study suggested that HBV DNA integrated into upregulated ZBTB20 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which might promote the occurrence and development of HCC. Furthermore, the results of the present study may provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebao He
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Enze Medical Center Enze Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Enze Medical Center Enze Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Jinggang Mo
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou University Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Haihong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Enze Medical Center Enze Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyue Chen
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou University Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
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32
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The Solo Play of TERT Promoter Mutations. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030749. [PMID: 32204305 PMCID: PMC7140675 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein is the principal mechanism of telomere maintenance in cancer cells. Mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) are a common mechanism of TERT reactivation in many solid cancers, particularly those originating from slow-replicating tissues. They are associated with increased TERT levels, telomere stabilization, and cell immortalization and proliferation. Much effort has been invested in recent years in characterizing their prevalence in different cancers and their potential as biomarkers for tumor stratification, as well as assessing their molecular mechanism of action, but much remains to be understood. Notably, they appear late in cell transformation and are mutually exclusive with each other as well as with other telomere maintenance mechanisms, indicative of overlapping selective advantages and of a strict regulation of TERT expression levels. In this review, we summarized the latest literature on the role and prevalence of TERTp mutations across different cancer types, highlighting their biased distribution. We then discussed the need to maintain TERT levels at sufficient levels to immortalize cells and promote proliferation while remaining within cell sustainability levels. A better understanding of TERT regulation is crucial when considering its use as a possible target in antitumor strategies.
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Le VQ, Nguyen VH, Nguyen VH, Nguyen TL, Sudenga SL, Trinh LH, Nguyen VT, Nguyen TTH. Epidemiological Characteristics of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Northern Region of Vietnam. Cancer Control 2019; 26:1073274819862793. [PMID: 31290350 PMCID: PMC6620729 DOI: 10.1177/1073274819862793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Southern Vietnam has been well reported as in Globocan 2018 while data from the North has still not been fully presented. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective descriptive study on 198 advanced HCC patients treated at 3 major hospitals in Northern Vietnam to describe demographic features, HCC risk factors, and correlation among them in patients with advanced HCC. This information will lead to prevention efforts and provide information for allocating funds for treatment. The median age at diagnosis was 57 years (range: 19-86) and the male/female ratio was 8.9/1. The proportions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were 81.3% and 5.6%, respectively. Hepatitis C virus infection rate was significantly higher in patients <50 years old (12.5% vs 3.3%, P = .016). There was no significant difference in age or viral hepatitis infection status by gender. Only 7.6% of patients diagnosed with advanced HCC were asymptomatic. In conclusion, with the high rate of HBV infection among patients with advanced HCC, it is necessary for increasing prevention efforts in HBV screening. Furthermore, HCV infection should be noticed in patients with advanced HCC younger than 50 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Quang Le
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam.,2 Department of Oncology and Palliative care, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Hieu Nguyen
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Hung Nguyen
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Long Nguyen
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Staci L Sudenga
- 3 Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Le Huy Trinh
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam.,2 Department of Oncology and Palliative care, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Tung Nguyen
- 4 Department of General Medical Oncology, Quan Su Campus, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Quan Su, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thu Huong Nguyen
- 1 Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Ton That Tung, Hanoi, Vietnam.,4 Department of General Medical Oncology, Quan Su Campus, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Quan Su, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Dessordi R, Santana RDC, Navarro AM. Influence of antiretroviral therapy on bone metabolism of patients with chronic hepatitis B: a review. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20180441. [PMID: 31596347 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0441-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a major public health problem worldwide and associated with significant mortality. To prevent or delay the deleterious effects of chronic infection by the hepatitis B virus, patients should be carefully followed, and antiviral therapy indicated according to specific recommendations. Currently, available drugs inhibit viral replication and slow or stop the progression of inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. However, the drugs for oral use in the treatment of hepatitis B, jointly referred to as nucleoside/nucleotide analogs, are indicated for prolonged use and have potential side effects. The reduction in bone mineral density was associated with the use of tenofovir, already evaluated in patients infected with HIV because the drug is also part of the therapeutic arsenal for this viral infection. There are few studies on the effects of tenofovir in patients with mono hepatitis B. Therefore, this literature review proposes to examine how hepatitis B acts in the body and the mechanisms by which antiretroviral drugs (especially tenofovir) can affect bone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Dessordi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Alimentos e Nutrição, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas do Estado de São Paulo, Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo de Carvalho Santana
