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Ju S, Duan X, Wang Y, Zhang M, Bai Y, He X, Wang C, Liu J, Yao W, Zhou C, Xiong B, Zheng C. Blocking TGFβR synergistically enhances anti-tumor effects of anti-PD-1 antibody in a mouse model of incomplete thermal ablation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112585. [PMID: 38950456 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The mechanism of early tumor recurrence after incomplete microwave ablation (iMWA) is poorly understood. The anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) monotherapy is reported to be ineffective to prevent the progression of residual tumor resulted from iMWA. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. We assume blocking transforming growth factor-β receptor (TGFβR) after incomplete iMWA may synergistically enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody to prevent the progression of residual tumor. We construct an iMWA model with mice harboring Hepa1-6 derived xenograft. The Tgfb1 expression and phosphorylated-Smad3 protein expression is upregulated in the residual tumor after iMWA. With the application of TGFβR inhibitor SB431542, the cell proliferation potential, the tumor growth, the mRNA expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including Cdh2, and Vim, and cancer stem cell marker Epcam, and the infiltrating Treg cells are reduced in the residual tumor tissue. In addition, iMWA combined with TGFβR blocker and anti-PD-1 antibody further decreases the cell proliferation, tumor growth, expression of EMT markers and cancer stem cell marker, and the infiltrating Treg cells in the residual tumor tissue. Blocking TGFβR may alleviate the pro-tumoral effect of tumor microenvironment thereby significantly prevents the progression of residual tumor tissue. Our study indicates that blocking TGFβR may be a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody to prevent residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression after iMWA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Ju
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuhua Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yingliang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yaowei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuelian He
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Luo C, Chen G, Li R, Peng S, Zhang P, Wang F, Yu S, Zhu Y, Zhang J. Juglone suppresses vasculogenic mimicry in glioma through inhibition of HuR-mediated VEGF-A expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116458. [PMID: 39102993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) serves as a vascular-like channel that provides important substances for tumor growth and is a primary factor in glioblastoma (GBM) drug resistance. Human Antigen R (HuR)-an mRNA-binding protein-is highly expressed in GBM, closely related to tumor progression, and deemed a potential drug target. Although some small-molecule compounds have been identified to disrupt HuR binding to target mRNA, they remain in the preclinical research stage, suggesting the need for further validation and development of HuR inhibitors. In our study, we aim to screen for potential HuR inhibitors and investigate their efficacy and molecular mechanisms in GBM. We employed the fluorescence polarization method to identify HuR inhibitors from a natural compound library, confirming the efficacy of juglone in effectively inhibiting the binding of HuR to AREVegf-a. Further validation of the binding of juglone to HuR at the protein level was conducted through electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular docking. Furthermore, juglone demonstrated inhibitory effects on glioma growth and VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it was observed that juglone reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting the VEGF-A/VEGFR2/AKT/SNAIL signaling pathway. Finally, we established the capability of juglone to target HuR in U251 cells through HuR knockdown, mRNA stability, and cell thermal shift assays. Therefore, this study identifies juglone as a novel HuR inhibitor, potentially offering promise as a lead compound for anti-VM therapy in GBM by targeting HuR. Abbreviations: AKT, protein kinase B; ARE, adenine-and uridine-rich elements; CETSA, cellular thermal shift assay; DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; ELISA, enzyme linked immune sorbent assay; EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay; EMT, epithelial mesenchymal transition; FP, fluorescence polarization; GBM, glioblastoma; HTS, high-throughput screening; HuR, human antigen R; IF, Immunofluorescence; PAS, periodic acid-Schiff; PI3K, phosphoinositide-3 kinase; qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR; RRMs, RNA recognition motifs; SPR, surface plasmon resonance. TMZ, temozolomide; VM, vasculogenic mimicry; VEGF-A, Vascular endothelial growth factor-A; VEGFR2, Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Luo
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guzhou Chen
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shoujiao Peng
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feiyun Wang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shaopeng Yu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuying Zhu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jiange Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Qu Q, Liu Z, Lu M, Xu L, Zhang J, Liu M, Jiang J, Gu C, Ma Q, Huang A, Zhang X, Zhang T. Preoperative Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI Features for Evaluation of Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters and Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Creating Nomograms for Risk Assessment. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 60:1094-1110. [PMID: 38116997 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vessels encapsulating tumor cluster (VETC) and microvascular invasion (MVI) have a synergistic effect on prognosis assessment and treatment selection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preoperative noninvasive evaluation of VETC and MVI is important. PURPOSE To explore the diagnosis value of preoperative gadoxetic acid (GA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for MVI, VETC, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in HCC. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION 240 post-surgery patients with 274 pathologically confirmed HCC (allocated to training and validation cohorts with a 7:3 ratio) and available tumor marker data from August 2014 to December 2021. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3-T, T1-, T2-, diffusion-weighted imaging, in/out-phase imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. ASSESSMENT Three radiologists subjectively reviewed preoperative MRI, evaluated clinical and conventional imaging features associated with MVI+, VETC+, and MVI+/VETC+ HCC. Regression-based nomograms were developed for HCC in the training cohort. Based on the nomograms, the RFS prognostic stratification system was further. Follow-up occurred every 3-6 months. STATISTICAL TESTS Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test or t-test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-penalized, multivariable logistic regression analyses, receiver operating characteristic analysis, Harrell's concordance index (C-index), Kaplan-Meier plots. Significance level: P < 0.05. RESULTS In the training group, 44 patients with MVI+ and 74 patients with VETC+ were histologically confirmed. Three nomograms showed good performance in the training (C-indices: MVI+ vs. VETC+ vs. MVI+/VETC+, 0.892 vs. 0.848 vs. 0.910) and validation (C-indices: MVI+ vs. VETC+ vs. MVI+/VETC+, 0.839 vs. 0.810 vs. 0.855) cohorts. The median follow-up duration for the training cohort was 43.6 (95% CI, 35.0-52.2) months and 25.8 (95% CI, 16.1-35.6) months for the validation cohort. Patients with either pathologically confirmed or nomogram-estimated MVI, VETC, and MVI+/VETC+ suffered higher risk of recurrence. DATA CONCLUSION GA-enhanced MRI and clinical variables might assist in preoperative estimation of MVI, VETC, and MVI+/VETC+ in HCC. EVIDENCE LEVEL 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengtian Lu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiyun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maotong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jifeng Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinrong Ma
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aina Huang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Li P, Shang Y, Yuan L, Tong J, Chen Q. Targeting BMP2 for therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:101970. [PMID: 38797016 PMCID: PMC11152749 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the role of BMP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and metastasis using a dual approach combining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq. METHODS scRNA-seq data from the GEO database and bulk RNA-seq data from the TCGA database were analyzed. Differentially expressed marker genes of endothelial cells were identified and analyzed using enrichment analysis, PPI analysis, correlation analysis, and GSEA. In vitro, experiments were conducted using the Huh-7 HCC cell line, and in vivo, models of HCC growth and metastasis were established by knocking down BMP2. RESULTS The scRNA-seq analysis identified BMP2 as a key marker gene in endothelial cells of HCC samples. Elevated BMP2 expression correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. In vitro experiments showed that silencing BMP2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells. In vivo studies confirmed increased BMP2 expression in HCC tissues, promoting angiogenesis and HCC growth. CONCLUSION This study highlights the role of BMP2 in tumor angiogenesis and HCC progression. Targeting BMP2 could be a promising therapeutic strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China
| | - You Shang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China
| | - Liying Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China
| | - Jialing Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China.
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Chen J, Liu K, Vadas MA, Gamble JR, McCaughan GW. The Role of the MiR-181 Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2024; 13:1289. [PMID: 39120319 PMCID: PMC11311592 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the high mortality rate in HCC patients, discovering and developing novel systemic treatment options for HCC is a vital unmet medical need. Among the numerous molecular alterations in HCCs, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly recognised to play critical roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. We and others have recently revealed that members of the microRNA-181 (miR-181) family were up-regulated in some, though not all, human cirrhotic and HCC tissues-this up-regulation induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes and tumour cells, promoting HCC progression. MiR-181s play crucial roles in governing the fate and function of various cells, such as endothelial cells, immune cells, and tumour cells. Previous reviews have extensively covered these aspects in detail. This review aims to give some insights into miR-181s, their targets and roles in modulating signal transduction pathways, factors regulating miR-181 expression and function, and their roles in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Ken Liu
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mathew A. Vadas
- Vascular Biology Program, Healthy Ageing Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.A.V.); (J.R.G.)
| | - Jennifer R. Gamble
- Vascular Biology Program, Healthy Ageing Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.A.V.); (J.R.G.)
