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Zhang S, Cao G, Shen S, Wu Y, Tan X, Jiang X. CAF-derived miR-642a-3p supports migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SERPINE1. PeerJ 2024; 12:e18428. [PMID: 39544420 PMCID: PMC11562775 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18428] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells interact to promote HCC progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) has conflicting roles in HCC, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate tumor progression through intercellular communication. Therefore, we investigated the potential involvement of miRNA/SERPINE1 axis in crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells. Methods In this study, candidate miRNAs targeting SERPINE1 3' UTR were predicted using multiple miRNA databases. The miRNAs and SERPINE1 mRNA expression in Huh7 cells was assessed after co-culture with CAFs using RT-qPCR. Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion were detected after SERPINE1 siRNA. The functions of the CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis in HCC cells were examined using CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, a orthotopic xenograft model was used to investigate the contribution of miR-642a-3p knockdown in HCC. Results SERPINE1 mRNA expression decreased, while miR-642a-3p expression increased in Huh7 cells co-cultured with CAFs. SERPINE1 knockdown enhanced Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion as well as miR-642a-3p expression. miR-642a-3p overexpression promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Huh7 cells by targeting SERPINE1, while miR-642a-3p knockdown yielded the opposite effect. Rescue experiments confirmed that SERPINE1 knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-642a-3p knockdown on migration, invasion, and EMT in Huh7 cells. Importantly, miR-642a-3p knockdown suppressed growth and EMT in orthotopic liver tumors. Conclusion CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis facilitated migration, invasion, and EMT in the HCC cells, suggesting miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis can be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Gang Cao
- Office of the Dean, Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Shuijie Shen
- Department of Science and Education, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Science and Education, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Xiying Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
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2
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Yin C, Sun Y, Li H, Zheng X. MiR-424-5p suppresses tumor growth and progression by directly targeting CHEK1 and activating cell cycle pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37769. [PMID: 39309825 PMCID: PMC11416538 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37769] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to elucidate the functional mechanism of the miRNA-424-5p/CHEK1 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thereby offering novel insights for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC. Methods We employed a combination of bioinformatics analysis and data from the GEO to construct a regulatory network between miRNA and mRNA. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to assess the expression levels of miR-424-5p and CHEK1. Protein expression of CHEK1 was determined using Western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-424-5p and CHEK1 was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, the effects of miR-424-5p on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. Apoptosis of HCC cells was measured by flow cytometry. Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-424-5p was significantly downregulated, while CHEK1 was upregulated respectively in GEO dataset. Furthermore, this inverse expression pattern was observed in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Specifically, downregulation of miR-424-5p was found to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, while also inhibiting their apoptosis. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a direct targeting relationship between miR-424-5p and CHEK1. Inhibition of miR-424-5p was shown to counteract the suppressive effects on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion that result from CHEK1 silencing. Additionally, experimental verification indicated that the activation of the cell cycle pathway is implicated in the oncogenic function of miR-424-5p/CHEK1 in HCC. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that miR-424-5p exerts a suppressive effect on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by downregulating the expression of CHEK1. This finding may offer a theoretical foundation for improving the prognosis and developing novel therapeutic strategies for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Yin
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center of Minimally Invasive Intervention, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yuansong Sun
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center of Minimally Invasive Intervention, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center of Minimally Invasive Intervention, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xianxian Zheng
