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Wang C, Dong R, Yang F, Zheng L, Liu Y, Yan Y, Zhang M, Ni B, Li J. LARP4B promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and impairs sorafenib efficacy by activating SPINK1-mediated EGFR pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:208. [PMID: 38693111 PMCID: PMC11063073 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01985-6] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
La-related proteins (LARPs) regulate gene expression by binding to RNAs and exhibit critical effects on disease progression, including tumors. However, the role of LARP4B and its underlying mechanisms in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that LARP4B expression is upregulated and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that LARP4B promotes stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LARP4B inhibition enhances the antitumor effects of sorafenib and blocks the metastasis-enhancing effects of low sorafenib concentrations in HCC. Mechanistically, LARP4B expression is upregulated by METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-IGF2BP3-dependent modification in HCC. RNA- and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)- sequencing uncovered that LARP4B upregulates SPINK1 by binding to SPINK1 mRNA via the La motif and maintaining mRNA stability. LARP4B activates the SPINK1-mediated EGFR signaling pathway, which supports stemness, progression and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Additionally, a positive feedback loop with the LARP4B/SPINK1/p-AKT/C/EBP-β axis is responsible for the sorafenib-therapeutic benefit of LARP4B depletion. Overall, this study demonstrated that LARP4B facilitates HCC progression, and LARP4B inhibition provides benefits to sorafenib treatment in HCC, suggesting that LARP4B might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Feicheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yingling Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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2
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Tong M, Bai Y, Han X, Kong L, Ren L, Zhang L, Li X, Yao J, Yan B. Single-cell profiling transcriptomic reveals cellular heterogeneity and cellular crosstalk in choroidal neovascularization model. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109877. [PMID: 38537669 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109877] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a hallmark of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and a major contributor to vision loss in nAMD cases. However, the identification of specific cell types associated with nAMD remains challenging. Herein, we performed single-cell sequencing to comprehensively explore the cellular diversity and understand the foundational components of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid complex. We unveiled 10 distinct cell types within the RPE/choroid complex. Notably, we observed significant heterogeneity within endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and macrophages, underscoring the intricate nature of the cellular composition in the RPE/choroid complex. Within the EC category, four distinct clusters were identified and EC cluster 0 was tightly associated with choroidal neovascularization. We identified five clusters of fibroblasts actively involved in the pathogenesis of nAMD, influencing fibrotic responses, angiogenic effects, and photoreceptor function. Additionally, three clusters of macrophages were identified, suggesting their potential roles in regulating the progression of nAMD through immunomodulation and inflammation regulation. Through CellChat analysis, we constructed a complex cell-cell communication network, revealing the role of EC clusters in interacting with fibroblasts and macrophages in the context of nAMD. These interactions were found to govern angiogenic effects, fibrotic responses, and inflammatory processes. In summary, this study reveals noteworthy cellular heterogeneity in the RPE/choroid complex and provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of CNV. These findings will open up potential avenues for deep understanding and targeted therapeutic interventions in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yun Bai
- College of Information Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingjie Kong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Biao Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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3
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Zhao R, Hu Z, Zhang X, Huang S, Yu G, Wu Z, Yu W, Lu J, Ruan B. The oncogenic mechanisms of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway in digestive tract tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:68. [PMID: 38273295 PMCID: PMC10809652 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01421-9] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Digestive tract tumors are heterogeneous and involve the dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway plays a notable role in the oncogenesis of digestive tract tumors. Typically activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, it regulates important biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and inflammation. The aberrant activation of this pathway manifests in different forms, including mutations in JAKs, overexpression of cytokine receptors, and sustained STAT activation, and contributes to promoting the malignant characteristics of cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, acquisition of stem-like properties, and drug resistance. Numerous studies have shown that aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is closely related to the development and progression of digestive tract tumors, contributing to tumor survival, angiogenesis, changes in the tumor microenvironment, and even immune escape processes. In addition, this signaling pathway also affects the sensitivity of digestive tract tumors to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the oncogenic mechanisms underlying the JAK-STAT pathway in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies against digestive tract tumors. Currently, several JAK-STAT inhibitors are undergoing clinical and preclinical trials as potential treatments for various human diseases. However, further investigation is required to determine the role of this pathway, as well as the effectiveness and safety of its inhibitors, especially in the context of digestive tract tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure, classic activation, and negative regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Furthermore, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of JAK-STAT signaling in different digestive tract tumors, with the aim of identifying potential novel therapeutic targets. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Zhangmin Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Shujuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Guodong Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Zhe Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
