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Jin X, Wang S, Luo L, Yan F, He Q. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Potential for advancement. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116463. [PMID: 39102994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116463] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are highly prevalent cancers that threaten human health worldwide. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of GICs. Numerous interventions targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in GICs are currently being tested in clinical trials with promising results. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs that effectively target this pathway. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of clinical therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GICs. By integrating data from bioinformatics databases and recent literature from the past five years, we examine the heterogeneous expression and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes and proteins in GICs. Specifically, we focus on expression patterns, mutation frequencies, and clinical prognoses to understand their implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, we discuss recent clinical trial efforts targeting this pathway. Understanding the inhibitors currently under clinical investigation may help optimize foundational research and clinical strategies. We hope that elucidating the current status of precision therapeutic stratification for patients targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will guide future innovations in precision medicine for GICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhi Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China
| | - Sijie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| | - Fangjie Yan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
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2
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Cigliano A, Liao W, Deiana GA, Rizzo D, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Preclinical Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Utility, Limitations, and Challenges. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1624. [PMID: 39062197 PMCID: PMC11274649 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant primary liver tumor, remains one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, despite the advances in therapy in recent years. In addition to the traditional chemically and dietary-induced HCC models, a broad spectrum of novel preclinical tools have been generated following the advent of transgenic, transposon, organoid, and in silico technologies to overcome this gloomy scenario. These models have become rapidly robust preclinical instruments to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and establish new therapeutic approaches against this deadly disease. The present review article aims to summarize and discuss the commonly used preclinical models for HCC, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cigliano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.A.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Weiting Liao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (W.L.); (X.C.)
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Giovanni A. Deiana
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.A.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Davide Rizzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.A.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (W.L.); (X.C.)
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.A.D.); (D.R.)
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Song P, Gao Z, Bao Y, Chen L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Dong Q, Wei X. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 38886806 PMCID: PMC11184729 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, encompassing development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Under normal physiological conditions, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is meticulously regulated. However, aberrant activation of this pathway and downstream target genes can occur due to mutations in key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, epigenetic modifications, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Consequently, these dysregulations contribute significantly to tumor initiation and progression. Therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction have exhibited promising prospects and potential for tumor treatment. An increasing number of medications targeting this pathway are continuously being developed and validated. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the role played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and targeted therapy, providing valuable insights into acknowledging current opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this signaling pathway in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Zirui Gao
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Zhang R, Li S, Schippers K, Eimers B, Niu J, Hornung BVH, van den Hout MCGN, van Ijcken WFJ, Peppelenbosch MP, Smits R. Unraveling the impact of AXIN1 mutations on HCC development: Insights from CRISPR/Cas9 repaired AXIN1-mutant liver cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304607. [PMID: 38848383 PMCID: PMC11161089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive liver cancer with significant morbidity and mortality rates. AXIN1 is one of the top-mutated genes in HCC, but the mechanism by which AXIN1 mutations contribute to HCC development remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to repair AXIN1-truncated mutations in five HCC cell lines. RESULTS For each cell line we successfully obtained 2-4 correctly repaired clones, which all show reduced β-catenin signaling accompanied with reduced cell viability and colony formation. Although exposure of repaired clones to Wnt3A-conditioned medium restored β-catenin signaling, it did not or only partially recover their growth characteristics, indicating the involvement of additional mechanisms. Through RNA-sequencing analysis, we explored the gene expression patterns associated with repaired AXIN1 clones. Except for some highly-responsive β-catenin target genes, no consistent alteration in gene/pathway expression was observed. This observation also applies to the Notch and YAP/TAZ-Hippo signaling pathways, which have been associated with AXIN1-mutant HCCs previously. The AXIN1-repaired clones also cannot confirm a recent observation that AXIN1 is directly linked to YAP/TAZ protein stability and signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insights into the effects of repairing AXIN1 mutations on β-catenin signaling, cell viability, and colony formation in HCC cell lines. However, further investigations are necessary to understand the complex mechanisms underlying HCC development associated with AXIN1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Chiral Functional Substance Research and Application, School of Chemistry & Environment, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly Schippers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Boaz Eimers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jiahui Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian V. H. Hornung
- Erasmus Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cai N, Cheng K, Ma Y, Liu S, Tao R, Li Y, Li D, Guo B, Jia W, Liang H, Zhao J, Xia L, Ding ZY, Chen J, Zhang W. Targeting MMP9 in CTNNB1 mutant hepatocellular carcinoma restores CD8 + T cell-mediated antitumour immunity and improves anti-PD-1 efficacy. Gut 2024; 73:985-999. [PMID: 38123979 PMCID: PMC11103337 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331342] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gain of function (GOF) CTNNB1 mutations (CTNNB1 GOF ) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cause significant immune escape and resistance to anti-PD-1. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of CTNNB1 GOF HCC-mediated immune escape and raise a new therapeutic strategy to enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy in HCC. DESIGN RNA sequencing was performed to identify the key downstream genes of CTNNB1 GOF associated with immune escape. An in vitro coculture system, murine subcutaneous or orthotopic models, spontaneously tumourigenic models in conditional gene-knock-out mice and flow cytometry were used to explore the biological function of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in tumour progression and immune escape. Single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics were used to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of MMP9. RESULTS MMP9 was significantly upregulated in CTNNB1 GOF HCC. MMP9 suppressed infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, which was critical for CTNNB1 GOF to drive the suppressive tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and anti-PD-1 resistance. Mechanistically, CTNNB1 GOF downregulated sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), resulting in promotion of β-catenin/lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) complex formation that fostered the transcriptional activation of MMP9. The secretion of MMP9 from HCC mediated slingshot protein phosphatase 1 (SSH1) shedding from CD8+ T cells, leading to the inhibition of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-mediated intracellular of G protein-coupled receptors signalling. Additionally, MMP9 blockade remodelled the TIME and potentiated the sensitivity of anti-PD-1 therapy in HCC. CONCLUSIONS CTNNB1 GOF induces a suppressive TIME by activating secretion of MMP9. Targeting MMP9 reshapes TIME and potentiates anti-PD-1 efficacy in CTNNB1 GOF HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Ma
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Tao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yani Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Danfeng Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Guo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Zhang R, Li S, Schippers K, Li Y, Eimers B, Lavrijsen M, Wang L, Cui G, Chen X, Peppelenbosch MP, Lebbink JH, Smits R. Analysis of Tumor-Associated AXIN1 Missense Mutations Identifies Variants That Activate β-Catenin Signaling. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1443-1459. [PMID: 38359148 PMCID: PMC11063763 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AXIN1 is a major component of the β-catenin destruction complex and is frequently mutated in various cancer types, particularly liver cancers. Truncating AXIN1 mutations are recognized to encode a defective protein that leads to β-catenin stabilization, but the functional consequences of missense mutations are not well characterized. Here, we first identified the GSK3β, β-catenin, and RGS/APC interaction domains of AXIN1 that are the most critical for proper β-catenin regulation. Analysis of 80 tumor-associated variants in these domains identified 18 that significantly affected β-catenin signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that most of them lost binding to the binding partner corresponding to the mutated domain. A comprehensive protein structure analysis predicted the consequences of these mutations, which largely overlapped with the observed effects on β-catenin signaling in functional experiments. The structure analysis also predicted that loss-of-function mutations within the RGS/APC interaction domain either directly affected the interface for APC binding or were located within the hydrophobic core and destabilized the entire structure. In addition, truncated AXIN1 length inversely correlated with the β-catenin regulatory function, with longer proteins retaining more functionality. These analyses suggest that all AXIN1-truncating mutations at least partially affect β-catenin regulation, whereas this is only the case for a subset of missense mutations. Consistently, most colorectal and liver cancers carrying missense variants acquire mutations in other β-catenin regulatory genes such as APC and CTNNB1. These results will aid the functional annotation of AXIN1 mutations identified in large-scale sequencing efforts or in individual patients. SIGNIFICANCE Characterization of 80 tumor-associated missense variants of AXIN1 reveals a subset of 18 mutations that disrupt its β-catenin regulatory function, whereas the majority are passenger mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kelly Schippers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Boaz Eimers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guofei Cui
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce H.G. Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Matsumoto S, Kikuchi A. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in liver biology and tumorigenesis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:466-481. [PMID: 38379098 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00858-7] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that controls fundamental physiological and pathological processes by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway enables liver homeostasis by inducing differentiation and contributes to liver-specific features such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. In contrast, abnormalities in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway promote the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Similarly, hepatoblastoma, the most common childhood liver cancer, is frequently associated with β-catenin mutations, which activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway have unique gene expression patterns and pathological and clinical features. Accordingly, they are highly differentiated with retaining hepatocyte-like characteristics and tumorigenic. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC also alters the state of immune cells, causing "immune evasion" with inducing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have recently become widely used to treat HCC. Activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling exhibits these phenomena in liver tumorigenesis through the expression of downstream target genes, and the molecular basis is still poorly understood. In this review, we describe the physiological roles of Wnt/b-catenin signaling and then discuss their characteristic changes by the abnormal activation of Wnt/b-catenin signaling. Clarification of the mechanism would contribute to the development of therapeutic agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Matsumoto