- Laboratory Department of Hefei First People's Hospital, Anhui Hefei, 230601, China
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Wan W, Guo D, Kang T, Pang J, Pan Y, Chen J, Liao W, Chen Y, Lin P, Li L, Yang H, He Y. Exploring the impact of insufficient thermal ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma: NDST2 overexpression mechanism and its role in facilitating growth and invasion of residual cancer cells. Int J Hyperthermia 2024; 41:2353309. [PMID: 38749506 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2353309] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Incomplete thermal ablation (ITA) fosters the malignancy of residual cells in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with unclear mechanisms now. This study aims to investigate the expression changes of NDST2 following ITA of HCC and its impact on residual cancer cells. METHODS An in vitro model of heat stress-induced liver cancer was constructed to measure the expression of NDST2 using Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western blotting experiments. The sequencing data from nude mice were used for validation. The clinical significance of NDST2 in HCC was evaluated by integrating datasets. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were conducted to explore the potential signaling pathways regulated by NDST2. Additionally, NDST2 was knocked down in heat stress-induced HCC cells, and the effects of NDST2 on these cells were verified using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, scratch assays, and Transwell assays. RESULTS NDST2 expression levels are elevated in HCC, leading to a decrease in overall survival rates of HCC patients. Upregulation of immune checkpoint levels in high NDST2-expressing HCC may contribute to immune evasion by liver cancer cells. Additionally, the low mutation rate of NDST2 in HCC suggests a relatively stable expression of NDST2 in this disease. Importantly, animal and cell models treated with ITA demonstrate upregulated expression of NDST2. Knockdown of NDST2 in heat stress-induced liver cancer cells results in growth inhibition associated with gene downregulation. CONCLUSION The upregulation of NDST2 can accelerate the progression of residual HCC after ITA, suggesting a potential role for NDST2 in the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of residual HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Danxia Guo
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tong Kang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jinshu Pang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yunjing Pan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiamin Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei Liao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuji Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Peng Lin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lipeng Li
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Pan Y, You B, Zhao X, Zhang S, Li W. CHOP regulated by METTL14-m6A affects cell cycle arrest and regorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:525. [PMID: 38664644 PMCID: PMC11046807 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12275-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regorafenib, a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, has been used in the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of Regorafenib in HCC. METHODS Regorafenib's impact on the sensitivity of HCC cells was assessed using CCK8. Differential gene expression analysis was performed by conducting mRNA sequencing after treatment with Regorafenib. The m6A methylation status of CHOP and differential expression of m6A methylation-related proteins were assessed by RIP and Western Blot. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of Regorafenib in HCC and the impact of METTL14 and CHOP on Regorafenib treatment, we employed shRNA/overexpression approaches to transfect METTL14 and CHOP genes, as well as conducted in vivo experiments. RESULTS Treatment with Regorafenib led to a notable decrease in viability and proliferation of SK-Hep-1 and HCC-LM3 cells. The expression level of CHOP was upregulated after Regorafenib intervention, and CHOP underwent m6A methylation. Among the m6A methylation-related proteins, METTL14 exhibited the most significant downregulation. Mechanistic studies revealed that Regorafenib regulated the cell cycle arrest in HCC through METTL14-mediated modulation of CHOP, and the METTL14/CHOP axis affected the sensitivity of HCC to Regorafenib. In vivo, CHOP enhanced the anticancer effect of Regorafenib. CONCLUSION The inhibition of HCC development by Regorafenib is attributed to its modulation of m6A expression of CHOP, mediated by METTL14, and the METTL14/CHOP axis enhances the sensitivity of HCC to Regorafenib. These findings provide insights into the treatment of HCC and the issue of drug resistance to Regorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Pan
- Department of Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Bo You
- Department of Transplantation, The Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Shanxin Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Zhejiang, 311100, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China.