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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Yang J, Dong X, Jin S, Wang S, Wang Y, Zhang L, Wei Y, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhu L, Feng Y, Gan M, Hu H, Ji W. Radiomics Model of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Evaluating Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters and Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Acad Radiol 2024:S1076-6332(24)00438-0. [PMID: 39025700 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To develop and validate a clinical-radiomics model of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) for the preoperative discrimination of Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC)- microvascular invasion (MVI) and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS 219 HCC patients from Institution 1 were split into internal training and validation groups, with 101 patients from Institution 2 assigned to external validation. Histologically confirmed VETC-MVI pattern categorizing HCC into VM-HCC+ (VETC+/MVI+, VETC-/MVI+, VETC+/MVI-) and VM-HCC- (VETC-/MVI-). The regions of intratumor and peritumor were segmented manually in the arterial, portal-venous and delayed phase (AP, PP, and DP, respectively) of DCE-MRI. Six radiomics models (intratumor and peritumor in AP, PP, and DP of DCE-MRI) and one clinical model were developed for assessing VM-HCC. Establishing intra-tumoral and peri-tumoral models through combining intratumor and peritumor features. The best-performing radiomics model and the clinical model were then integrated to create a Combined model. RESULTS In institution 1, pathological VM-HCC+ were confirmed in 88 patients (training set: 61, validation set: 27). In internal testing, the Combined model had an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76-0.93), which reached an AUC of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66-0.85) in external validation. The model's predictions were associated with early recurrence and progression-free survival in HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The clinical-radiomics model offers a non-invasive approach to discern VM-HCC and predict HCC patients' prognosis preoperatively, which could offer clinicians valuable insights during the decision-making phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China; Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shengze Jin
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing University, Taizhou 318000 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou First People's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou 318020 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanna Wang
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Central Hospital,Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 318000 Zhejiang,China.
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yuguo Wei
- Precision Health Institution, GE Healthcare, 310000 Xihu District, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yitian Wu
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing University, Taizhou 318000 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lingxia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, Taizhou 318000 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lingwei Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China.
| | - Yuyi Feng
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing University, Taizhou 318000 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Meifu Gan
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China.
| | - Hongjie Hu
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310016 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenbin Ji
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China; Key Laboratory of evidence-based Radiology of Taizhou, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang, China.
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Chen H, Li H, He M, Lai Z, Huang L, Wen D, Shi M, Kan A. UBA2 SUMOylates NQO1 and promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the MAPK pathway. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39013843 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we found that small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)-activating enzyme ubiquitin-associated-2 domain (UBA2) was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who were insensitive to chemoembolization. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of UBA2 in HCC progression. Three cohorts were used to evaluate the efficacy of UBA2 as a prognostic factor for HCC. Our results indicated that UBA2 was associated with aggressive clinical behaviors and was a strong indicator of poor prognosis in HCC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that UBA2 accelerated cell growth, invasion, and migration. These results were further supported by in vivo experiments. RNA-sequencing analysis indicated NQO1 as a target of UBA2, with its levels altering following UBA2 manipulation. The results were verified by western blotting (WB) and quantitative PCR. The SUMOplot Analysis Program predicted lysine residue K240 as a modification target of UBA2, which was confirmed by immunoprecipitation (IP) assays. Subsequent mutation of NQO1 at K240 in HCC cell lines and functional assays revealed the significance of this modification. In addition, the oncogenic effect of UBA2 could be reversed by the SUMO inhibitor ML792 in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our study elucidated the regulatory mechanism of UBA2 in HCC and suggested that the SUMO inhibitor ML792 may be an effective combinatory treatment for patients with aberrant UBA2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minke He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lichang Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anna Kan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Guangzhou, China
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Han S, Lin M, Wu L, Lin X, Chen M, Hu C, Bao A, Fang Z, Zhu F. E2F1 modulates RCCD1 expression to participate in the initiation and progression of EMT in colorectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155429. [PMID: 39024731 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metastases in the advanced stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) present a major challenge to its treatment. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in enhancing the metastasis and invasion ability of cancer cells. However, the progress of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and Regulator of chromatin condensation 1 (RCCD1) in CRC on EMT has not been studied. METHODS The CRC differential expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to verify the difference in expression of E2F1 and RCCD1 in cancerous and para-cancerous tissues.DNA-pull down and dual luciferase experiments confirmed that E2F1 regulates RCCD1. Western-blot and q-PCR experiments confirmed that E2F1 regulates RCCD1 and participates in the EMT-related progress of CRC.EDU, Wound healing and Transwell experiments verified the effects of regulation of E2F1 and RCCD1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. RESULTS E2F1 and RCCD1 are highly expressed in cancer tissues and cancer cells. E2F1 binds to the upstream promoter of RCCD1 to regulate RCCD1 and affect the expression of EMT-related targets in CRC cells. It also affects the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS E2F1 regulates the involvement of RCCD1 in CRC EMT and affects the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sanmenwan Branch, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Min Lin
- Central Laboratory,Sanmen People's Hospital Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longquan People's Hospital, Longquan 323700,China
| | - Xuedan Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Meiyun Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Chuancai Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Anni Bao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Zejun Fang
- Central Laboratory,Sanmen People's Hospital Sanmen 317100, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,Sanmen People's Hospital, Sanmen 317100, China.
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9
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Wang J, Yang K, Yang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Xu F. HHLA2 promotes hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1275-1287. [PMID: 38578157 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most malignant tumors characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of the B7 protein family in various cancers, including HCC. However, the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus H long-terminal repeat-associated protein 2 (HHLA2, or B7-H5) in HCC remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the differential expression of HHLA2 between HCC and normal liver tissues. A battery of assays, including CCK8, EdU, tablet clone-forming, Transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to elucidate the function and potential mechanisms of HHLA2 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cell lines exhibiting different HHLA2 expression levels in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to analyze HHLA2, secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels. HHLA2 exhibited elevated expression in HCC tissues, correlating with poor tumor differentiation and shortened overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHLA2 overexpression (OE) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells, while in vivo experiments revealed that HHLA2 OE enhanced HCC tumor growth. Conversely, inhibition of HHLA2 expression yielded the opposite effect. Downregulation of SPP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by HHLA2 OE, and this effect was linked to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HHLA2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells via the SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, establishing it as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Department of Tradition Chinese Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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10
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Wang Y, Fleishman JS, Wang J, Chen J, Zhao L, Ding M. Pharmacologically inducing anoikis offers novel therapeutic opportunities in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116878. [PMID: 38843588 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), leading to tumor progression and therapeutic failure. Anoikis is a matrix detachment-induced apoptosis, also known as detachment-induced cell death, and mechanistically prevents tumor cells from escaping their native extracellular matrix to metastasize to new organs. Deciphering the regulators and mechanisms of anoikis in cancer metastasis is urgently needed to treat HCC. Several natural and synthetic products induce anoikis in HCC cells and in vivo models. Here, we first briefly summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of anoikis regulation and relevant regulators involved in HCC metastasis. Then we discuss the therapeutic potential of pharmacological induction of anoikis as a potential treatment against HCC. Finally, we discuss the key limitations of this therapeutic paradigm and propose possible strategies to overcome them. Cumulatively this review suggests that the pharmacological induction of anoikis can be used a promising therapeutic modality against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
| | - Mingchao Ding
- Department of Peripheral Vascular Intervention, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China.
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11
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Ni D, Qi Z, Wang Y, Man Y, Pang J, Tang W, Chen J, Li J, Li G. KLF15-activated MARCH2 boosts cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and presents diagnostic significance for hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2024; 440:114117. [PMID: 38848952 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Membrane associated ubiquitin ligase MARCH2 majorly involves in inflammation response and protein trafficking. However, its comprehensive role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unknown. METHODS Firstly, multiple bioinformatic analyses were applied to determine MARCH2 mRNA level, its expression comparison in diverse molecular and immune subtypes, and diagnostic value in HCC. Subsequently, RNA-seq, real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and cell proliferation assay are used to explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation by gene-silencing or overexpressing in cultured HCC cells or in vivo xenograft. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting are delved into verify the transcription factor that activating MARCH2 promoter. RESULTS Multiple bioinformatic analyses demonstrate that MARCH2 is upregulated in multiple cancer types and exhibits startling diagnostic value as well as distinct molecular and immune subtypes in HCC. RNA-seq analysis reveals MARCH2 may promote EMT, cell proliferation and migration in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of MARCH2 triggers EMT and significantly enhances HCC cell migration, proliferation and colony formation in a ligase activity-dependent manner. Additionally, above observations are validated in the HepG2 mice xenografts. For up-stream mechanism, transcription factor KLF15 is highly expressed in HCC and activates MARCH2 expression. CONCLUSION KLF15 activated MARCH2 triggers EMT and serves as a fascinating biomarker for precise diagnosis of HCC. Consequently, MARCH2 emerges as a promising candidate for target therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Ni
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Zhaolai Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Yuefeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Yong Man
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Jing Pang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Weiqing Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Jingzhou Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Fuwai Central-China Hospital, Central-China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Guoping Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, PR China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China.