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Center of Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, 2-8 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Wang YM, Luo ZW, Shu YL, Zhou X, Wang LQ, Liang CH, Wu CQ, Li CP. Effects of Helicobacter pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in mice with precancerous gastric cancer lesions. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:979-990. [PMID: 38577474 PMCID: PMC10989371 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i3.979] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer (GC), the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is closely linked to tumourigenesis. GC has a high mortality rate and treatment cost, and there are no drugs to prevent the progression of gastric precancerous lesions to GC. Therefore, it is necessary to find a novel drug that is inexpensive and preventive to against GC. AIM To explore the effects of H. pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and precancerous lesions of GC (PLGC). METHODS Mice were divided into the control, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), H. pylori + MNU, and Moluodan groups. We first created an H. pylori infection model in the H. pylori + MNU and Moluodan groups. A PLGC model was created in the remaining three groups except for the control group. Moluodan was fed to mice in the Moloudan group ad libitum. The general condition of mice were observed during the whole experiment period. Gastric tissues of mice were grossly and microscopically examined. Through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis, the expression of relevant genes were detected. RESULTS Mice in the H. pylori + MNU group showed the worst performance in general condition, gastric tissue visual and microscopic observation, followed by the MNU group, Moluodan group and the control group. QRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of relevant genes, the results showed that the H. pylori + MNU group had the highest expression, followed by the MNU group, Moluodan group and the control group. CONCLUSION H. pylori can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby facilitating the development and progression of PLGC. Moluodan suppressed the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the progression of PLGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Mei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu-Lin Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lin-Qing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chao-Qun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chang-Ping Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
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9
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Qiu L, Sun Y, Ning H, Chen G, Zhao W, Gao Y. The scaffold protein AXIN1: gene ontology, signal network, and physiological function. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:77. [PMID: 38291457 PMCID: PMC10826278 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01482-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AXIN1, has been initially identified as a prominent antagonist within the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, and subsequently unveiled its integral involvement across a diverse spectrum of signaling cascades. These encompass the WNT/β-catenin, Hippo, TGFβ, AMPK, mTOR, MAPK, and antioxidant signaling pathways. The versatile engagement of AXIN1 underscores its pivotal role in the modulation of developmental biological signaling, maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, and coordination of cellular stress responses. The multifaceted functionalities of AXIN1 render it as a compelling candidate for targeted intervention in the realms of degenerative pathologies, systemic metabolic disorders, cancer therapeutics, and anti-aging strategies. This review provides an intricate exploration of the mechanisms governing mammalian AXIN1 gene expression and protein turnover since its initial discovery, while also elucidating its significance in the regulation of signaling pathways, tissue development, and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we have introduced the innovative concept of the AXIN1-Associated Phosphokinase Complex (AAPC), where the scaffold protein AXIN1 assumes a pivotal role in orchestrating site-specific phosphorylation modifications through interactions with various phosphokinases and their respective substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yixuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Haoming Ning
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Wu R, Gao Y, Zhao X, Guo S, Zhou H, Zhang Y, Hou Y, Mei L, Zhi H, Wang P, Li X, Ning S, Zhang Y. Tumor biology, immune infiltration and liver function define seven hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes linked to distinct drivers, survival and drug response. Comput Biol Med 2023; 167:107593. [PMID: 37883849 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107593] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tumor heterogeneity is jointly determined by the components of the tumor ecosystem (TES) including tumor cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and non-cellular components. We aimed to identify subtypes using TES-related genes and determine subtype specific drivers and treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We collected 68 genesets depicting tumor biology, immune infiltration, and liver function, totaling 2831 genes, and collected mRNA profiles and clinical data for over 6000 tumors from 65 datasets in the GEO, TCGA, ICGC, and several other databases. We designed a three-step clustering pipeline to identify subtypes. The microenvironment, genomic alteration, and drug response differences were systematically compared among subtypes. RESULTS Seven subtypes (TES-1/2/3/4/5/6/7) were revealed in 159 tumors from the CHCC-HBV cohort. We constructed a single sample classifier using paired genes (sscpgsTES). TES subtypes were significantly associated with multiple clinical variables including etiology, and survival in 14 of 17 cohorts and the meta-cohort. TES-1 had the poorest prognosis and highest proliferation level. Both TES-2 and TES-7 were immune-enriched, however, TES-2 had a significantly worse prognosis, and hypoxic and immunosuppressive microenvironment. TES-4 had activated Wnt pathway, driven by CTNNB1 mutation. Good prognosis TES-6 exhibited the best differentiation. TES-5 and TES-3 were considered as novel subclasses by comparing with ten previous subtyping systems. TES-5 tumors had high AFP but good overall survival, and ∼45% of them harbored AXIN1 mutation. TES-3 was immune and stromal desert, may be driven by high copy number alteration burden, and had the poorest response to immune checkpoint inhibitor. TES-1 and TES-2 had significantly lower response to transarterial chemoembolization, but they showed significantly higher sensitivity to compound YM-155. CONCLUSIONS Tumor ecosystem subtypes expand existing HCC subtyping systems, have distinct drivers, prognosis, and treatment vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Wu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China; Phase I Clinical Research Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hanxiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yakun Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaopan Hou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lan Mei
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Zhi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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11
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Wang J, Shen D, Li S, Li Q, Zuo Q, Lu J, Tang D, Feng Y, Yin P, Chen C, Chen T. LINC00665 activating Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling by bond with YBX1 promotes gastric cancer proliferation and metastasis. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1530-1542. [PMID: 37563362 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00657-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in human cancer development; nevertheless, the effect of lncRNA LINC00665 on the progression of gastric cancer (GC) still unclear. In this study, we found that LINC00665 expression is upregulated in GC than normal gastric mucosa tissues and higher LINC00665 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in GC patients. Downregulated LINC00665 inhibited GC cells proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro. Pulmonary metastasis animal models showed that downregulated LINC00665 could reduce the lung metastasis of GC in vivo. Tumor organoids were generated from human malignant GC tissues, downregulated LINC00665 could inhibit the growth of the organoids of GC tissues. Mechanistically, downregulated LINC00665 could inhibit GC cells EMT. RNA pulldown, RIP, and RIP-seq studies found that LINC00665 can bind to the transcription factor YBX1 and form a positive feed-forward loop. The luciferase reporter and CHIP results showed that YBX1 could regulate the transcriptional activity of Wnt3a, and downregulation of LINC00665 could block the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, our results identified a feedback loop between LINC00665 and YBX1 that activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and it may be a potential therapeutic approach to suppress GC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Dongxiao Shen
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichao Li
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiuying Li
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingsong Zuo
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Lu
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Donghao Tang
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yuejiao Feng
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Peihao Yin
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Teng Chen
- Department Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230022, Anhui, China.
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12
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Terhal P, Venhuizen AJ, Lessel D, Tan WH, Alswaid A, Grün R, Alzaidan HI, von Kroge S, Ragab N, Hempel M, Kubisch C, Novais E, Cristobal A, Tripolszki K, Bauer P, Fischer-Zirnsak B, Nievelstein RAJ, van Dijk A, Nikkels P, Oheim R, Hahn H, Bertoli-Avella A, Maurice MM, Kornak U. AXIN1 bi-allelic variants disrupting the C-terminal DIX domain cause craniometadiaphyseal osteosclerosis with hip dysplasia. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1470-1481. [PMID: 37582359 PMCID: PMC10502735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerosing skeletal dysplasias result from an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. We identified three homozygous, C-terminally truncating AXIN1 variants in seven individuals from four families affected by macrocephaly, cranial hyperostosis, and vertebral endplate sclerosis. Other frequent findings included hip dysplasia, heart malformations, variable developmental delay, and hematological anomalies. In line with AXIN1 being a central component of the β-catenin destruction complex, analyses of primary and genome-edited cells harboring the truncating variants revealed enhanced basal canonical Wnt pathway activity. All three AXIN1-truncating variants resulted in reduced protein levels and impaired AXIN1 polymerization mediated by its C-terminal DIX domain but partially retained Wnt-inhibitory function upon overexpression. Addition of a tankyrase inhibitor attenuated Wnt overactivity in the AXIN1-mutant model systems. Our data suggest that AXIN1 coordinates the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and that tankyrase inhibitors can attenuate the effects of AXIN1 hypomorphic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Terhal
- Division of Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584EA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Anton J Venhuizen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Davor Lessel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Wen-Hann Tan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Alswaid
- Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia; King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University For Health Sciences, Riyadh 22490, Saudi Arabia
| | - Regina Grün
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hamad I Alzaidan
- Medical Genetics Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Simon von Kroge
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nada Ragab
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maja Hempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Kubisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Novais
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alba Cristobal
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Bauer
- Centogene GmbH, 18055 Rostock, Germany; University Hospital Rostock, Internal Medicine, Hemato-oncology, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Björn Fischer-Zirnsak
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rutger A J Nievelstein
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Atty van Dijk
- Expert Center for Skeletal Dysplasia, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Nikkels
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ralf Oheim
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Madelon M Maurice
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Uwe Kornak
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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13