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Xu Q, Ren N, Ren L, Yang Y, Pan J, Shang H. RNA m6A methylation regulators in liver cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:1. [PMID: 38166832 PMCID: PMC10763310 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and a primary cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, despite the great development of diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for liver cancer, the incidence and mortality of liver cancer are still on the rise. As a universal post-transcriptional modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification accomplishes a dynamic and reversible m6A modification process, which is executed by three types of regulators, methyltransferases (called writers), demethylases (called erasers) and m6A-binding proteins (called readers). Many studies have shown that m6A RNA methylation has an important impact on RNA metabolism, whereas its regulation exception is bound up with the occurrence of human malignant tumors. Aberrant methylation of m6A RNA and the expression of related regulatory factors may be of the essence in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer, yet the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this paper, we review the current research situations of m6A methylation in liver cancer. Among the rest, we detail the mechanism by which methyltransferases, demethylases and m6A binding proteins regulate the occurrence and development of liver cancer by modifying mRNA. As well as the potential effect of m6A regulators in hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. New ideas and approaches will be given to the prevention and treatment of liver cancer through the following relevant research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoping Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lanqi Ren
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yibei Yang
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjie Pan
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongkai Shang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of the Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Gynecology, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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6
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Liu D, Luo R, Zhou Q, Li M. RNF20 Reduces Cell Proliferation and Warburg Effect by Promoting NLRP3 Ubiquitination in Liver Cancer. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2024; 43:69-80. [PMID: 38608146 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2024053012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study explored that the effects and its possible mechanisms of ring finger protein 20 (RNF20) in Postoperative survival rate of liver cancer in clinical. All the serum samples were collected from our hospital. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microarray analysis, and RNA pull down assay were used in this study. We found that the serum RNF20 mRNA expression level in patients with liver cancer were down-regulated. Postoperative survival rate of RNF20 high expression was higher than that of RNF20 low expression. Then, over-expression of RNF20 diminished liver cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. RNF20 reduced Warburg effect of liver cancer. RNF20 expression regulated NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression and increased NLRP3 Ubiquitination. NLRP3 participated in the effects of RNF20 on cell proliferation, and not affected on Warburg effect of liver cancer. Our study demonstrated that the serum RNF20 expression level was down-regulated in liver cancer, and promoted postoperative survival rate. RNF20 can reduce cancer progression of liver cancer by NLRP3 signal pathway, suggesting that it may prove to be a potential therapeutic target for postoperative survival rate of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deqin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Dayi County People's Hospital, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Renyin Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Operating Room, BOE Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mei Li
- Panzhihua Central Hospital
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7
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Askari A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Akbari Dilmaghani N. Role of miR-424 in the carcinogenesis. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:16-38. [PMID: 37178445 PMCID: PMC10761534 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03209-2] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the carcinogenic process. miR-424 is a miRNA whose role in this process is being to be identified. Experiments in the ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, hemangioma and gastric cancer have reported down-regulation of miR-424. On the other hand, this miRNA has been found to be up-regulated in melanoma, laryngeal and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, glioma, multiple myeloma and thyroid cancer. Expression of this miRNA is regulated by methylation status of its promoter. Besides, LINC00641, CCAT2, PVT1, LIN00657, LINC00511 and NNT-AS1 are among lncRNAs that act as molecular sponges for miR-424, thus regulating its expression. Moreover, several members of SNHG family of lncRNAs have been found to regulate expression of miR-424. This miRNA is also involved in the regulation of E2F transcription factors. The current review aims at summarization of the role of miR-424 in the process of cancer evolution and its impact on clinical outcome of patients in order to find appropriate markers for malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arian Askari
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nader Akbari Dilmaghani
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Si T, Huang L, Liang T, Huang P, Zhang H, Zhang M, Zhou X. Ruangan Lidan decoction inhibits the growth and metastasis of liver cancer by downregulating miR-9-5p and upregulating PDK4. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2246198. [PMID: 37773732 PMCID: PMC10543352 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2246198] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have suggested that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an essential role in the development and occurrence of liver cancer. However, the function of Ruangan Lidan decoction (RLD) in liver cancer are not yet adequately identified and manifested, which attracted our attention. The key genes related to liver cancer and RLD and the upstream miRNAs of PDK4 were obtained based on bioinformatics analysis, followed by verification of the targeting relationship between miR-9-5p and PDK4. Next, Huh7 cells were treated with RLD to detect cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis by multiple assays with gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Moreover, subcutaneous transplanted tumor model and lung metastasis model of liver cancer in nude mice were established to further verify the functional role of RLD in liver cancer growth and metastasis via miR-9-5p/PDK4 axis. Bioinformatics analysis found that PDK4 and miR-9-5p were related to liver cancer, and PDK4 may be a downstream regulator of RLD. miR-9-5p could target and inhibit PDK4. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that RLD suppressed liver cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting miR-9-5p expression and promoting PDK4 expression. In vivo animal experiments further confirmed that RLD inhibited liver cancer growth and metastasis via upregulation of miR-9-5p-dependent PDK4. RLD downregulated miR-9-5p and upregulated PDK4 to inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis, thereby suppressing the growth and metastasis of liver cancer, highlighting a potential novel target for treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Si
