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Yu B, Ma W. Biomarker discovery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for personalized treatment and enhanced prognosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 79:29-38. [PMID: 39191624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.08.006] [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: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide and presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its heterogeneous nature. The discovery of biomarkers has become crucial in addressing these challenges, promising early detection, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. Key biomarkers, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) glypican 3 (GPC3) and des gamma carboxy prothrombin (DCP) have shown potential in improving clinical results. Progress in proteomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), mass spectrometry, and liquid biopsies detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), has deepened our understanding of HCC's molecular landscape. Immunological markers, like PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), also play a crucial role in guiding immunotherapy decisions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in biomarker validation, standardization, integration into clinical practice, and cost-related barriers. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and machine learning offer promising avenues for further exploration. Continued investment in research and collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is vital to harness the potential of biomarkers fully, ultimately revolutionizing HCC management and improving patient outcomes through personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofa Yu
- Taimei Baofa Cancer Hospital, Dongping, Shandong 271500, China; Jinan Baofa Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China; Beijing Baofa Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100010, China; Immune Oncology Systems, Inc, San Diego, CA 92102, USA.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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2
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Liu J, Zhao H, Gao T, Huang X, Liu S, Liu M, Mu W, Liang S, Fu S, Yuan S, Yang Q, Gu P, Li N, Ma Q, Liu J, Zhang X, Zhang N, Liu Y. Glypican-3-targeted macrophages delivering drug-loaded exosomes offer efficient cytotherapy in mouse models of solid tumours. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8203. [PMID: 39313508 PMCID: PMC11420241 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotherapy is a strategy to deliver modified cells to a diseased tissue, but targeting solid tumours remains challenging. Here we design macrophages, harbouring a surface glypican-3-targeting peptide and carrying a cargo to combat solid tumours. The anchored targeting peptide facilitates tumour cell recognition by the engineered macrophages, thus enhancing specific targeting and phagocytosis of tumour cells expressing glypican-3. These macrophages carry a cargo of the TLR7/TLR8 agonist R848 and INCB024360, a selective indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor, wrapped in C16-ceramide-fused outer membrane vesicles (OMV) of Escherichia coli origin (RILO). The OMVs facilitate internalization through caveolin-mediated endocytosis, and to maintain a suitable nanostructure, C16-ceramide induces membrane invagination and exosome generation, leading to the release of cargo-packed RILOs through exosomes. RILO-loaded macrophages exert therapeutic efficacy in mice bearing H22 hepatocellular carcinomas, which express high levels of glypican-3. Overall, we lay down the proof of principle for a cytotherapeutic strategy to target solid tumours and could complement conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tong Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyan Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shujun Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weiwei Mu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shunli Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shijun Yuan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qinglin Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Panpan Gu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nan Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qingping Ma
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jie Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Na Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Yongjun Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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3
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Theocharopoulos C, Ziogas IA, Douligeris CC, Efstathiou A, Kolorizos E, Ziogas DC, Kontis E. Antibody-drug conjugates for hepato-pancreato-biliary malignancies: "Magic bullets" to the rescue? Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102806. [PMID: 39094332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102806] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) malignancies constitute a highly aggressive group of cancers that have a dismal prognosis. Patients not amenable to curative intent surgical resection are managed with systemic chemotherapy which, however, confers little survival benefit. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are tripartite compounds that merge the intricate selectivity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytodestructive potency of attached supertoxic payloads. In view of the unmet need for drugs that will enhance the survival rates of HPB cancer patients, the assessment of ADCs for treating HPB malignancies has become the focus of extensive clinical and preclinical investigation, showing encouraging preliminary results. In the current review, we offer a comprehensive overview of the growing body of evidence on ADC approaches tested for HPB malignancies. Starting from a concise discussion of the functional principles of ADCs, we summarize here all available data from preclinical and clinical studies evaluating ADCs in HPB cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioannis A Ziogas
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Dimitrios C Ziogas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Elissaios Kontis
- Department of Surgery, Metaxa Cancer Hospital, Piraeus 18537, Greece