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Schaeffer S, Gupta B, Calatayud AL, Calderaro J, Caruso S, Hirsch TZ, Pelletier L, Zucman-Rossi J, Rebouissou S. RSK2 inactivation cooperates with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation to promote hepatocarcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2023; 79:704-716. [PMID: 37201672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Recurrent somatic mutations of the RPS6KA3 gene encoding for the serine/threonine kinase RSK2 were identified in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), suggesting its tumour-suppressive function. Our goal was to demonstrate the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 in the liver and investigate the functional consequences of its inactivation. METHODS We analysed a series of 1,151 human HCCs for RSK2 mutations and 20 other driver genetic alterations. We then modelled RSK2 inactivation in mice in various mutational contexts recapitulating or not those naturally found in human HCC, using transgenic mice and liver-specific carcinogens. These models were monitored for liver tumour appearance and subjected to phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses. Functional consequences of RSK2 rescue were also investigated in a human RSK2-deficient HCC cell line. RESULTS RSK2-inactivating mutations are specific to human HCC and frequently co-occur with AXIN1-inactivating or β-catenin-activating mutations. Modelling of these co-occurrences in mice showed a cooperative effect in promoting liver tumours with transcriptomic profiles recapitulating those of human HCCs. By contrast, there was no cooperation in liver tumour induction between RSK2 loss and BRAF-activating mutations chemically induced by diethylnitrosamine. In human liver cancer cells, we also showed that RSK2 inactivation confers some dependency to the activation of RAS/MAPK signalling that can be targeted by MEK inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 and its specific synergistic effect in hepatocarcinogenesis when its loss of function is specifically combined with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation. Furthermore, we identified the RAS/MAPK pathway as a potential therapeutic target for RSK2-inactivated liver tumours. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 in the liver and showed that its inactivation specifically synergises with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation to promote the development of HCC with similar transcriptomic profiles as found in humans. Furthermore, this study highlights that activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway is one of the key signalling pathways mediating the oncogenic effect of RSK2 inactivation that can be targeted with already available anti-MEK therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schaeffer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Barkha Gupta
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Line Calatayud
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, APHP, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Théo Z Hirsch
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Laura Pelletier
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Sandra Rebouissou
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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14
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Kikutake C, Suyama M. Pan-cancer analysis of whole-genome doubling and its association with patient prognosis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:619. [PMID: 37400777 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11132-6] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole-genome doubling (WGD) is a common mutation in cancer. Various studies have suggested that WGD is associated with a poor prognosis in cancer. However, the detailed association between WGD occurrence and prognosis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which WGD affects prognosis using sequencing data from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) and The Cancer Genome Atlas. METHODS Whole-genome sequencing data of 23 cancer types were downloaded from PCAWG project. We defined the WGD event in each sample using the WGD status annotated using PCAWG. We used MutationTimeR to predict the relative timings of mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in WGD, thus evaluating their association with WGD. We also analyzed the association between WGD-associated factors and patient prognosis. RESULTS WGD was associated with several factors, e.g., length of LOH regions. Survival analysis using WGD-associated factors revealed that longer LOH regions and LOH in chr17 were associated with poor prognosis in samples with WGD (WGD samples) and samples without WGD (nWGD samples). In addition to these two factors, nWGD samples showed that the number of mutations in tumor suppressor genes was associated with prognosis. Moreover, we explored the genes associated with prognosis in both samples separately. CONCLUSION The prognosis-related factors in WGD samples differed significantly compared with those in nWGD samples. This study emphasizes the need for different treatment strategies for WGD and nWGD samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Kikutake
- Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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15
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Wah NW, Mok Y, Omar N, Chang KTE, Tay TKY, Hue SSS, Lee VKM. Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor Compared With Those of Leiomyoma and Leiomyosarcoma. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100127. [PMID: 36965331 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100127] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMTs) are rare smooth muscle neoplasms exclusively associated with immunosuppression, such as in patients with HIV/AIDS, posttransplant, and congenital immunodeficiency. However, the genomic landscape of EBV-SMTs is poorly understood. Leiomyosarcomas harbor genomic instability and multiple recurrent DNA copy number alterations, whereas leiomyomas lack such changes. Thus, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by characterizing copy number alterations in EBV-SMTs and correlating this information with clinicopathologic characteristics. Our study investigated and compared the pathologic characteristics and copy number profiles of 9 EBV-SMTs (from 7 post-transplant and AIDS patients), 6 leiomyomas, and 7 leiomyosarcomas, using chromosomal microarray platforms. Our results showed a lower copy number alteration burden in EBV-SMTs and leiomyoma than in leiomyosarcoma. This contrast in the molecular profile between EBV-SMTs and leiomyosarcoma is concordant with the different clinical behaviors and pathologic characteristics exhibited by these tumors. Despite having an overall copy number alteration profile closer to leiomyoma, recurrent copy number gain of oncogenes, such as RUNX1, CCND2, and ETS2, was found in EBV-SMTs. Epigenetic alterations may play an important role in tumorigenesis as recurrent copy number gains were found in histone deacetylases. A gene enrichment analysis also demonstrated enrichment of genes involved in the host response to viral infection, suggesting that the tumor immune microenvironment may play an important role in EBV-SMT tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naw Wah Wah
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yingting Mok
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Kenneth Tou En Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Susan Swee-Shan Hue
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Victor Kwan Min Lee
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Liang B, Wang H, Qiao Y, Wang X, Qian M, Song X, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Shang R, Che L, Chen Y, Huang Z, Wu H, Monga SP, Zeng Y, Calvisi DF, Chen X, Chen X. Differential requirement of Hippo cascade during CTNNB1 or AXIN1 mutation-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1929-1942. [PMID: 35921500 PMCID: PMC10572102 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations of CTNNB1 and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations of AXIN1 are recurrent genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to investigate the functional contribution of Hippo/YAP/TAZ in GOF CTNNB1 or LOF AXIN1 mutant HCCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS The requirement of YAP/TAZ in c-Met/β-Catenin and c-Met/sgAxin1-driven HCC was analyzed using conditional Yap , Taz , and Yap;Taz knockout (KO) mice. Mechanisms of AXIN1 in regulating YAP/TAZ were investigated using AXIN1 mutated HCC cells. Hepatocyte-specific inducible TTR-CreER T2KO system was applied to evaluate the role of Yap;Taz during tumor progression. Cabozantinib and G007-LK combinational treatment were tested in vitro and in vivo . Nuclear YAP/TAZ was strongly induced in c-Met/sgAxin1 mouse HCC cells. Activation of Hippo via overexpression of Lats2 or concomitant deletion of Yap and Taz significantly inhibited c-Met/sgAxin1 driven HCC development, whereas the same approaches had mild effects in c-Met/β-Catenin HCCs. YAP is the major Hippo effector in c-Met/β-Catenin HCCs, and both YAP and TAZ are required for c-Met/sgAxin1-dependent hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, AXIN1 binds to YAP/TAZ in human HCC cells and regulates YAP/TAZ stability. Genetic deletion of YAP/TAZ suppresses already formed c-Met/sgAxin1 liver tumors, supporting the requirement of YAP/TAZ during tumor progression. Importantly, tankyrase inhibitor G007-LK, which targets Hippo and Wnt pathways, synergizes with cabozantinib, a c-MET inhibitor, leading to tumor regression in the c-Met/sgAxin1 HCC model. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that YAP/TAZ are major signaling molecules downstream of LOF AXIN1 mutant HCCs, and targeting YAP/TAZ is an effective treatment against AXIN1 mutant human HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Manning Qian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runze Shang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Haixia Hospital of Huaqiao University (The 910 Hospital), Quanzhou, China
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Legend Biotech USA, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yifa Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Hawaii, USA
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17
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Campani C, Zucman-Rossi J, Nault JC. Genetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Tumor to Circulating DNA. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030817. [PMID: 36765775 PMCID: PMC9913369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of primary hepatic malignancies and is one of the major causes of cancer-related death. Over the last 15 years, the molecular landscape of HCC has been deciphered, with the identification of the main driver genes of liver carcinogenesis that belong to six major biological pathways, such as telomere maintenance, Wnt/b-catenin, P53/cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress, epigenetic modifiers, AKT/mTOR and MAP kinase. The combination of genetic and transcriptomic data composed various HCC subclasses strongly related to risk factors, pathological features and prognosis. However, translation into clinical practice is not achieved, mainly because the most frequently mutated genes are undruggable. Moreover, the results derived from the analysis of a single tissue sample may not adequately catch the intra- and intertumor heterogeneity. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is broadly developed in other types of cancer for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring under systemic treatment in order to identify primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance. The aim of this review is to describe recent data about the HCC molecular landscape and to discuss how ctDNA could be used in the future for HCC detection and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Campani
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 93000 Bobigny, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris Nord, 93000 Bobigny, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-6-1067-9461
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18
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Sanson R, Lazzara SL, Cune D, Pitasi CL, Trentesaux C, Fraudeau M, Letourneur F, Saintpierre B, Le Gall M, Bossard P, Terris B, Finetti P, Bertucci F, Mamessier E, Romagnolo B, Perret C. Axin1 Protects Colon Carcinogenesis by an Immune-Mediated Effect. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:689-715. [PMID: 36356835 PMCID: PMC9874083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Axin1 is a negative regulator of wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 1 (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling with tumor-suppressor function. The Wnt pathway has a critical role in the intestine, both during homeostasis and cancer, but the role of Axin1 remains elusive. METHODS We assessed the role of Axin1 in normal intestinal homeostasis, with control, epithelial-specific, Axin1-knockout mice (Axin1ΔIEC) and Axin2-knockout mice. We evaluated the tumor-suppressor function of Axin1 during chemically induced colorectal tumorigenesis and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, and performed comparative gene expression profiling by whole-genome RNA sequencing. The clinical relevance of the Axin1-dependent gene expression signature then was tested in a database of 2239 clinical colorectal cancer (CRC) samples. RESULTS We found that Axin1 was dispensable for normal intestinal homeostasis and redundant with Axin2 for Wnt pathway down-regulation. Axin1 deficiency in intestinal epithelial cells rendered mice more susceptible to chemically induced colon carcinogenesis, but reduced dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by attenuating the induction of a proinflammatory program. RNA-seq analyses identified an interferon γ/T-helper1 immune program controlled by Axin1 that enhances the inflammatory response and protects against CRC. The Axin1-dependent gene expression signature was applied to human CRC samples and identified a group of patients with potential vulnerability to immune checkpoint blockade therapies. CONCLUSIONS Our study establishes, in vivo, that Axin1 has redundant function with Axin2 for Wnt down-regulation and infers a new role for Axin1. Physiologically, Axin1 stimulates gut inflammation via an interferon γ/Th1 program that prevents tumor growth. Linked to its T-cell-mediated effect, the colonic Axin1 signature offers therapeutic perspectives for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Sanson
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Luna Lazzara
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - David Cune
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Caterina Luana Pitasi
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Trentesaux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marie Fraudeau
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Franck Letourneur
- Genomic Facility, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Saintpierre
- Genomic Facility, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Morgane Le Gall
- Proteomic Facility, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Bossard
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Terris
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Pathology Department, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1068, Centre National Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 725, Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1068, Centre National Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 725, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1068, Centre National Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 725, Marseille, France
| | - Béatrice Romagnolo
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France.
| | - Christine Perret
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, Centre National Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Paris, France.