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Anderson Marliere Navarro
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas do Estado de São Paulo, Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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35
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Jin Y, Lee WY, Toh ST, Tennakoon C, Toh HC, Chow PKH, Chung AYF, Chong SS, Ooi LLPJ, Sung WK, Lee CGL. Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome profiles in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2019; 17:273. [PMID: 31429776 PMCID: PMC6701074 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second most deadly cancer with late presentation and limited treatment options, highlighting an urgent need to better understand HCC to facilitate the identification of early-stage biomarkers and uncover therapeutic targets for the development of novel therapies for HCC. Methods Deep transcriptome sequencing of tumor and paired non-tumor liver tissues was performed to comprehensively evaluate the profiles of both the host and HBV transcripts in HCC patients. Differential gene expression patterns and the dys-regulated genes associated with clinical outcomes were analyzed. Somatic mutations were identified from the sequencing data and the deleterious mutations were predicted. Lastly, human-HBV chimeric transcripts were identified, and their distribution, potential function and expression association were analyzed. Results Expression profiling identified the significantly upregulated TP73 as a nodal molecule modulating expression of apoptotic genes. Approximately 2.5% of dysregulated genes significantly correlated with HCC clinical characteristics. Of the 110 identified genes, those involved in post-translational modification, cell division and/or transcriptional regulation were upregulated, while those involved in redox reactions were downregulated in tumors of patients with poor prognosis. Mutation signature analysis identified that somatic mutations in HCC tumors were mainly non-synonymous, frequently affecting genes in the micro-environment and cancer pathways. Recurrent mutations occur mainly in ribosomal genes. The most frequently mutated genes were generally associated with a poorer clinical prognosis. Lastly, transcriptome sequencing suggest that HBV replication in the tumors of HCC patients is rare. HBV-human fusion transcripts are a common observation, with favored HBV and host insertion sites being the HBx C-terminus and gene introns (in tumors) and introns/intergenic-regions (in non-tumors), respectively. HBV-fused genes in tumors were mainly involved in RNA binding while those in non-tumors tissues varied widely. These observations suggest that while HBV may integrate randomly during chronic infection, selective expression of functional chimeric transcripts may occur during tumorigenesis. Conclusions Transcriptome sequencing of HCC patients reveals key cancer molecules and clinically relevant pathways deregulated/mutated in HCC patients and suggests that while HBV may integrate randomly during chronic infection, selective expression of functional chimeric transcripts likely occur during the process of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Wai Yeow Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Soo Ting Toh
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | | | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Level 6, Lab 5, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Pierce Kah-Hoe Chow
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169547, Singapore.,Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Alexander Y-F Chung
- Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Samuel S Chong
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - London L-P-J Ooi
- Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore.,Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Wing-Kin Sung
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caroline G-L Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore. .,Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Level 6, Lab 5, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169547, Singapore.
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36
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Zhang TY, Chen HY, Cao JL, Xiong HL, Mo XB, Li TL, Kang XZ, Zhao JH, Yin B, Zhao X, Huang CH, Yuan Q, Xue D, Xia NS, Yuan YA. Structural and functional analyses of hepatitis B virus X protein BH3-like domain and Bcl-xL interaction. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3192. [PMID: 31324803 PMCID: PMC6642116 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein, HBx, interacts with anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins through its BH3-like motif to promote HBV replication and cytotoxicity. Here we report the crystal structure of HBx BH3-like motif in complex with Bcl-xL where the BH3-like motif adopts a short α-helix to snuggle into a hydrophobic pocket in Bcl-xL via its noncanonical Trp120 residue and conserved Leu123 residue. This binding pocket is ~2 Å away from the canonical BH3-only binding pocket in structures of Bcl-xL with proapoptotic BH3-only proteins. Mutations altering Trp120 and Leu123 in HBx impair its binding to Bcl-xL in vitro and HBV replication in vivo, confirming the importance of this motif to HBV. A HBx BH3-like peptide, HBx-aa113-135, restores HBV replication from a HBx-null HBV replicon, while a shorter peptide, HBx-aa118-127, inhibits HBV replication. These results provide crucial structural and functional insights into drug designs for inhibiting HBV replication and treating HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong-Ying Chen
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Li Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua-Long Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Mo
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian-Liang Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Xiao-Zhen Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Bo Yin
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China. .,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Ding Xue
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA. .,School of Life Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China. .,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Y Adam Yuan
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, 215123, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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37
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Al-Sadeq DW, Taleb SA, Zaied RE, Fahad SM, Smatti MK, Rizeq BR, Al Thani AA, Yassine HM, Nasrallah GK. Hepatitis B Virus Molecular Epidemiology, Host-Virus Interaction, Coinfection, and Laboratory Diagnosis in the MENA Region: An Update. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020063. [PMID: 31083509 PMCID: PMC6630671 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Sara A Taleb