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12
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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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13
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Li C, Zhang ED, Ye Y, Xiao Z, Huang H, Zeng Z. Association of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase with prognosis and immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14051. [PMID: 38890507 PMCID: PMC11189538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64907-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2), a mitochondrial isoenzyme, supports the growth of cancer cells under glucose deficiency conditions in vitro. This study investigated the role and potential mechanism of PCK2 in the occurrence and development of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and other databases distinguish the expression of PCK2 and verified by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Kaplan-Meier was conducted to assess PCK2 survival in HCC. The potential biological function of PCK2 was verified by enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The correlation between PCK2 expression and immune invasion and checkpoint was found by utilizing Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). Lastly, the effects of PCK2 on the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were evaluated by cell tests, and the expressions of Epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and apoptosis related proteins were detected. PCK2 is down-regulated in HCC, indicating a poor prognosis. PCK2 gene mutation accounted for 1.3% of HCC. Functional enrichment analysis indicated the potential of PCK2 as a metabolism-related therapeutic target. Subsequently, we identified several signaling pathways related to the biological function of PCK2. The involvement of PCK2 in immune regulation was verified and key immune checkpoints were predicted. Ultimately, after PCK2 knockdown, cell proliferation and migration were significantly increased, and N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased. PCK2 has been implicated in immune regulation, proliferation, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and is emerging as a novel predictive biomarker and metabolic-related clinical target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youzhi Ye
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | | | - Hanfei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
| | - Zhong Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
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14
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Hernández-Magaña A, Bensussen A, Martínez-García JC, Álvarez-Buylla ER. Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1404319. [PMID: 38939509 PMCID: PMC11208463 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1404319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bensussen
- Departamento de Control Automático, Cinvestav-IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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15
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Panettieri E, Campisi A, De Rose AM, Mele C, Giuliante F, Vauthey JN, Ardito F. Emerging Prognostic Markers in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2183. [PMID: 38927889 PMCID: PMC11201456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122183] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver resection is potentially curative. Nevertheless, post-operative recurrence is common, occurring in up to 70% of patients. Factors traditionally recognized to predict recurrence and survival after liver resection for HCC include pathologic factors (i.e., microvascular and capsular invasion) and an increase in alpha-fetoprotein level. During the past decade, many new markers have been reported to correlate with prognosis after resection of HCC: liquid biopsy markers, gene signatures, inflammation markers, and other biomarkers, including PIVKA-II, immune checkpoint molecules, and proteins in urinary exosomes. However, not all of these new markers are readily available in clinical practice, and their reproducibility is unclear. Liquid biopsy is a powerful and established tool for predicting long-term outcomes after resection of HCC; the main limitation of liquid biopsy is represented by the cost related to its technical implementation. Numerous patterns of genetic expression capable of predicting survival after curative-intent hepatectomy for HCC have been identified, but published findings regarding these markers are heterogenous. Inflammation markers in the form of prognostic nutritional index and different blood cell ratios seem more easily reproducible and more affordable on a large scale than other emerging markers. To select the most effective treatment for patients with HCC, it is crucial that the scientific community validate new predictive markers for recurrence and survival after resection that are reliable and widely reproducible. More reports from Western countries are necessary to corroborate the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Panettieri
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Andrea Campisi
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.D.R.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Agostino M. De Rose
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.D.R.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Caterina Mele
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.D.R.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.D.R.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Jean-Nicolas Vauthey
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Francesco Ardito
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.D.R.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (F.A.)
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16
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Liao Y, Wei F, He Z, He J, Ai Y, Guo C, Zhou L, Luo D, Li C, Wen Y, Zeng J, Ma X. Animal-derived natural products for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: current evidence and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399882. [PMID: 38803433 PMCID: PMC11129636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high morbidity and mortality rate, and the survival rate of HCC patients remains low. Animal medicines have been used as potential therapeutic tools throughout the long history due to their different structures of biologically active substances with high affinity to the human body. Here, we focus on the effects and the mechanism of action of animal-derived natural products against HCC, which were searched in databases encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Springer Link, and EBSCO. A total of 24 natural products from 12 animals were summarized. Our study found that these natural products have potent anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. The mechanism of action involving apoptosis induction, autophagy induction, anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and anti-drug resistance via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ras/extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. Huachansu injection and sodium cantharidate have been used in clinical applications with good efficacy. We review the potential of animal-derived natural products and their derivatives in the treatment of HCC to date and summarize their application prospect and toxic side effects, hoping to provide a reference for drug development for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhelin He
- Endoscopy Center, Guang’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang’an, China
| | - Jingxue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanlin Ai
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui Guo
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengen Li
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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17
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Papadopoulos G, Giannousi E, Avdi AP, Velliou RI, Nikolakopoulou P, Chatzigeorgiou A. Τ cell-mediated adaptive immunity in the transition from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343806. [PMID: 38774646 PMCID: PMC11106433 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressed version of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, but also a pathophysiological "hub" that favors the emergence of liver malignancies. Current research efforts aim to identify risk factors, discover disease biomarkers, and aid patient stratification in the context of MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent cancer among MASLD patients. To investigate the tumorigenic transition in MASH-induced HCC, researchers predominantly exploit preclinical animal-based MASH models and studies based on archived human biopsies and clinical trials. Recapitulating the immune response during tumor development and progression is vital to obtain mechanistic insights into MASH-induced HCC. Notably, the advanced complexity behind MASLD and MASH pathogenesis shifted the research focus towards innate immunity, a fundamental element of the hepatic immune niche that is usually altered robustly in the course of liver disease. During the last few years, however, there has been an increasing interest for deciphering the role of adaptive immunity in MASH-induced HCC, particularly regarding the functions of the various T cell populations. To effectively understand the specific role of T cells in MASH-induced HCC development, scientists should urgently fill the current knowledge gaps in this field. Pinpointing the metabolic signature, sketching the immune landscape, and characterizing the cellular interactions and dynamics of the specific T cells within the MASH-HCC liver are essential to unravel the mechanisms that adaptive immunity exploits to enable the emergence and progression of this cancer. To this end, our review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding the T cell functions linked to MASH-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Papadopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Giannousi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini P. Avdi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Su W, Hu S, Zhou L, Bi H, Li Z. FOXP2 inhibits the aggressiveness of lung cancer cells by blocking TGFβ signaling. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:227. [PMID: 38586208 PMCID: PMC10996029 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14361] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) functions as an antitumor gene in various cancers. However, its role in lung cancer remains to be elucidated. The present study explored the potential role of FOXP2 in lung cancer. mRNA levels and protein expression were determined using RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Functional analysis was performed using the CCK-8, Transwell and TUNEL assays. FOXP2 expression was downregulated in lung cancer. Notably, FOXP2 suppressed the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of lung cancer cells and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, FOXP2 blocked TGFβ signaling. However, SRI-011381-stimulated activation of TGFβ signaling reversed the effects of overexpressed FOXP2 and promoted the aggressiveness of lung cancer cells. FOXP2 functions as an antitumor gene in lung cancer cells. FOXP2 suppressed the malignant behavior of lung cancer by inactivating TGFβ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Song Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Bi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiying Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
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Mi L, Xing Z, Zhang Y, He T, Su A, Wei T, Li Z, Wu W. Unveiling Gambogenic Acid as a Promising Antitumor Compound: A Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:353-367. [PMID: 38295847 DOI: 10.1055/a-2258-6663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Gambogenic acid is a derivative of gambogic acid, a polyprenylated xanthone isolated from Garcinia hanburyi. Compared with the more widely studied gambogic acid, gambogenic acid has demonstrated advantages such as a more potent antitumor effect and less systemic toxicity than gambogic acid according to early investigations. Therefore, the present review summarizes the effectiveness and mechanisms of gambogenic acid in different cancers and highlights the mechanisms of action. In addition, drug delivery systems to improve the bioavailability of gambogenic acid and its pharmacokinetic profile are included. Gambogenic acid has been applied to treat a wide range of cancers, such as lung, liver, colorectal, breast, gastric, bladder, and prostate cancers. Gambogenic acid exerts its antitumor effects as a novel class of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors. It prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy. Gambogenic acid also hinders tumor cell invasion and metastasis by downregulating metastasis-related proteins. Moreover, gambogenic acid increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and has shown effects on multidrug resistance in malignancy. This review adds insights for the prevention and treatment of cancers using gambogenic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Mi
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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20