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19
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Montironi C, Castet F, Haber PK, Pinyol R, Torres-Martin M, Torrens L, Mesropian A, Wang H, Puigvehi M, Maeda M, Wei-Qiang L, Harrod E, Taik P, Chinburen J, Taivanbaatar E, Chinbold E, Solé M, Donovan M, Thung SN, Neely J, Mazzaferro V, Anderson J, Roayaie S, Schwartz ME, Villanueva A, Friedman SL, Uzilov A, Sia D, Llovet JM. Inflamed and non-inflamed classes of HCC: a revised immunogenomic classification. Gut 2023; 72:129-140. [PMID: 35197323 PMCID: PMC9395551 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported a characterisation of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immune contexture and described an immune-specific class. We now aim to further delineate the immunogenomic classification of HCC to incorporate features that explain responses/resistance to immunotherapy. DESIGN We performed RNA and whole-exome sequencing, T-cell receptor (TCR)-sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in a novel cohort of 240 HCC patients and validated our results in other cohorts comprising 660 patients. RESULTS Our integrative analysis led to define: (1) the inflamed class of HCC (37%), which includes the previously reported immune subclass (22%) and a new immune-like subclass (15%) with high interferon signalling, cytolytic activity, expression of immune-effector cytokines and a more diverse T-cell repertoire. A 20-gene signature was able to capture ~90% of these tumours and is associated with response to immunotherapy. Proteins identified in liquid biopsies recapitulated the inflamed class with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.91; (2) The intermediate class, enriched in TP53 mutations (49% vs 29%, p=0.035), and chromosomal losses involving immune-related genes and; (3) the excluded class, enriched in CTNNB1 mutations (93% vs 27%, p<0.001) and PTK2 overexpression due to gene amplification and promoter hypomethylation. CTNNB1 mutations outside the excluded class led to weak activation of the Wnt-βcatenin pathway or occurred in HCCs dominated by high interferon signalling and type I antigen presenting genes. CONCLUSION We have characterised the immunogenomic contexture of HCC and defined inflamed and non-inflamed tumours. Two distinct CTNNB1 patterns associated with a differential role in immune evasion are described. These features may help predict immune response in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Montironi
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Pathology Department and Molecular Biology Core, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Castet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Philipp K. Haber
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres-Martin
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Torrens
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Agavni Mesropian
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Marc Puigvehi
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Hepatology Section, Gastroenterology Department, Parc de Salut Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miho Maeda
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Leow Wei-Qiang
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth Harrod
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.,University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Jigjidsuren Chinburen
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Enkhbold Chinbold
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Manel Solé
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Donovan
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jaclyn Neely
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sasan Roayaie
- Department of Surgery, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, New York, USA
| | - Myron E Schwartz
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Uzilov
- Sema4, Stamford, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Institució Catalana De Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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20
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Zou G, Park JI. Wnt signaling in liver regeneration, disease, and cancer. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:33-50. [PMID: 35785913 PMCID: PMC9845677 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver exhibits the highest recovery rate from acute injuries. However, in chronic liver disease, the long-term loss of hepatocytes often leads to adverse consequences such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in both liver regeneration and tumorigenesis. Therefore, manipulating the Wnt signaling has become an attractive approach to treating liver disease, including cancer. Nonetheless, given the crucial roles of Wnt signaling in physiological processes, blocking Wnt signaling can also cause several adverse effects. Recent studies have identified cancer-specific regulators of Wnt signaling, which would overcome the limitation of Wnt signaling target approaches. In this review, we discussed the role of Wnt signaling in liver regeneration, precancerous lesion, and liver cancer. Furthermore, we summarized the basic and clinical approaches of Wnt signaling blockade and proposed the therapeutic prospects of cancer-specific Wnt signaling blockade for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengyi Zou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Corresponding author : Gengyi Zou Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd Unit 1054, Houston, TX 77030, USA Tel: +1-713-792-3659, Fax: +1-713-794-5369, E-mail:
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA,Jae-Il Park Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd. Unit 1052, Houston, TX 77030, USA Tel: +1-713-792-3659, Fax: +1-713-794-5369, E-mail:
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21
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Discovery of synthetic lethal interactions from large-scale pan-cancer perturbation screens. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7748. [PMID: 36517508 PMCID: PMC9751287 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer therapies is limited by the availability of suitable drug targets. Potential candidate drug targets can be identified based on the concept of synthetic lethality (SL), which refers to pairs of genes for which an aberration in either gene alone is non-lethal, but co-occurrence of the aberrations is lethal to the cell. Here, we present SLIdR (Synthetic Lethal Identification in R), a statistical framework for identifying SL pairs from large-scale perturbation screens. SLIdR successfully predicts SL pairs even with small sample sizes while minimizing the number of false positive targets. We apply SLIdR to Project DRIVE data and find both established and potential pan-cancer and cancer type-specific SL pairs consistent with findings from literature and drug response screening data. We experimentally validate two predicted SL interactions (ARID1A-TEAD1 and AXIN1-URI1) in hepatocellular carcinoma, thus corroborating the ability of SLIdR to identify potential drug targets.
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22
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Fekry B, Ribas-Latre A, Drunen RV, Santos RB, Shivshankar S, Dai Y, Zhao Z, Yoo SH, Chen Z, Sun K, Sladek FM, Younes M, Eckel-Mahan K. Hepatic circadian and differentiation factors control liver susceptibility for fatty liver disease and tumorigenesis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22482. [PMID: 35947136 PMCID: PMC10062014 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101398r] [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: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, and the most common primary liver malignancy to present in the clinic. With the exception of liver transplant, treatment options for advanced HCC are limited, but improved tumor stratification could open the door to new treatment options. Previously, we demonstrated that the circadian regulator Aryl Hydrocarbon-Like Receptor Like 1 (ARNTL, or Bmal1) and the liver-enriched nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) are robustly co-expressed in healthy liver but incompatible in the context of HCC. Faulty circadian expression of HNF4α- either by isoform switching, or loss of expression- results in an increased risk for HCC, while BMAL1 gain-of-function in HNF4α-positive HCC results in apoptosis and tumor regression. We hypothesize that the transcriptional programs of HNF4α and BMAL1 are antagonistic in liver disease and HCC. Here, we study this antagonism by generating a mouse model with inducible loss of hepatic HNF4α and BMAL1 expression. The results reveal that simultaneous loss of HNF4α and BMAL1 is protective against fatty liver and HCC in carcinogen-induced liver injury and in the "STAM" model of liver disease. Furthermore, our results suggest that targeting Bmal1 expression in the absence of HNF4α inhibits HCC growth and progression. Specifically, pharmacological suppression of Bmal1 in HNF4α-deficient, BMAL1-positive HCC with REV-ERB agonist SR9009 impairs tumor cell proliferation and migration in a REV-ERB-dependent manner, while having no effect on healthy hepatocytes. Collectively, our results suggest that stratification of HCC based on HNF4α and BMAL1 expression may provide a new perspective on HCC properties and potential targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharan Fekry
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aleix Ribas-Latre
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Van Drunen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rafael Bravo Santos
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Samay Shivshankar
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Seung-Hee Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kai Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frances M Sladek
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Mamoun Younes
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kristin Eckel-Mahan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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23
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Loesch R, Caruso S, Paradis V, Godard C, Gougelet A, Renault G, Picard S, Tanaka I, Renoux-Martin Y, Perret C, Taketo MM, Zucman-Rossi J, Colnot S. Deleting the β-catenin degradation domain in mouse hepatocytes drives hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma-like tumor growth. J Hepatol 2022; 77:424-435. [PMID: 35257829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One-third of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) harbor mutations activating the β-catenin pathway, predominantly via mutations in the CTNNB1 gene itself. Mouse models of Apc loss-of-function are widely used to mimic β-catenin-dependent tumorigenesis. Given the low prevalence of APC mutations in human HCCs, we aimed to generate liver tumors through CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion (βcatΔex3). We then compared βcatΔex3 liver tumors with liver tumors generated via frameshift in exon 15 of Apc (Apcfs-ex15). METHODS We used hepatocyte-specific and inducible mouse models generated through either a Cre-Lox or a CRISPR/Cas9 approach using adeno-associated virus vectors. Tumors generated by the Cre-Lox models were phenotypically analyzed using immunohistochemistry and were selected for transcriptomic analysis by RNA-sequencing (RNAseq). Mouse RNAseq data were compared to human RNAseq data (8 normal tissues, 48 HCCs, 9 hepatoblastomas) in an integrative analysis. Tumors generated via CRISPR were analyzed using DNA sequencing and immuno-histochemistry. RESULTS Mice with CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion in hepatocytes developed liver tumors indistinguishable from Apcfs-ex15 liver tumors. Both Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models induced growth of phenotypically distinct tumors (differentiated or undifferentiated). Integrative analysis of human and mouse tumors showed that differentiated mouse tumors cluster with well-differentiated human CTNNB1-mutated tumors. Conversely, undifferentiated mouse tumors cluster with human mesenchymal hepatoblastomas and harbor activated YAP signaling. CONCLUSION Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models both induce growth of tumors that are transcriptionally similar to either well-differentiated and β-catenin-activated human HCCs or mesenchymal hepatoblastomas. LAY SUMMARY New and easy-to-use transgenic mouse models of primary liver cancers have been generated, with mutations in the gene encoding beta-catenin, which are frequent in both adult and pediatric primary liver cancers. The mice develop both types of cancer, constituting a strong preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Loesch
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | | | - Cecile Godard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Gilles Renault
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut COCHIN, F-75014, France; Plateforme Imageries du Vivant, Université de Paris, France
| | - Simon Picard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Ingrid Tanaka
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Yoan Renoux-Martin
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | | | | | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | - Sabine Colnot
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France.