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Barjesteh F, Heidari-Kalvani N, Alipourfard I, Najafi M, Bahreini E. Testosterone, β-estradiol, and hepatocellular carcinoma: stimulation or inhibition? A comparative effect analysis on cell cycle, apoptosis, and Wnt signaling of HepG2 cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:6121-6133. [PMID: 38421409 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Unlike breast and prostate cancers, which are specifically affected by estrogens or androgens, hepatocellular carcinoma has been reported to be influenced by both sex hormones. Given the coincidental differences of hepatocellular carcinoma in men and women, we investigated the effects of β-estradiol and testosterone on the cell cycle, apoptosis, and Wnt signaling in a model of hepatocellular carcinoma to understand the sex hormone-related etiology. To determine the effective concentration of both hormones, an MTT assay was performed. The effects of β-estradiol and testosterone on cell proliferation and death were evaluated by specific staining and flow cytometry. In addition, gene expression levels of estimated factors involved in GPC3-Wnt survival signaling were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Both hormones inhibited hepatic cell proliferation through arresting the cell cycle at S/G2 and increased the apoptosis rate in HepG2 cells. Both hormones dose-dependently decreased GPC3, Wnt, and DVL expression levels as activators of the Wnt-signaling pathway. In the case of Wnt-signaling inhibitors, the effects of both hormones on WIF were negligible, but they increased DKK1 levels in a dose-dependent manner. In each of the effects mentioned above, β-estradiol was notably more potent than testosterone. In contrast to the primary hypothesis of the project, in which testosterone was considered a stimulating carcinogenic factor in HCC pathogenesis, testosterone inhibited the occurrence of HCC similarly to β-estradiol. However, this inhibitory effect was weaker than that of β-estradiol and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Barjesteh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614525, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Heidari-Kalvani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614525, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammad Najafi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614525, Iran
| | - Elham Bahreini
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614525, Iran.
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Kraemer M, Zander T, Alakus H, Buettner R, Lyu SI, Simon AG, Schroeder W, Bruns CJ, Quaas A. Fetal gut cell-like differentiation in esophageal adenocarcinoma defines a rare tumor subtype with therapeutically relevant claudin-6 positivity and SWI/SNF gene alteration. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13474. [PMID: 38866822 PMCID: PMC11169473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64116-2] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is one of the deadliest tumor entities worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 25%. Unlike other tumor entities, personalized therapy options are rare, partly due to the lack of knowledge about specific subgroups. In this publication, we demonstrate a subgroup of patients with EAC in a large screening cohort of 826 patients, characterized by specific morphological and immunohistochemical features. This subgroup represents approximately 0.7% (6/826) of the total cohort. Morphological features of this subgroup show a striking clear cytoplasm of the tumour cells and the parallel existence of rare growth patterns like yolk sac-like differentiation and enteroblastic differentiation. Immunohistochemistry reveals expression of the fetal gut cell-like proteins Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), claudin-6, and glypican 3. Interestingly, we find a correlation with alterations of SWI/SNF-complex associated genes, which are supposed to serve as tumor suppressor genes in various tumour entities. Our results suggest a possible implication of rare tumour subtypes in the WHO classification for EACs according to the classification for gastric cancer. Furthermore, claudin-6 positive tumors have shown promising efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in the recently published BNT-211-01 trial (NCT04503278). This represents a personalized therapeutic option for this tumor subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kraemer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Gastrointestinal Cancer Group Cologne GCGC, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas Zander
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Gastrointestinal Cancer Group Cologne GCGC, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hakan Alakus
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Buettner
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian Georg Simon
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schroeder
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Arrè V, Mastrogiacomo R, Balestra F, Serino G, Viti F, Rizzi F, Curri ML, Giannelli G, Depalo N, Scavo MP. Unveiling the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Nanotools for Gastrointestinal Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:567. [PMID: 38675228 PMCID: PMC11055174 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040567] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), acting as inherent nanocarriers adept at transporting a range of different biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material, exhibit diverse functions within the gastroenteric tract. In states of normal health, they participate in the upkeep of systemic and organ homeostasis. Conversely, in pathological conditions, they significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs). Isolating EVs from patients' biofluids facilitates the discovery of new biomarkers that have the potential to offer a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for diagnosing and prognosing specific GIDs. Furthermore, EVs demonstrate considerable therapeutic potential as naturally targeted physiological carriers for the intercellular delivery of therapeutic cargo molecules or as nanoscale tools engineered specifically to regulate physio-pathological conditions or disease progression. Their attributes including safety, high permeability, stability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and homing/tropism capabilities contribute to their promising clinical therapeutic applications. This review will delve into various examples of EVs serving as biomarkers or nanocarriers for therapeutic cargo in the context of GIDs, highlighting their clinical potential for both functional and structural gastrointestinal conditions. The versatile and advantageous properties of EVs position them as promising candidates for innovative therapeutic strategies in advancing personalized medicine approaches tailored to the gastroenteric tract, addressing both functional and structural GIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Arrè
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Rita Mastrogiacomo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.L.C.)