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Zhang R, Yuan J, Liu S, Torraca V, Liao Z, Wu Y, Tan H, Yao X, Hou X, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Ali DW, Michalak M, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. ILKAP Promotes the Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inhibiting β-Catenin Degradation and Enhancing the WNT Signaling Pathway. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300117. [PMID: 38379270 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC-related deaths have remarkably increased over the recent decades. It has been reported that β-catenin activation can be frequently observed in HCC cases. This study identified the integrin-linked kinase-associated phosphatase (ILKAP) as a novel β-catenin-interacting protein. ILKAP is localized both in the nucleus and cytoplasm and regulates the WNT pathway in different ways. First, it is demonstrated that ILKAP activates the WNT pathway in HCC cells by increasing the protein level of β-catenin and other proteins associated with the WNT signaling, such as c-Myc and CyclinD1. Next, it is shown that ILKAP promotes the metastasis of HCC both in vitro and in vivo in a zebrafish xenograft model. It is also found that ILKAP dephosphorylates the GSK3β and CK1, contributing to the reduced ubiquitination of β-catenin. Furthermore, it is identified that ILKAP functions by mediating binding between TCF4 and β-catenin to enhance expression of WNT target genes. Taken together, the study demonstrates a critical function of ILKAP in metastasis of HCC, since ILKAP is crucial for the activation of the WNT pathway via stabilization of β-catenin and increased binding between TCF4 and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Jinglei Yuan
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Shicheng Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Vincenzo Torraca
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, W1B 2HW, UK
| | - Zhiquan Liao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yueyan Wu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Hongfei Tan
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xia Yao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xueyang Hou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Declan William Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
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Wu Y, Tang H, Cui S, Liao Q, Zeng L, Tu Y. Hsa_circ_0051908 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2024; 2024:8645534. [PMID: 38715919 PMCID: PMC11074858 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8645534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Materials and Methods Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was determined using RT-qPCR. HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The molecular mechanism was analyzed using western blotting. In addition, the role of hsa_circ_0051908 in tumor growth was evaluated in vivo. Results Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was increased in both HCC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased after hsa_circ_0051908 knockdown, while cell apoptosis was notably increased. Furthermore, we found that hsa_circ_0051908 silencing downregulated vimentin and Snail and upregulated E-cadherin. In vivo, hsa_circ_0051908 silencing significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that hsa_circ_0051908 promotes HCC progression partially by mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and it may be used for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huafei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanxing Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisi Zeng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Zhang Q, Liu L. Novel insights into small open reading frame-encoded micropeptides in hepatocellular carcinoma: A potential breakthrough. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216691. [PMID: 38360139 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are regarded as a class of RNA transcripts that lack encoding capability; however, advancements in technology have revealed that some ncRNAs contain small open reading frames (sORFs) that are capable of encoding micropeptides of approximately 150 amino acids in length. sORF-encoded micropeptides (SEPs) have emerged as intriguing entities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research, shedding light on this previously unexplored realm. Recent studies have highlighted the regulatory functions of SEPs in the occurrence and progression of HCC. Some SEPs exhibit inhibitory effects on HCC, but others facilitate its development. This discovery has revolutionized the landscape of HCC research and clinical management. Here, we introduce the concept and characteristics of SEPs, summarize their associations with HCC, and elucidate their carcinogenic mechanisms in HCC metabolism, signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and metastasis. In addition, we propose a step-by-step workflow for the investigation of HCC-associated SEPs. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and prospects of applying SEPs in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review aims to facilitate the discovery, optimization, and clinical application of HCC-related SEPs, inspiring the development of early diagnostic, individualized, and precision therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangnu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020, Shenzhen, China.
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Breitenecker K, Heiden D, Demmer T, Weber G, Primorac AM, Hedrich V, Ortmayr G, Gruenberger T, Starlinger P, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Barozzi I, Mikulits W. Tumor-Extrinsic Axl Expression Shapes an Inflammatory Microenvironment Independent of Tumor Cell Promoting Axl Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4202. [PMID: 38673795 PMCID: PMC11050718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl by Gas6 is a major driver of tumorigenesis. Despite recent insights, tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic Axl functions are poorly understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we analyzed the cell-specific aspects of Axl in liver cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment. We show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression decreased the survival of mice and elevated the number of pulmonary metastases in a model of resection-based tumor recurrence. Axl expression increased the invasion of hepatospheres by the activation of Akt signaling and a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the liver tumor burden of Axl+/+ mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride was reduced compared to systemic Axl-/- mice. Tumors of Axl+/+ mice were highly infiltrated with cytotoxic cells, suggesting a key immune-modulatory role of Axl. Interestingly, hepatocyte-specific Axl deficiency did not alter T cell infiltration, indicating that these changes are independent of tumor cell-intrinsic Axl. In this context, we observed an upregulation of multiple chemokines in Axl+/+ compared to Axl-/- tumors, correlating with HCC patient data. In line with this, Axl is associated with a cytotoxic immune signature in HCC patients. Together these data show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression fosters progression, while tumor-extrinsic Axl expression shapes an inflammatory microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Denise Heiden
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Tobias Demmer
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Ana-Maria Primorac
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gruenberger
- Department of Surgery, HPB Center, Viennese Health Network, Clinic Favoriten and Sigmund Freud Private University, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Starlinger
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
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Hong J, Du K, Jin H, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Zhang W, Chen D, Zheng S, Cao L. Evidence of promoting effects of 6:2 Cl-PFESA on hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation in humans: An ideal alternative for PFOS in terms of environmental health? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108582. [PMID: 38513556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108582] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals, encompassing compounds like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which have widespread applications across various industries, including food packaging and firefighting. In recent years, China has increasingly employed 6:2 Cl-PFESA as an alternative to PFOS. Although the association between PFAS exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms that promote HCC proliferation are uncleared. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects and differences of PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA on HCC proliferation through in vivo and in vitro tumor models. Our results reveal that both PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA significantly contribute to HCC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Exposure led to reduced population doubling times, enlarged cell colony sizes, enhanced DNA synthesis efficiency, and a higher proportion of cells undergoing mitosis. Furthermore, both PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFES) have been shown to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibit necroptosis. This action consequently enhances the proliferation of HCC cells. Our phenotypic assay findings suggest that the tumorigenic potential of 6:2 Cl-PFESA surpasses that of PFOS; in a subcutaneous tumor model using nude mice, the mean tumor weight for the 6:2 Cl-PFESA-treated cohort was 2.33 times that observed in the PFOS cohort (p < 0.01). Despite 6:2 Cl-PFESA being considered a safer substitute for PFOS, the pronounced effects of this chemical on HCC cell growth warrant a thorough assessment of hepatotoxicity risks linked to its usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Hong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Keyi Du
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China; Innovation Research Center of Advanced Environmental Technology, Eco-Industrial Innovation Institute ZJUT, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324400, China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China; Innovation Research Center of Advanced Environmental Technology, Eco-Industrial Innovation Institute ZJUT, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324400, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Weichen Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Diyu Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Linping Cao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Yin KL, Chu KJ, Li M, Duan YX, Yu YX, Kang MQ, Fu D, Liao R. Immune Regulatory Networks and Therapy of γδ T Cells in Liver Cancer: Recent Trends and Advancements. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:287-297. [PMID: 38426194 PMCID: PMC10899867 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of γδ T cells in liver cancer, especially in the potential function of immunotherapy due to their direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and secretion of important cytokines and chemokines, have aroused research interest. This review briefly describes the basic characteristics of γδ T cells, focusing on their diverse effects on liver cancer. In particular, different subtypes of γδ T cells have diverse or even opposite effects on liver cancer. We provide a detailed description of the immune regulatory network of γδ T cells in liver cancer from two aspects: immune components and nonimmune components. The interactions between various components in this immune regulatory network are dynamic and pluralistic, ultimately determining the biological effects of γδ T cells in liver cancer. We also integrate the current knowledge of γδ T-cell immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment, emphasizing the potential of these cells in liver cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Li Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Jian Chu
- Biliary Surgical Department I, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgical Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Xi Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Qing Kang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Da Fu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Chen J, He F, Peng H, Guo J. The underlying mechanism and targeted therapy strategy of miRNAs cross-regulating EMT process through multiple signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1378386. [PMID: 38584703 PMCID: PMC10995332 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1378386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The consistent notion holds that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, and clinical treatment failure treatment failure are affected by the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. meanwhile, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial biological process that controls the development of HCC. miRNAs regulate the intermediation state of EMTor mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MTE)thereby regulating HCC progression. Notably, miRNAs regulate key HCC-related molecular pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, TGF-β pathway, and RAS/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed how miRNAs produce EMT effects by multiple signaling pathways and their potential significance in the pathogenesis and treatment response of HCC. emphasizing their molecular pathways and progression in HCC initiation. Additionally, we also pay attention to regulatory mechanisms that are partially independent of signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize and propose miRNA-targeted therapy and diagnosis and defense strategies forHCC. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during HCC disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Consequently, we summarize the latest progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fuguo He