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Lu Y, Ma S, Ding W, Sun P, Zhou Q, Duan Y, Sartorius K. Resident Immune Cells of the Liver in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:931995. [PMID: 35965506 PMCID: PMC9365660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.931995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central immunomodulator that ensures a homeostatic balance between protection and immunotolerance. A hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the deregulation of this tightly controlled immunological network. Immune response in the liver involves a complex interplay between resident innate, innate, and adaptive immune cells. The immune response in the liver is modulated by its continuous exposure to toxic molecules and microorganisms that requires a degree of immune tolerance to protect normal tissue from damage. In HCC pathogenesis, immune cells must balance a dual role that includes the elimination of malignant cells, as well as the repair of damaged liver tissue to maintain homeostasis. Immune response in the innate and adaptive immune systems extends to the cross-talk and interaction involving immune-regulating non-hematopoietic cells, myeloid immune cells, and lymphoid immune cells. In this review, we discuss the different immune responses of resident immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Current FDA-approved targeted therapies, including immunotherapy options, have produced modest results to date for the treatment of advanced HCC. Although immunotherapy therapy to date has demonstrated its potential efficacy, immune cell pathways need to be better understood. In this review article, we summarize the roles of specific resident immune cell subsets and their cross-talk subversion in HCC pathogenesis, with a view to identifying potential new biomarkers and therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjie Lu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chanozhou, China
| | - Shiying Ma
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chanozhou, China
| | - Wei Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Sun
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chanozhou, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chanozhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Zhou, ; Yunfei Duan, ; Kurt Sartorius,
| | - Yunfei Duan
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chanozhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Zhou, ; Yunfei Duan, ; Kurt Sartorius,
| | - Kurt Sartorius
- Hepatitis Diversity Research Unit, School of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- University of Kwazulu-Natal Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Unit (UKZN/GICRC), Durban, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Qi Zhou, ; Yunfei Duan, ; Kurt Sartorius,
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25
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Wang T, Dai L, Shen S, Yang Y, Yang M, Yang X, Qiu Y, Wang W. Comprehensive Molecular Analyses of a Macrophage-Related Gene Signature With Regard to Prognosis, Immune Features, and Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on WGCNA and the LASSO Algorithm. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843408. [PMID: 35693827 PMCID: PMC9186446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages have been reported to exert a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to explore the macrophage-related genes and establish a macrophage-related signature (MRS) model to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC based on these genes’ expression. We screened the macrophage-related gene module by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was utilized for further selection, and the selected genes were entered into stepwise regression to develop the MRS model, which was further validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets. We analyzed the biological phenotypes associated with macrophages in terms of functional enrichment, tumor immune signature, and tumor mutational signature. The patient’s response to immunotherapy was inferred by the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score, the immunophenotype score (IPS), and the IMvigor210 dataset. A novel MRS model was established based on the LASSO regression coefficients of the genes PON1, IL15RA, NEIL3, HILPDA, PFN2, HAVCR1, ANXA10, CDCA8, EPO, S100A9, TTK, KLRB1, SPP1, STC2, CYP26B1, GPC1, G6PD, and CBX2. In either dataset, MRS was identified as an independent risk factor for OS in HCC patients. Additionally, our research indicated that a high-risk score in the MRS model was significantly correlated with tumor staging, pathological grade, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, and survival. Several genes of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) family and immune checkpoints were highly expressed in the high-risk group. In addition, the frequency of tumor mutations was also higher in the high-risk group. According to our analyses, a higher risk score in the MRS model may predict a better response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianwei Yang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwen Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wentao Wang,
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26
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Elkhadragy L, Dasteh Goli K, Totura WM, Carlino MJ, Regan MR, Guzman G, Schook LB, Gaba RC, Schachtschneider KM. Effect of CRISPR Knockout of AXIN1 or ARID1A on Proliferation and Migration of Porcine Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:904031. [PMID: 35669430 PMCID: PMC9163418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.904031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease lacking effective treatment. Animal models of HCC are necessary for preclinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics. Large animal models of HCC allow testing image-guided locoregional therapies, which are widely used in the management of HCC. Models with precise tumor mutations mimicking human HCC provide valuable tools for testing precision medicine. AXIN1 and ARID1A are two of the most frequently mutated genes in human HCC. Here, we investigated the effects of knockout of AXIN1 and/or ARID1A on proliferation, migration, and chemotherapeutic susceptibility of porcine HCC cells and we developed subcutaneous tumors harboring these mutations in pigs. Gene knockout was achieved by CRISPR/Cas9 and was validated by Next Generation Sequencing. AXIN1 knockout increased the migration of porcine HCC cells but did not alter the cell proliferation. Knockout of ARID1A increased both the proliferation and migration of porcine HCC cells. Simultaneous knockout of AXIN1 and ARID1A increased the migration, but did not alter the proliferation of porcine HCC cells. The effect of gene knockout on the response of porcine HCC cells to two of the most commonly used systemic and locoregional HCC treatments was investigated; sorafenib and doxorubicin, respectively. Knockout of AXIN1 and/or ARID1A did not alter the susceptibility of porcine HCC cells to sorafenib or doxorubicin. Autologous injection of CRISPR edited HCC cells resulted in development of subcutaneous tumors in pigs, which harbored the anticipated edits in AXIN1 and/or ARID1A. This study elucidates the effects of CRISPR-mediated knockout of HCC-associated genes in porcine HCC cells, and lays the foundation for development and utilization of genetically-tailored porcine HCC models for in vivo testing of novel therapeutic approaches in a clinically-relevant large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna Elkhadragy
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kimia Dasteh Goli
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - William M. Totura
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Maureen R. Regan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lawrence B. Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Ron C. Gaba
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kyle M. Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Kyle M. Schachtschneider,
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27
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Zhu L, Yang X, Feng J, Mao J, Zhang Q, He M, Mi Y, Mei Y, Jin G, Zhang H. CYP2E1 plays a suppressive role in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating Wnt/Dvl2/β-catenin signaling. J Transl Med 2022; 20:194. [PMID: 35509083 PMCID: PMC9066941 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Knowledge of the role of CYP2E1 in hepatocarcinogenesis is largely based on epidemiological and animal studies, with a primary focus on the role of CYP2E1 in metabolic activation of procarcinogens. Few studies have directly assessed the effects of CYP2E1 on HCC malignant phenotypes. Methods The expression of CYP2E1 in HCC tissues was determined by qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Overexpression of CYP2E1 in HCC cell was achieved by lentivirus transfection. The function of CYP2E1 were detected by CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays, xenograft models and pulmonary metastasis model. TOP/FOPFlash reporter assay, western blotting, functional rescue experiments, Co-immunoprecipitation and reactive oxygen species detection were conducted to reveal the underlying mechanism of the tumor suppressive role of CYP2E1. Results CYP2E1 expression is down-regulated in HCC tissues, and this downregulation was associated with large tumor diameter, vascular invasion, poor differentiation, and shortened patient survival time. Ectopic expression of CYP2E1 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells in vitro, and inhibits tumor formation and lung metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistic investigations show that CYP2E1 overexpression significantly inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity and decreased Dvl2 expression in HCC cells. An increase in Dvl2 expression restored the malignant phenotype of HCC cells. Notably, CYP2E1 promoted the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Dvl2 by strengthening the interaction between Dvl2 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase KLHL12 in CYP2E1-stable HCC cells. CYP2E1-induced ROS accumulation was a critical upstream event in the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in CYP2E1-overexpressing HCC cells. Conclusions These results provide novel insight into the role of CYP2E1 in HCC and the tumor suppressor role of CYP2E1 can be attributed to its ability to manipulate Wnt/Dvl2/β-catenin pathway via inducing ROS accumulation, which provides a potential target for the prevention and treatment of HCC. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03396-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xiaobei Yang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Jingyu Feng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Jian Mao
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of China National Tobacco Company, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qidong Zhang
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of China National Tobacco Company, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mengru He
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yingwu Mei
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ge Jin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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28
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Biomarkers and Genetic Markers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma-What Do We Already Know. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061493. [PMID: 35326644 PMCID: PMC8946081 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma continue to remain a serious threat. In this review, we describe the most common biomarkers and genetic markers currently used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. It can be observed that biomarkers and genetic markers might be applied in various parts of diagnosis including screening tests in a high-risk group, non-invasive detection, control of therapy, treatment selection, and control of recurrence. Also, it can be seen that nowadays there is a need for more specific markers that would improve the detection in early or very early stages of both types of cancers and further research should be focused on it. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with an increasing worldwide mortality rate. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer. In both types of cancers, early detection is very important. Biomarkers are a relevant part of diagnosis, enabling non-invasive detection and control of cancer recurrence, as well as in the application of screening tests in high-risk groups. Furthermore, some of these biomarkers are useful in controlling therapy and treatment selection. Detection of some markers presents higher sensitivity and specificity in combination with other markers when compared with a single detection. Some gene aberrations are also prognostic markers in the two types of cancers. In the following review, we discuss the most common biomarkers and genetic markers currently being used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
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29
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WSB1 regulates c-Myc expression through β-catenin signaling and forms a feedforward circuit. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1225-1239. [PMID: 35530152 PMCID: PMC9072231 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of transcription factors is widely associated with tumorigenesis. As the most well-defined transcription factor in multiple types of cancer, c-Myc can transform cells by transactivating various downstream genes. Given that there is no effective way to directly inhibit c-Myc, c-Myc targeting strategies hold great potential for cancer therapy. In this study, we found that WSB1, which has a highly positive correlation with c-Myc in 10 cancer cell lines and clinical samples, is a direct target gene of c-Myc, and can positively regulate c-Myc expression, which forms a feedforward circuit promoting cancer development. RNA sequencing results from Bel-7402 cells confirmed that WSB1 promoted c-Myc expression through the β-catenin pathway. Mechanistically, WSB1 affected β-catenin destruction complex-PPP2CA assembly and E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor β-TRCP recruitment, which inhibited the ubiquitination of β-catenin and transactivated c-Myc. Of interest, the effect of WSB1 on c-Myc was independent of its E3 ligase activity. Moreover, overexpressing WSB1 in the Bel-7402 xenograft model could further strengthen the tumor-driven effect of c-Myc overexpression. Thus, our findings revealed a novel mechanism involved in tumorigenesis in which the WSB1/c-Myc feedforward circuit played an essential role, highlighting a potential c-Myc intervention strategy in cancer treatment.
