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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhou P, Yao W, Liu L, Yan Q, Chen X, Wei X, Ding S, Lv Z, Zhu F. SPG21, a potential oncogene targeted by miR-128-3p, amplifies HBx-induced carcinogenesis and chemoresistance via activation of TRPM7-mediated JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00955-5. [PMID: 38753154 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00955-5] [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] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary risk factor for the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that HBV X protein (HBx) possesses oncogenic properties, promoting hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of miR-128-3p/SPG21 axis on HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. METHODS The expression of SPG21 in HCC was determined using bioinformatics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The roles of SPG21 in HCC were elucidated through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including real-time cellular analysis (RTCA), matrigel invasion assay, and xenograft mouse model. Pharmacologic treatment and flow cytometry were performed to demonstrate the potential mechanism of SPG21 in HCC. RESULTS SPG21 expression was elevated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (NTs). Moreover, higher SPG21 expression correlated with poor overall survival. Functional assays revealed that SPG21 fostered HCC tumorigenesis and invasion. MiR-128-3p, which targeted SPG21, was downregulated in HCC tissues. Subsequent analyses showed that HBx amplified TRPM7-mediated calcium influx via miR-128-3p/SPG21, thereby activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Furthermore, HBx inhibited doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by engaging the JNK pathway through miR-128-3p/SPG21. CONCLUSION The study suggested that SPG21, targeted by miR-128-3p, might be involved in enhancing HBx-induced carcinogenesis and doxorubicin resistance in HCC via the TRPM7/Ca2+/JNK signaling pathway. This insight suggested that SPG21 could be recognized as a potential oncogene, offering a novel perspective on its role as a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target in the context of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiujin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China.
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Xu K, Wang X, Hu S, Tang J, Liu S, Chen H, Zhang X, Dai P. LINC00540 promotes sorafenib resistance and functions as a ceRNA for miR-4677-3p to regulate AKR1C2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27322. [PMID: 38463802 PMCID: PMC10920722 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib resistance is one of the main causes of poor prognosis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as suppressors or oncogenic factors during tumor progression and drug resistance. Here, to identify therapeutic targets for HCC, the biological mechanisms of abnormally expressed lncRNAs were examined in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Specifically, we established sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines (Huh7-S and SMMC7721-S), which displayed an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to established differential lncRNA expression profiles for sorafenib-resistant cells. Through this analysis, we identified LINC00540 as significantly up-regulated in sorafenib-resistant cells and a candidate lncRNA for further mechanistic investigation. Functionally, LINC00540 knockdown promoted sorafenib sensitivity and suppressed migration, invasion, EMT and the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, whereas overexpression of LINC00540 resulted in the opposite effects in parental cells. LINC00540 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by competitively binding to miR-4677-3p , thereby promoting AKR1C2 expression. This is the first study that demonstrates a role for LINC00540 in enhancing sorafenib resistance, migration and invasion of HCC cells through the LINC00540/miR-4677-3p/AKR1C2 axis, suggesting that LINC00540 may represent a potential therapeutic target and prognosis biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shuwei Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jiaxuan Tang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shihui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Hui Chen
- The University Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- The University Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Penggao Dai
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi Lifegen Co., Ltd, Xi'an, 712000, China
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Zhang S, Jia X, Dai H, Zhu X, Song W, Bian S, Wu H, Chen S, Tang Y, Chen J, Jin C, Zhou M, Xie H, Zheng S, Song P. SERPINE2 promotes liver cancer metastasis by inhibiting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR ubiquitination and degradation. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:384-407. [PMID: 38407942 PMCID: PMC10958675 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Serpin family E member 2 (SERPINE2) has been reported to play a key role in the metastasis of many tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), including DNA methylation and transcriptome sequencing data, was utilized to identify the crucial oncogene associated with DNA methylation and cancer progression in liver cancer. Data from the TCGA and RNA sequencing for 94 pairs of liver cancer tissues were used to explore the correlation between SERPINE2 expression and clinical parameters of patients. DNA methylation sequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation levels in liver cancer tissues and cells. RNA sequencing, cytokine assays, immunoprecipitation (IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) assays, protein stability assays, and ubiquitination assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. Patient-derived xenografts and tumor organoid models were established to determine the role of SERPINE2 in the treatment of liver cancer using sorafenib. RESULTS Based on the public database screening, SERPINE2 was identified as a tumor promoter regulated by DNA methylation. SERPINE2 expression was significantly higher in liver cancer tissues and was associated with the dismal prognosis in patients with liver cancer. SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by enhancing cell pseudopodia formation, cell adhesion, cancer-associated fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. IP/MS assays confirmed that SERPINE2 activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathways by interacting with EGFR. Mechanistically, SERPINE2 inhibited EGFR ubiquitination and maintained its protein stability by competing with the E3 ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl. Additionally, EGFR was activated in liver cancer cells after sorafenib treatment, and SERPINE2 knockdown-induced EGFR downregulation significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer. Furthermore, we found that SERPINE2 knockdown also had a sensitizing effect on lenvatinib treatment. CONCLUSIONS SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by preventing EGFR degradation via c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination, suggesting that inhibition of the SERPINE2-EGFR axis may be a potential target for liver cancer treatment.