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Roan E Zaied
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Sara M Fahad
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Maria K Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Balsam R Rizeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Asmaa A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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38
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Inoue T, Tanaka Y. The Role of Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10050357. [PMID: 31075974 PMCID: PMC6562807 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be completely eliminated from infected hepatocytes due to the existence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity as non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel biomarker that has an important role in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), because it correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In clinical cases with undetectable serum HBV DNA or loss of HBsAg, HBcrAg still can be detected and the decrease in HBcrAg levels is significantly associated with promising outcomes for CHB patients. HBcrAg can predict spontaneous or treatment-induced hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, persistent responses before and after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues, potential HBV reactivation, HBV reinfection after liver transplantation, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma progression or recurrence. In this review, the clinical applications of HBcrAg in CHB patients based on its virological features are described. Furthermore, new potential therapeutic anti-HBV agents that affect intrahepatic cccDNA are under development, and the monitoring of HBcrAg might be useful to judge therapeutic effects. In conclusion, HBcrAg might be a suitable surrogate marker beyond other HBV markers to predict the disease progression and treatment responses of CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya 467-8602, Japan.
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya 467-8602, Japan.
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
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39
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Yang L, Ye S, Zhao X, Ji L, Zhang Y, Zhou P, Sun J, Guan Y, Han Y, Ni C, Hu X, Liu W, Wang H, Zhou B, Huang J. Molecular Characterization of HBV DNA Integration in Patients with Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2018; 9:3225-3235. [PMID: 30271481 PMCID: PMC6160693 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Viral DNA integration into the host cell genome is a key mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the molecular characterization and the potential clinical implications of HBV DNA integration into patients suffering from different hepatitis and HCC remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed HBV integrations in patients with hepatitis B and HCC using HBV probe-based capturing and next-generation sequencing. The results revealed that the sizes of the HBV integrations ranged from 28 bp to 3215 bp, including the full-length HBV DNA sequence. The integration breakpoints were preferentially distributed in the viral enhancer, X protein, and core protein regions of the HBV genome. The number of HBV integrations followed an increasing trend from hepatitis to HCC, which was positively correlated with the HBV virus load in patients with hepatitis. The number of HBV integrations in the HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B group was significantly greater than that in the other hepatitis B groups (P < 0.05). However, the relative abundance of HBV integrations was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in the adjacent liver tissues. Interestingly, 61.6% (8/13) of HBV-human DNA integration fragments could be detected at the RNA level. Our results also showed that HBV integration-targeted genes (ITGs) were significantly enriched in many cancer-related pathways, such as MAPK, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and the hedgehog signaling pathway. Individuals with HBV integrations exhibited shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without HBV integrations in some ITGs including LINC00293 (long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 293; DFS P = 0.008, OS P = 0.009), FSHB (follicle stimulating hormone beta subunit; DFS P = 0.05, OS P = 0.186), and LPHN3 (latrophilin-3; DFS P = 0.493, OS P = 0.033). This study determined the underlying mechanism of HBV DNA integration in liver diseases and laid the foundation for future studies on the pathogenesis of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical Colleg, Shang Tang Road 158, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P. R China
| | - Song Ye
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qing Chun Road 79, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Ji
- Binhai Genomics Institute, BGI-Tianjin, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yinxin Zhang
- Binhai Genomics Institute, BGI-Tianjin, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Pingyu Zhou
- STD Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tong Ji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Sun
- STD Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tong Ji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfang Guan
- Binhai Genomics Institute, BGI-Tianjin, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yingxin Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Binhai Genomics Institute, BGI-Tianjin, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Chao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical Colleg, Shang Tang Road 158, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P. R China
| | - Xiaoge Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical Colleg, Shang Tang Road 158, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P. R China
| | - Weilong Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Boping Zhou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University. Shenzhen, 518109, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University. Shenzhen, 518109, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Shenzhen, 518112, China
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40