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Key Words
- ATM, serine-protein kinase ATM
- CHIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation
- CK1, casein kinase 1
- Cancer treatment
- EBP2, probable rRNA-processing protein EBP2
- ESC complex, elongin B/C-cullin 2/5-SOCS box containing ubiquitin ligase protein complex
- Feedback loop
- GSK3β, glycogen synthase kinase 3β
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HIF1-α, hypoxia induced factor 1-alpha
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- PLK1, serine/threonine-protein kinase PLK1
- PP2A, serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A
- PROTAC, proteolysis targeting chimaera
- RhoGDI2, Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2
- TFs, transcription factors
- Transcription factors
- Tumorigenesis
- Ubiquitination-proteasome pathway
- WSB1
- WSB1, WD repeat and SOCS box containing 1
- c-Myc
- c-Myc, proto-oncogene c-Myc
- eIF4F, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F
- β-Catenin destruction complex
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30
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Du C, Liu X, Li M, Zhao Y, Li J, Wen Z, Liu M, Yang M, Fu B, Wei M. Analysis of 5-Methylcytosine Regulators and DNA Methylation-Driven Genes in Colon Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:657092. [PMID: 35174154 PMCID: PMC8842075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic-driven events are important molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The 5-methylcytosine (5mC) regulators play important roles in the methylation-driven gene expression. However, the effect of the 5mC regulators on the oncogenic pathways in colon cancer (CC) remains unclear. Also, the clinical value of such epigenetic-driven events needs further research. Methods: The transcriptome and matching epigenetic data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. The gene set variation analysis identified the oncogenic pathways adjusted by 5mC regulators. The “edgeR” and “methylmix” package identified the differential expression genes of DNA methylation-driven genes. The correlation between 5mC regulators or transcription factors and shortlisted genes was investigated by calculating the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Among them, the genes related to diagnosis were screened out based on differential gene expression in extracellular vesicles (EVs) by the “limma” package and histology by immunohistochemistry. Then, a risk signature was constructed by fitting the generalized linear model and validated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: MYC targets pathway and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase–AKT–mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway were identified as the hallmark-related pathways associated with 5mC regulators. Also, the P53 pathway was subject to the influence of regulators' expression. A five methylation-driven gene signature (FIRRE, MYBL2, TGFBI, AXIN2, and SLC35D3) was developed as the biomarker for CC diagnosis. Meanwhile, those genes positively related to 5mC regulators and interacted with their relevant or transcription factors. Conclusion: In general, 5mC regulators are positively related to each other and DNA methylation-driven genes, with the relationship of multiple active and inhibitory pathways related to cancer. Meanwhile, the signature (FIRRE, MYBL2, TGFBI, AXIN2, and SLC35D3) can prefigure prospective diagnosis in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - XinLi Liu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingwei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhikang Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meina Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boshi Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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31
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Xu C, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X. β-Catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154515. [PMID: 35166233 PMCID: PMC8843739 DOI: 10.1172/jci154515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the main genetic alterations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive genomic analyses have revealed that gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, and loss-of-function mutation of AXIN1 occur in approximately 35% of human HCC samples. Human HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway demonstrate unique gene expression patterns and pathological features. Activated Wnt/β-catenin synergizes with multiple signaling cascades to drive HCC formation, and it functions through its downstream effectors. Therefore, strategies targeting Wnt/β-catenin have been pursued as possible therapeutics against HCC. Here, we review the genetic alterations and oncogenic roles of aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the implication of this pathway in HCC diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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32
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Well-differentiated liver cancers reveal the potential link between ACE2 dysfunction and metabolic breakdown. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1859. [PMID: 35115564 PMCID: PMC8814043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is a coreceptor. Abnormal hepatic function in COVID-19 suggests specific or bystander liver disease. Because liver cancer cells express the ACE2 viral receptor, they are widely used as models of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and localization in human liver cancers and in non-tumor livers. We studied ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in transcriptomic datasets totaling 1503 liver cancers, followed by high-resolution confocal multiplex immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis of a 41-HCC tissue microarray. In cancers, we detected ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at the biliary pole of tumor hepatocytes. In whole mount sections of five normal liver samples, we identified ACE2 in hepatocyte’s bile canaliculi, biliary epithelium, sinusoidal and capillary endothelial cells. Tumors carrying mutated β-catenin showed ACE2 DNA hypomethylation and higher mRNA and protein expression, consistently with predicted β-catenin response sites in the ACE2 promoter. Finally, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 co-expression networks highlighted hepatocyte-specific functions, oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting a link between inflammation, ACE2 dysfunction and metabolic breakdown.
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33
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Takeda H, Takai A, Eso Y, Takahashi K, Marusawa H, Seno H. Genetic Landscape of Multistep Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:568. [PMID: 35158835 PMCID: PMC8833551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although several targeted therapy agents are available for advanced HCC, their antitumor efficacy remains limited. As the complex genetic landscape of HCC would compromise the antitumor efficacy of targeted therapy, a deeper understanding of the genetic landscape of hepatocarcinogenesis is necessary. Recent comprehensive genetic analyses have revealed the driver genes of HCC, which accumulate during the multistage process of hepatocarcinogenesis, facilitating HCC genetic heterogeneity. In addition, as early genetic changes may represent key therapeutic targets, the genetic landscapes of early HCC and precancerous liver tissues have been characterized in recent years, in parallel with the advancement of next-generation sequencing analysis. In this review article, we first summarize the landscape of the liver cancer genome and its intratumor heterogeneity. We then introduce recent insight on early genetic alterations in hepatocarcinogenesis, especially those in early HCC and noncancerous liver tissues. Finally, we summarize the multistep accumulation of genetic aberrations throughout cancer progression and discuss the future perspective towards the clinical application of this genetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (Y.E.); (K.T.); (H.S.)
| | - Atsushi Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (Y.E.); (K.T.); (H.S.)
| | - Yuji Eso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (Y.E.); (K.T.); (H.S.)
| | - Ken Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (Y.E.); (K.T.); (H.S.)
| | - Hiroyuki Marusawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka 543-8555, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (Y.E.); (K.T.); (H.S.)
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34
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Heitink L, Whittle JR, Vaillant F, Capaldo BD, Dekkers JF, Dawson CA, Milevskiy MJG, Surgenor E, Tsai M, Chen H, Christie M, Chen Y, Smyth GK, Herold MJ, Strasser A, Lindeman GJ, Visvader JE. In vivo genome-editing screen identifies tumor suppressor genes that cooperate with Trp53 loss during mammary tumorigenesis. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:1119-1131. [PMID: 35000262 PMCID: PMC8895454 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that comprises multiple histological and molecular subtypes. To gain insight into mutations that drive breast tumorigenesis, we describe a pipeline for the identification and validation of tumor suppressor genes. Based on an in vivo genome‐wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen in Trp53+/– heterozygous mice, we identified tumor suppressor genes that included the scaffold protein Axin1, the protein kinase A regulatory subunit gene Prkar1a, as well as the proof‐of‐concept genes Pten, Nf1, and Trp53 itself. Ex vivo editing of primary mammary epithelial organoids was performed to further interrogate the roles of Axin1 and Prkar1a. Increased proliferation and profound changes in mammary organoid morphology were observed for Axin1/Trp53 and Prkar1a/Trp53 double mutants compared to Pten/Trp53 double mutants. Furthermore, direct in vivo genome editing via intraductal injection of lentiviruses engineered to express dual short‐guide RNAs revealed that mutagenesis of Trp53 and either Prkar1a, Axin1, or Pten markedly accelerated tumor development compared to Trp53‐only mutants. This proof‐of‐principle study highlights the application of in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 editing for uncovering cooperativity between defects in tumor suppressor genes that elicit mammary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk Heitink
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - James R. Whittle
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | - François Vaillant
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Bianca D. Capaldo
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Johanna F. Dekkers
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Caleb A. Dawson
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Immunology DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Michael J. G. Milevskiy
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Elliot Surgenor
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Minhsuang Tsai
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Huei‐Rong Chen
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Michael Christie
- Personalised Oncology DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of PathologyThe Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleAustralia
| | - Yunshun Chen
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Bioinformatics DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Gordon K. Smyth
- Bioinformatics DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- School of Mathematics and StatisticsThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Marco J. Herold
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Geoffrey J. Lindeman
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | - Jane E. Visvader
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells DivisionThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
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35
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 34980884 PMCID: PMC8724284 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 280.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.