- Department of Pathology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Du YQ, Yuan B, Ye YX, Zhou FL, Liu H, Huang JJ, Wei YF. Plumbagin Regulates Snail to Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in vivo and in vitro. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:565-580. [PMID: 38525157 PMCID: PMC10960549 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s452924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Plumbagin (PL) has been shown to effe ctively inhibit autophagy, suppressing invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PL on tumor growth factor (TGF)-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC. Methods Huh-7 cells were cultured, and in vivo models of EMT and HCC-associated lung metastasis were developed through tail vein and in situ injections of tumor cells. In vivo imaging and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate HCC modeling and lung metastasis. After PL intervention, the expression levels of Snail, vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin in the liver were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and Western blot. An in vitro TGF-β-induced cell EMT model was used to detect Snail, vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin mRNA levels through a polymerase chain reaction. Their protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Results In vivo experiments demonstrated that PL significantly reduced the expression of Snail, vimentin, and N-cadherin, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin at the protein levels, effectively inhibiting HCC and lung metastasis. In vitro experiments confirmed that PL up-regulated epithelial cell markers, down-regulated mesenchymal cell markers, and inhibited EMT levels in HCC cells. Conclusion PL inhibits Snail expression, up-regulates E-cadherin expression, and down-regulates N-cadherin and vimentin expression, preventing EMT in HCC cells and reducing lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Qin Du
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yuan
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xian Ye
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng-ling Zhou
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Fei Wei
- Department of Physiology, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Treating High-Incidence Infectious Diseases with Integrative Medicine, Nanning, 530200, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang C, Zhong H, Zhao F, Ma ZY, Dai ZJ, Pang GD. Preoperatively predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in hepatocellular carcinoma: Machine learning model based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:857-874. [PMID: 38577448 PMCID: PMC10989357 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i3.857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) was considered as a distinct pattern of tumor vascularization which can primarily facilitate the entry of the whole tumor cluster into the bloodstream in an invasion independent manner, and was regarded as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM To develop and validate a preoperative nomogram using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to predict the presence of VETC+ in HCC. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 190 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent CECT scanning and immunochemical staining for cluster of differentiation 34 at two medical centers. Radiomics analysis was conducted on intratumoral and peritumoral regions in the portal vein phase. Radiomics features, essential for identifying VETC+ HCC, were extracted and utilized to develop a radiomics model using machine learning algorithms in the training set. The model's performance was validated on two separate test sets. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to compare the identified performance of three models in predicting the VETC status of HCC on both training and test sets. The most predictive model was then used to constructed a radiomics nomogram that integrated the independent clinical-radiological features. ROC and decision curve analysis were used to assess the performance characteristics of the clinical-radiological features, the radiomics features and the radiomics nomogram. RESULTS The study included 190 individuals from two independent centers, with the majority being male (81%) and a median age of 57 years (interquartile range: 51-66). The area under the curve (AUC) for the combined radiomics features selected from the intratumoral and peritumoral areas were 0.825, 0.788, and 0.680 in the training set and the two test sets. A total of 13 features were selected to construct the Rad-score. The nomogram, combining clinical-radiological and combined radiomics features could accurately predict VETC+ in all three sets, with AUC values of 0.859, 0.848 and 0.757. Decision curve analysis revealed that the radiomics nomogram was more clinically useful than both the clinical-radiological feature and the combined radiomics models. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential utility of a CECT-based radiomics nomogram, incorporating clinical-radiological features and combined radiomics features, in the identification of VETC+ HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hai Zhong
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Ma
- Department of Radiology, Linglong Yingcheng Hospital, Yantai 265499, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Dai
- Department of Scientific Research, Huiying Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Guo-Dong Pang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liao Z, Huang M, Shui X. The potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as receptors for metabolic changes in tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1328606. [PMID: 38434684 PMCID: PMC10904539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1328606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can alter their metabolism to meet energy and molecular requirements due to unfavorable environments with oxygen and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming is common in a tumor microenvironment (TME). Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor, which can be activated by many exogenous and endogenous ligands. Multiple AhR ligands can be produced by both TME and tumor cells. By attaching to various ligands, AhR regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming by dysregulating various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. These regulated pathways greatly contribute to cancer cell growth, metastasis, and evading cancer therapies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we review the relationship between TME and metabolism and describe the important role of AhR in cancer regulation. We also focus on recent findings to discuss the idea that AhR acts as a receptor for metabolic changes in tumors, which may provide new perspectives on the direction of AhR research in tumor metabolic reprogramming and future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Wang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanqi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihong Liao
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingzhang Huang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Huang W, Wang C, Zhang H. Eriodictyol inhibits the motility, angiogenesis and tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma via NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24401. [PMID: 38317873 PMCID: PMC10839802 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24401] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
NLRP3 involves in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eriodictyol has shown its inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation. However, the underlying mechanism of eriodictyol in HCC is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of and mechanism of eriodictyol on HCC. In this study, compared with eriodictyol (0 μM) group, eriodictyol significantly suppressed HepG2 cells (eriodictyol of 25, 50 and 100 μM) and Huh-7 cells (eriodictyol of 50 and 100 μM) viability, invasion, tube formation, metastasis-related genes MMP3, MMP16 and angiogenesis regulator VEGFA expressions with IC50 of 45.63 μM and 78.26 μM in vitro, respectively. Besides, eriodictyol significantly repressed NLRP3 expression, and reduced the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, adapter protein ASC, caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-18, and IL-1β in HepG2 (eriodictyol of 25, 50 and 100 μM) and Huh-7 cells (eriodictyol of 50 and 100 μM), respectively. Meanwhile, compared with control group, NLRP3 overexpression reversed the anti-metastatic effects of 100 μM eriodictyol on HCC cells invasion, tube formation, and metastasis-related genes MMP3, MMP16 and angiogenesis regulator VEGFA expressions, whereas NLRP3 knockdown enhanced the anti-metastatic effects of 100 μM eriodictyol on HCC cells. In vivo, compared with control group, eriodictyol significantly reduced the tumor growth, liver damage, inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and improved liver function, whereas NLRP3 overexpressing neutralized the anti-tumor effects of eriodictyol and degraded liver function. Hence, eriodictyol inhibited HCC cell viability, motility, angiogenesis and tumor growth via NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
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Gao J, Huo Z, Song X, Shao Q, Ren W, Huang X, Zhou S, Tang X. EGFR mediates epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through the Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway to promote liver cancer proliferation and migration. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:59. [PMID: 38192662 PMCID: PMC10773224 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14192] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed in various types of cancer and is associated with the malignant biological behavior of cancer cells. In the present study, the expression of EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and liver cancer cells was detected by immunohistochemical staining, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, a lentivirus was transduced into HepG2 liver cancer cells to knock down EGFR expression. Cell proliferation and migration, and the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were assessed by EdU staining, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, and western blotting. The results revealed that EGF/EGFR can mediate EMT through the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/Snail signaling pathway to promote HepG2 cell proliferation and migration. Inhibition of the activation of the EGFR signaling pathway can help to partially reverse the EMT phenotype, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the EGFR/Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway serves an important role in HCC progression, and inhibition of the activation of the EGFR signaling pathway may be a valuable strategy in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Gao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Huo
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Xueyi Song
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Shao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Huainan First People's Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Huainan First People's Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Shuping Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Huainan First People's Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Huainan First People's Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
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Luo ZY, Tian Q, Cheng NM, Liu WH, Yang Y, Chen W, Zhang XZ, Zheng XY, Chen MS, Zhuang QY, Zhao BX, Liu CS, Liu XL, Li Q, Wang YC. Pien Tze Huang Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Repressing PDGFRB/YAP/CCN2 Axis Activity. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:115-124. [PMID: 35947230 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Pien Tze Huang (PZH) on the migration and invasion of HCC cells and underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was applied to evaluate the cell viabilities of SMMC-7721, SK-Hep-1, C3A and HL-7702 (6 × 103 cells/well) co-incubated with different concentrations of PZH (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mg/mL) for 24 h. Transwell, wound healing assay, CCK-8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were conducted to investigate the effects of PZH on the migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis of SK-Hep-1 and SMMC-7721 cells (650 µ g/mL for SK-Hep-1 cells and 330 µ g/mL for SMMC-7721 cells), respectively. In vivo, lung metastasis mouse model constructed by tail vein injection of HCC cells was used for evaluating the anti-metastasis function of PZH. SK-Hep-1 cells (106 cells/200 µ L per mice) were injected into B-NDG mice via tail vein. Totally 8 mice were randomly divided into PZH and control groups, 4 mice in each group. After 2-d inoculation, mice in the PZH group were administered with PZH (250 mg/kg, daily) and mice in the control group received only vehicle (PBS) from the 2nd day after xenograft to day 17. Transcriptome analysis based on RNA-seq was subsequently used for deciphering anti-tumor mechanism of PZH. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to verify RNA-seq results. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the transcriptional activity of yes-associated protein (YAP). RESULTS PZH treatment significantly inhibited the migration, invasion, proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo (P<0.01). Transcriptome analysis indicated that Hippo signaling pathway was associated with anti-metastasis function of PZH. Mechanical study showed PZH significantly inhibited the expressions of platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB), YAP, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2), N-cadherin, vimentin and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of YAP was also enhanced by PZH treatment in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PZH played roles in inhibiting the transcriptional activity of YAP. CONCLUSION PZH restrained migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells through repressing PDGFRB/YAP/CCN2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Luo