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Balestra
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Grazia Serino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Federica Viti
- Institute of Biophysics—National Research Council (IBF-CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy;
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Curri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.L.C.)
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Principia Scavo
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
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Lin F, Clift R, Ehara T, Yanagida H, Horton S, Noncovich A, Guest M, Kim D, Salvador K, Richardson S, Miller T, Han G, Bhat A, Song K, Li G. Peptide Binder to Glypican-3 as a Theranostic Agent for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Nucl Med 2024; 65:586-592. [PMID: 38423788 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-associated glycoprotein that is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) with minimal to no expression in normal tissues. The differential expression of GPC3 between tumor and normal tissues provides an opportunity for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy to treat HCC, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Methods: DOTA-RYZ-GPC3 (RAYZ-8009) comprises a novel macrocyclic peptide binder to GPC3, a linker, and a chelator that can be complexed with different radioisotopes. The binding affinity was determined by surface plasma resonance and radioligand binding assays. Target-mediated cellular internalization was radiometrically measured at multiple time points. In vivo biodistribution, monotherapy, and combination treatments with 177Lu or 225Ac were performed on HCC xenografts. Results: RAYZ-8009 showed high binding affinity to GPC3 protein of human, mouse, canine, and cynomolgus monkey origins and no binding to other glypican family members. Potent cellular binding was confirmed in GPC3-positive HepG2 cells and was not affected by isotope switching. RAYZ-8009 achieved efficient internalization on binding to HepG2 cells. Biodistribution study of 177Lu-RAYZ-8009 showed sustained tumor uptake and fast renal clearance, with minimal or no uptake in other normal tissues. Tumor-specific uptake was also demonstrated in orthotopic HCC tumors, with no uptake in surrounding liver tissue. Therapeutically, significant and durable tumor regression and survival benefit were achieved with 177Lu- and 225Ac-labeled RAYZ-8009, as single agents and in combination with lenvatinib, in GPC3-positive HCC xenografts. Conclusion: Preclinical in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate the potential of RAYZ-8009 as a theranostic agent for the treatment of patients with GPC3-positive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matt Guest
- RayzeBio, Inc., San Diego, California; and
| | - Daniel Kim
- RayzeBio, Inc., San Diego, California; and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary Li
- RayzeBio, Inc., San Diego, California; and
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8
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Sun D, Li X, Liu Y, Quan J, Jin G. Construction of GPC3-modified Lipopolymer SiRNA Delivery System. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1507-1518. [PMID: 38644723 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128258852231204102044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy has been widely concerned because of its unique therapeutic mechanism. However, due to the lack of safe and effective carries, it has not been widely used in clinical practice. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a highly specific proteoglycan for hepatocellular carcinoma and is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, to monitor the effect of gene therapy and enhance the transfection efficiency of gene carriers, GPC3-modified lipid polyethyleneimine-modified superparamagnetic nanoparticle (GLPS), a type of visualized carrier for siRNA (small-interfering RNA) targeting the liver, was prepared. METHODS We performed in vitro gene silencing, cytotoxicity, and agarose gel electrophoresis to identify the optimal GLPS formulation. In vitro MRI and Prussian blue staining verified the liver-targeting function of GLPS. We also analyzed the biocompatibility of GLPS by co-culturing with rabbit red blood cells. Morphological changes were evaluated using HE staining. RESULTS The GLPS optimal formulation consisted of LPS and siRNA at a mass ratio of 25:1 and LPS and DSPE-PEG-GPC3 at a molar ratio of 2:3. GLPS exhibited evident liver-targeting function. In vitro, we did not observe morphological changes in red blood cells or hemolysis after co-culture. In vivo, routine blood analysis revealed no abnormalities after GLPS injection. Moreover, the tissue morphology of the kidney, spleen, and liver was normal without injury or inflammation. CONCLUSION GLPS could potentially serve as an effective carrier for liver-targeted MRI monitoring and siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Yaru Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Jishan Quan
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Guangyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, P.R. China
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9
