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Sun Y, Dong Y, Cui X, Guo X, Zhang J, Yu C, Zhang M, Wang H. Effects of Marine Natural Products on Liver Diseases. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:288. [PMID: 39057397 PMCID: PMC11278422 DOI: 10.3390/md22070288] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of liver disease, a class of disease that seriously threatens human health, has always been a hot topic of medical research. In recent years, with the in-depth exploration of marine resources, marine natural products have shown great potential and value in the field of liver disease treatment. Compounds extracted and isolated from marine natural products have a variety of biological activities such as significant antiviral properties, showing potential in the management of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), protection of the liver from fibrosis, protection from liver injury and inhibition of the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This paper summarizes the progress of research on marine natural products for the treatment of liver diseases in the past decade, including the structural types of active substances from different natural products and the mechanisms underlying the modulation of different liver diseases and reviews their future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandi Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Yansong Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Xiaohang Cui
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Xiaohe Guo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Chong Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
| | - Man Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China;
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (X.C.); (X.G.); (J.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
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FENG KUN, PENG HAO, LV QINGPENG, ZHANG YEWEI. PHLDA2 reshapes the immune microenvironment and induces drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1063-1078. [PMID: 38827322 PMCID: PMC11136693 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy known for its unfavorable prognosis. The dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the sensitivity to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure. The elucidation of PHLDA2's involvement in HCC is imperative, and the clinical value of PHLDA2 is also underestimated. Here, bioinformatics analysis was performed in multiple cohorts to explore the phenotype and mechanism through which PHLDA2 may affect the progression of HCC. Then, the expression and function of PHLDA2 were examined via the qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and MTT assays. Our findings indicate a substantial upregulation of PHLDA2 in HCC, correlated with a poorer prognosis. The methylation levels of PHLDA2 were found to be lower in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Besides, noteworthy associations were observed between PHLDA2 expression and immune infiltration in HCC. In addition, PHLDA2 upregulation is closely associated with stemness features and immunotherapy or chemotherapy resistance in HCC. In vitro experiments showed that sorafenib or cisplatin significantly up-regulated PHLDA2 mRNA levels, and PHLDA2 knockdown markedly decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Meanwhile, we found that TGF-β induced the expression of PHLDA2 in vitro. The GSEA and in vitro experiment indicated that PHLDA2 may promote the HCC progression via activating the AKT signaling pathway. Our study revealed the novel role of PHLDA2 as an independent prognostic factor, which plays an essential role in TME remodeling and treatment resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- KUN FENG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - HAO PENG
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - QINGPENG LV
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - YEWEI ZHANG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
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Lee S, Ren L, Paranjpe A, Zhou P, Potter A, Huppert SS, Shin S. Rbpj deletion in hepatic progenitor cells attenuates endothelial responses in a mouse model of cholestatic liver disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.13.589277. [PMID: 38659780 PMCID: PMC11042221 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.13.589277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Since the role of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) constituting ductular reactions in pathogenesis remains ambiguous, we aimed to establish the in vivo cause-and-effect relationship between HPCs and angiogenesis, a process associated with chronic liver disease progression. We previously demonstrated that peritumoral ductules are associated with angiogenesis in liver tumors and forkhead box L1 (Foxl1)- expressing murine HPCs secrete angiogenic factors in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that HPCs are capable of remodeling the vascular microenvironment and this function of HPCs is dependent on recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPJ), a key effector of the Notch signaling pathway. Approach and Results We generated HPC-specific Rbpj conditional knockout mice using Foxl1-Cre and treated them with the 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine-supplemented diet to induce cholestatic liver disease. Knockout mice displayed significant reduction of HPC proliferation and ductular reactions as well as attenuated vascular and fibrotic areas compared to control mice. Assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor A-positive areas in vivo and the effects of Rbpj shRNAs in vitro indicated that Rbpj knockout in HPCs reduces the total number of angiogenic factor-expressing cells rather than affecting angiogenic factor expression within HPCs. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis indicated that conditional Rbpj knockout in HPCs induces transcriptional changes in endothelial cells and alters expression of genes involved in various functions of the endothelium. Conclusion Our findings indicate that HPCs regulate endothelial responses to cholestatic liver disease and Rbpj deletion in HPCs attenuates these responses, identifying novel targets for modulating angiogenesis during disease progression.