| | - Bing Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Willemin G, Mange F, Praz V, Lorrain S, Cousin P, Roger C, Willis IM, Hernandez N. Contrasting effects of whole-body and hepatocyte-specific deletion of the RNA polymerase III repressor Maf1 in the mouse. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1297800. [PMID: 38143800 PMCID: PMC10746880 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
MAF1 is a nutrient-sensitive, TORC1-regulated repressor of RNA polymerase III (Pol III). MAF1 downregulation leads to increased lipogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mice. However, Maf1 -/- mice are lean as increased lipogenesis is counterbalanced by futile pre-tRNA synthesis and degradation, resulting in increased energy expenditure. We compared Chow-fed Maf1 -/- mice with Chow- or High Fat (HF)-fed Maf1 hep-/- mice that lack MAF1 specifically in hepatocytes. Unlike Maf1 -/- mice, Maf1 hep-/- mice become heavier and fattier than control mice with old age and much earlier under a HF diet. Liver ChIPseq, RNAseq and proteomics analyses indicate increased Pol III occupancy at Pol III genes, very few differences in mRNA accumulation, and protein accumulation changes consistent with increased lipogenesis. Futile pre-tRNA synthesis and degradation in the liver, as likely occurs in Maf1 hep-/- mice, thus seems insufficient to counteract increased lipogenesis. Indeed, RNAseq and metabolite profiling indicate that liver phenotypes of Maf1 -/- mice are strongly influenced by systemic inter-organ communication. Among common changes in the three phenotypically distinct cohorts, Angiogenin downregulation is likely linked to increased Pol III occupancy of tRNA genes in the Angiogenin promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Willemin
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Mange
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Viviane Praz
- Lausanne Genomic Technologies Facility, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Séverine Lorrain
- Protein Analysis Facility, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Cousin
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Roger
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ian M. Willis
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Nouria Hernandez
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Song Y, Lu Z, Shu W, Xiang Z, Wang Z, Wei X, Xu X. Arouse potential stemness: Intrinsic and acquired stem cell therapeutic strategies for advanced liver diseases. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100115. [PMID: 37719773 PMCID: PMC10502372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver diseases are a major health issue, and prolonged liver injury always progresses. Advanced liver disorders impair liver regeneration. Millions of patients die yearly worldwide, even with the available treatments of liver transplantation and artificial liver support system. With its abundant cell resources and significant differentiative potential, stem cell therapy is a viable treatment for various disorders and offers hope to patients waiting for orthotopic liver transplantation. Considering such plight, stem cell therapeutic strategies deliver hope to the patients. Moreover, we conclude intrinsic and acquired perspectives based on stem cell sources. The properties and therapeutic uses of these stem cells' specific types or sources were then reviewed. Owing to the recent investigations of the above cells, a safe and effective therapy will emerge for advanced liver diseases soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisu Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Zhengyang Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, PR China
| | - Wenzhi Shu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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Piazza VG, Cicconi NS, Martinez CS, Dominici FP, Miquet JG, Sotelo AI. Liver impact of growth hormone (GH) intermittent treatment during the growth period in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 566-567:111911. [PMID: 36905979 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111911] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver impact of prolonged GH-treatment given to non-GH-deficient growing mice between the third and eighth week of life was evaluated in both sexes. Tissues were collected 6 h after last dose or four weeks later. Somatometric, biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR and immunoblotting determinations were performed. Five-week GH intermittent administration induced body weight gain and body and bone length increase, augmented organ weight, higher hepatocellular size and proliferation, and increased liver IGF1 gene expression. Phosphorylation of signaling mediators and expression of GH-induced proliferation-related genes was decreased in GH-treated mice liver 6h after last injection, reflecting active sensitization/desensitization cycles. In females, GH elicited EGFR expression, associated to higher EGF-induced STAT3/5 phosphorylation. Four weeks after treatment, increased organ weight concomitant to body weight gain was still observed, whereas hepatocyte enlargement reverted. However, basal signaling for critical mediators was lower in GH-treated animals and in male controls compared to female ones, suggesting signaling declination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica G Piazza