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Liu Q, Song Q, Luo C, Wei J, Xu Y, Zhao L, Wang Y. A novel bispecific antibody as an immunotherapeutic agent in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Immunol 2023; 162:125-132. [PMID: 37677989 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common and highly fatal malignancies in humans worldwide with increasing prevalence and limited therapeutic options. For many decades, many researchers have attempted to find effective curative methods for HCC and great strides have been made. GPC3 is overexpressed in HCC, but not in normal liver, making it a rational immunotherapeutic target for HCC. GC33, a humanized mAb directed against GPC3, is a safe and well-tolerated therapy choice for patients with HCC, which tested in a phase I trial in advanced HCC patients. Phase II trials of GC33 to evaluate its efficacy and safety in advanced or metastatic HCC, showed no significant differences in overall survival and progression-free survival compared with the placebo. Retrospective analysis indicates that high drug exposure and high CD16 expression may contribute to the clinical efficacy of GC33. Chugai Pharmaceutical has restarted its Phase I trial of GC33, continuing to explore its clinical value targeting GPC3 in solid tumors. To enhance the antitumor potency of GC33, we designed a GPC3/CD16A bispecific antibody (QDEB). In this study, we obtained QDEB at high purity and assessed its effectiveness in the therapy of HCC compared with GC33. In vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo experiments demonstrated that QDEB could enhance anti-tumor efficacy compared with GC33. CD16A activation and increased cytokines release were associated with higher anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, this bispecific antibody may possibly help develop new therapeutic strategies for HCC and develop new treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Qifeng Song
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Jian Wei
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Yao Xu
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Liwen Zhao
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China.
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10
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Aborehab NM, Kandeil MA, Sabry D, Rabie R, Ibrahim IT. Circular SERPINA3 and its target microRNA-944 as potential biomarkers in hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian population. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:401-412. [PMID: 37305177 PMCID: PMC10247953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The most prevalent cancer in Egypt is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly due to the infection with the hepatitis C virus. So it is critical to find sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC and avoid post-operation tumor recurrence. Therefore, this research was designed to demonstrate the circSERPINA3 role in the regulation of microRNA-944 gene expression in HCV-related HCC cases and compare these results with circSERPINA3 and microRNA-944 gene expression levels in HCV-infected patients. Methodology Study participants were divided into three groups: healthy controls, HCV- infected, and HCV-induced HCC patients. The gene expression levels of circSERPINA3 and microRNA-944 were evaluated using Real-Time qPCR. Then the immunoblotting procedure was applied to measure the serum levels of MDM2 and E-cadherin besides, the serum concentration levels of glypican-3 and alpha-fetoprotein were measured by sandwich ELISA. Results The gene expression level of circSERPINA3 was significantly upregulated in both HCV-infected and HCC patients causing suppression of the antitumor effect of miR-944 and showing a lower 1-year survival rate than the participants who had low circSERPINA3 gene expression levels. Subsequently, the miR-944 downstream protein, MDM2 was remarkably upregulated, exaggerating the metastasis and oxidative stress in HCC cases. Additionally, the results confirmed the downregulation of microRNA-944 improved the progression of viral hepatitis C cases to hepatocarcinogenesis through the significantly increased serum level of the metastatic marker, E-cadherin. Although alpha-fetoprotein is a common diagnostic marker used in the diagnosis of HCC, our results showed that glypican-3 had greater sensitivity and specificity and positively correlated to the IGF-1 signaling pathway of HCC cases. Moreover, the gene expression levels of circSERPINA3 and E-cadherin in both the HCV and HCV-induced HCC were significantly positively correlated. Conclusion circSERPINA3 and miR-944 were sensitive molecular markers for early diagnosis of HCC and could be prospective treatment targets for HCV-infected patients to avoid tumor recurrence in HCC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora M. Aborehab
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, 12451, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62521, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Radwa Rabie
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, 12451, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim T. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62521, Egypt
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11
