Diacylglycerol kinase γ predicts prognosis and functions as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating glucose transporter 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Diacylglycerol kinase γ facilitates the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells in the developing neural tube

In this study, we aim to investigate diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) γ expression in developing neural tubes (NTs) and its effects on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and migration. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) and immunohistochemistry are performed to explore DGKγ localization in developing NTs in vivo. NSCs are treated with sh-DGKγ, R59949, or PMA in vitro. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and neurosphere formation assay are utilized to evaluate NSC proliferation. Neurosphere migration assay and a transwell chamber assay are used to assess NSC migration. The diacylglycerol (DAG) content is detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of DGKγ is detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of DGKγ, protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphorylated PKC (p-PKC) are detected via western blot analysis. The results show that DGKγ mRNA is expressed predominantly in developing NTs. The neuroepithelium in developing NTs is positive for NSC markers, including Nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and DGKγ. DGKγ is expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the neuroepithelium and is coexpressed with p-PKCγ and p-PKCδ. The proliferation of NSCs, the number of EdU-positive NSCs, and the number of neurospheres are decreased by sh-DGKγ and R59949 but increased by PMA. There is a shorter migration distance of NSCs and fewer migrated NSCs in the sh-DGKγ, R59949 and PMA groups. DAG content and the p-PKCδ/PKCδ ratio are increased by sh-DGKγ, R59949 and PMA, whereas the p-PKCγ/PKCγ ratio is decreased by PMA. Taken together, our findings indicate that DGKγ facilitates NSC proliferation and migration, which is responsible for the participation of DGK in NT development. DGKγ facilitates NSC migration via the DAG/PKCδ pathway.

Lysine lactylation in the regulation of tumor biology

Lysine lactylation (Kla), a newly discovered post-translational modification (PTM) of lysine residues, is progressively revealing its crucial role in tumor biology. A growing body of evidence supports its capacity of transcriptional regulation through histone modification and modulation of non-histone protein function. It intricately participates in a myriad of events in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by orchestrating the transitions of immune states and augmenting tumor malignancy. Its preferential modification of metabolic proteins underscores its specific regulatory influence on metabolism. This review focuses on the effect and the probable mechanisms of Kla-mediated regulation of tumor metabolism, the upstream factors that determine Kla intensity, and its potential implications for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to the poor response of patients with HCC to current therapies, while tumor vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental TME components that significantly contribute to tumor progression. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of tumor vascular ECs in HCC remain unclear.

METHODS

We screened and validated diacylglycerol kinase gamma (DGKG) hyper-expression specifically in HCC tumor vascular ECs. Single-cell RNA-sequencing, cytometry by time-of-flight, and in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the functions of endothelial DGKG. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate changes in the TME.

RESULTS

Functionally, endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell differentiation in HCC. Of significance, we found that HIF-1α activates DGKG transcription by directly binding to its promoter region under hypoxia. Upregulated DGKG promotes HCC progression by recruiting ubiquitin specific peptidase 16 to facilitate ZEB2 deubiquitination, which increases TGF-β1 secretion, thus inducing tumor angiogenesis and regulatory T-cell differentiation. Importantly, targeting endothelial DGKG potentiated the efficiency of dual blockade of PD-1 and VEGFR-2.

CONCLUSION

Hypoxia-induced EC-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion via the ZEB2/TGF-β1 axis, suggesting EC-specific DGKG as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Here, we reported that hypoxia-induced endothelial cell-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes angiogenesis and immune evasion in HCC by recruiting USP16 for K48-linked deubiquitination and inducing the subsequent stabilization of ZEB2, leading to increased TGF-β1 secretion. Most importantly, endothelial DGKG inhibition greatly improved the efficacy of the dual combination of anti-VEGFR2 and anti-PD-1 treatment in a mouse HCC model, significantly inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC and improving survival. This preclinical study supports the targeting of endothelial DGKG as a potential strategy for precision HCC treatment.

Role of Diacylglycerol Kinases in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) play dual roles in cell transformation and immunosurveillance. According to cancer expression databases, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) exhibits significant overexpression of multiple DGK isoforms, including DGKA, DGKD and DGKG, without a precise correlation with specific AML subtypes. In the TGCA database, high DGKA expression negatively correlates with survival, while high DGKG expression is associated with a more favorable prognosis. DGKA and DGKG also feature different patterns of co-expressed genes. Conversely, the BeatAML and TARGET databases show that high DGKH expression is correlated with shorter survival. To assess the suitability of DGKs as therapeutic targets, we treated HL-60 and HEL cells with DGK inhibitors and compared cell growth and survival with those of untransformed lymphocytes. We observed a specific sensitivity to R59022 and R59949, two poorly selective inhibitors, which promoted cytotoxicity and cell accumulation in the S phase in both cell lines. Conversely, the DGKA-specific inhibitors CU-3 and AMB639752 showed poor efficacy. These findings underscore the pivotal and isoform-specific involvement of DGKs in AML, offering a promising pathway for the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Notably, the DGKA and DGKH isoforms emerge as relevant players in AML pathogenesis, albeit DGKA inhibition alone seems insufficient to impair AML cell viability.