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Zhang X, Li Y, Huan C, Hou Y, Liu R, Shi H, Zhang P, Zheng B, Wang Y, Wang H, Zhang W. LncRNA NKILA inhibits HBV replication by repressing NF-κB signalling activation. Virol Sin 2024; 39:44-55. [PMID: 37832719 PMCID: PMC10877346 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection results in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway plays a role in HBV replication. However, whether NF-κB-interacting long noncoding RNA (NKILA), a suppressor of NF-κB activation, regulates HBV replication remains largely unknown. In this study, gain-and-loss experiments showed that NKILA inhibited HBV replication by inhibiting NF-κB activity. In turn, HBV infection down-regulated NKILA expression. In addition, expression levels of NKILA were lower in the peripheral blood-derived monocytes (PBMCs) of HBV-positive patients than in healthy individuals, which were correlated with HBV viral loads. And a negative correlation between NKILA expression level and HBV viral loads was observed in blood serum from HBV-positive patients. Lower levels of endogenous NKILA were also observed in HepG2 cells expressing a 1.3-fold HBV genome, HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, stable HBV-producing HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38 cells, compared to those HBV-negative cells. Furthermore, HBx was required for NKILA-mediated inhibition on HBV replication. NKILA decreased HBx-induced NF-κB activation by interrupting the interaction between HBx and p65, whereas NKILA mutants lack of essential domains for NF-ĸB inhibition, lost the ability to inhibit HBV replication. Together, our data demonstrate that NKILA may serve as a suppressor of HBV replication via NF-ĸB signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China; Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yubao Hou
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Rujia Liu
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Hongyun Shi
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China; Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China; Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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Sun J, Qi C, Liu Y, Gao F, Fu X, Tian Y. Evaluation of Multiple Liver Cancer Scoring Systems. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300301. [PMID: 37863815 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300301] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and its incidence and mortality are increasing year by year. The prognosis of liver cancer depends on the stage of liver cancer, the treatment method, the liver function, and individual differences. The prognosis of liver cancer mainly worsens with the progression of the stage. The prediction and staging system of liver cancer prognosis plays a very important role in the outcome of liver cancer prognosis, providing some guidance for clinical practice and bringing benefits for patients. This article reports on the prediction models and staging systems that have been applied in the field of liver cancer in the past 5 years, objectively analyzes the advantages and disadvantages, applicable population of each model and staging system, and searches for other patient and clinical characteristics that need to be considered for successfully establishing a prediction model, aiming to improve the specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of liver cancer prediction and increase the overall survival rate of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Sun
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Xifeng Fu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Yanzhang Tian
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
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Guo J, Luo Q, Li C, Liang H, Cao Q, Li Z, Chen G, Yu X. Evidence for the gut-skin axis: Common genetic structures in inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13611. [PMID: 38348734 PMCID: PMC10862160 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis (Ps) are common immune-mediated diseases that exhibit clinical comorbidity, possibly due to a common genetic structure. However, the exact mechanism remains unknown. METHODS The study population consisted of IBD and Ps genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic correlations were first evaluated. Then, the overall evaluation employed LD score regression (LDSC), while the local assessment utilized heritability estimation from summary statistics (HESS). Causality assessment was conducted through two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR), and genetic overlap analysis utilized the conditional false discovery rate/conjunctional FDR (cond/conjFDR) method. Finally, LDSC applied to specifically expressed genes (LDSC-SEG) was performed at the tissue level. For IBD and Ps-specific expressed genes, genetic correlation, causality, shared genetics, and trait-specific associated tissues were methodically examined. RESULTS At the genomic level, both overall and local genetic correlations were found between IBD and Ps. MR analysis indicated a positive causal relationship between Ps and IBD. The conjFDR analysis with a threshold of < 0.01 identified 43 loci shared between IBD and Ps. Subsequent investigations into disease-associated tissues indicated a close association of IBD and Ps with whole blood, lung, spleen, and EBV-transformed lymphocytes. CONCLUSION The current research offers a novel perspective on the association between IBD and Ps. It contributes to an enhanced comprehension of the genetic structure and mechanisms of comorbidities in both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Guo
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryJiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiangmenChina
| | - Qinghua Luo
- Clinical Medical CollegeJiangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryJiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiangmenChina
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryJiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiangmenChina
| | - Qiurui Cao
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryJiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiangmenChina
| | - Zihao Li
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryJiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiangmenChina
| | - Guanghua Chen
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanchangChina
| | - Xuchao Yu
- Department of Anorectal SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanchangChina
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Tang Z, Li X, Zheng Y, Liu J, Liu C, Li X. The role of competing endogenous RNA network in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1341999. [PMID: 38357004 PMCID: PMC10864455 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1341999] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The current situation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is challenging due to its high incidence, mortality, recurrence and metastasis. Recent advances in gene genetic and expression regulation have unveiled the significant role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in various cancers. This led to the formulation of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis, which posits that both coding RNA and ncRNA, containing miRNA response elements (MRE), can share the same miRNA sequence. This results in a competitive network between ncRNAs, such as lncRNA and mRNA, allowing them to regulate each other. Extensive research has highlighted the crucial role of the ceRNA network in HCC development, impacting various cellular processes including proliferation, metastasis, cell death, angiogenesis, tumor microenvironment, organismal immunity, and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the ceRNA network, mediated by lncRNA or circRNA, offers potential in early diagnosis and prevention of HCC. Consequently, ceRNAs are emerging as therapeutic targets for HCC. The complexity of these gene networks aligns with the multi-target approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), presenting a novel perspective for TCM in combating HCC. Research is beginning to show that TCM compounds and prescriptions can affect HCC progression through the ceRNA network, inhibiting proliferation and metastasis, and inducing apoptosis. Currently, the lncRNAs TUG1, NEAT1, and CCAT1, along with their associated ceRNA networks, are among the most promising ncRNAs for HCC research. However, this field is still in its infancy, necessitating advanced technology and extensive basic research to fully understand the ceRNA network mechanisms of TCM in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Tang