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Yüregir Y, Kaçaroğlu D, Yaylacı S. Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanism and Targeted Therapeutic Approaches. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1450:93-102. [PMID: 37452258 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, with multiple risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with advanced HCC remains low, creating an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and strategies.One biological process crucial to HCC progression is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process that enables epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, including motility and invasiveness, by losing their cell-cell adhesion. Various signaling pathways, including TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, have been implicated in regulating EMT in HCC.To inhibit EMT, targeted therapeutic approaches have been developed, and preclinical studies suggest that the inhibition of the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways is promising. TGF-β receptor inhibitors, Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, and gamma-secretase inhibitors have shown efficacy in preclinical studies by inhibiting EMT and reducing tumor growth in HCC models. However, further clinical studies are necessary to determine their effectiveness in human patients.In addition to these approaches, further research is needed to identify other novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies for HCC. This review emphasizes the critical role of EMT in HCC progression and highlights the potential of targeting the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways to inhibit EMT and reduce tumor growth in HCC. Future studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate these therapeutic strategies and develop effective treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Yüregir
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet Kaçaroğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seher Yaylacı
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Wang Z, Shi P, Huang P, Xu C, He Y, Lei W. Identification of secretory pathway-related genes based on Random Forest algorithm to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3593. [PMID: 37730948 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dysfunction of secretory pathways may represent biomarkers or therapeutic targets of cancer. The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) phenotype was studied in relation to the genes in the secretory pathway and to screen for a combination of genes that may be a viable therapeutic target for HCC and connected to the pathophysiological features of the tumor. METHODS Using the HCC information from The Cancer Genome Atlas, somatic mutation and prognostic association analysis were performed on the secretory pathway genes. Based on prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, the samples were consensus clustered, and a Random Forest model was built. The clinical characteristics, tumor mutation burden, functional status and potential responses to immunotherapy and tumor suppressor medications of various subtypes and risk groups were discussed. RESULTS Of the 84 genes for secretory pathway, 32 were prognostic genes related to HCC, which divided HCC into two categories: C1 and C2. By comparing the two types of HCC samples, it was found that the survival outcome of C1 was inferior, with stronger adaptive and innate immunity, but less sensitive to immunotherapy than C2. The constructed prognostic signature included seven of the 32 prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, which showed significant correlation with the prognosis, somatic mutation, biological pathway status, potential response to immunotherapy and sensitivity of 72 tumor suppressor drugs from different HCC cohorts, and had a feasible prognostic effect for 31 types of cancer and immunotherapy cohorts. CONCLUSIONS In this study, HCC was divided into two molecular subtypes according to prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, and seven of them were combined into one signature, which produced significant results in evaluating the prognosis of different HCC cohorts, pan-cancer cohorts and immunotherapy cohorts, and had potential guiding significance for prophylactic immunotherapy in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanzhi Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengwei Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoquan He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxiong Lei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Qi W, Zhang Q. Insights on epithelial cells at the single-cell level in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and response to chemotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1292831. [PMID: 38044951 PMCID: PMC10690771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1292831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from Epithelial cells, and epithelial lineage plasticity has become a promising research direction for advancing HCC treatment. This study aims to focus on Epithelial cells to provide target insights for detecting HCC prognosis and response to drug therapy. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from GSE149614 were clustered using Seurat, and the differentiation and evolution of epithelial cells were analyzed by Monocle 2. Scissor+ and Scissor- Epithelial cells associated with the prognostic phenotypes of bulk RNA-seq of HCC were screened using the Scissor algorithm for differential analysis to screen candidate genes. Candidate genes were overlapped with prognostic related genes screened by univariate Cox regression, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) sparse penalty was imposed on the intersection genes to construct a risk assessment system. Results: Eight major cell subpopulations of HCC were identified, among which the proportion of epithelial cells in non-tumor liver tissues and HCC tissues was significantly different, and its proportion increased with advanced clinical stage. During the progression of HCC, the whole direction of epithelial cells differentiation trajectory was towards enhanced cell proliferation. Differential analysis between Scissor+ and Scissor- epithelial cells screened 1,265 upregulated and 191 downregulated prognostic candidate genes. Wherein, the upregulated genes were enriched in Cell processes, Genetic information processing, Metabolism and Human disease with Infection. Nevertheless, immune system related pathways took the main proportions in downregulated genes enriched pathways. There were 17 common genes between upregulated candidate genes and prognostic risk genes, of which CDC20, G6PD and PLOD2 were selected as components for constructing the risk assessment system. Risk score showed a significant correlation with tumor stage, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related pathways and 22 therapeutic drugs, and was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Conclusion: This study revealed the cellular composition of HCC, the differentiation evolution and functional landscape of epithelial cells in the further deterioration of HCC, and established a 3-gene risk model, which was closely related to clinical features, EMT, and drug sensitivity prediction. These findings provided insights in patient prognosis and drug therapy detection for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Zhu Y, Guo Y, Liu H, Zhou A, Fan Z, Zhu X, Miao X. Ubiquitin specific peptidase 47 contributes to liver regeneration. Life Sci 2023; 329:121967. [PMID: 37487274 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocytes resume proliferation following liver injuries to compensate for the loss of liver mass. Robust liver regeneration is an intrinsic and pivotal process that facilitates restoration of liver anatomy and function. In the present study we investigated the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47) in liver regeneration. METHODS AND MATERIALS Proliferation of hepatocytes was evaluated by Ki67 staining in vivo and EdU incorporation in vitro. DNA-protein interaction was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). RESULTS USP47 expression was up-regulated in hepatocytes isolated from mice subjected to partial hepatectomy (PHx) or exposed to HGF treatment. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed E2F1 as a primary regulator of USP47 transcription. Reporter assay and ChIP assay confirmed that E2F1 directly bound to the USP47 promoter and activated USP47 transcription. Consistently, E2F1 knockdown abrogated USP47 induction by HGF. Compared to the wild type littermates, USP47 knockout mice displayed compromised liver regeneration following PHx. In addition, USP47 inhibition by a small-molecule compound impaired liver regeneration in mice. On the contrary, USP47 over-expression enhanced proliferation of hepatocytes in vitro and promoted liver regeneration in mice. Importantly, a positive correlation between USP47 expression and hepatocyte proliferation was identified in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that USP47, transcriptionally activated by E2F1, plays an essential role in liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anqi Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Peoples' Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan, China.
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Liver Disease, Injury, and Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030359. [PMID: 36766701 PMCID: PMC9914052 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have diverse functions in health and pathology in many tissues, including the liver. This review highlights important microRNAs (miRs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in liver disease and regeneration. Greater attention is given to more prevalent and well characterized RNAs, including: miR-122, miR-21, the let-7 family of miRs, miR-451a, miR-144, and MALAT1.
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10
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Sequera C, Grattarola M, Holczbauer A, Dono R, Pizzimenti S, Barrera G, Wangensteen KJ, Maina F. MYC and MET cooperatively drive hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct molecular traits and vulnerabilities. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:994. [PMID: 36433941 PMCID: PMC9700715 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced activation of the transcription factor MYC and of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET are among the events frequently occurring in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both genes individually act as drivers of liver cancer initiation and progression. However, their concomitant alteration in HCC has not been explored, nor functionally documented. Here, we analysed databases of five independent human HCC cohorts and found a subset of patients with high levels of MYC and MET (MYChigh/METhigh) characterised by poor prognosis. This clinical observation drove us to explore the functionality of MYC and MET co-occurrence in vivo, combining hydrodynamic tail vein injection for MYC expression in the R26stopMet genetic setting, in which wild-type MET levels are enhanced following the genetic deletion of a stop cassette. Results showed that increased MYC and MET expression in hepatocytes is sufficient to induce liver tumorigenesis even in the absence of pre-existing injuries associated with a chronic disease state. Intriguingly, ectopic MYC in MET tumours increases expression of the Mki67 proliferation marker, and switches them into loss of Afp, Spp1, Gpc3, Epcam accompanied by an increase in Hgma1, Vim, and Hep-Par1 levels. We additionally found a switch in the expression of specific immune checkpoints, with an increase in the Ctla-4 and Lag3 lymphocyte co-inhibitory responses, and in the Icosl co-stimulatory responses of tumour cells. We provide in vitro evidence on the vulnerability of some human HCC cell lines to combined MYC and MET targeting, which are otherwise resistant to single inhibition. Mechanistically, combined blockage of MYC and MET converts a partial cytostatic effect, triggered by individual blockage of MYC or MET, into a cytotoxic effect. Together, these findings highlight a subgroup of HCC characterised by MYChigh/METhigh, and document functional cooperativity between MYC and MET in liver tumorigenesis. Thus, the MYC-R26Met model is a relevant setting for HCC biology, patient classification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Sequera