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, 363099, China
| | - Qi Tian
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Niang-Mei Cheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Wen-Han Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Ye Yang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Xiang-Zhi Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Ming-Sheng Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Qiu-Yu Zhuang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Bi-Xing Zhao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Cong-Sheng Liu
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, 363099, China
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Qin Li
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
| | - Ying-Chao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering and Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
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Xie C, Hao X, Yuan H, Wang C, Sharif R, Yu H. Crosstalk Between circRNA and Tumor Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanism, Function and Applications. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:7-26. [PMID: 38283733 PMCID: PMC10812140 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s437536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common aggressive tumors in the world. Despite the availability of various treatments, its prognosis remains poor due to the lack of specific diagnostic indicators and the high heterogeneity of HCC cases. CircRNAs are noncoding RNAs with stable and highly specific expression. Extensive research evidence suggests that circRNAs mediate the pathogenesis and progression of HCC through acting as miRNA sponges, protein modulators, and translation templates. Tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a hotspot of immune-related research in recent years due to its effects on metabolism, secretion and immunity of HCC. Accordingly, understanding the role played by circRNAs in TME is important for the study of HCC. This review will discuss the crosstalk between circRNAs and TME in HCC. In addition, we will discuss the current deficiencies and controversies in research on circRNAs and predict future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Xie
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopei Hao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chongyu Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Razinah Sharif
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- Biocompatibility Laboratory, Centre for Research and Instrumentation, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Haibo Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Zhu W, Dong X, Tian N, Feng Z, Zhou W, Song W. CSTB accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23506. [PMID: 38187282 PMCID: PMC10770458 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23506] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to global cancer-related deaths, leading to high mortality rates. However, the pathogenesis of HCC remains unclear. In this research, by the bioinformatics data analysis, we found that elevated CSTB expression correlated with advanced disease and predicted diminished overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. We subsequently verified the oncogenic role of CSTB as well as the potential underlying mechanisms in HCC through a series of in vitro experiments, such as CCK-8 assays, cloning assays, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and western blotting. Our findings illustrated that the silencing of CSTB effectively suppressed cellular proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase and impaired HCC cell invasion and migration by stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, we analyzed the pathways enriched in HCC using RNA sequencing and found that the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was related to increased CSTB expression in HCC. Finally, we confirmed the tumorigenic role of CSTB via in vivo experiments. Thus, our findings revealed that silencing CSTB inhibited the HCC progression via the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, highlighting new perspectives for investigating the mechanisms of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangjun Dong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Tian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihui Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihong Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
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Hayashi M, Abe K, Sugaya T, Takahata Y, Fujita M, Takahashi A, Ohira H. Influence of serum Gas6 levels on prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:62-69. [PMID: 37801445 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is important for switching treatment. The association between circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is unknown. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the association between serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels and clinical findings in 132 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Amongst 132 patients, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage was classified as 0, A, B, C and D in 19, 48, 41, 18 and 6 patients, respectively. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were higher than those in healthy controls (28.4 ng/mL vs. 19.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and growth arrest-specific 6 levels were positively correlated with soluble Axl levels. In the entire cohort, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a shorter survival period (hazard ratio: 1.78 per 20 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.16, P = 0.045). In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 59), we determined a cut-off value of 36.4 ng/mL based on the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict death within 3 years, and high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high cumulative incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis (Gray's test: P = 0.010) and shorter overall survival (log-rank: P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis. Circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels may be a useful prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Sugaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Yüregir Y, Kaçaroğlu D, Yaylacı S. Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanism and Targeted Therapeutic Approaches. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1450:93-102. [PMID: 37452258 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, with multiple risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with advanced HCC remains low, creating an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and strategies.One biological process crucial to HCC progression is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process that enables epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, including motility and invasiveness, by losing their cell-cell adhesion. Various signaling pathways, including TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, have been implicated in regulating EMT in HCC.To inhibit EMT, targeted therapeutic approaches have been developed, and preclinical studies suggest that the inhibition of the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways is promising. TGF-β receptor inhibitors, Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, and gamma-secretase inhibitors have shown efficacy in preclinical studies by inhibiting EMT and reducing tumor growth in HCC models. However, further clinical studies are necessary to determine their effectiveness in human patients.In addition to these approaches, further research is needed to identify other novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies for HCC. This review emphasizes the critical role of EMT in HCC progression and highlights the potential of targeting the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways to inhibit EMT and reduce tumor growth in HCC. Future studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate these therapeutic strategies and develop effective treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Yüregir
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet Kaçaroğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seher Yaylacı
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Li M, Huang F, Zhu W, Peng Y, Xu F, Li W, Zhao Q, Liu L. Dynamic regulation of EXO1 promotes the progression from liver fibrosis to HCC through TGF-β1/Smad signaling feedback loop. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0342. [PMID: 38126949 PMCID: PMC10749710 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HSCs are the main stromal cells in the process of liver fibrosis and accelerate HCC progression. Previous studies determined that highly expressed exonuclease 1 (EXO1) increases the malignant behavior of HCC cells and is closely related to liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of EXO1 in the development of liver cirrhosis and HCC. METHODS We fully demonstrated that EXO1 expression was positively correlated with liver fibrosis and cirrhotic HCC by combining bioinformatics, hepatic fibrosis mouse models, and human HCC tissues. The role of EXO1 in a murine HCC model induced by activated forms of AKT and Ras oncogenes (AKT/Ras) was investigated by employing an adeno-associated virus-mediated EXO1 knockdown technique. RESULTS The knockdown of EXO1 promoted a regression of HCC in AKT/Ras mice and reduced the degree of liver fibrosis. Downregulated EXO1 inhibited LX-2 cell activation and inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Moreover, conditioned medium of LX-2 cells with EXO1 overexpression increased the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, which was attenuated after EXO1 knockout in LX-2 cells. EXO1 knockdown attenuated the role of LX-2 in promoting HepG2 xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, EXO1 promotes the activation of the downstream TGF-β-smad2/3 signaling in LX-2 and HCC cells. Interestingly, increased TGF-β-smad2/3 signaling had a feedback effect on EXO1, which sustains EXO1 expression and continuously stimulates the activation of HSCs. CONCLUSIONS EXO1 forms a positive feedback circuit with TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and promotes the activation of HSCs, which accelerates HCC progression. Those findings indicate EXO1 may be a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of cirrhotic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxing Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Weining Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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Wang Y, Huang H, Weng H, Jia C, Liao B, Long Y, Yu F, Nie Y. Talin mechanotransduction in disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 166:106490. [PMID: 37914021 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Talin protein (Talin 1/2) is a mechanosensitive cytoskeleton protein. The unique structure of the Talin plays a vital role in transmitting mechanical forces. Talin proteins connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton by linking to integrins and actin, thereby mediating the conversion of mechanical signals into biochemical signals and influencing disease progression as potential diagnostic indicators, therapeutic targets, and prognostic indicators of various diseases. Most studies in recent years have confirmed that mechanical forces also have a crucial role in the development of disease, and Talin has been found to play a role in several diseases. Still, more studies need to be done on how Talin is involved in mechanical signaling in disease. This review focuses on the mechanical signaling of Talin in disease, aiming to summarize the mechanisms by which Talin plays a role in disease and to provide references for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China
| | - Haozhong Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China
| | - Huimin Weng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China
| | - Chunsen Jia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Dysfunction, Luzhou, China
| | - Yang Long
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
| | - Fengxu Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Dysfunction, Luzhou, China
| | - Yongmei Nie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Dysfunction, Luzhou, China.