Overarching roles of diacylglycerol signaling in cancer development and antitumor immunity

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a lipid second messenger that is generated in response to extracellular stimuli and channels intracellular signals that affect mammalian cell proliferation, survival, and motility. DAG exerts a myriad of biological functions through protein kinase C (PKC) and other effectors, such as protein kinase D (PKD) isozymes and small GTPase-regulating proteins (such as RasGRPs). Imbalances in the fine-tuned homeostasis between DAG generation by phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes and termination by DAG kinases (DGKs), as well as dysregulation in the activity or abundance of DAG effectors, have been widely associated with tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. DAG is also a key orchestrator of T cell function and thus plays a major role in tumor immunosurveillance. In addition, DAG pathways shape the tumor ecosystem by arbitrating the complex, dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the immune landscape, hence representing powerful modifiers of immune checkpoint and adoptive T cell-directed immunotherapy. Exploiting the wide spectrum of DAG signals from an integrated perspective could underscore meaningful advances in targeted cancer therapy.

Screening of Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Diagnostic Signature for Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by enlarged ventricular dimensions and systolic dysfunction and poor prognosis. Myocardial lipid metabolism appears abnormal in DCM. However, the mechanism of lipid metabolism disorders in DCM remains unclear.

Methods

A gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were performed to estimate pathway activity related to DCM progression. Three datasets and clinical data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including dilated cardiomyopathy and donor hearts, were integrated to obtain gene expression profiles and identify differentially expressed genes related to lipid metabolism. GO enrichment analyses of differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes (DELs) were performed. The clinical information used in this study were obtained from GSE21610 dataset. Data from the EGAS00001003263 were used for external validation and our hospital samples were also tested the expression levels of these genes through RT-PCR. Subsequently, logistic regression model with the LASSO method for DCM prediction was established basing on the 7 DELs.

Results

GSVA analysis showed that the fatty acid metabolism was closely related to DCM progression. The integrated dataset identified 19 DELs, including 8 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated genes. A total of 7 DELs were identified by further external validation of the data from the EGAS00001003263 and verified by RT-PCR. By using the LASSO model, 6 genes, including CYP2J2, FGF1, ETNPPL, PLIN2, LPCAT3, and DGKG, were identified to construct a logistic regression model. The area under curve (AUC) values over 0.8 suggested the good performance of the model.

Conclusion

Integrated bioinformatic analysis of gene expression in DCM and the effective logistic regression model construct in our study may contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of DCM in people with high risk of the disease.

Downregulation of Diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKZ) suppresses tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer by facilitating cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKZ) participates in cancer progression. Here, the current work aims to identify the functional role of DGKZ in cervical cancer (CC). DGKZ expression in cervical cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal cervical tissues was assessed using Immunohistochemistry assay. SiHa and HeLa cells were transfected with lentivirus plasmids (sh-DGKZ or sh-NC) to evaluate the effects of DGKZ knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution in vitro. Furthermore, BALB/c nude mice were injected subcutaneously with Lentivirus-sh-DGKZ-SiHa cells or Lentivirus-sh-NC-SiHa cells to analyze the influence of DGKZ silencing on tumor growth of CC in vivo. Moreover, the potential molecular mechanisms were predicted by GO and KEGG analysis and preliminarily explored through PathScan Analysis. Elevated DGKZ expression in cervical tumor was observed. Downregulation of DGKZ repressed proliferation and boosted apoptosis of SiHa and HeLa cells and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In addition, Knockdown of DGKZ restrained tumor growth in tumor xenograft mice. Importantly, GO and KEGG analysis displayed that differentially expressed proteins induced by silence of DGKZ were mostly enriched in autophagy or mitophagy, indicating that the functions of DGKZ on cell proliferation and tumor growth may be associated with autophagy or mitophagy. PathScan analysis presented that PI3K-AKT and TAK1-NF-κB signaling pathways were prominently inhibited in SiHa cells transfected with sh-DGKZ. In summary, downregulation of DGKZ impeded cell proliferation, boosted cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest to suppress tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer.