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Liyin Huang
- Graduate school, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Graduate school, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
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Bopape M, Tiloke C, Ntsapi C. Moringa oleifera and Autophagy: Evidence from In Vitro Studies on Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in HepG 2 Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:1822-1847. [PMID: 37850743 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2270215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer in Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa (SA). Given the limitations in current HCC therapeutics, there is an increasing need for alternative adjuvant therapeutic options. As such, several cell survival mechanisms, such as autophagy, have been identified as potential adjuvant therapeutic targets in HCC treatment. Of the three most established autophagic pathways, the upregulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has been extensively described in various cancer cells, including HCC cells. CMA promotes tumor growth and chemotherapeutic drug resistance, thus contributing to HCC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the modulation of CMA serves as a promising adjuvant target for current HCC therapeutic strategies. Phytochemical extracts found in the medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera (MO), have been shown to induce apoptosis in numerous cancer cells, including HCC. MO leaves have the greatest abundance of phytochemicals displaying anticancer potential. However, the potential interaction between the pro-apoptotic effects of MO aqueous leaf extract and the survival-promoting role of CMA in an in vitro model of HCC remains unclear. This review aims to summarize the latest findings on the role of CMA, and MO in the progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matlola Bopape
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Charlette Tiloke
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Claudia Ntsapi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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10
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Zhou Z, Wu B, Chen J, Shen Y, Wang J, Chen X, Fei F, Li L. ETV4 facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer by mediating TGF-β signal transduction through activation of B3GNT3. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1433-1443. [PMID: 37523127 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01428-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis of liver cancer (LC) is the main cause of its high mortality. ETV4 is a critical regulatory factor in promoting LC progression, but the mechanism that ETV4 impacts LC proliferation, migration, and invasion is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE Investigation of the molecular mechanism of LC metastasis is conducive to developing effective drugs that prevent LC metastasis. METHODS Expression of ETV4 and its target gene B3GNT3 in LC tissue was analyzed by bioinformatics, and the result was further verified in LC cells by qRT-PCR. In vitro cellular assays evaluated the impact of ETV4 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were conducted to analyze the interaction between B3GNT3 and ETV4. SB525334 suppressor was used to treat and access the activation of ETV4 on the TGF-β pathway. RESULTS We discovered that ETV4 and B3GNT3 were evidently up-regulated in LC, and high expression of ETV4 was coupled to the increase of proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability. Besides, ETV4 could bind to the B3GNT3 promoter and activate its transcription. Knockdown of B3GNT3 could prominently suppress the effect of up-regulated ETV4 on LC cells. Meanwhile, ETV4 could activate the TGF-β signaling pathway via B3GNT3, while SB525334 treatment notably repressed the functions of ETV4. CONCLUSION ETV4 emerges as a driven oncogene in LC, and the ETV4/B3GNT3-TGF-β pathway promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress of LC. Inhibition of the pathway may provide an underlying method for the prevention and treatment of LC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongcheng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyu Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xujian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Faming Fei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No 1882 Zhonghuan south road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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11
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Safarzadeh A, Hassani Fard Katiraei S, Hussen BM, Hajiesmaeili M. Diverse functions of miR-328 in the carcinogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154896. [PMID: 37852016 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA-328 (miR-328) is an RNA gene that is primarily associated with lung cancer, and its encoding gene is located on 16q22.1. Expression of miR-328 has been observed in lung and esophagus tissues based on RNAseq data. Although several studies have aimed at the detection of miR-328 levels in tumor tissues, there is an obvious discrepancy between the results of these studies. Even in a certain type of cancer, some studies have reported up-regulation of miR-328 in cancerous tissues versus control tissues, while others have reported its down-regulation. This discrepancy might be attributed to different stages/grades of tumor tissues or other clinical characteristics. This review article focuses on the available literature to explore the functions of miR-328 in the development of human carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Safarzadeh
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Department, Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Yang Z, Qi Y, Wang Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Zhang X. Identifying Network Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via miRNA-Gene Interaction Network Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7374-7387. [PMID: 37754250 PMCID: PMC10529263 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090466] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer at the histological level. Despite the emergence of new biological technology, advanced-stage HCC remains largely incurable. The prediction of a cancer biomarker is a key problem for targeted therapy in the disease. METHODS We performed a miRNA-gene integrated analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) of HCC. The DEM-DEG interaction network was constructed and analyzed. Gene ontology enrichment and survival analyses were also performed in this study. RESULTS By the analysis of healthy and tumor samples, we found that 94 DEGs and 25 DEMs were significantly differentially expressed in different datasets. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these 94 DEGs were significantly enriched in the term "Liver" with a statistical p-value of 1.71 × 10-26. Function enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were significantly overrepresented in the term "monocarboxylic acid metabolic process" with a p-value = 2.94 × 10-18. Two sets (fourteen genes and five miRNAs) were screened by a miRNA-gene integrated analysis of their interaction network. The statistical analysis of these molecules showed that five genes (CLEC4G, GLS2, H2AFZ, STMN1, TUBA1B) and two miRNAs (hsa-miR-326 and has-miR-331-5p) have significant effects on the survival prognosis of patients. CONCLUSION We believe that our study could provide critical clinical biomarkers for the targeted therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
| | - Yuanyuan Qi
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
| | - Yijing Wang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
| | - Xiangyun Chen
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
| | - Yuerong Wang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China (X.Z.)