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Wang X, Yin L, Chai M, Kou B, Liu X, Wang X. Hu-Qi-Zheng-Xiao Decoction Inhibits the Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Suppressing the HIF-1α Signaling Pathway to Inhibit EMT, LCSC, and Angiogenic Process. Integr Cancer Ther 2024; 23:15347354231226126. [PMID: 38385348 PMCID: PMC10893843 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231226126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common clinical malignant tumor of the digestive system. Hu-Qi-Zheng-Xiao (HQZX) decoction has been clinically found to prolong the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and improve the quality of patients' survival, but its antitumor biological mechanism is still unclear. METHODS A nude mouse hollow fiber hepatocellular carcinoma model was constructed to analyze the in vivo efficacy of HQZX decoction against 7 different hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The subcutaneous graft tumor model was again validated. In vitro, the effect of HQZX decoction on the growth and metastasis of the cell line with the highest growth inhibition was evaluated. The cell line with the best efficacy response screened was again used to construct a hollow fiber hepatocellular carcinoma model and hollow fiber conduit cells were extracted to detect the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, EMT-related molecules, LCSCs-related molecules, and to observe the density of the subcutaneous vascular network of hollow fiber conduits. The liver metastasis model of splenic injection was constructed to observe the effect of HQZX decoction on tumor metastasis. RESULTS The hollow fiber hepatocellular carcinoma model was evaluated for the efficacy of HQZX decoction, and it was found to have the highest growth inhibition of LM3-luc cells. In vitro, the CCK8 assay revealed that HQZX decoction could inhibit tumor migration and invasion and promote apoptosis. In addition, the mechanism study of extracting cells from hollow fiber tubes found that HQZX decoction could inhibit metastasis-associated HIF-1α, VEGF, EMT-related molecules, and LCSCs-related molecules expression. capillary network around subcutaneous fiber tubes was reduced in the HQZX decoction gavage group of mice. It inhibited tumor metastasis in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS HQZX decoction inhibited the growth of a variety of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. HQZX decoction suppressed the expression of metastasis-associated VEGF, EMT-related molecules, and LCSCs-related molecules and inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth and metastasis, which may be related to the inhibition of the HIF-1α signaling pathway. It reveals that HQZX decoction may be a promising herbal compound for anti-HCC therapy, and also reveals the accurate feasibility of the hollow fiber hepatocellular carcinoma model for in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation and mechanism study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Yin
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyin Chai
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Buxin Kou
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoni Liu
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Romanzi A, Milosa F, Marcelli G, Critelli RM, Lasagni S, Gigante I, Dituri F, Schepis F, Cadamuro M, Giannelli G, Fabris L, Villa E. Angiopoietin-2 and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promote Migration and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma- and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-Derived Spheroids. Biomedicines 2023; 12:87. [PMID: 38255193 PMCID: PMC10813100 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overexpressing Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) (a protein linked with angiogenesis, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)), shares 95% of up-regulated genes and a similar poor prognosis with the proliferative subgroup of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). We analyzed the pro-invasive effect of ANG-2 and its regulator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on HCC and CCA spheroids to uncover posUsible common ways of response. Four cell lines were used: Hep3B and HepG2 (HCC), HuCC-T1 (iCCA), and EGI-1 (extrahepatic CCA). We treated the spheroids with recombinant human (rh) ANG-2 and/or VEGF and then observed the changes at the baseline, after 24 h, and again after 48 h. Proangiogenic stimuli increased migration and invasion capability in HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids and were associated with a modification in EMT phenotypic markers (a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin and Vimentin), especially at the migration front. Inhibitors targeting ANG-2 (Trebananib) and the VEGF (Bevacizumab) effectively blocked the migration ability of spheroids that had been stimulated with rh-ANG-2 and rh-VEGF. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role played by ANG-2 and the VEGF in enhancing the ability of HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids to migrate and invade, which are key processes in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Romanzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabiola Milosa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Marcelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Rosina Maria Critelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Simone Lasagni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Isabella Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
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Hu Y, Wang R, An N, Li C, Wang Q, Cao Y, Li C, Liu J, Wang Y. Unveiling the power of microenvironment in liver regeneration: an in-depth overview. Front Genet 2023; 14:1332190. [PMID: 38152656 PMCID: PMC10751322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1332190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver serves as a vital regulatory hub for various physiological processes, including sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, coagulation regulation, immune system maintenance, hormone inactivation, urea metabolism, and water-electrolyte acid-base balance control. These functions rely on coordinated communication among different liver cell types, particularly within the liver's fundamental hepatic lobular structure. In the early stages of liver development, diverse liver cells differentiate from stem cells in a carefully orchestrated manner. Despite its susceptibility to damage, the liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity, with the hepatic lobule serving as a secure environment for cell division and proliferation during liver regeneration. This regenerative process depends on a complex microenvironment, involving liver resident cells, circulating cells, secreted cytokines, extracellular matrix, and biological forces. While hepatocytes proliferate under varying injury conditions, their sources may vary. It is well-established that hepatocytes with regenerative potential are distributed throughout the hepatic lobules. However, a comprehensive spatiotemporal model of liver regeneration remains elusive, despite recent advancements in genomics, lineage tracing, and microscopic imaging. This review summarizes the spatial distribution of cell gene expression within the regenerative microenvironment and its impact on liver regeneration patterns. It offers valuable insights into understanding the complex process of liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelei Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cadre’s Wards Ultrasound Diagnostics, Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ni An
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yannan Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Zhu M, Fan H, Deng J, Jiang K, Liao J, Zhang X, Chen Y, Yu M, Peng Z. BMI1 Silencing Liposomes Suppress Postradiotherapy Cancer Stemness against Radioresistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23405-23421. [PMID: 37988576 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy causes DNA damage by direct ionization and indirect generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby destroying cancer cells. However, ionizing radiation (IR) unexpectedly elicits metastasis and invasion of cancer cells by inducing cancer stem cells' (CSCs) properties. As BMI1 is a crucial gene that causes radioresistance and an unfavorable prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), BMI1 inhibitor PTC-209 has been encapsulated in a ROS-responsive liposome (LP(PTC-209)) to be temporally and spatially delivered to radioresistant HCC tissue. The ROS generated during IR was not only considered to directly cause tumor cell death but also be used as a stimulator to trigger ROS-responsive drug release from LP(PTC-209). The PTC-209 released into resistant HCC tissue under radiotherapy further led to cancer stem cell (CSC) differentiation and then recovered radiosensitivity of HCC tumor. The suppression of the radioresistant performance of LP(PTC-209) has been proved on radiosensitive and radioresistant Hepa1-6 CSC tumor models, respectively. Our study clarified the relationship between radiotherapy and cancer stemness and provided insights to achieve complete suppression of radioresistant HCC tumor by inhibiting cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haonan Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junlin Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Meng Yu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Xiang X, Kuang W, Yu C, Li Y, Su Q, Tian Y, Li J. Tex10 interacts with STAT3 to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1974-1989. [PMID: 37792308 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Testis expression 10 (Tex10) is reported to be associated with tumorigenesis in several types of cancer types, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been investigated. In this study, the expression of Tex10 in the HCC cell line and tissue microarray was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the Tex10-mediated biological process. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell assays, xenograft tumor growth, and lung metastasis experiments in nude mice were applied to assess the effects of Tex10 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated using dual-luciferase reporter, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We found that Tex10 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, with its expression correlated with a poor prognosis. Gene ontology function enrichment analysis revealed alterations in several biological processes in response to Tex10 knockdown, especially cell motility and cell migration. Functional studies demonstrated that Tex10 promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Tex10 was shown to regulate invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Mechanistically, Tex10 was found to interact with STAT3 and promote its transcriptional activity. In addition, we found that Tex10 promotes p300-mediated STAT3 acetylation, while p300 silencing abolishes Tex10-enhanced STAT3 transcriptional activity. Together, these findings indicate that Tex10 functions as an oncogene by upregulating STAT3 activity, thus suggesting that Tex10 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Xiang
- Institute of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic-Intestinal Disease, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wei Kuang
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jingdong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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44
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Li Q, Zhang J, Xiao S, Hu M, Cheng J, Yao C, Zhuang Q. The impact of liver fibrosis on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via a hypoxia-immune-integrated prognostic model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111136. [PMID: 37935090 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of liver fibrosis on the deterioration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We hope to explore this issue through establishing a fibrosis-hypoxia-glycolysis-immune related prognostic model. Liver fibrosis-related genes from Molecular Signatures Database were used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis in HCC patients from the TCGA database. The patients were divided into two groups using the fibrosis-related expression matrix based on the algorithm uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and evaluated for fibrosis by UMAP cluster and gene enrichment analysis. Prognostic model was constructed by differential analysis, LASSO, and multivariate regression analysis. Immune-infiltration analysis was performed by CIBERSORT. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure the gene expression levels in HCC patients from our hospital. In 365 HCC patients from the TCGA database, 111 HCC patients with high fibrosis score have a worse prognosis than those with low fibrosis based on 129 genes related to liver fibrosis, which may be caused by the interaction between fibrosis, angiogenesis, hypoxia, glycolysis, inflammatory response, and high immune infiltration. We constructed a Fibrosis-Hypoxia-Glycolysis-Immune Prognostic Model (FHGISig), which could significantly predict disease progression in HCC patients. Furthermore, we revealed a close correlation between FHGISig and immune cell infiltration level as well as immune checkpoints. Finally, PCR results found TFF3 mRNA was significantly lower in cirrhotic HCC patients compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Liver fibrosis is a poor-prognostic factor for HCC, and our FHGISig could significantly predict disease progression, which could also be a potential predictive marker for immunotherapy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Junbo Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Sheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570105, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chenjiao Yao