Comprehensive multiomics analysis of the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on hyperlipidemia

We analyzed the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on hyperlipidemic in model mice. Using stool, plasma and hepatic tissue samples, we observed that the genera Blautia and Allobaculum were increased and Turicibacter was decrease in Rb1-treated mice as compared to untreated model mice. Ether lipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism were differentially enriched between the Rb1 and model groups. Lipidomics revealed 169 metabolites differentially expressed between the model and Rb1 groups in a positive ion model and 58 in a negative ion model. These metabolites mainly participate in glycerophospholipid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. The main metabolites enriched in these three pathways were phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol and ceramide, respectively. In a transcriptome analysis, 766 transcripts were differentially expressed between the Rb1 and model groups. KEGG analysis revealed lysine degradation, inositol phosphate metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism to be the main enriched pathways. Multiomics analysis revealed glycerophospholipid metabolism to be a common pathway and phosphatidylcholine the main metabolite differentially enriched between the Rb1 and model groups. Results from fecal transplanted germ-free mice suggest that to suppress hyperlipidemia, Rb1 regulates gut microbiota by regulating the synthesis and decomposition of phosphatidylcholine in glycerophospholipid metabolism, which in turn decreases serum total cholesterol.

The diversity and breadth of cancer cell fatty acid metabolism

Tumor cellular metabolism exhibits distinguishing features that collectively enhance biomass synthesis while maintaining redox balance and cellular homeostasis. These attributes reflect the complex interactions between cell-intrinsic factors such as genomic-transcriptomic regulation and cell-extrinsic influences, including growth factor and nutrient availability. Alongside glucose and amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism supports tumorigenesis and disease progression through a range of processes including membrane biosynthesis, energy storage and production, and generation of signaling intermediates. Here, we highlight the complexity of cellular fatty acid metabolism in cancer, the various inputs and outputs of the intracellular free fatty acid pool, and the numerous ways that these pathways influence disease behavior.

Somatic Mutation Profiling of Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas by Whole-exome Sequencing and Its Relationship with Clinical Characteristics

The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) has increased rapidly during the past several decades. Until now, the mechanisms underlying the tumorigenesis of PTCs have remained largely unknown. Next-generation-sequencing (NGS) provides new ways to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of PTCs. To characterize the somatic alterations associated with PTCs, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of PTCs from 23 Chinese patients. This study revealed somatic mutations in genes with relevant functions for tumorigenesis, such as BRAF, BCR, CREB3L2, DNMT1, IRS2, MSH6, and TP53. We also identified novel somatic gene alterations which may be potentially involved in PTC progression. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the cellular response to hormone stimulus, epigenetic modifications, such as protein/histone methylation and protein alkylation, as well as MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and FoxO/mTOR signaling pathways, were significantly altered in the PTCs studied here. Moreover, Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis of our mutated gene selection highlighted EP300, KRAS, PTEN, and TP53 as major core genes. The correlation between gene mutations and clinicopathologic features of the PTCs defined by conventional ultrasonography (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) were assessed. These analyses established significant associations between subgroups of mutations and respectively taller-than-wide, calcified, and peak time iso- or hypo-enhanced and metastatic PTCs. In conclusion, our study supplements the genomic landscape of PTCs and identifies new actionable target candidates and clinicopathology-associated mutations. Extension of this study to larger cohorts will help define comprehensive genomic aberrations in PTCs and validate target candidates. These new targets may open methods of individualized treatments adapted to the clinicopathologic specifics of the patients.

Prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Altered lipid metabolism is involved in the development of many tumors. However, the role of dissimilar lipid metabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not fully established.

AIMS

Here, we sought to determine the prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in HNSCC.

METHODS

RNA-seq data and clinical features of 545 HNSCC cases were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A regulatory network of transcription factors-lipid metabolism genes and a risk prognostic model of lipid metabolism-related genes was developed using bioinformatics and Cox regression modeling. We used tumor immune estimation resource to analyze immune cell infiltration in patients with HNSCC based on the prognostic index (PI) of lipid metabolism-related genes.

RESULTS

A total of 136 differentially expressed lipid metabolism genes were identified. Of these, 23 are related to prognosis. In addition to predicting HNSCC prognosis, 11 lipid metabolism-related genes (ARSI, CYP27B1, CYP2D6, DGKG, DHCR7, LPIN1, PHYH, PIP5K1B, PLA2G2D, RDH16, and TRIB3) also affect HNSCC clinical features (stage, gender, and pathological stage). The PI of lipid metabolism-related genes embodied the state of HNSCC tumor immune microenvironment.