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Mouhoubi N, Bamba-Funck J, Sutton A, Blaise L, Seror O, Ganne-Carrié N, Ziol M, N’Kontchou G, Charnaux N, Nahon P, Nault JC, Guyot E. Sulfatase 2 Along with Syndecan 1 and Glypican 3 Serum Levels are Associated with a Prognostic Value in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis-Related Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1369-1383. [PMID: 36597436 PMCID: PMC9805748 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s382226] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) is an enzyme related to heparan sulfate modifications. Its expression, as for some heparan sulfate proteoglycans expression, has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at mRNA level and immunohistochemistry staining on biopsy samples. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of serum levels of SULF2 in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis with or without HCC. Patients and Methods Two hundred and eighty-seven patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were enrolled in this study: 164 without HCC, 57 with early HCC, and 66 with advanced HCC at inclusion. We analyzed the association between SULF2 serum levels and prognosis using Kaplan-Meier method and univariate and multivariate analysis using a Cox model. Results Child-Pugh C Patients have higher serum levels of SULF2 than Child-Pugh A patients. Serum levels of SULF2 were also higher in patients with advanced HCC compared with the other groups. In patients with advanced HCC, high serum levels of SULF2 were associated with less favorable overall survival. Combination of SULF2 with Glypican 3 (GPC3) and Syndecan 1 (SDC1) serum levels enhanced the ability to discriminate worst prognostic in advanced HCC. Conclusion SULF2 along with GPC3 and SDC1 serum levels have been shown to be associated with a prognostic value in advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Mouhoubi
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for VascularTranslational Science, LVTS, INSERM, UMR 1148, Bobigny, F- 93000, France
| | - Jessica Bamba-Funck
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for VascularTranslational Science, LVTS, INSERM, UMR 1148, Bobigny, F- 93000, France,Service de biochimie, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France
| | - Angela Sutton
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for VascularTranslational Science, LVTS, INSERM, UMR 1148, Bobigny, F- 93000, France,Service de biochimie, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France
| | - Lorraine Blaise
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, F-93143, France
| | - Olivier Seror
- Service de radiologie, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, F-93143, France,Inserm, UMR 1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des tumeUrs solides, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques BB-0033-00027, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France,Service d’anatomie et cytologie pathologique, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France
| | - Gisèle N’Kontchou
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, F-93143, France
| | - Nathalie Charnaux
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for VascularTranslational Science, LVTS, INSERM, UMR 1148, Bobigny, F- 93000, France,Service de biochimie, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France
| | - Pierre Nahon
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, F-93143, France,Inserm, UMR 1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des tumeUrs solides, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, F-93143, France,Inserm, UMR 1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des tumeUrs solides, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Erwan Guyot
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for VascularTranslational Science, LVTS, INSERM, UMR 1148, Bobigny, F- 93000, France,Service de biochimie, Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, F-93000, France,Correspondence: Erwan Guyot, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Laboratoire Biochimie-Pharmacologie et Biologie Moléculaire, 125 Rue de Stalingrad, Bobigny, 93000, France, Tel +33 1 48 95 56 29, Fax +33 1 48 95 56 27, Email
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12
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Jiang J, Turpin C, Qiu G(S, Xu M, Lee E, Hinds TD, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 is required for diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumor formation in C57BL/6 mice. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3550-3562. [PMID: 36194180 PMCID: PMC9701486 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, comprised primarily of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and increasing in Western countries. We previously identified the transcription factor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) as a regulator of hepatic gene expression, and many Zhx2 target genes are dysregulated in HCC. Here, we investigate HCC in Zhx2-deficient mice using the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor model. Our study using whole-body Zhx2 knockout (Zhx2KO ) mice revealed the complete absence of liver tumors 9 and 10 months after DEN exposure. Analysis soon after DEN treatment showed no differences in expression of the DEN bioactivating enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and DNA polymerase delta 2, or in the numbers of phosphorylated histone variant H2AX foci between Zhx2KO and wild-type (Zhx2wt ) mice. The absence of Zhx2, therefore, did not alter DEN bioactivation or DNA damage. Zhx2KO livers showed fewer positive foci for Ki67 staining and reduced interleukin-6 and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 expression compared with Zhx2wt livers, suggesting that Zhx2 loss reduces liver cell proliferation and may account for reduced tumor formation. Tumors were reduced but not absent in DEN-treated liver-specific Zhx2 knockout mice, suggesting that Zhx2 acts in both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells to inhibit tumor formation. Analysis of data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Consortium indicated that ZHX2 messenger RNA and protein levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC and associated with clinical pathological parameters. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies in human hepatoma cell lines and other HCC mouse models showing that Zhx2 acts as a tumor suppressor, our data indicate that Zhx2 acts as an oncogene in the DEN-induced HCC model and is consistent with the higher ZHX2 expression in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyun Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Courtney Turpin