- Department of General Medicine, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Quan Zhuang
- Transplantation Center, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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45
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Liu Q, Wang L, He D, Wu Y, Liu X, Yang Y, Chen Z, Dong Z, Luo Y, Song Y. Application Value of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16718. [PMID: 38069041 PMCID: PMC10706433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor disease that seriously endangers human health and lacks effective treatment methods. As part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but also can specifically kill tumor cells. The positive charge of antimicrobial peptides under neutral conditions determines their high selectivity to tumor cells. In addition, antimicrobial peptides also have unique anticancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, membrane destruction, and inhibition of metastasis, which highlights the low drug resistance and high specificity of antimicrobial peptides. In this review, we summarize the related studies on antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of digestive tract tumors, mainly oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. This paper describes the therapeutic advantages of antimicrobial peptides due to their unique anticancer mechanisms. The length, net charge, and secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides can be modified by design or modification to further enhance their anticancer effects. In summary, as an emerging cancer treatment drug, antimicrobial peptides need to be further studied to realize their application in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Dongxia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuewei Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xian Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yahan Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhizhi Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhan Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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46
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Ballarò C, Quaranta V, Giannelli G. Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Can Cytokines Make the Difference? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5359. [PMID: 38001618 PMCID: PMC10670198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225359] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Metastasis is the prime driver of CRC-related mortality, and the liver is the organ most frequently involved. Despite the overall success of current treatments, colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is associated with poor prognoses and a survival rate of only 14%. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the crosstalk within it in determining the invasion of distant organs by circulating cancer cells. In the TME, cellular communication is mediated via soluble molecules, among which cytokines have recently emerged as key regulators, involved in every aspect of tumor progression and the metastatic cascade. Indeed, in the serum of CRC patients elevated levels of several cytokines are associated with cancer development and progression. The current review evaluates the role of different cytokines during CRLM development. Additionally, considering the increasing amount of data concerning the importance of cytokine complex networks, we outline the potential of combination treatments using targeted cytokines together with other well-established therapies, such as immune checkpoint blockades, chemotherapy, or gene therapy, to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Ballarò
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Quaranta
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy;
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Yi K, Kong H, Zheng C, Zhuo C, Jin Y, Zhong Q, Mintz RL, Ju E, Wang H, Lv S, Lao YH, Tao Y, Li M. A LIGHTFUL nanomedicine overcomes EGFR-mediated drug resistance for enhanced tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-based hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122349. [PMID: 37844429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology is appealing to overcome the drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) towards tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. However, combining these two distinct drugs using traditional liposomes results in a suboptimal synergistic anti-HCC effect due to the limited CRISPR/Cas9 delivery efficiency caused by lysosomal entrapment after endocytosis. Herein, we developed a liver-targeting gene-hybridizing-TKI fusogenic liposome (LIGHTFUL) that can achieve high CRISPR/Cas9 expression to reverse the EGFR-mediated drug resistance for enhanced TKI-based HCC therapy efficiently. Coated with a galactose-modified membrane-fusogenic lipid layer, LIGHTFUL reached the targeting liver site to fuse with HCC tumor cells, directly and efficiently transporting interior CDK5- and PLK1-targeting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids (pXG333-CPs) into the HCC cell cytoplasm and then the cell nucleus for efficient expression. Such membrane-fusion-mediated pXG333-CP delivery resulted in effective downregulation of both CDK5 and PLK1, sufficiently inactivating EGFR to improve the anti-HCC effects of the co-delivered TKI, lenvatinib. This membrane-fusion-participant codelivery strategy optimized the synergetic effect of CRISPR/Cas9 and TKI combinational therapy as indicated by the 0.35 combination index in vitro and the dramatic reduction of subcutaneous and orthotopic TKI-insensitive HCC tumor growth in mice. Therefore, the established LIGHTFUL provides a unique co-delivery platform to combine gene editing and TKI therapies for enhanced synergetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yi
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huimin Kong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chunxiong Zheng
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chenya Zhuo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jin
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qingguo Zhong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Rachel L Mintz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Enguo Ju
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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48
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Jia W, Jin B, Xu W, Liu S, Mao X, Peng H, Zhang Y. pH-Responsive and Actively Targeted Metal-Organic Framework Structures for Multimodal Antitumor Therapy and Inhibition of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:50069-50082. [PMID: 37871135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Multimodal treatment is an important tool to overcome tumor drug resistance. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) can directly play a killing role on tumor cells, which has the advantages of repeatable treatment and no drug resistance. However, its therapeutic oxygen consumption and destruction of tumor microvessels lead to hypoxia in tumor tissues, and hypoxia leads to overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase (c-MET) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Overexpression of these two receptors leads to increased tumor invasiveness and metastasis. The molecularly targeted drug cabozantinib (CAB) has multiple targets, including anti-c-MET and VEGFR, to inhibit the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, our team designed a pH-sensitive nanoparticle CAB/Ce6@ZIF-8@PEG-FA (CCZP) loaded with CAB and Ce6, which exerted a multimodal therapeutic effect of PDT and molecularly targeted therapy by laser irradiation, and the PDT-induced overexpression of MET and VEGFR could also be inhibited by the target of CAB, thus reducing the invasive tumor cells metastasis. In summary, CCZP gives full play to the advantages of both drugs, exerting multimodal treatment while reducing HCC invasion and metastasis, providing a safe, potential approach to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiLu Jia
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - WenJing Xu
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - ShiWei Liu
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - XinYu Mao
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - YeWei Zhang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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49
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Zhang J, Zhou Y, Feng J, Xu X, Wu J, Guo C. Deciphering roles of TRIMs as promising targets in hepatocellular carcinoma: current advances and future directions. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115538. [PMID: 37729731 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115538] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripartite motif (TRIM) family is assigned to RING-finger-containing ligases harboring the largest number of proteins in E3 ubiquitin ligating enzymes. E3 ubiquitin ligases target the specific substrate for proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which seems to be a more effective and direct strategy for tumor therapy. Recent advances have demonstrated that TRIM genes associate with the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TRIMs trigger or inhibit multiple biological activities like proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, ferroptosis and autophagy in HCC dependent on its highly conserved yet diverse structures. Remarkably, autophagy is another proteolytic pathway for intracellular protein degradation and TRIM proteins may help to delineate the interaction between the two proteolytic systems. In depth research on the precise molecular mechanisms of TRIM family will allow for targeting TRIM in HCC treatment. We also highlight several potential directions warranted further development associated with TRIM family to provide bright insight into its translational values in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, China.
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
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50
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Lu X, Mao J, Wang Y, Huang Y, Gu M. Water extract of frankincense and myrrh inhibits liver cancer progression and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Mol Clin Oncol 2023; 19:77. [PMID: 37719039 PMCID: PMC10502803 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which serves an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. Frankincense and myrrh (FM) are antitumor agents commonly used in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of water extract of FM on the progression of liver cancer cells. FM was applied to study its effects on HCC cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, western blot was used to study the protein levels associated with EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence assay. A non-toxic dose of FM significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, FM promoted expression of EMT marker E-cadherin, while decreasing expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Finally, the protein and the nuclear staining levels of Disheveled 2 and β-catenin were both suppressed by water extract of FM. The water extract of FM inhibited the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells and inhibited EMT by suppressing activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Jialei Mao
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yaodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Maolin Gu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
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