- School of Physics and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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13
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Ye P, Chen Z, Lou H, Mai Y, Zhu X, Fu X. Ephrin-A4 Ligand (EFNA4) Predicts Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Promotes Tumor Proliferation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:767-773. [PMID: 37693261 PMCID: PMC10482992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal tumor diseases in the world. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are thought to play a vital role in HCC and Ephrin-A4 ligand (EFNA4) is a membrane-bound molecule that can activate RTKs through erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors. However, the specific role of EFNA4 remains unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic value of EFNA4 expression in HCC. Methods Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to probe the expression levels and prognostic value of EFNA4 in HCC. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical and western blot were used to confirm the expression of EFNA4 in paired clinical specimens of HCC. Colony formation assay was used to confirm the proliferation of tumor cell. Results The expression of EFNA4 is generally elevated in various cancers. Especially, EFNA4 was upregulated in tumor tissue and associated with clinical stage in HCC patients. HCC patients with lower levels of EFNA4 possessed better survival and progression-free survival times. Colony formation assay indicated that the overexpression of EFNA4 promoted tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion These results demonstrated that EFNA4 played as an oncogenic gene and a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zide Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haibo Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjun Mai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xihua Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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14
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Gökalp F. The curative effect of some natural active compounds for liver cancer. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:57. [PMID: 36550238 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that has become widespread recently and has been studied extensively. It is of great importance to find an active and effective treatment quickly due to the emergence of the disease and its spread to many tissues in the organism by metastasis. In this study, it is aimed to detect active and active substances that are highly effective on cancer cells in a short time by using docking scores, the accuracy of which has been proven by many studies. Today, many medicinal plants are being studied for therapeutic purposes. In this study, the activities of the prominent active substances in these medicinal plants were compared with the docking scores and the molecules with the highest inhibition effect on liver cancer receptors were determined. The data obtained in this study are of great importance in terms of guiding experimental studies by detecting active substances effective on liver cancer by preventing time and material loss. Considering the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that Cucurbitacin I and Cucurbitacin E, Thymol, Piperine, and Carvacrol are very effective for the inhibition of liver cancer cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faik Gökalp
- Department Of Mathematics and Science Education, Science Education Division, Kırıkkale University, Education Faculty, 71450, Yahşihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey.