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia S Cicconi
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina S Martinez
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando P Dominici
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Johanna G Miquet
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana I Sotelo
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Qu M, Han T, Chen X, Sun Q, Li Q, Zhao M. Exploring potential targets of Actinidia chinensis Planch root against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking and development and verification of immune-associated prognosis features for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:1289-1307. [PMID: 35837167 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-398] [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: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prognosis remains a challenge. Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP) root has good efficacy against HCC. This study aimed to explore the link between ACP and potential targets of HCC, and to develop a novel immune-based gene signature to predict HCC patient survival. Methods Transcriptome data and clinical information on HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; HCC: 374, normal: 50) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database (HCC: 243, normal: 202). Combined with the 2,483 immune-related genes from the Immport database, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to construct a prognostic model. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups by the median of the risk scores of the TCGA cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the predictability of the model in HCC prognosis, and carried out external validation based on ICGC cohort. We analyzed the correlation of this model with immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Finally, molecular docking of these genes and the corresponding ACP components. Results We constructed a prognostic model composed of 3 immune-related genes [epidermal growth factor (EGF), baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing protein 5 (BIRC5), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)]. And the high-risk group had a lower overall survival (OS) rate compared to the low-risk group (TCGA cohort: P=1.761e-05, ICGC cohort: P=8.716e-04). The outcomes of the AUC of ROC of prognostic risk model to predict for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS: TCGA cohort: 0.749, 0.710, and 0.653 and ICGC cohort: 0.698, 0.736, and 0.753. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin had good binding activities with SPP1, BIRC5, and EGF, and ursolic acid (UA) and BIRC5 also had this feature. Conclusions Our study speculates that ACP root anti-HCC may be involved in the immune regulation of the body by targeting EGF, BIRC5 and SPP1, which possess great potential and value as early warning molecules for HCC. This model may provide a reference for individualized diagnosis and treatment for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Qu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoquan Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- Three Departments of Convalescence, Lintong Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, Lintong, China
| | - Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Bojorge MA, Cicconi NS, Cebrón JR, Fang Y, Lamb CA, Bartke A, Miquet JG, González L. Morphological and molecular effects of overexpressed GH on mice mammary gland. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 538:111465. [PMID: 34597725 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111465] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Growth Hormone (GH) plays crucial roles in mammary gland development and growth, and its upregulation has been associated with breast cancer promotion and/or progression. To ascertain how high GH levels could promote mammary tissue oncogenic transformation, morphological characteristics and the expression of receptors involved in mammary growth, development and cancer, and of mitogenic mediators were analyzed in the mammary gland of virgin adult transgenic mice that overexpress GH. Whole mounting and histologic analysis evidenced that transgenic mice exhibit increased epithelial ductal elongation and enlarged ducts along with deficient branching and reduced number of alveolar structures compared to wild type mice. The number of differentiated alveolar structures was diminished in transgenic mice while the amount of terminal end buds (TEBs) did not differ between both groups of mice. GH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and GH receptor mRNA levels were augmented in GH-overexpressing mice breast tissue, as well as IGF1 receptor protein content. However, GH receptor protein levels were decreased in transgenic mice. Fundamental receptors for breast growth and development like progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor were also increased in mammary tissue from transgenic animals. In turn, the levels of the proliferation marker Ki67, cFOS and Cyclin D1 were increased in GH-overexpressing mice, while cJUN expression was decreased and cMYC did not vary. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to high GH levels induces morphological and molecular alterations in the mammary gland that affects its normal development. While these effects would not be tumorigenic per se, they might predispose to oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A Bojorge
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia S Cicconi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta R Cebrón
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yimin Fang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, 62794, USA
| | - Caroline A Lamb
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis Hormonal, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado, 2490 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Geriatrics Research, Departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, 62794, USA
| | - Johanna G Miquet
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena González
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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