Integrated Analysis of an lncRNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Potential Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential biomarkers and key regulatory pathways related to HCC using integrated bioinformatic analysis and validation. The microarray data of GSE12717 and GSE54238 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed based on potential long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA interactions. A total of 191 mRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 5 lncRNAs were selected to construct the ceRNA network. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used to predict their biological functions. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was significantly enriched. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was conducted for the weighted mRNAs and lncRNAs. The results showed that SRC, GMPS, CDK2, FEN1, EZH2, ZWINT, MTHFD1L, GINS2, and MAPKAPK5-AS1 were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues. The relative expression levels of these genes were significantly upregulated in HCC patients based on the StarBase database. For further validation, the expression levels of these genes were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 20 HCC tumor tissues and paired paracancerous tissues. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that CDK2, MTHFD1L, SRC, ZWINT, and MAPKAPK5-AS1 had significant diagnostic value in HCC, but further studies are needed to explore their mechanisms in HCC.

Subcellular Localization Relevance and Cancer-Associated Mechanisms of Diacylglycerol Kinases

An increasing number of reports suggests a significant involvement of the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle in cancer development and progression. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are very active in the PI cycle. They are a family of ten members that convert diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA), two-second messengers with versatile cellular functions. Notably, some DGK isoforms, such as DGKα, have been reported to possess promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. However, further studies are needed in order to better comprehend their involvement in cancer. In this review, we highlight that DGKs are an essential component of the PI cycle that localize within several subcellular compartments, including the nucleus and plasma membrane, together with their PI substrates and that they are involved in mediating major cancer cell mechanisms such as growth and metastasis. DGKs control cancer cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis by regulating Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. In addition, some DGKs control cancer cell migration by regulating the activities of the Rho GTPases Rac1 and RhoA.

Biological regulation of diacylglycerol kinases in normal and neoplastic tissues: New opportunities for cancer immunotherapy

In the recent years, the arsenal of anti-cancer therapies has evolved to target T lymphocytes and restore their capacity to destroy tumor cells. However, the clinical success is limited, with a large number of patients that never responds and others that ultimately develop resistances. Overcoming the hypofunctional state imposed by solid tumors to T cells has revealed critical but challenging due to the complex strategies that tumors employ to evade the immune system. The Diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) limit DAG-dependent functions in T lymphocytes and their upregulation in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes contribute to limit T cell cytotoxic potential. DGK blockade could reinstate T cell attack on tumors, limiting at the same time tumor cell growth, thanks to the DGK positive input into several oncogenic pathways. In this review we summarize the latest findings regarding the regulation of specific DGK isoforms in healthy and anergic T lymphocytes, as well as their contribution to oncogenic phenotypes. We will also revise the latest advances in the search for pharmacological inhibitors and their potential as anti-cancer agents, either alone or in combination with immunomodulatory agents.

DGKζ Plays Crucial Roles in the Proliferation and Tumorigenicity of Human glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant brain cancers in adults, and it is a fatal disease because of its untimely pathogenetic location detection, infiltrative growth, and unfavorable prognosis. Unfortunately, multimodal treatment with maximal safe resection, chemotherapy and radiation has not increased the survival rate of patients with glioblastoma. Gene- and molecular-targeted therapy is considered to be a promising anticancer strategy for glioblastoma. The identification of novel potential targets in glioblastoma is of high importance. In this study, we found that both the mRNA and protein levels of diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) were significantly higher in glioblastoma tissues than in precancerous lesions. The silencing of DGKζ by lentivirus-delivered shRNA reduced glioblastoma cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 phase arrest. Moreover, knockdown of DGKζ expression in U251 cells markedly reduced in vitro colony formation and in vivo tumorigenic capability. Further study showed that DGKζ inhibition resulted in decreases in cyclin D1, p-AKT and p-mTOR. Moreover, the rescue or overexpression of DGKζ in glioblastoma cells demonstrated the oncogenic function of DGKζ. In conclusion, these studies suggest that the suppression of DGKζ may inhibit the tumor growth of glioblastoma cells with high DGKζ expression. Thus, DGKζ might be a potential therapeutic target in malignant glioblastoma.

Protein kinase C-iota-mediated glycolysis promotes non-small-cell lung cancer progression

Purpose

To determine whether protein kinase C-iota (PKC-iota) is associated with glucose metabolism in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether its regulatory effect on metabolic and biological changes observed in NSCLC can be mediated by glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1).