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15
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Gao S, Jiang X, Wang L, Jiang S, Luo H, Chen Y, Peng C. The pathogenesis of liver cancer and the therapeutic potential of bioactive substances. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1029601. [PMID: 36278230 PMCID: PMC9581229 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029601] [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: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world and has become an urgent problem for global public health. Bioactive substances are widely used for the treatment of liver cancer due to their widespread availability and reduced side effects. This review summarizes the main pathogenic factors involved in the development of liver cancer, including metabolic fatty liver disease, viral infection, and alcoholic cirrhosis, and focuses on the mechanism of action of bioactive components such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenols, peptides, and active bacteria/fungi. In addition, we also summarize transformation methods, combined therapy and modification of bioactive substances to improve the treatment efficiency against liver cancer, highlighting new ideas in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyue Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyuan Luo
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen, ; Cheng Peng,
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen, ; Cheng Peng,
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16
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MicroRNA-20a-5p regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting RUNX3. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2089-2097. [PMID: 35143426 PMCID: PMC9746768 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001975] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-20a (miR-20a) is dysregulated in many types of malignancies, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its expression level and functional significance in HCC are still disputed. We aimed to study the role of miR-20a-5p in HCC and its downstream molecular mechanisms. METHODS We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of miR-20a-5p and runt-related transcription factor 3 ( RUNX3 ) in HCC and paraneoplastic tissue, transfected Huh7 and highly metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97H) cells. A live cell workstation was used to observe the proliferation and migration of transfected cells. The invasiveness of transfected cells was verified by Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins after transfection were measured using simple western immunoblot measurements. Gene expression profiles between HCC and normal samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results were processed by the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery. Potential target genes of miR-20a-5p were predicted to further investigate how miR-20a-5p regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC. RESULTS MiR-20a-5p was significantly highly expressed in HCC tissues, and overexpression of miR-20a-5p significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. The protein expression of E-cadherin was decreased and that of vimentin was increased after overexpression of miR-20a-5p in HCC cells. We discovered the intersection of genes from miRDB, miR TarBase, and TargetScan, obtained 397 target genes and finally focused on RUNX3. RUNX3 was not only reduced in HCC specimens but also drastically reduced in HCC cells overexpressing miR-20a-5p. RUNX3 expression decreased with elevated miR-20a-5p, which activated downstream EMT signaling and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Since RUNX3 is involved in EMT in HCC, as proven by previous research, our findings provide further evidence for a novel regulatory pathway comprising the miR-20a/RUNX3/EMT axis that upregulates EMT signaling and enhances the migration of HCC cells.
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17
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Post-Transcriptional Effects of miRNAs on PCSK7 Expression and Function: miR-125a-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-409-3p as Negative Regulators. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070588. [PMID: 35888711 PMCID: PMC9323720 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulatory mechanism of PCSK7 gene is still unknown, although its encoded protein PC7 is the most ancient and highly conserved of all proprotein convertases and exhibits enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions in liver triglyceride regulation. Bioinformatics algorithms were used to predict regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) of PCSK7 expression. This led to the identification of four miRNAs, namely miR-125a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-409-3p, and miR-320a-3p, with potential binding sites on the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of human PCSK7 mRNA. The expression patterns of these miRNAs and PCSK7 mRNA were assessed in three different cell lines with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which revealed reciprocal expression patterns between the expression levels of the four selected miRNAs and PCSK7. Next, the interactions and effects of these miRNAs on PCSK7 expression levels were investigated via cell-based expression analysis, dual-luciferase assay, and Western blot analysis. The data revealed that PCSK7 mRNA levels decreased in cells transfected with vectors overexpressing miR-125a-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-409-3p, but not miR-320a-3p. The dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that the above three miRNAs could directly interact with putative target sites in PCSK7 3′-UTR and regulate its expression, whereas miR-320-3p exhibited no interaction. Western blot analysis further revealed that the overexpression of miR-125a-5p in Huh7 cells inhibits the expression and ability of PC7 to cleave human transferrin receptor 1. Our results support a regulatory role of these miRNAs on PCSK7 expression and function and open the way to assess their roles in the regulation of PC7 activity in vivo in the development of hepatic steatosis.