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36
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Torbenson M, McCabe CE, O’Brien DR, Yin J, Bainter T, Tran NH, Yasir S, Chen ZE, Dhanasekaran R, Ahn KS, Roberts LR, Wang C. Morphological heterogeneity in beta-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas: implications for tumor molecular classification. Hum Pathol 2022; 119:15-27. [PMID: 34592239 PMCID: PMC9258524 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Beta-catenin (CTNNB1) is commonly mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CTNNB1-mutated HCC has important clinical correlates, such as being immune cold and less likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. It remains unclear, however, if they are a morphologically homogenous group of tumors. To better understand the association between the morphology, CTNNB1 mutations, and other molecular features, a detailed study of 338 The Cancer Genome Atlas cases was performed. A characteristic histological morphology was strongly associated with CTNNB1 mutations but was present in only 58% of CTNNB1-mutated HCCs. Tumors with APC mutations tended to have the classic morphology; those with AXIN mutations did not. Pseudoglands are a key feature of the classic morphology, and they were associated with CTNNB1 mutations, male gender, specific CTNNB1 mutation site, and lack of TP53 mutations. Differential gene expression analysis stratified by the presence/absence of pseudoglands identified 60 differentially expressed genes (FDR <5%); clustering according to these differentially expressed genes revealed three groups of tumors, one with pseudoglands and a strong association with genes regulated by Wnt signaling; within this group, TP53 mutations were associated with a loss of the typical morphology of CTNNB1-mutated HCCs. When stratified by gender, further differential gene expression showed Wnt-regulated genes were associated with pseudoglands in men but not women. These findings indicate HCC with CTNNB1 mutations are morphologically heterogeneous, with gene penetrance for morphology dependent in part on gender, specific CTNNB1 mutations, and co-occurring TP53 mutations. This heterogeneity has important implications for the classification of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Torbenson
- Mayo Clinic Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States,Corresponding author. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. (M. Torbenson)
| | - Chantal E. McCabe
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel R. O’Brien
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jun Yin
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tiffany Bainter
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nguyen H. Tran
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Saba Yasir
- Mayo Clinic Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States
| | - Zongming Eric Chen
- Mayo Clinic Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States
| | - Renu Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Keun Soo Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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37
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Ren X, Rong Z, Liu X, Gao J, Xu X, Zi Y, Mu Y, Guan Y, Cao Z, Zhang Y, Zeng Z, Fan Q, Wang X, Pei Q, Wang X, Xin H, Li Z, Nie Y, Qiu Z, Li N, Sun L, Deng Y. The protein kinase activity of NME7 activates Wnt/β-Catenin signaling to promote one-carbon metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 82:60-74. [PMID: 34764205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming by oncogenic signaling is a hallmark of cancer. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms inducing hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and strategies for targeting this pathway are incompletely understood. In this study, we find nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7 (NME7) to be a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Upregulation of NME7 positively correlated with the clinical features of HCC. Knockdown of NME7 inhibited HCC growth in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of NME7 cooperated with c-Myc to drive tumorigenesis in a mouse model and promote the growth of tumor-derived organoids. Mechanistically, NME7 bound and phosphorylated serine 9 of GSK3β to promote β-catenin activation. Furthermore, MTHFD2, the key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism, was a target gene of β-catenin and mediated the effects of NME7. Tumor-derived organoids with NME7 overexpression exhibited increased sensitivity to MTHFD2 inhibition. Additionally, expression levels of NME7, β-catenin and MTHFD2 correlated with each other and with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Collectively, this study emphasizes the crucial roles of NME7 protein kinase activity in promoting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and one-carbon metabolism, suggesting NME7 and MTHFD2 as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Zhuoxian Rong
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Ruijin Hospital
| | - Jie Gao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xu Xu
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yuyuan Zi
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yun Mu
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | | | - Zhen Cao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Kay Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zimei Zeng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qi Fan
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xitao Wang
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qian Pei
- Xiangya Hospital Central South University
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Haiguang Xin
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Zhi Li
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | | | - Zilong Qiu
- Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Nan Li
- The Eestern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | | | - Yuezhen Deng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
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38
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Sylvester DE, Chen Y, Grima N, Saletta F, Padhye B, Bennetts B, Wright D, Krivanek M, Graf N, Zhou L, Catchpoole D, Kirk J, Latchoumanin O, Qiao L, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Jamieson R, Dalla-Pozza L, Byrne JA. Rare germline variants in childhood cancer patients suspected of genetic predisposition to cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 61:81-93. [PMID: 34687117 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of cancer-predisposing germline variants in childhood cancer patients is important for therapeutic decisions, disease surveillance and risk assessment for patients, and potentially, also for family members. We investigated the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic germline variants in selected childhood cancer patients with features suggestive of genetic predisposition to cancer. Germline DNA was subjected to exome sequencing to filter variants in 1048 genes of interest including 176 known cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). An enrichment burden analysis compared rare deleterious germline CPG variants in the patient cohort with those in a healthy aged control population. A subset of predicted deleterious variants in novel candidate CPGs was investigated further by examining matched tumor samples, and the functional impact of AXIN1 variants was analyzed in cultured cells. Twenty-two pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants detected in 13 CPGs were identified in 19 of 76 patients (25.0%). Unclear association with the diagnosed cancer types was observed in 11 of 19 patients carrying P/LP CPG variants. The burden of rare deleterious germline variants in autosomal dominant CPGs was significantly higher in study patients versus healthy aged controls. A novel AXIN1 frameshift variant (Ser321fs) may impact the regulation of β-catenin levels. Selection of childhood cancer patients for germline testing based on features suggestive of an underlying genetic predisposition could help to identify carriers of clinically relevant germline CPG variants, and streamline the integration of germline genomic testing in the pediatric oncology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne E Sylvester
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuyan Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Federica Saletta
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bhavna Padhye
- The Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Bennetts
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale Wright
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Krivanek
- Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Graf
- Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Li Zhou
- Sydney Children's Tumour Bank Network, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- Sydney Children's Tumour Bank Network, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judy Kirk
- Familial Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivier Latchoumanin
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney & Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney & Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mandy Ballinger
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre & Genomic Cancer Medicine, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Thomas
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre & Genomic Cancer Medicine, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn Jamieson
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Eye and Developmental Genetics Research Group, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children's Medical Research Institute, and Disciplines of Genetic Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luciano Dalla-Pozza
- The Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Byrne
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,NSW Health Statewide Biobank, NSW Health Pathology, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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39
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Parsons MJ, Tammela T, Dow LE. WNT as a Driver and Dependency in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2413-2429. [PMID: 34518209 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway is a critical regulator of development and adult tissue homeostasis and becomes dysregulated in many cancer types. Although hyperactivation of WNT signaling is common, the type and frequency of genetic WNT pathway alterations can vary dramatically between different cancers, highlighting possible cancer-specific mechanisms for WNT-driven disease. In this review, we discuss how WNT pathway disruption contributes to tumorigenesis in different organs and how WNT affects the tumor cell and immune microenvironment. Finally, we describe recent and ongoing efforts to target oncogenic WNT signaling as a therapeutic strategy. SIGNIFICANCE: WNT signaling is a fundamental regulator of tissue homeostasis and oncogenic driver in many cancer types. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of WNT signaling in cancer, particularly the complexities of WNT activation in distinct cancer types, its role in immune evasion, and the challenge of targeting the WNT pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Parsons
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tuomas Tammela
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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40
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Zhang H, Yang X, Zhu L, Li Z, Zuo P, Wang P, Feng J, Mi Y, Zhang C, Xu Y, Jin G, Zhang J, Ye H. ASPM promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling through antagonizing autophagy-mediated Dvl2 degradation. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2784-2799. [PMID: 34428354 PMCID: PMC8487047 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide. In this article, we show that expression of abnormal spindle‐like microcephaly‐associated protein (ASPM) is up‐regulated in liver cancer samples, and this up‐regulation is significantly associated with tumor aggressiveness and reduced survival times of patients. Down‐regulation of ASPM expression inhibits the proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of HCC cells in vitro and inhibits tumor formation in nude mice. ASPM interacts with disheveled‐2 (Dvl2) and antagonizes autophagy‐mediated Dvl2 degradation by weakening the functional interaction between Dvl2 and the lipidated form of microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A (LC3II), thereby increasing Dvl2 protein abundance and leading to Wnt/β‐catenin signaling activation in HCC cells. Thus, our results define ASPM as a novel oncoprotein in HCC and indicate that disruption of the Wnt–ASPM–Dvl2–β‐catenin signaling axis might have potential clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Xiaobei Yang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Peipei Zuo
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Jingyu Feng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Chengjuan Zhang
- Center of Repository, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Ge Jin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, China
| | | | - Hua Ye
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, China
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41
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Jing T, Wang B, Yang Z, Liu Y, Xu G, Xu X, Jiao K, Chen Z, Xiang L, Zhang L, Liu Y. Deubiquitination of the repressor E2F6 by USP22 facilitates AKT activation and tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:266-277. [PMID: 34339800 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated ubiquitination of tumor-related proteins plays a critical role in tumor development and progression. The deubiquitinase USP22 is aberrantly expressed in certain types of cancer and contributes to aggressive tumor progression. However, the precise mechanism underlying the pro-tumorigenic function of USP22 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, we report that E2F6, a pocket protein-independent transcription repressor, is essential for HCC cell growth, and that its activities are controlled by USP22-mediated deubiquitination. USP22 interacts with and stabilizes E2F6, resulting in the transcriptional repression of phosphatase DUSP1. Moreover, the process involving DUSP1 repression by E2F6 strengthens AKT activation in HCC cells. Therefore, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the USP22-mediated control of oncogenic AKT signaling, emphasizing the importance of USP22-E2F6 regulation in HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Boshi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guiqin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kun Jiao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lvzhu Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yongzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Evaluation of AXIN1 and AXIN2 as targets of tankyrase inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7470. [PMID: 33811251 PMCID: PMC8018973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AXIN1 mutations are observed in 8-10% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and originally were considered to support tumor growth by aberrantly enhancing β-catenin signaling. This view has however been challenged by reports showing neither a clear nuclear β-catenin accumulation nor clearly enhanced expression of β-catenin target genes. Here, using nine HCC lines, we show that AXIN1 mutation or siRNA mediated knockdown contributes to enhanced β-catenin signaling in all AXIN1-mutant and non-mutant lines, also confirmed by reduced signaling in AXIN1-repaired SNU449 cells. Both AXIN1 and AXIN2 work synergistically to control β-catenin signaling. While in the AXIN1-mutant lines, AXIN2 is solely responsible for keeping signaling in check, in the non-mutant lines both AXIN proteins contribute to β-catenin regulation to varying levels. The AXIN proteins have gained substantial interest in cancer research for a second reason. Their activity in the β-catenin destruction complex can be increased by tankyrase inhibitors, which thus may serve as a therapeutic option to reduce the growth of β-catenin-dependent cancers. At concentrations that inhibit tankyrase activity, some lines (e.g. HepG2, SNU398) were clearly affected in colony formation, but in most cases apparently independent from effects on β-catenin signaling. Overall, our analyses show that AXIN1 inactivation leads to enhanced β-catenin signaling in HCC cell lines, questioning the strong statements that have been made in this regard. Enhancing AXIN activity by tankyrase monotherapy provides however no effective treatment to affect their growth exclusively through reducing β-catenin signaling.
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Zhang C, Yang H, Pan L, Zhao G, Zhang R, Zhang T, Xiao Z, Tong Y, Zhang Y, Hu R, Pandol SJ, Han YP. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein (HBx) Suppresses Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) Resulting in Stabilization of Integrin Beta 1 (ITGB1) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1181. [PMID: 33803301 PMCID: PMC7967237 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiological risk for the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HBV X protein (HBx) is essential for oncogenic transformation. It is not known that if HBx can sabotage the lysosomal system for transformation and tumorigenesis, or its mechanism if it does have an effect. Examining clinical data, we observed that the downregulation of lysosomal components and transcription factor EB (TFEB) was associated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients. In HCC cells, we found that expression of HBx suppressed TFEB, impaired biogenesis of autophagic-lysosome, and promoted cellular dissemination. HBx mediated downregulation of TFEB led to impairment of autophagic/lysosomal biogenesis and flux, and consequently, accumulation of integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) for motility of HCC cells. Conversely, TFEB, in a steady-state condition, through induction of lysosomal biogenesis restrained ITGB1 levels and limited mobility of HCC cells. Specifically, overexpression of TFEB upregulated and activated the cysteine proteases including cathepsin L (CTSL) to degrade ITGB1. Conversely, expression of cystatin A (CSTA) or cystatin B (CSTB), the cellular inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine proteinases, spared ITGB1 from degradation and promoted dissemination of HCC cells. Taken together, this study suggests a potential mechanism for HBV-mediated malignancy, showing that HBx mediated downregulation of TFEB leads to accumulation of ITGB1 for HCC cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhang
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Huan Yang
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Liwei Pan
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Guangfu Zhao
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ruofei Zhang
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Tianci Zhang
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Zhixiong Xiao
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ying Tong
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yi Zhang
- China West Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
| | - Richard Hu
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90001, USA;
| | | | - Yuan-Ping Han
- The Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (L.P.); (G.Z.); (R.Z.); (T.Z.); (Z.X.); (Y.T.)