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Guofang (Shirley) Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Martha L. Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Brett T. Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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13
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Llovet JM, Pinyol R, Kelley RK, El-Khoueiry A, Reeves HL, Wang XW, Gores GJ, Villanueva A. Molecular pathogenesis and systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:386-401. [PMID: 35484418 PMCID: PMC9060366 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00357-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. The poor outcome associated with HCC is dramatically changing due to the advent of effective systemic therapies. Here we discuss the molecular pathogenesis of HCC, molecular classes and determinants of heterogeneity. In addition, effective single-agent and combination systemic therapies involving immunotherapies as standard of care are analyzed. Finally, we propose a flowchart of sequential therapies, explore mechanisms of resistance and address the need for predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program (Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine), Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robin K Kelley
- Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony El-Khoueiry
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helen L Reeves
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute and Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Medical School, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program (Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine), Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very deadly disease. HCC initiation and progression involve multiple genetic events, including the activation of proto-oncogenes and disruption of the function of specific tumor suppressor genes. Activation of oncogenes stimulates cell growth and survival, while loss-of-function mutations of tumor suppressor genes result in unrestrained cell growth. In this review, we summarize the new findings that identified novel proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors in HCC over the past five years. These findings may inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of HCC patients.
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15
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PEI-PEG-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance the Antitumor Activity of Tanshinone IIA and Serve as a Gene Transfer Vector. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6756763. [PMID: 34790248 PMCID: PMC8592735 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6756763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) and gene therapy both hold promising potentials in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. However, low solubility and poor bioavailability of TanIIA limit its clinical application. Similarly, gene therapy with GPC3-shRNA, a type of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) capable of silencing the glypican-3 (GPC3) expression, is seriously limited due to its susceptibility to nuclease degradation and high off-target effects. In the present study, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-PEG) were used as a drug carrier. By encapsulating TanIIA into MSN-PEG, we synthesized MSN-TanIIA-PEG nanoparticles and observed the involved characteristics. This was followed by exploration of antitumor activity on the HepG2 cell lines in vitro. Meanwhile, in order to construct GPC3-shRNA plasmids, a shRNA sequence targeting GPC3 was synthesized and cloned into the pSLenti-U6 vector. Accordingly, the performance of MSN-PEG as a gene transfer carrier for GPC3-shRNA gene therapy of HCC in vitro was evaluated, including transfection efficiency and DNA binding biological characteristics. The results indicated successful encapsulation of TanIIA in MSN-PEG, which had satisfactory efficacy, favorable dispersity, suitable particle size, and sustained release effect. The in vitro anti-HCC effects of nano-TanIIA were greatly improved, which outperformed free-TanIIA in terms of proliferation and invasion inhibition, as well as apoptosis induction of HCC cells. As expected, MSN-PEG possessed excellent gene delivery capacity with good binding, release, and protection from RNase digestion. Using MSN-PEG as a gene carrier, the plasmids were successfully transfected into HepG2 cells, and both the mRNA and protein expressions of GPC3 were significantly downregulated. It was thus concluded that a sustained release TanIIA delivery system for HCC treatment was synthesized and that MSN-PEG could also serve as a gene transfer carrier for gene therapy. More interestingly, MSN-PEG may be a potential delivery platform that combines TanIIA and GPC3-shRNA together to enhance their synergistic effect.