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18
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Yang L, Zou T, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Xiao Z, Shen J. Hepatitis B virus X protein mediated epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:741-754. [PMID: 35648301 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10351-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), a pleiotropic regulatory protein encoded by HBV, is necessary for the transcription of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosomes, and affects the epigenetic regulation of host cells. The epigenetic reprogramming of HBx on host cell genome is strongly involved in HBV-related HCC carcinogenesis. Here, we review the latest findings of the epigenetic regulation induced by HBx protein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA expression. The influence of HBx on the epigenetic regulation of cccDNA is also summarized. In addition, preliminary studies of targeted drugs for epigenetic changes induced by HBx are also discussed. The exploration of epigenetic markers as potential targets will help to develop new prevention and/or treatment methods for HBx-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Tao Zou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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BAP31 Promotes Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Liver Cancer Cells via Activating PI3K/AKT Pathway. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:7686728. [PMID: 35449837 PMCID: PMC9017443 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7686728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Many breakthroughs have been made in the clinical treatment of liver cancer, but there are still many liver cancer patients with limited treatment methods. Therefore, it is very important to find targets for early diagnosis and specific treatment of liver cancer. Methods During the operation, 32 pairs of tumor tissues and corresponding normal liver tissues were acquired from patients. The mRNA expression was measured by qPCR. The protein expression was evaluated via Western blot. Flow cytometry assay was performed to measure the cells apoptosis. CCK-8 assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Transwell chamber assay was applied to detect migration and invasion of SNU-449 cells. Results BAP31 was upregulated in liver cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of BAP31 repressed cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis of liver cancer. Knockdown of BAP31 apparently upregulated apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Caspase-3), while it downregulated antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). Knockdown of BAP31 repressed migration and invasion of SNU-449 cells. In contrast with the control and si-NC group, protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was obviously lower after si-BAP31 transfection of cells. Knockdown of BAP31 repressed PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in liver cancer cells. Conclusion Knockdown of BAP31 repressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in liver cancer by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
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20
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Garajei A, Parvin M, Mohammadi H, Allameh A, Hamidavi A, Sadeghi M, Emami A, Brand S. Evaluation of the Expression of miR-486-3p, miR-548-3p, miR-561-5p and miR-509-5p in Tumor Biopsies of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020211. [PMID: 35215154 PMCID: PMC8875679 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy. Expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) can direct us in identifying valuable biomarkers for the prognosis of different neoplasms. Inappropriate regulation of miRNAs during physiological procedures can result in malignancies including OSCC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of miR-486-3p, miR-561-5p, miR-548-3p, and miR-509-5p in tissue biopsy samples with and without OSCC. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 17 healthy and 17 OSCC tissue biopsy samples. The expression of miRNAs was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (q-RT-PCR) after RNA extraction from normal and cancer tissues and cDNA synthesis. Results: The means of miRNA-486-3p, miR-561-5p, and miR-548-3p expression were significantly different between OSCC and control groups (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in means of miR-509-5p expression between OSCC and control groups (p = 0.179). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the expression of miR-486-3p and miR-561-5p was significantly lower in cancer samples compared to normal tissue samples. On the other hand, miR-548-3p expression increased in the OSCC group compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Garajei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran;
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran
| | - Milad Parvin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran;
| | - Hady Mohammadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fellowship in Maxillofacial Trauma, Health Services, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran;
| | - Abdolamir Allameh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1416753955, Iran; (A.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Azin Hamidavi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1416753955, Iran; (A.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Masoud Sadeghi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1416753955, Iran;
| | - Azadeh Emami
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran;
| | - Serge Brand
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6719851115, Iran
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran
- Correspondence:
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Hussen BM, Salihi A, Abdullah ST, Rasul MF, Hidayat HJ, Hajiesmaeili M, Ghafouri-Fard S. Signaling pathways modulated by miRNAs in breast cancer angiogenesis and new therapeutics. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 230:153764. [PMID: 35032831 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors by suppressing the expression of target genes, some of which are engaged in angiogenic signaling pathways directly or indirectly. Tumor development and metastasis are dependent on angiogenesis, and it is the main reason for the poor prognosis of cancer patients. New blood vessels are formed from pre-existing vessels when angiogenesis occurs. Thus, it is essential to develop primary tumors and the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in various biological processes. They can bind to the 3'-UTR of their target genes and prevent them from expressing. MiRNAs control the activity of endothelial cells (ECs) through altering many biological pathways, which plays a key role in cancer progression and angiogenesis. Recent findings revealed that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles participated directly in the control of tumor angiogenesis by delivering miRNAs to ECs. miRNAs recently show great promise in cancer therapies to inhibit angiogenesis. In this study, we showed the miRNA-regulated signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis with highlighting the anti-angiogenic therapy response and miRNA delivery methods that have been used to inhibit angiogenesis in both in vivo and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Abbas Salihi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Sara Tharwat Abdullah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Hazha Jamal Hidayat