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Herbal management of hepatocellular carcinoma through cutting the pathways of the common risk factors. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1246-1258. [PMID: 30257339 PMCID: PMC7127621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the most frequent tumor that associated with high mortality rate. Several risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC, such as chronic persistent infection with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus, chronic untreated inflammation of liver with different etiology, oxidative stress and fatty liver disease. Several treatment protocols are used in the treatment of HCC but they also associated with diverse side effects. Many natural products are helpful in the co-treatment and prevention of HCC. Several mechanisms are involved in the action of these herbal products and their bioactive compounds in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC. They can inhibit the liver cancer development and progression in several ways as protecting against liver carcinogens, enhancing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, inhibiting tumor cell growth and metastasis, and suppression of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the utility of diverse natural products in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC, through its capturing of the common risk factors known to lead to HCC and shed the light on their possible mechanisms of action. Our theory assumes that shutting down the risk factor to cancer development pathways is a critical strategy in cancer prevention and management. We recommend the use of these plants side by side to recent chemical medications and after stopping these chemicals, as a maintenance therapy to avoid HCC progression and decrease its global incidence.
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41
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Lee WY, Bachtiar M, Choo CCS, Lee CG. Comprehensive review of Hepatitis B Virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma research through text mining and big data analytics. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:353-367. [PMID: 30105774 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PubMed was text mined to glean insights into the role of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the massive number of publications (9249) available to date. Reports from ∼70 countries identified >1300 human genes associated with either the Core, Surface or X gene in HBV-associated HCC. One hundred and forty-three of these host genes, which can potentially yield 1180 biomolecular interactions, each were reported in at least three different publications to be associated with the same HBV. These 143 genes function in 137 pathways, involved mainly in the cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation and signalling. Fourteen of these molecules, primarily transcriptional regulators or kinases, play roles in several pathways pertinent to the hallmarks of cancers. 'Chronic' was the most frequent word used across the 9249 abstracts. A key event in chronic HBV infection is the integration of HBV into the host genome. The advent of cost-effective, next-generation sequencing technology facilitated the employment of big-data analytics comprehensively to characterize HBV-host integration within HCC patients. A total of 5331 integration events were reported across seven publications, with most of these integrations observed between the Core/X gene and the introns of genes. Nearly one-quarter of the intergenic integrations are within repeats, especially long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) repeats. Integrations within 13 genes were each reported by at least three different studies. The human gene with the most HBV integrations observed is the TERT gene where a total of 224 integrations, primarily at its promoter and within the tumour tissue, were reported by six of seven publications. This unique review, which employs state-of-the-art text-mining and data-analytics tools, represents the most complete, systematic and comprehensive review of nearly all the publications associated with HBV-associated HCC research. It provides important resources to either focus future research or develop therapeutic strategies to target key molecules reported to play important roles in key pathways of HCC, through the systematic analyses of the commonly reported molecules associated with the various HBV genes in HCC, including information about the interactions amongst these commonly reported molecules, the pathways in which they reside as well as detailed information regarding the viral and host genes associated with HBV integration in HCC patients. Hence this review, which highlights pathways and key human genes associated with HBV in HCC, may facilitate the deeper elucidation of the role of HBV in hepato-carcinogenesis, potentially leading to timely intervention against this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Yeow Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Maulana Bachtiar
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Cheryl C S Choo
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Caroline G Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.,Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169547, Singapore
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42
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Sequence analysis of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA during HBeAg-seroconversion. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:142. [PMID: 30087321 PMCID: PMC6081408 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the host cell genome occurs early on in infection and reportedly induces pro-oncogenic changes in hepatocytes that drive HCC initiation. However, it remains unclear when these changes occur during hepatocarcinogenesis. Extensive expansion of hepatocyte clones with a selective advantage was shown to occur prior to cancer formation during the HBeAg-seroconversion phase of chronic HBV infection. We hypothesized that since integrations occur during the early stages of infection, cell phenotype could be altered and induce a selection advantage (e.g., through insertional mutagenesis or cis-mediated activation of downstream genes). Here, we analyzed the enrichment of genomic and functional patterns in the cellular host sequence adjacent to HBV DNA integration events. We examined 717 unique integration events detected in patients who have and have not undergone HBeAg-seroconversion (n = 41) or in an in vitro model system. We also used an in silico model to control for detection biases. We showed that the sites of HBV DNA integration were distributed throughout the entire host genome without obvious enrichment of specific structural or functional genomic features in the adjacent cellular genome during HBeAg-seroconversion. Currently, this is the most comprehensive characterization of HBV DNA integration events prior to hepatocarcinogenesis. Our results suggest no significant selection for (or against) specific cellular sites of HBV DNA integration occur during the clonal expansion phase of chronic HBV infection. Thus, HBV DNA integration events likely represent passenger events rather than active drivers of liver cancer, which was previously suggested.