- The Ninth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanfeng Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Xu B, Li M, Weng N, Zhou C, Chen Y, Wei J, Fu L. Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Disulfidoptosis-Associated Genes as Promising Immunotherapeutic Targets: Insights Gained from Bulk Omics and Single-Cell Sequencing Validation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:267. [PMID: 38397869 PMCID: PMC10887130 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020267] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfidoptosis, a novel form of cell death, is distinct from other well-known cell death mechanisms. Consequently, a profound investigation into disulfidoptosis elucidates the fundamental mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, presenting promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. Comprehensive analysis of disulfidoptosis-associated gene (DRG) expression in pan cancer utilized TCGA, GEO, and ICGC datasets, including survival and Cox-regression analyses for prognostic evaluation. We analyzed the association between DRG expression and both immune cell infiltration and immune-related gene expression using the ESTIMATE and TISDIB datasets. We obtained our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the GEO repository. Subsequently, we assessed disulfidoptosis activity in various cell types. Evaluation of immune cell infiltration and biological functions was analyzed via single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). For in vitro validation experiments, the results from real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to explore the expression of SLC7A11 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and different cancer cell lines, while siRNA-mediated SLC7A11 knockdown effects on HCC cell proliferation and migration were examined. Expression levels of DRGs, especially SLC7A11, were significantly elevated in tumor samples compared to normal samples, which was associated with poorer outcomes. Except for SLC7A11, DRGs consistently exhibited high CNV and SNV rates, particularly in HCC. In various tumors, DRGs were negatively associated with DNA promoter methylation. TME analyses further illustrated a negative correlation of DRG expression with ImmuneScore and StromalScore and a positive correlation with tumor purity. Our analysis unveiled diverse cellular subgroups within HCC, particularly focusing on Treg cell populations, providing insights into the intricate interplay of immune activation and suppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These findings were further validated through RT-qPCR, Western blot analyses, and immunohistochemical analyses. Additionally, the knockdown of SLC7A11 induced a suppression of proliferation and migration in HCC cell lines. In conclusion, our comprehensive pan-cancer analysis research has demonstrated the significant prognostic and immunological role of disulfidoptosis across a spectrum of tumors, notably HCC, and identified SLC7A11 as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borui Xu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Minghao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Nuoqing Weng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chuzhou Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Yinghui Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen 529030, China;
| | - Jinhuan Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Liangmin Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Shah M, Sarkar D. HCC-Related lncRNAs: Roles and Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:597. [PMID: 38203767 PMCID: PMC10779127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health threat, particularly in regions endemic to hepatitis B and C viruses, and because of the ongoing pandemic of obesity causing metabolic-dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a precursor to HCC. The molecular intricacies of HCC, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated signaling pathways facilitate personalized treatment strategies based on molecular profiling. Epigenetic regulation, encompassing DNA methyltion, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs, functions as a critical layer influencing HCC development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are spotlighted for their diverse roles in gene regulation and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in cancer. In this review, we explore the pivotal role of lncRNAs in HCC, including MAFLD and viral hepatitis, the most prevalent risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is implicated in HCC progression by modulating chromatin regulation and transcription, sponging miRNAs, and influencing structural functions. The ongoing studies on lncRNAs contribute to a deeper comprehension of HCC pathogenesis and offer promising routes for precision medicine, highlighting the utility of lncRNAs as early biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimansha Shah
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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11
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Zhong M, Fang Z, Guo W, Yu X. Translation regulatory long non-coding RNA 1 negatively regulates cell radiosensitivity via the miR-22-3p/SP1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer. THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2024; 18:e13734. [PMID: 38286742 PMCID: PMC10824624 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occupies 85% of lung cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) can regulate the radiosensitivity of cancers. This study explored the mechanism of lncRNA TRERNA1 in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. METHODS LncRNA TRERNA1 level in NSCLC cell lines was determined. NSCLC cell radiation tolerance was measured. TRERNA1 expression was silenced or overexpressed in A549/HCC827 cells with the highest/lowest radiation tolerance, respectively. The contents of γ-H2AX and SA-β-gal in NSCLC cells after radiation induction were detected. The targeted binding of TRERNA1 to miR-22-3p and miR-22-3p to SP1 were verified by dual-luciferase assay. SP1 expression were detected. Functional rescue experiments were implemented to confirm the roles of miR-22-3p and SP1 in the regulatory mechanism of TRERNA1. RESULTS TRERNA1 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. TRERNA1 silencing enhanced radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. TRERNA1 silencing elevated the contents of γ-H2AX and SA-β-gal in A549 cells after radiation induction, while TRERNA1 overexpression showed an opposite trend in HCC827 cells. There were targeting relationships between TRERNA1 and miR-22-3p, and miR-22-3p and SP1. miR-22-3p repression or SP1 overexpression abolished the effects of TRERNA1 silencing. CONCLUSION TRERNA1 silencing enhanced radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells via the miR-22-3p/SP1 axis. This study may offer new targets for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhong
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Zheng Fang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Weixi Guo
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Xiuyi Yu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
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12
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Wang F, Song H, Xu F, Xu J, Wang L, Yang F, Zhu Y, Tan G. Role of hepatitis B virus non-structural protein HBx on HBV replication, interferon signaling, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1322892. [PMID: 38188582 PMCID: PMC10767994 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1322892] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B, a global health concern caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), infects nearly 2 billion individuals worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). HBV, a hepatotropic DNA virus, predominantly targets and replicates within hepatocytes. Those carrying the virus are at increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in nearly 900,000 fatalities annually. The HBV X protein (HBx), encoded by the virus's open reading frame x, plays a key role in its virulence. This protein is integral to viral replication, immune modulation, and liver cancer progression. Despite its significance, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying HBx remain elusive. This review investigates the HBx protein's roles in HBV replication, interferon signaling regulation, and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. By understanding the complex interactions between the virus and its host mediated by HBx, we aim to establish a solid foundation for future research and the development of HBx-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hongxiao Song
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Fengchao Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Health Examination Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yujia Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guangyun Tan
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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13