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16
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Jin X, Liu X, Zhou Z, Ding Y, Wu Y, Qiu J, Shen C. Identification of HLA-A2 restricted epitopes of glypican-3 and induction of CTL responses in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1569-1582. [PMID: 34724090 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03096-y] [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: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality, but lacks effective treatments. Carcinoembryonic antigen glypican-3 (GPC3) is a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in HCC but rarely expressed in healthy individuals and thus is one of the most promising therapeutic targets. T cell epitope-based vaccines may bring light to HCC patients, especially to the patients at a late stage. However, few epitopes from GPC3 were identified to date, which limited the application of GPC3-derived epitopes in immunotherapy and T cell function detection. In this study, a total of 25 HLA-A0201 restricted GPC3 epitopes were in silico predicted and selected as candidate epitopes. Then, HLA-A0201+/GPC3+ HCC patients' PBMCs were collected and co-stimulated with the candidate epitope peptides in ex vivo IFN-γ Elispot assay, by which five epitopes were identified as real-world epitopes. Their capacity to elicit specific CD8+ T cells activation and proliferation was further confirmed by in vitro co-cultures of patients' PBMCs with peptide, in vitro co-cultures of healthy donors' PBLs with DCs and peptide, T2 cell binding assay as well as HLA-A2 molecule stability assay. Moreover, the in vivo immunogenicity of the five validated epitopes was confirmed by peptides cocktail/poly(I:C) vaccination in HLA-A0201/DR1 transgenic mice. Robust epitope-specific CD8+ T cell responses and cytotoxicity targeting HepG2 cells were observed as detected by IFN-γ Elispot, intracellular IFN-γ staining and cytolysis assay. This study provided novel GPC3 CTL epitopes for the development of T cell epitope vaccines and evaluation of GPC3 specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zining Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing Affiliated To Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China. .,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Natural Killer Cells and Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169044. [PMID: 34445750 PMCID: PMC8396475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) are specific innate lymphoid cell subsets that are key for the detection and elimination of pathogens and cancer cells. In liver, while they share a number of characteristics, they differ in many features. These include their developmental pathways, tissue distribution, phenotype and functions. NK cells and ILC1 contribute to organ homeostasis through the production of key cytokines and chemokines and the elimination of potential harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they are equipped with a wide range of receptors, allowing them to detect “stressed cells’ such as cancer cells. Our understanding of the role of innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing owing to the development of mouse models, the progress in immunotherapeutic treatment and the recent use of scRNA sequencing analyses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NK cells and ILC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss future strategies to take advantage of these innate immune cells in anti-tumor immunity. Immunotherapies hold great promise in HCC, and a better understanding of the role and function of NK cells and ILC1 in liver cancer could pave the way for new NK cell and/or ILC1-targeted treatment.
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Long noncoding RNA GAS8-AS1: A novel biomarker in human diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111572. [PMID: 33838502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a group of ncRNAs with more than 200 nucleotides. These RNAs can specifically regulate gene expression at both the transcriptional and the post-transcriptional levels, and increasing evidence indicates that they play vital roles in a variety of disease-related cellular processes. The lncRNA GAS8 antisense RNA 1 (GAS8-AS1, also known as C16orf3) is located in the second intron of GAS8 and has been reported to be both abnormally expressed in several diseases and closely correlated with many clinical characteristics. GAS8-AS1 has been shown to affect many biological functions, including cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and autophagy using several signaling pathways. In this review, we have summarized current studies on GAS8-AS1 roles in disease and discuss its potential clinical utility. GAS8-AS1 may be a promising biomarker for both diagnoses and prognoses, and a novel target for many disease therapies.
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Colquhoun SD, Wan YJY. Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment: An overview. LIVER RESEARCH 2020; 4:159-160. [PMID: 33391846 PMCID: PMC7774646 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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