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Margherita Grattarola
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Agnes Holczbauer
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Rosanna Dono
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barrera
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Kirk J. Wangensteen
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Flavio Maina
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
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Zelli V, Compagnoni C, Capelli R, Corrente A, Di Vito Nolfi M, Zazzeroni F, Alesse E, Tessitore A. Role of exosomal microRNAs in cancer therapy and drug resistance mechanisms: focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:940056. [PMID: 35912267 PMCID: PMC9334682 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.940056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), defined as intercellular messengers that carry their cargos between cells, are involved in several physiological and pathological processes. These small membranous vesicles are released by most cells and contain biological molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, which can modulate signaling pathways of nearby or distant recipient cells. Exosomes, one the most characterized classes of EVs, include, among others, microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs able to regulate the expression of several genes at post-transcriptional level. In cancer, exosomal miRNAs have been shown to influence tumor behavior and reshape tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, their possible involvement in drug resistance mechanisms has become evident in recent years. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major type of liver cancer, accounting for 75-85% of all liver tumors. Although the improvement in HCC treatment approaches, low therapeutic efficacy in patients with intermediate-advanced HCC is mainly related to the development of tumor metastases, high risk of recurrence and drug resistance. Exosomes have been shown to be involved in pathogenesis and progression of HCC, as well as in drug resistance, by regulating processes such as cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune response. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge about the involvement of exosomal miRNAs in HCC therapy, highlighting their role as modulators of therapeutic response, particularly chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as possible therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Zelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Compagnoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberta Capelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Corrente
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mauro Di Vito Nolfi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tessitore
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Tessitore,
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12
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Keshvari S, Genz B, Teakle N, Caruso M, Cestari MF, Patkar OL, Tse BWC, Sokolowski KA, Ebersbach H, Jascur J, MacDonald KPA, Miller G, Ramm GA, Pettit AR, Clouston AD, Powell EE, Hume DA, Irvine KM. Therapeutic potential of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) in chronic liver disease. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274391. [PMID: 35169835 PMCID: PMC9044210 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident and recruited macrophages control the development and proliferation of the liver. We showed previously in multiple species that treatment with a macrophage colony stimulating factor (CSF1)-Fc fusion protein initiated hepatocyte proliferation and promoted repair in models of acute hepatic injury in mice. Here we investigated the impact of CSF1-Fc on resolution of advanced fibrosis and liver regeneration, utilizing a non-resolving toxin-induced model of chronic liver injury and fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice. Co-administration of CSF1-Fc with exposure to thioacetamide (TAA) exacerbated inflammation consistent with monocyte contributions to initiation of pathology. After removal of TAA, either acute or chronic CSF1-Fc treatment promoted liver growth, prevented progression and promoted resolution of fibrosis. Acute CSF1-Fc treatment was also anti-fibrotic and pro-regenerative in a model of partial hepatectomy in mice with established fibrosis. The beneficial impacts of CSF1-Fc treatment were associated with monocyte-macrophage recruitment and increased expression of remodeling enzymes and growth factors. These studies indicate that CSF1-dependent macrophages contribute to both initiation and resolution of fibrotic injury and that CSF1-Fc has therapeutic potential in human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Keshvari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Berit Genz
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ngari Teakle
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Caruso
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle F Cestari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Omkar L Patkar
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian W C Tse
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kamil A Sokolowski
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hilmar Ebersbach
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Jascur
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allison R Pettit
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew D Clouston
- Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Hume
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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