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Wu Y, Song L, Kong J, Wen Q, Jiao J, Wang X, Li G, Xu X, Zhan L. Scribble promotes fibrosis-dependent mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis by p53/PUMA-mediated glycolysis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166823. [PMID: 37632981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166823] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Liver cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Scribble has been shown to function as a neoplastic tumor suppressor gene in most tumors. Our previous studies reported that down-regulation or mislocalization of Scribble was sufficient to initiate mammary tumorigenesis and NSCLC. Recently, it was reported that Scribble was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to study how it was up-regulated and the contradictory role of Scribble in HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis system, we showed that Scribble was over-expressed and which may protect the mice against hepatic fibrosis. Unexpectedly, we found out the potential for Scribble to act as a tumor driver at the advanced stage of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) plus CCl4 induced HCC mice model in vivo. In addition, we observed even higher expression of Scribble in HCC tumors harboring elevated levels of wild-type p53. Most importantly, nuclear translocated Scribble could interact with p53, which lead to enhanced stability and transcriptional activity of p53. Mechanistically, our data suggested that Scribble might drive HCC progression by promoting metabolic regulation of p53 through p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA)-mediated Warburg effect. CONCLUSIONS Our data identified the molecular basis of hepatic fibrosis-specific gene expression of polarity gene, such as Scribble. Interestingly, with the progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis to HCC, its nuclear translocation promoted a wild-type p53-mediated cancer metabolic switch and tumor progression in HCC. Taken together, we demonstrated that Scribble was up-regulated and served a protective role in liver fibrosis, while also apparently acting as a tumor driver in fibrosis-dependent hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lele Song
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jingwen Kong
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qian Wen
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiazheng Jiao
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Lixing Zhan
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd., Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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14
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Zhang MH, Yuan YF, Liu LJ, Wei YX, Yin WY, Zheng LZY, Tang YY, Lv Z, Zhu F. Dysregulated microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4706-4735. [PMID: 37664153 PMCID: PMC10473924 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i31.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and fatality rate worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important risk factors for its occurrence and development. Early detection of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) can improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Biomarkers are extremely helpful, not only for early diagnosis, but also for the development of therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of non-coding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length, have increasingly attracted scientists' attention due to their potential utility as biomarkers for cancer detection and therapy. HBV profoundly impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current progress on the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-HCC. From a molecular standpoint, we discuss the mechanism by which HBV regulates miRNAs and investigate the exact effect of miRNAs on the promotion of HCC. In the near future, miRNA-based diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications will make their way into the clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-He Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Feng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wan-Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lan-Zhuo-Yin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying-Ying Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
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15
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Zhao J, He R, Zhong H, Liu S, Hussain M, Sun P. Synergistic Antitumor Effect of Grifola frondose Polysaccharide—Protein Complex in Combination with Cyclophosphamide in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28072954. [PMID: 37049720 PMCID: PMC10095761 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver malignancy and remains a global health threat. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the combination of a cold-water extracted polysaccharide-protein complex from Grifolia frondosa (GFG) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) could inhibit tumor growth by suppressing the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in H22 tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that the inhibition rate of GFG combined with CTX on H22 tumors was 65.29%, which was significantly higher than that of GFG treatment alone (24.82%). GFG combined with CTX significantly increased the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Additionally, thymus index, spleen index, natural killer (NK) cell activity, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels increased significantly after GFG treatment, especially after high-doses of GFG combined with CTX treatment (p < 0.05). The thymus index, spleen index, NK cell activity, IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-2 levels were 1.90, 1.46, 1.30, 2.13, 1.64, 2.03, and 1.24 times of those treated with CTX alone. Thus, we proposed that GFG can alleviate the side effects of CTX by relieving the immunosuppressive effect, liver/renal injury, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the combination of GFG and CTX for cancer treatment may be a promising strategy, and GFG is expected to be a potential adjuvant alternative for the treatment of HCC.
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16
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Huang PS, Wang LY, Wang YW, Tsai MM, Lin TK, Liao CJ, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Evaluation and Application of Drug Resistance by Biomarkers in the Clinical Treatment of Liver Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060869. [PMID: 36980210 PMCID: PMC10047572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060869] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, mainly owing to the lack of effective means for early monitoring and treatment. Accordingly, there is considerable research interest in various clinically applicable methods for addressing these unmet needs. At present, the most commonly used biomarker for the early diagnosis of liver cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), but AFP is sensitive to interference from other factors and cannot really be used as the basis for determining liver cancer. Treatment options in addition to liver surgery (resection, transplantation) include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, even more expensive targeted drug therapies have a limited impact on the clinical outcome of liver cancer. One of the big reasons is the rapid emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, in addition to finding effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, an important focus of current discussions is on how to effectively adjust and select drug strategies and guidelines for the treatment of liver cancer patients. In this review, we bring this thought process to the drug resistance problem faced by different treatment strategies, approaching it from the perspective of gene expression and molecular biology and the possibility of finding effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ming Tsai
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, New Taipei Municipal Tu Cheng Hospital, New Taipei 236, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Kang Lin
- Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
- Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-2118263
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17
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Wang J, Zhu Y, Ai X, Wan H, Jia W, Chu J, Xu B, Kong X, Kong L. Long noncoding RNA 02027 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-625-3p/PDLIM5 pathway. J Gene Med 2023:e3485. [PMID: 36811210 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs have been established to promote or inhibit the oncogenic and tumorigenic potential of various cancers, acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) for specific microRNAs. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the underlying mechanism by which the LINC02027/miR-625-3p/PDLIM5 axis affects proliferation, migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The differentially expressed gene was selected based on gene sequencing and bioinformation database analysis of HCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The expression of LINC02027 in HCC tissues and cells and its regulatory effect on the development of HCC were detected by colony formation, cell counting kit-8 assays, wound healing assays, Transwell assays and subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays in nude mice. According to the results of database prediction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and dual-luciferase reporter assay, the downstream microRNA and target gene were searched. Finally, HCC cells were transfected with lentivirus and used for cell function assays in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Downregulation of LINC02027 was detected in HCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis. The overexpression of LINC02027 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Mechanistically, LINC02027 inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. As a ceRNA, LINC02027 inhibited the malignant ability of HCC by competitively binding to miR-625-3p to regulate the expression of PDLIM5. CONCLUSIONS The LINC02027/miR-625-3p/PDLIM5 axis inhibits the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Public Clinical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University North District, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoming Ai