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43
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Larsson SB, Tripodi G, Raimondo G, Saitta C, Norkrans G, Pollicino T, Lindh M. Integration of hepatitis B virus DNA in chronically infected patients assessed by Alu-PCR. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1568-1575. [PMID: 29797342 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Integration of HBV DNA into the human genome has been found in >80% of HBV-related HCC cases. Some studies have, however, found similar integration patterns in tumorous and nontumorous tissues. Thus, the role of integrations for the development of HCC as well as the rate of integration in different stages of infection remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate integrations in patients without HCC, representing different stages of chronic HBV (CHB) infection. Extracted DNA in liver biopsies from 74 patients (one with 2 available biopsies) with CHB infection was analyzed by Alu-PCR. Amplicons were further analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Integration was detected in 39 biopsies (52%) as an amplicon containing both human and HBV sequences by Alu-PCR with one primer targeting a region in the HBV genome. Integrations were found in patients representing the different stages of CHB infection. A majority of the HBV sequences were located upstream or downstream of nucleotide position 1820, which previously has been identified as a common breakpoint in the HBV genome in integrated sequences. Approximately 60% of the HBV integrations were found in noncoding regions of the human genome. Integrations of HBV DNA into the human genome is an event frequently found in mild phases of chronic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B Larsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gianluca Tripodi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gunnar Norkrans
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Magnus Lindh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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44
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Yoshida K, Matsuzaki K, Murata M, Yamaguchi T, Suwa K, Okazaki K. Clinico-Pathological Importance of TGF-β/Phospho-Smad Signaling during Human Hepatic Fibrocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10060183. [PMID: 29874844 PMCID: PMC6025395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is a global public health problem, with approximately 570 million persons chronically infected. Hepatitis B and C viruses increase the risk of morbidity and mortality from liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and extrahepatic complications that develop. Hepatitis virus infection induces transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, which influences microenvironments within the infected liver. TGF-β promotes liver fibrosis by up-regulating extracellular matrix production by hepatic stellate cells. TGF-β is also up-regulated in patients with HCC, in whom it contributes importantly to bringing about a favorable microenvironment for tumor growth. Thus, TGF-β is thought to be a major factor regulating liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Since TGF-β carries out regulatory signaling by influencing the phosphorylation of Smads, we have generated several kinds of phospho-specific antibodies to Smad2/3. Using these, we have identified three types of phospohorylated forms: COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2C and pSmad3C), linker phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2L and pSmad3L), and dually phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C). TGF-β-mediated pSmad2/3C signaling terminates cell proliferation; on the other hand, cytokine-induced pSmad3L signaling accelerates cell proliferation and promotes fibrogenesis. This review addresses TGF-β/Smad signal transduction in chronic liver injuries and carcinogenic processes. We also discuss the reversibility of Smad signaling after antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Kanehiko Suwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
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45
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VEGF Upregulation in Viral Infections and Its Possible Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061642. [PMID: 29865171 PMCID: PMC6032371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several viruses are recognized as the direct or indirect causative agents of human tumors and other severe human diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is identified as a principal proangiogenic factor that enhances the production of new blood vessels from existing vascular network. Therefore, oncogenic viruses such as Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and non-oncogenic viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and dengue virus, which lack their own angiogenic factors, rely on the recruitment of cellular genes for angiogenesis in tumor progression or disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes how human viruses exploit the cellular signaling machinery to upregulate the expression of VEGF and benefit from its physiological functions for their own pathogenesis. Understanding the interplay between viruses and VEGF upregulation will pave the way to design targeted and effective therapeutic approaches for viral oncogenesis and severe diseases.