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Yu L, Wang M, Yang Y, Xu F, Zhang X, Xie F, Gao L, Li X. Predicting therapeutic drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma based on tissue-specific pathways. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008696. [PMID: 33561121 PMCID: PMC7920387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health problem worldwide with poor prognosis. Drug repositioning represents a profitable strategy to accelerate drug discovery in the treatment of HCC. In this study, we developed a new approach for predicting therapeutic drugs for HCC based on tissue-specific pathways and identified three newly predicted drugs that are likely to be therapeutic drugs for the treatment of HCC. We validated these predicted drugs by analyzing their overlapping drug indications reported in PubMed literature. By using the cancer cell line data in the database, we constructed a Connectivity Map (CMap) profile similarity analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis on their related genes. By experimental validation, we found securinine and ajmaline significantly inhibited cell viability of HCC cells and induced apoptosis. Among them, securinine has lower toxicity to normal liver cell line, which is worthy of further research. Our results suggested that the proposed approach was effective and accurate for discovering novel therapeutic options for HCC. This method also could be used to indicate unmarked drug-disease associations in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Meanwhile, our method could also be applied to predict the potential drugs for other types of tumors by changing the database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fengdan Xu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangzhi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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45
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Bugter JM, Fenderico N, Maurice MM. Mutations and mechanisms of WNT pathway tumour suppressors in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:5-21. [PMID: 33097916 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-020-00307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mutation-induced activation of WNT-β-catenin signalling is a frequent driver event in human cancer. Sustained WNT-β-catenin pathway activation endows cancer cells with sustained self-renewing growth properties and is associated with therapy resistance. In healthy adult stem cells, WNT pathway activity is carefully controlled by core pathway tumour suppressors as well as negative feedback regulators. Gene inactivation experiments in mouse models unequivocally demonstrated the relevance of WNT tumour suppressor loss-of-function mutations for cancer growth. However, in human cancer, a far more complex picture has emerged in which missense or truncating mutations mediate stable expression of mutant proteins, with distinct functional and phenotypic ramifications. Herein, we review recent advances and challenges in our understanding of how different mutational subsets of WNT tumour suppressor genes link to distinct cancer types, clinical outcomes and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen M Bugter
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nicola Fenderico
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Molina-Sánchez P, Ruiz de Galarreta M, Yao MA, Lindblad KE, Bresnahan E, Bitterman E, Martin TC, Rubenstein T, Nie K, Golas J, Choudhary S, Bárcena-Varela M, Elmas A, Miguela V, Ding Y, Kan Z, Grinspan LT, Huang KL, Parsons RE, Shields DJ, Rollins RA, Lujambio A. Cooperation Between Distinct Cancer Driver Genes Underlies Intertumor Heterogeneity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:2203-2220.e14. [PMID: 32814112 PMCID: PMC7726023 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The pattern of genetic alterations in cancer driver genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly diverse, which partially explains the low efficacy of available therapies. In spite of this, the existing mouse models only recapitulate a small portion of HCC inter-tumor heterogeneity, limiting the understanding of the disease and the nomination of personalized therapies. Here, we aimed at establishing a novel collection of HCC mouse models that captured human HCC diversity. METHODS By performing hydrodynamic tail-vein injections, we tested the impact of altering a well-established HCC oncogene (either MYC or β-catenin) in combination with an additional alteration in one of eleven other genes frequently mutated in HCC. Of the 23 unique pairs of genetic alterations that we interrogated, 9 were able to induce HCC. The established HCC mouse models were characterized at histopathological, immune, and transcriptomic level to identify the unique features of each model. Murine HCC cell lines were generated from each tumor model, characterized transcriptionally, and used to identify specific therapies that were validated in vivo. RESULTS Cooperation between pairs of driver genes produced HCCs with diverse histopathology, immune microenvironments, transcriptomes, and drug responses. Interestingly, MYC expression levels strongly influenced β-catenin activity, indicating that inter-tumor heterogeneity emerges not only from specific combinations of genetic alterations but also from the acquisition of expression-dependent phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS This novel collection of murine HCC models and corresponding cell lines establishes the role of driver genes in diverse contexts and enables mechanistic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Molina-Sánchez
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marina Ruiz de Galarreta
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Melissa A Yao
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Katherine E Lindblad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Erin Bresnahan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth Bitterman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Tiphaine C Martin
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Troy Rubenstein
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kai Nie
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Marina Bárcena-Varela
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Abdulkadir Elmas
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Veronica Miguela
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ying Ding
- Oncology R&D, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California
| | | | - Lauren Tal Grinspan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | - Ramon E Parsons
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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47
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Garcia-Lezana T, Lopez-Canovas JL, Villanueva A. Signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:63-101. [PMID: 33579428 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent introduction of new effective systemic agents, the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at advanced stages remains dismal. This underscores the need for new therapies, which has spurred extensive research on the identification of the main drivers of pathway de-regulation as a source of novel therapeutic targets. Frequently altered pathways in HCC involve growth factor receptors (e.g., VEGFR, FGFR, TGFA, EGFR, IGFR) and/or its cytoplasmic intermediates (e.g., PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RAF/ERK/MAPK) as well as key pathways in cell differentiation (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, Hippo, Hedgehog, Notch). Somatic mutations, chromosomal aberrations and epigenetic changes are common mechanisms for pathway deregulation in HCC. Aberrant pathway activation has also been explored as a biomarker to predict response to specific therapies, but currently, these strategies are not implemented when deciding systemic therapies in HCC patients. Beyond the well-established molecular cascades, there are numerous emerging signaling pathways also deregulated in HCC (e.g., tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, intestinal microbiota), which have opened new avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Garcia-Lezana
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juan Luis Lopez-Canovas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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48
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Zhong B, Dong J, Zhang R, He M, Zeng W, Pan J, He J, Tao A, Yang R, Fu B, French SW, Liu H. Altered regulation of LncRNA analysis of human alcoholic hepatitis with Mallory-Denk Bodies (MDBs) is revealed by RNA sequencing. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 117:104559. [PMID: 33121977 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104559] [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: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mallory-Denk Bodies (MDBs) are prevalent in a variety of liver diseases including alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and are formed in mice livers by feeding DDC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered as emerging new gene regulators, which participates in many functional activities through diverse mechanisms. We previously reported the mechanisms involved in the formation of liver MDBs in mouse model and in AH livers where MDBs had formed. To investigate the regulation of mRNAs expression and the probable role of lncRNAs in AH livers with MDBs, RNA-Seq analyses was further conducted to determine the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles of the AH livers compared with the normal livers. It showed that different lncRNAs have different information contribution degrees by principal component analysis, and the integrated analysis of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were linked to endocytosis, cell cycle, p53 signaling pathways in the human. Based on the co-expression networks, we identify 36 mRNAs that could be as potential biomarkers of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the regulatory network of lncRNAs associated with liver MDB formation in human, and these results might offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of liver MDB formation and the progression of AH to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhong
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Jun Dong
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Menghua He
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Wuyi Zeng
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Jiayi Pan
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Jiashan He
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Ailin Tao
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Rirong Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bishi Fu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Samuel W French
- University of California, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.
| | - Hui Liu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
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Crauciuc GA, Iancu M, Olah P, Tripon F, Anciuc M, Gozar L, Togănel R, Bănescu C. Significant Associations between AXIN1 rs1805105, rs12921862, rs370681 Haplotypes and Variant Genotypes of AXIN2 rs2240308 with Risk of Congenital Heart Defects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207671. [PMID: 33096676 PMCID: PMC7589771 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate possible associations of the susceptibility to congenital heart defects (CHDs) with AXIN1 rs1805105, rs12921862 and rs370681 gene variants and haplotypes, and AXIN2 rs2240308 gene variant. Significant associations were identified for AXIN1 rs370681 and AXIN2 rs2240308 variants. AXIN1 rs370681 variant was significantly associated with decreased odds of CHDs (adjusted OR varying from 0.13 to 0.28 in codominant, dominant and recessive gene models), while the AXIN2 rs2240308 variant was associated with increased odds of CHD in the dominant model. The haplotype-based generalized linear model regression of AXIN1 rs1805105, rs12921862 and rs370681 variants revealed that C-C-C and C-C-T haplotypes significantly increased the risk of CHDs (p < 0.05). No significant second order epistatic interactions were found between investigated variants (AXIN1 rs1805105, rs12921862, rs370681, and AXIN2 rs2240308). Our conclusion is that AXIN1 rs1805105, rs12921862, and rs370681 (C-C-C and C-C-T) haplotypes and AXIN2 rs2240308 contribute to CHDs susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Andrei Crauciuc
- Genetics Laboratory, Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research of George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (G.A.C.); (F.T.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Mihaela Iancu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca, 400000 Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (P.O.); Tel.: +40-264-597256 (M.I.); +40-265-215551 (P.O.)
| | - Peter Olah
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (P.O.); Tel.: +40-264-597256 (M.I.); +40-265-215551 (P.O.)
| | - Florin Tripon
- Genetics Laboratory, Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research of George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (G.A.C.); (F.T.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Mădălina Anciuc
- Genetics Laboratory, Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research of George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (G.A.C.); (F.T.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Liliana Gozar
- Pediatrics III Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (L.G.); (R.T.)
| | - Rodica Togănel
- Pediatrics III Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (L.G.); (R.T.)
| | - Claudia Bănescu
- Genetics Laboratory, Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research of George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (G.A.C.); (F.T.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
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Fang L, Gao C, Bai RX, Wang HF, Du SY. Overexpressed sFRP3 exerts an inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma via inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:875-891. [DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-0201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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