- Department of General Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Wan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenbo Jia
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Chu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangxu Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lianbao Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Liu L, Lv Z, Wang M, Zhang D, Liu D, Zhu F. HBV Enhances Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Reducing Ferroptosis via SRSF2-Mediated Abnormal PCLAF Splicing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043263. [PMID: 36834680 PMCID: PMC9967099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for nearly 50% of HCC cases. Recent studies indicate that HBV infection induces resistance to sorafenib, the first-line systemic treatment for advanced HCC for more than a decade, from 2007 to 2020. Our previous research shows that variant 1 (tv1) of proliferating cell nuclear antigen clamp-associated factor (PCLAF), overexpressed in HCC, protects against doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. However, there are no reports on the relevance of PCLAF in sorafenib resistance in HBV-related HCC. In this article, we found that PCLAF levels were higher in HBV-related HCC than in non-virus-related HCC using bioinformatics analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of clinical samples and the splicing reporter minigene assay using HCC cells revealed that PCLAF tv1 was elevated by HBV. Furthermore, HBV promoted the splicing of PCLAF tv1 by downregulating serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2), which hindered the inclusion of PCLAF exon 3 through a putative cis-element (116-123), "GATTCCTG". The CCK-8 assay showed that HBV decreased cell susceptibility to sorafenib through SRSF2/PCLAF tv1. HBV reduced ferroptosis by decreasing intracellular Fe2+ levels and activating GPX4 expression via the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis, according to a mechanism study. Suppressed ferroptosis, on the other hand, contributed to HBV-mediated sorafenib resistance through SRSF2/PCLAF tv1. These data suggested that HBV regulated PCLAF abnormal alternative splicing by suppressing SRSF2. HBV caused sorafenib resistance by reducing ferroptosis via the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis. As a result, the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis may be a prospective molecular therapeutic target in HBV-related HCC, as well as a predictor of sorafenib resistance. The inhibition of the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis may be crucial in the emergence of systemic chemotherapy resistance in HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fan Zhu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-189-4290-0238
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19
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Ma Q, Hui Y, Huang BR, Yang BF, Li JX, Fan TT, Gao XC, Ma DY, Chen WF, Pei ZX. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis prognostic signature for prediction of prognosis, immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma: development and validation based on TCGA and ICGC databases. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:46-64. [PMID: 36760376 PMCID: PMC9906058 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis promote HCC spread and proliferation. While fewer studies have combined ferroptosis and cuproptosis to construct prognostic signature of HCC. This work attempts to establish a novel scoring system for predicting HCC prognosis, immunotherapy, and medication sensitivity based on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs). Methods FerrDb and previous literature were used to identify FRGs. CRGs came from original research. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases included the HCC transcriptional profile and clinical information [survival time, survival status, age, gender, Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage, etc.]. Correlation, Cox, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to narrow down prognostic genes and develop an HCC risk model. Using "caret", R separated TCGA-HCC samples into a training risk set and an internal test risk set. As external validation, we used ICGC samples. We employed Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the model's clinical efficacy. CIBERSORT and TIMER measured immunocytic infiltration in high- and low-risk populations. Results TXNRD1 [hazard ratio (HR) =1.477, P<0.001], FTL (HR =1.373, P=0.001), GPX4 (HR =1.650, P=0.004), PRDX1 (HR =1.576, P=0.002), VDAC2 (HR =1.728, P=0.008), OTUB1 (HR =1.826, P=0.002), NRAS (HR =1.596, P=0.005), SLC38A1 (HR =1.290, P=0.002), and SLC1A5 (HR =1.306, P<0.001) were distinguished to build predictive model. In both the model cohort (P<0.001) and the validation cohort (P<0.05), low-risk patients had superior overall survival (OS). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the ROC curves in the training cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.751, 0.727, and 0.743), internal validation cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.826, 0.624, and 0.589), and ICGC cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.699, 0.702, and 0.568) were calculated. Infiltration of immune cells and immunological checkpoints were also connected with our signature. Treatments with BI.2536, Epothilone.B, Gemcitabine, Mitomycin.C, Obatoclax. Mesylate, and Sunitinib may profit high-risk patients. Conclusions We analyzed FRGs and CRGs profiles in HCC and established a unique risk model for treatment and prognosis. Our data highlight FRGs and CRGs in clinical practice and suggest ferroptosis and cuproptosis may be therapeutic targets for HCC patients. To validate the model's clinical efficacy, more HCC cases and prospective clinical assessments are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ma
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Hui
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bang-Rong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin-Feng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xian Li
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Fan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Chun Gao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Da-You Ma
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Fu Chen
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Xue Pei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Gansu Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Tang H, Huang H, Guo Z, Huang H, Niu Z, Ji Y, Zhang Y, Bian H, Hu W. Heavy Ion-Responsive lncRNA EBLN3P Functions in the Radiosensitization of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Mediated by TNPO1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020511. [PMID: 36672460 PMCID: PMC9856274 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the rapid development of radiotherapy has dramatically increased the cure rate of malignant tumors. Heavy-ion radiotherapy, which is characterized by the "Bragg Peak" because of its excellent physical properties, induces extensive unrepairable DNA damage in tumor tissues, while normal tissues in the path of ion beams suffer less damage. However, there are few prognostic molecular biomarkers that can be used to assess the efficacy of heavy ion radiotherapy. In this study, we focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiotherapy and use RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to investigate the gene expression profiles of A549 cells exposed to X-ray or carbon ion irradiation to screen the key genes involved in the stronger tumor-killing effect induced by carbon ions. The potential ceRNA network was predicted and verified by polymerase chain amplification, western blotting analysis, colony formation assay, and apoptosis assay. The results of the experiments indicated that lncRNA EBLN3P plays a critical role in inhibiting carbon ion-induced cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of NSCLC cells. These functions were achieved by the EBLN3P/miR-144-3p/TNPO1 (transportin-1) ceRNA network. In summary, the lncRNA EBLN3P functions as a ceRNA to mediate lung cancer inhibition induced by carbon ion irradiation by sponging miR-144-3p to regulate TNPO1 expression, indicating that EBLN3P may be a promising target for increasing the treatment efficacy of conventional radiotherapy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haitong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zihe Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huahui Bian
- Nuclear and Radiation Incident Medical Emergency Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
- Correspondence: (H.B.); (W.H.)
| | - Wentao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: (H.B.); (W.H.)