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46
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Kim HY, Nam JY, Lee JH, Lee HA, Chang Y, Lee HY, Cho H, Lee DH, Cho YY, Cho EJ, Yu SJ, Lee JM, Kim YJ, Yoon JH. Intensity of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma determines survival in patients at risk in a hepatitis B-endemic area. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:1490-1501. [PMID: 29611209 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data are insufficient regarding the survival benefit of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM To investigate the effectiveness of HCC surveillance in a hepatitis B-endemic population. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 1402 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC between 2005 and 2012 at a single tertiary hospital in Korea. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Lead-time and length-time biases were adjusted (sojourn time = 140 days) and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS The most common aetiology was hepatitis B (80.4%). Cirrhosis was present in 78.2%. HCC was diagnosed during regular surveillance (defined as mean interval of ultrasonography <8 months, n = 834), irregular surveillance (n = 104) or nonsurveillance (n = 464). Patients in the regular surveillance group were diagnosed at earlier stages ([very] early stage, 64.4%) than the irregular surveillance (40.4%) or nonsurveillance (26.9%) groups and had more chance for curative treatments (52.4%) than the irregular surveillance (39.4%) or nonsurveillance (23.3%) groups (all P < 0.001). Mortality risk was significantly lower in the regular surveillance group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.69; 95% [CI], 0.57-0.83) but not in the irregular surveillance group (aHR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69-1.28) compared with the nonsurveillance group after adjusting for confounding factors and lead-time. When the subjects were restricted to cirrhotic patients or Child-Pugh class A/B patients, similar results were obtained for mortality risk reduction between groups. CONCLUSIONS HCC surveillance was associated with longer survival owing to earlier diagnosis and curative treatment. Survival advantage was significant with regular surveillance but not with irregular surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - J Y Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J-H Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H A Lee
- Clinical Trial Center, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H Y Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - D H Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y Y Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - E J Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - S J Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J M Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y J Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J-H Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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47
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Upsetting the Balance: When Viruses Manipulate Cell Polarity Control. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3481-3503. [PMID: 29680664 PMCID: PMC7094317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The central importance of cell polarity control is emphasized by the frequency with which it is targeted by many diverse viruses. It is clear that in targeting key polarity control proteins, viruses affect not only host cell polarity, but also influence many cellular processes, including transcription, replication, and innate and acquired immunity. Examination of the interactions of different virus proteins with the cell and its polarity controls during the virus life cycles, and in virally‐induced cell transformation shows ever more clearly how intimately all cellular processes are linked to the control of cell polarity. Multiple viruses target cell polarity. Viral targeting of polarity frequently occurs through PDZ recognition. Biological effects include immune-avoidance, cell proliferation and apoptosis inhibition.
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48
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Mak LY, Wong DKH, Cheung KS, Seto WK, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Review article: hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg): an emerging marker for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:43-54. [PMID: 29035003 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cannot be completely eradicated due to the presence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. While quantification of intrahepatic cccDNA requires liver biopsies, serological markers can be non-invasive alternatives to reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity. Recently, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) has been advocated as a novel serum marker for disease monitoring and prognostication of CHB. AIM To examine the virological aspect and clinical application of HBcrAg with respect to the natural history and treatment of CHB. METHODS We reviewed all papers published in the PubMed journal list and abstracts from major international meetings that included the keyword "HBcrAg" or "hepatitis B core-related antigen" until March 2017. Selected studies were compared and summarised on the basis of existing theories, as well as the authors' experience. RESULTS HBcrAg exhibited good correlation with intrahepatic (ih) cccDNA, ih total hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, serum HBV DNA and to a lesser extent HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In situations where serum HBV DNA levels become undetectable or HBsAg loss is achieved, HBcrAg can still be detectable. This marker is helpful in differentiation of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis from HBeAg-negative chronic infection, predicting spontaneous or treatment-induced HBeAg seroconversion, sustained response to nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA), risk of HBV reactivation in occult HBV infection under immunosuppressive therapies, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development as well as post-operative HCC recurrence. CONCLUSIONS HBcrAg is a potential surrogate marker of cccDNA. It may soon become a useful marker for disease monitoring, predicting treatment response and disease outcome of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-Y Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - D K-H Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - K-S Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W-K Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - C-L Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - M-F Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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49
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Shieh FS, Jongeneel P, Steffen JD, Lin S, Jain S, Song W, Su YH. ChimericSeq: An open-source, user-friendly interface for analyzing NGS data to identify and characterize viral-host chimeric sequences. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182843. [PMID: 28829778 PMCID: PMC5567911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of viral integration sites has been important in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of diseases associated with particular viral infections. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled researchers to understand the impact that viral integration has on the host, such as tumorigenesis. Current computational methods to analyze NGS data of virus-host junction sites have been limited in terms of their accessibility to a broad user base. In this study, we developed a software application (named ChimericSeq), that is the first program of its kind to offer a graphical user interface, compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and optimized for effectively identifying and annotating virus-host chimeric reads within NGS data. In addition, ChimericSeq’s pipeline implements custom filtering to remove artifacts and detect reads with quantitative analytical reporting to provide functional significance to discovered integration sites. The improved accessibility of ChimericSeq through a GUI interface in both Windows and Mac has potential to expand NGS analytical support to a broader spectrum of the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fwu-Shan Shieh
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- U-Screen Dx Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Patrick Jongeneel
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jamin D. Steffen
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Selena Lin
- U-Screen Dx Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Surbhi Jain
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wei Song
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- U-Screen Dx Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (Y.H.S.); (W.S.)