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Zheng T, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang A. SPOCD1 regulated by miR-133a-3p promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis. J Int Med Res 2022. [PMCID: PMC8733378 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211053717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the tumorigenic role of spen paralogue and orthologue C-terminal domain-containing 1 (SPOCD1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify the upstream regulatory mechanism. Methods We analyzed SPOCD1 and miR-133-3p expression in normal and HCC tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas and UALCAN databases, and in normal hepatocytes and HCC cell lines by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. We identified the miR-133a-3p-binding site on the SPOCD1 3ʹ-untranslated region using TargetScan. Hierarchical regulation was confirmed by luciferase assay and miR-133a-3p overexpression/silencing. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation were assessed by MTT, scratch, transwell, and clonogenic assays, respectively. Results SPOCD1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, while miR-133a-3p expression was significantly downregulated. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that high SPOCD1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival. TargetScan and luciferase reporter assay revealed that SPOCD1 was the downstream target of miR-133a-3p. Overexpression of miR-133a-3p significantly inhibited the expression of SPOCD1, while miR-133a-3p knockdown significantly increased SPOCD1 expression. Conclusion SPOCD1, regulated by miR-133a-3p, promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation. This study provides the first evidence for the role of the miR-133a-3p/SPOCD1 axis in HCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Tait BD. The importance of establishing genetic phase in clinical medicine. Int J Immunogenet 2021; 49:1-7. [PMID: 34958529 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Haplotyping or determination of genetic phase has always played a pivotal role in MHC (HLA studies) both in helping to understand inheritance patterns in diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) and in ensuring better matching in transplantation scenarios such as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), using donors genetically related to the patient. In recent years the need to establish genetic phase in a number of clinical scenarios has become apparent. These include: Genetic phasing for hematopoietic stem cell transplants using unrelated donors, where the HLA haplotypes are not known but where haplotype-matched recipients fare better clinically than allele matched, but haplotype mismatched patients. The use of checkpoint inhibitors is one of the most innovative and exciting developments in cancer treatment in years. An example is the use of the monoclonal ipilimumab to block the CTLA-4 receptor which is known to contain polymorphic sites. Until the phase of these polymorphisms is known it will not be possible to determine how effectively this monoclonal will perform in individual patients. The role of miRNA single strand molecules and their effect on gene expression. Thousands of non-coding genes have been identified and have been shown to be polymorphic, as have their target genes. Genetic phasing of polymorphism both in the miRNA source genes and their targets is clearly a fertile area of research In areas such a drug metabolism where the polymorphic family of CYP genes is responsible for the metabolism of the majority of prescription drugs, determining phase of SNPs is critical to understanding drug metabolism and efficacy. In multigenic disease studies combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in participating genes require accurate phasing in order to fully appreciate their role in the disease process. In addition, the level of expression of genes (point 3) is also important in understanding disease processes at the functional level. This review outlines the techniques that are currently available for approximating phase and discusses the clinical relevance of establishing genetic phase in areas of clinical medicine outlined in points 1-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Tait
- Haplomic Technologies, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
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Hussen BM, Hidayat HJ, Salihi A, Sabir DK, Taheri M, Ghafouri-Fard S. MicroRNA: A signature for cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111528. [PMID: 33770669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally control expression of genes by targeting mRNAs. miRNA alterations partake in the establishment and progression of different types of human cancer. Consequently, expression profiling of miRNA in human cancers has correlations with cancer detection, staging, progression, and response to therapies. Particularly, amplification, deletion, abnormal pattern of epigenetic factors and the transcriptional factors that mediate regulation of primary miRNA frequently change the landscape of miRNA expression in cancer. Indeed, changes in the quantity and quality of miRNAs are associated with the initiation of cancer, its progression and metastasis. Additionally, miRNA profiling has been used to categorize genes that can affect oncogenic pathways in cancer. Here, we discuss several circulating miRNA signatures, their expression profiles in different types of cancer and their impacts on cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hazha Jamal Hidayat
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Abbas Salihi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Dana K Sabir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Charmo University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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