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Zou R, Liu Y, Qiu S, Lu Y, Chen Y, Yu H, Zhu H, Zhu W, Zhu L, Feng J, Han J. The identification of N6-methyladenosine-related miRNAs predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:551-566. [PMID: 38007640 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and development. However, the role of m6A-related miRNAs in HCC has not been clarified yet. This study aimed to identify the role of m6A-miRNAs in HCC prognosis through bioinformatics analysis. METHODS The clinicopathological information and RNA sequencing data of 369 HCC tumor tissues and 49 tumor-adjacent tissues were downloaded from the TCGA database. A total of 23 m6A regulators were extracted to evaluated the m6A-related miRNAs using Pearson's correlation analysis. Then, we selected prognosis-related m6A-miRNAs using a univariate Cox regression model and used the consensus cluster analysis to explore the characteristics of the m6A-miRNAs. The coefficient of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was applied to construct a prognostic risk score model. The receiver operated characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to evaluate the prognostic value of the signature. The biological functions of targeted genes were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Then, to validate the potential predictive value for prognosis, the miRNA expression profiles from the GSE76903 and GSE6857 were used. Single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) were applied to assess the immune microenvironment of HCC. Additionally, a meta-analysis was used to verify the prognostic value of the m6A-microRNAs. RT-PCR was applied to validated the expression of miRNAs in HCC tissues. Cell viability, transwell assay and RNA m6A dot blot assays of HCC cells was applied to access the function of miR-17-5p. RESULTS The expression of 48 m6A-related miRNAs was identified and 17 prognostic m6A-miRNAs was discovered. The expression profile of those 17 miRNAs was divided into three clusters, and these clusters were associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and prognosis. The nine m6A-related miRNA signature was associated with the prognosis of HCC, the AUC of the ROC was 0.771(TCGA dataset), 0.788(GSE76903) and 0.646(GSE6857). The TME and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules were associated with the risk score. The meta-analysis also validated the prognostic value of the m6A-related miRNAs (miR182-5p (HR:1.58, 95%CI:1.04-2.40) and miR-17-5p (HR:1.58, 95%CI: 1.04-2.40)). The expression of miR-17-5p was upregulated in HCC tissues and miR-17-5p showed an oncogenic role in HCC cells. CONCLUSION The clinical innovation is the use of m6A-miRNAs as biomarkers for predicting prognosis regarding immunotherapy response in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renrui Zou
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqian Liu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Sangsang Qiu
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya Lu
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hangju Zhu
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbo Zhu
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longbiao Zhu
- Department of The Sixth Dental Division, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Han
- Jiangsu Cancer Centre, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Canonical WNT Signaling Activated by WNT7B Contributes to L-HBs-Mediated Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Mitophagy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235781. [PMID: 36497264 PMCID: PMC9741164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death globally, with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounting for over half of all cases. HBV leads to the development of HCC according to a body of literature. Our previous research and other studies also suggest that HBV causes chemotherapeutic treatment resistance, however, the mechanism is uncertain. The WNT family, which encodes secreted signaling molecules, has been linked to carcinogenesis in a variety of malignancies, including HCC. However, little is known regarding WNT7B, a WNT ligand, in the development of HCC and HBV-induced chemoresistance. In this study, the bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of clinical samples revealed that WNT7B was overexpressed in HBV-associated HCC tissues versus nontumor liver tissues, which was related to HCC patient survival. Further study in vitro showed that WNT7B and its receptor frizzled-4 (FZD4) were upregulated in response to large hepatitis B surface antigens (L-HBs). L-HBs increased canonical WNT signaling in HCC cells through WNT7B/FZD4. According to functional experiments, WNT7B enhanced the cell proliferation and metastasis in HCC. In vivo and in vitro studies investigated whether L-HBs induced sorafenib resistance by WNT7B in HCC. Interestingly, L-HBs suppressed sorafenib-induced mitophagy by increasing WNT7B/CTNNB1 signaling, resulting in chemoresistance. The findings revealed that WNT7B could be a promising molecular therapeutic target as well as a predictor of sorafenib resistance in HBV-related HCC. The suppression of HBV structural proteins such as L-HBs may play a crucial role in systemic chemotherapy resistance in HBV-associated HCC.
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circRanGAP1/miR-27b-3p/NRAS Axis may promote the progression of hepatocellular Carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:92. [PMID: 36348379 PMCID: PMC9644583 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Though circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the key regulators in tumor carcinogenesis, they remain largely unexplored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression of RanGAP1-derived circRNAs (circ_0063531, circ_0063534, circ_0063513, circ_0063518, circ_0063507, circ_0063723) were evaluated in eight paired HCC and normal tissues, and the correlation between circRanGAP1 (circ_0063531) expression and clinicopathological characteristics in 40 HCC patients was determined. The association between miR-27b-3p and circRanGAP1 or NRAS was predicted using bioinformatics analysis. The expression of circRanGAP1, miR-27b-3p, and NRAS were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The potential oncogenic role of circ-RanGAP1 was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, transwell assays in vitro, subcutaneous tumor mouse model, vein tail metastatic model, and orthotopically implanted intrahepatic HCC model in vivo. Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to explore the binding site between miR-27b-3p and circ-RanGAP1 or NRAS. Protein expression was detected using western blotting. The localization of miR-27b-3p and circ-RanGAP1 was investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The level of immune infiltration was assessed by bioinformatics analysis, flow cytometry, and orthotopically implanted intrahepatic HCC models. Results Here, we found elevated circRanGAP1 in the cells and clinical tissues of patients with HCC. Increased circRanGAP1 levels are associated with enlarged tumors and the advanced stage of TNM. CircRanGAP1 promotes the growth, migration, and HCC cell invasion, concurrently with the growth and metastasis of tumors in-vivo. Moreover, circRanGAP1 is mainly located inside the cytoplasm. Mechanistically, circRanGAP1 as an oncogene promotes HCC progression by miR-27b-3p/NRAS/ERK axis, furthermore, affects the infiltration level of tumor-associated macrophages probably by sponging miR-27b-3p. Immune infiltration analysis shows that NRAS is positively correlated with the levels of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages in HCC samples and that NRAS and CD68 are related to the poor outcome of HCC. Conclusion These results reveal that circRanGAP1 is a HCC oncogene that function by the miR-27b-3p/NRAS/ERK axis and regulates the infiltration levels of tumor-associated macrophages by sponging miR-27b-3p. Therefore, circRANGAP1/ NRAS axis may be an important potential treatment target against HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00342-6.