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (Y.H.S.); (W.S.)
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50
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Liu WC, Wu IC, Lee YC, Lin CP, Cheng JH, Lin YJ, Yen CJ, Cheng PN, Li PF, Cheng YT, Cheng PW, Sun KT, Yan SL, Lin JJ, Yang JC, Chang KC, Ho CH, Tseng VS, Chang BCH, Wu JC, Chang TT. Hepatocellular carcinoma-associated single-nucleotide variants and deletions identified by the use of genome-wide high-throughput analysis of hepatitis B virus. J Pathol 2017; 243:176-192. [PMID: 28696069 DOI: 10.1002/path.4938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated hepatitis B virus (HBV) single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and deletion mutations linked with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ninety-three HCC patients and 108 non-HCC patients were enrolled for HBV genome-wide next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis were performed to validate NGS-defined HCC-associated SNVs and deletions. The experimental results identified 60 NGS-defined HCC-associated SNVs, including 41 novel SNVs, and their pathogenic frequencies. Each SNV was specific for either genotype B (n = 24) or genotype C (n = 34), except for nt53C, which was present in both genotypes. The pathogenic frequencies of these HCC-associated SNVs showed a distinct U-shaped distribution pattern. According to the meta-analysis and literature review, 167 HBV variants from 109 publications were categorized into four levels (A-D) of supporting evidence that they are associated with HCC. The proportion of NGS-defined HCC-associated SNVs among these HBV variants declined significantly from 75% of 12 HCC-associated variants by meta-analysis (Level A) to 0% of 10 HCC-unassociated variants by meta-analysis (Level D) (P < 0.0001). PreS deletions were significantly associated with HCC, in terms of deletion index, for both genotypes B (P = 0.030) and C (P = 0.049). For genotype C, preS deletions involving a specific fragment (nt2977-3013) were significantly associated with HCC (HCC versus non-HCC, 6/34 versus 0/32, P = 0.025). Meta-analysis of preS deletions showed significant association with HCC (summary odds ratio 3.0; 95% confidence interval 2.3-3.9). Transfection of Huh7 cells showed that all of the five novel NGS-defined HCC-associated SNVs in the small surface region influenced hepatocarcinogenesis pathways, including endoplasmic reticulum-stress and DNA repair systems, as shown by microarray, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Their carcinogenic mechanisms are worthy of further research. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Chin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Chien Lee
- Department of Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Ji-Hong Cheng
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Fu Li
- Institute of Medical Informatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ting Cheng
- Institute of Medical Informatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Wen Cheng
- Department of Information and Learning Technology, Science and Engineering College, National University of Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Koun-Tem Sun
- Department of Information and Learning Technology, Science and Engineering College, National University of Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shu-Ling Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jia-Jhen Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jui-Chu Yang
- Human Biobank, Research Centre of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kung-Chao Chang
- Human Biobank, Research Centre of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Hsun Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Vincent S Tseng
- Department of Computer Science, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Translational Research Division, Medical Research Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ting-Tsung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.,Infectious Disease and Signalling Research Centre, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
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