Patients and methods

Forty-five NSCLC patients underwent combined ¹⁸F-fludeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) before surgery, and another eighty-one NSCLC patients were followed-up for 1–91 months after tumor resection. The rate of glucose metabolism in NSCLC was quantified by measuring the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. PKC-iota and GLUT1 in NSCLC were detected by immunostaining. In vitro, PKC-iota was knocked down, whereas GLUT1 was silenced with or without PKC-iota overexpression to identify the role of PKC-iota in glycolysis. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used in the correlation analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess survival duration.

Results

There was a positive relationship between PKC-iota expression and SUVmax in NSCLC (r=0.649, P<0.001). PKC-iota expression also showed a positive relationship with GLUT1 in NSCLC tissues (r=0.686, P<0.001). Patients whose NSCLC tissues highly co-expressed PKC-iota and GLUT1 had worse prognosis compared with patients without high co-expression of PKC-iota and GLUT1. In vitro, PKC-iota silencing significantly decreased the expression of GLUT1 and inhibited glucose uptake and glycolysis; c-Myc silencing restrained PKC-iota-mediated GLUT1 elevation; GLUT1 knockdown remarkably suppressed PKC-iota-mediated glycolysis and cell growth.

Conclusion

In NSCLC, the rate of glucose metabolism was positively correlated with PKC-iota expression. PKC-iota increased glucose accumulation and glycolysis by upregulating c-Myc/GLUT1 signaling and is thus involved in tumor progression.

Construction of novel multifunctional luminescent nanoparticles based on DNA bridging and their inhibitory effect on tumor growth

Cyclic RGD peptide was introduced onto the surface of silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-single strand DNA (ssDNA)-graphene quantum dots (GQDs) (ADG) after coating with a hybrid phospholipid material (ADG-DDPC) to be used for antitumor treatment. The Ag and ssDNA content was quantified. The morphology and properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The etching effect of H2O2 on the AgNPs and the cleavage of DNA was observed. The cytotoxicity of the ADG-DDPC was investigated using the cell viability and LDH content. The cell uptake was evaluated by using the fluorescence recovery of the GQDs in the ADG-DDPC. The antitumor effects of ADG-DDPC were also evaluated. The content of the ssDNA was 15.3 μg mL-1. The content of the silver element in AgNPs was 3.75 μg mL-1 and 20.43 μg mL-1 in ADG-DDPC. ADG were distributed uniformly with the GQDs on the surface. After coating with hybrid phospholipid membranes containing DSPE-PEG2000-cRGD, ADG-DDPC was detected with an average size of 25.2 nm with a low IC50 of 209.68 ng mL-1 and showed LDH activity on HeLa cells. A better cellular uptake of ADG-DDPC was observed in HeLa cells, compared with cRGD-unmodified ADG nanoparticles (ADG-DDP), up to 6 and 12 h using the fluorescence recovery of GQDs as a measurement. Compared with ADG-DDP (3.6 mg of silver equivalent per kg body weight), ADG-DDPC at the same dose significantly halted 50.9% of tumor growth with little change to body weights when compared with a PTX Injection (10 mg kg-1). The novel nanoparticles, ADG-DDPC, could target tumor sites to exhibit multifunctional inhibition on tumor growth with little toxicity.

Clinical significance of high expression of stanniocalcin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the significance of stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and adjacent tissues. Levels of STC2 in HCC tissue were detected in 200 HCC patients tissues and adjacent tissues as controls by immunohistochemistry technique (IHC) and reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR). Single factor analysis was used to study the relationship between expression of STC2 mRNA and protein and clinicopathological features of HCC. Multifactor Cox survival analysis was used to relationship between the expression of STC2 and overall survival of postoperative patients with HCC. IHC staining showed that the expression of STC2 protein rate was 81.00% (163/200). And the positive rate of adjacent tissues was 29.00% (58/200). Western blot showed that the expression of STC2 protein in HCC was significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues (P<0.05). RT-PCR showed that the positive rates of STC2 mRNA expression in HCC were 75.50% (151/200), which was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues 14.50% (29/200) (P<0.05). Both STC2 mRNA and protein expression are related to tumor diameter, stage, tumor metastasis, carcinoma emboli in the portal vein and the degree of tumor differentiation in HCC. The HCC patients with higher expression of STC2 had shorter median survival time. STC2 expression, tumor diameter, carcinoma emboli in the portal vein, tumor differentiation degree, and tumor stage were independent factors affecting the overall survival of postoperative patients. The high expression of STC2 mRNA and protein expression in HCC may be associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of HCC. STC2 may also be possible to help developing new therapeutic strategies for HCC.