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Rao Y, Zhu J, Zheng H, Dong W, Lin Q. A novel melanoma prognostic model based on the ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA. Front Oncol 2022; 12:929960. [PMID: 36313708 PMCID: PMC9598429 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.929960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death related to the biological process of many kinds of tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNA) have been found to play essential roles in the tumor, and their functions in the ferroptosis of tumor cells have been partially discovered. However, there is no summary of ferroptosis-related LncRNA and its functions in melanoma. In the present study, we aim to explore the expression profile of ferroptosis-related LncRNA genes and their value in melanoma prognosis by bioinformatics analysis. The expression of ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) from melanoma clinical data was extracted based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. By screening the RNA expression data of 472 cases of melanoma and 810 cases of normal skin, eighteen ferroptosis-related differential genes were found to be related to the overall survival rate. Furthermore, 384 ferroptosis-related LncRNAs were discovered through constructing the mRNA-LncRNA co-expression network, and ten of them were found with prognostic significance in melanoma by multivariate Cox analysis. Risk assessment showed that the high expression of LncRNA00520 is associated with poor prognosis, while the increased expression of the other LncRNA is beneficial to the prognosis of patients with melanoma. From univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, there were ten ferroptosis-related LncRNA risk models towards to be significant independent prognostic factors for patients with melanoma and valuable predictive factors for overall survival (OS)(P<0.05). The ROC curve further suggested that the risk score has relatively reliable predictive ability (AUC=0.718). The protein level of ferroptosis-related genes was verified by the HPA database and IHC test, leading to the discovery that the expressions of ALOX5, PEBP1, ACSL4, and ZEB1 proteins up-regulated in tumor tissues, and existed differences between tumor tissues and normal tissues. In conclusion, we identified ten ferroptosis-related LncRNA and constructed a prognosis model base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Rao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinchao Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobilliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhao C, Zhang Z, Jing T. A novel signature of combing cuproptosis- with ferroptosis-related genes for prediction of prognosis, immunologic therapy responses and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000993. [PMID: 36249031 PMCID: PMC9562991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOur study aimed to construct a novel signature (CRFs) of combing cuproptosis-related genes with ferroptosis-related genes for the prediction of the prognosis, responses of immunological therapy, and drug sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.MethodsThe RNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data of patients with HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), GSE76427, GSE144269, GSE140580, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and IMvigor210 cohorts. CRFs was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. The analyses involved in the prognosis, response to immunologic therapy, efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy, and drug sensitivity were performed. Furthermore, the molecular function, somatic mutation, and stemness analyses were further performed between the low- and high-risk groups, respectively. In this study, the statistical analyses were performed by using the diverse packages of R 4.1.3 software and Cytoscape 3.8.0.ResultsCRFs included seven genes (G6PD, NRAS, RRM2, SQSTM1, SRXN1, TXNRD1, and ZFP69B). Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that CRFs were an independent risk factor for prognosis. In addition, these patients in the high-risk group presented with worse prognoses and a significant state of immunosuppression. Moreover, patients in the high-risk group might achieve greater outcomes after receiving immunologic therapy, while patients in the low-risk group are sensitive to TACE. Furthermore, we discovered that patients in the high-risk group may benefit from the administration of sunitinib. In addition, enhanced mRANsi and tumor mutation burden (TMB) yielded in the high-risk group. Additionally, the functions enriched in the low-risk group differed from those in the other group.ConclusionIn summary, CRFs may be regarded not only as a novel biomarker of worse prognosis, but also as an excellent predictor of immunotherapy response, efficacy of TACE and drug sensitivity in HCC, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
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Eptaminitaki GC, Stellas D, Bonavida B, Baritaki S. Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signaling in Cancer Chemoresistance: From Prediction to Druggability. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 65:100866. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Li HC, Yang CH, Lo SY. Long noncoding RNAs in hepatitis B virus replication and oncogenesis. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2823-2842. [PMID: 35978877 PMCID: PMC9280728 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i25.2823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several diverse long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to be involved in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and oncogenesis, especially those dysregulated in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most of these dysregulated lncRNAs are modulated by the HBV X protein. The regulatory mechanisms of some lncRNAs in HBV replication and oncogenesis have been characterized. Genetic polymorphisms of several lncRNAs affecting HBV replication or oncogenesis have also been studied. The prognosis of HCC remains poor. It is important to identify novel tumor markers for early diagnosis and find more therapeutic targets for effective treatments of HCC. Some dysregulated lncRNAs in HBV-related HCC may become biomarkers for early diagnosis and/or the therapeutic targets of HCC. This mini-review summarizes these findings briefly, focusing on recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chun Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Hing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yen Lo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
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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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Hu Y, Li H, Zhang H, Tang Q, Zhang G, Li X, Xue F. The long non-coding RNA LIMT inhibits metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and is suppressed by EGF signaling. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4749-4757. [PMID: 35526240 PMCID: PMC9262785 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The long non-coding RNA LIMT (lncRNA inhibiting metastasis) acts as a tumor suppressor factor in some cancers. However, the biological role of LIMT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been explored. Methods and Results Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of LIMT in HCC tissue. The effects of LIMT on tumor growth and metastasis were assessed by in vitro experiments, including colony formation and transwell assays, and in vivo in nude mouse models. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression levels of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). LIMT expression was significantly lower in HCC than in normal liver tissue. Functionally, overexpression of LIMT repressed the proliferation, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells, while LIMT knockdown increased proliferation, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, LIMT overexpression suppressed HCC growth and metastasis while silencing of LIMT had an opposite effect in vivo. Finally, LIMT overexpression reversed EGF-induced EMT. Conclusions Our results suggest that LIMT could play an anti-cancer effect in HCC and might be a potential novel therapeutic target in HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11033-022-07325-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Qiang Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Guangtan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiqing Li
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Fei Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China.
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30
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Niu LJ, Huang T, Wang L, Sun XF, Zhang YM. HBX suppresses PTEN to promote the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through mi-R155 activation. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100688. [PMID: 35196550 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and fatal tumors in the world, ranking third in cancer-related mortality. Chronic HBV infection is one of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in China, Korea, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The HBx protein encoded by the X gene of HBV is a broadly regulated protein involved in transcriptional activation, epigenetics, apoptosis, DNA repair, and other regulatory processes. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of HBx regulation of miR-155 and PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) in HBV-HCC. METHODS Exosomal miR-155 quantity was analyzed by sampling serum exosomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and normal subjects. The analysis was divided into different subgroups according to HBV positivity or negativity. At the cellular level, the biological roles of HBX, microRNA-155 and PTEN on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and their regulatory relationships with each other were verified. RESULTS MicroRNA-155 and PTEN expression in HBV-positive HCC liver cancer tissues were negatively correlated, and HBX and miR-155 expression were positively correlated; microRNA-155 could target and inhibit PTEN expression, thereby promoting hepatocellular carcinoma cell activity, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting invasion and migration; HBX could upregulate microRNA-155 thereby inhibit PTEN to promote malignant transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS HBX could promote malignant transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating microRNA-155 expression and thereby inhibiting the PTEN/PI3K-AKT pathway. Blocking miR-155 expression could attenuate the proliferation-promoting and invasive effects of HBX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Jie Niu
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center. The affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center. The affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital
| | - Lianjiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xian-Fu Sun
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center. The affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital.
| | - Ya-Min Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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31
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Lin G, Li J, Chen K, Wang A, Guo C. Circ_0000854 regulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through miR-1294 /IRGQ axis. Clin Immunol 2022; 238:109007. [PMID: 35417749 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer disease with the second highest mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play key roles in many tumors, including HCC. However, the function of circ_0000854 in the progression of HCC has not been clarified. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of circ_0000854, microRNA-1294 (miR-1294) and immunity related GTPase Q (IRGQ) in HCC cells and tissues. Western blot was used for protein expression analysis. Cell processes were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, and wound healing assay. Mechanically, the interaction of miR-1294 with circ_0000854 or IRGQ was notarized by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. The xenotransplantation model was established to study the role of circ_0000854 in vivo. RESULTS Circ_0000854 and IRGQ were highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, while miR-1294 was downregulated. Silencing circ_0000854 suppressed HCC cell malignant behaviors, including proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion. Circ_0000854 exhibited sponge effect on miR-1294 and miR-1294 inhibition reversed function of circ_0000854 knockdown. In addition, miR-1294 targeted IRGQ and circ_0000854 sponged miR-1294 to upregulate IRGQ. Overexpression of IRGQ restored miR-1294-induced anti-tumor regulation in HCC cells. Animal experiments confirmed that silencing circ_0000854 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis of HCC via mediating miR-1294 and IRGQ levels in vivo. CONCLUSION Circ_0000854 accelerated HCC progression via the miR-1294/IRGQ axis, providing a novel regulatory mechanism for HCC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanbin Lin
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Beilun People's Hospital in Ningbo, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Kan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Aiping Wang
- Department of Health Management Center, Beilun People's Hospital in Ningbo, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
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32
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The Role of Long Non-Coding RNA and microRNA Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910630. [PMID: 34638971 PMCID: PMC8508708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in crucial biological processes of tumorigenesis and progression, and play four major regulatory roles, namely signal, decoy, guide, and scaffold, to regulate gene expression. Through these processes, lncRNAs can target microRNAs (miRNAs) to form lncRNA and miRNA networks, which regulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the multifaceted functions of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the pathogenesis of HCC, the potential use of diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, and novel therapeutic targets in HCC. This review also highlights the regulatory effects of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the tumor microenvironment of HCC.
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33
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Qian Y, Li Y, Ge Y, Song W, Fan H. Elevated LncRNA TRERNA1 correlated with activation of HIF-1α predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 227:153612. [PMID: 34560417 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translation regulatory long non-coding RNA 1 (TRERNA1) has been reported to be upregulated in several cancers and accelerate tumor metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, it remains unclear how TRERNA1 is upregulated and whether the upregulation of TRERNA1 influences the prognosis of HCC patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of TRERNA1 in HCC and the regulatory mechanism underlying TRERNA1 upregulation. METHODS In situ hybridization was adopted to analyze the expression level of TRERNA1, and immunohistochemistry technique was employed to evaluate the expression level of HIF-1α and E-cadherin. χ2 test was used to assess the association between TRERNA1 level and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC cases, whereas Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, ROC curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of TRERNA1 expression level in HCC. RESULTS TRERNA1 was substantially upregulated in HCC tissues, which was accompanied by aberrant decreased expression of E-cadherin. Elevated TRERNA1 level was correlated with high tumor grade, high recurrence rate and poor survival in patients with HCC. Moreover, TRERNA1 expression level was positively correlated with the activation of HIF-1α. Importantly, high TRERNA1 expression level can be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in HCC, especially combining elevated TRERNA1 and HIF-1α with decreased E-cadherin predicted a worst prognosis of patients with HCC. CONCLUSION TRERNA1 is not only a biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in HCC patients, but also can categorize HCC patients into different risk groups for survival when combined with HIF-1α and E-cadherin.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Databases, Genetic
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Factors
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Qian
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 87# Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Southeast University, 87# Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanping Ge
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 87# Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 87# Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 87# Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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34
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Wu B, Yuan Y, Liu J, Shang H, Dong J, Liang X, Wang D, Chen Y, Wang C, Zhou Y, Jing H, Cheng W. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the mechanism of sonodynamic therapy combined with a RAS inhibitor in the setting of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:177. [PMID: 34118951 PMCID: PMC8199394 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ras activation is a frequent event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combining a RAS inhibitor with traditional clinical therapeutics might be hampered by a variety of side effects, thus hindering further clinical translation. Herein, we report on integrating an IR820 nanocapsule-augmented sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with the RAS inhibitor farnesyl-thiosalicylic acid (FTS). Using cellular and tumor models, we demonstrate that combined nanocapsule-augmented SDT with FTS induces an anti-tumor effect, which not only inhibits tumor progression, and enables fluorescence imaging. To dissect the mechanism of a combined tumoricidal therapeutic strategy, we investigated the scRNA-seq transcriptional profiles of an HCC xenograft following treatment. RESULTS Integrative single-cell analysis identified several clusters that defined many corresponding differentially expressed genes, which provided a global view of cellular heterogeneity in HCC after combined SDT/FTS treatment. We conclude that the combination treatment suppressed HCC, and did so by inhibiting endothelial cells and a modulated immunity. Moreover, hepatic stellate secretes hepatocyte growth factor, which plays a key role in treating SDT combined FTS. By contrast, enrichment analysis estimated the functional roles of differentially expressed genes. The Gene Ontology terms "cadherin binding" and "cell adhesion molecule binding" and KEGG pathway "pathway in cancer" were significantly enriched by differentially expressed genes after combined SDT/FTS therapy. CONCLUSIONS Thus, some undefined mechanisms were revealed by scRNA-seq analysis. This report provides a novel proof-of-concept for combinatorial HCC-targeted therapeutics that is based on a non-invasive anti-tumor therapeutic strategy and a RAS inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
| | - Yanchi Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
- Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Haitao Shang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xitian Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yichi Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
- Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
| | - Chunyue Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
- Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Jing
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
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