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Kong X, Liu Z, Zhang R, Xie F, Liang R, Zhang Y, Yu L, Yang W, Li X, Chen Q, Li B, Hong Y, Li M, Xia X, Gu L, Fu L, Li X, Shen Y, Wu T, Yu C, Li W. JMJD2D stabilises and cooperates with HBx protein to promote HBV transcription and replication. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100849. [PMID: 37701334 PMCID: PMC10494471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims HBV infection is a global health burden. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) transcriptional regulation is a major cause of poor cure rates of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Herein, we evaluated whether targeting host factors to achieve functional silencing of cccDNA may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of HBV infection. Methods To evaluate the effects of Jumonji C domain-containing (JMJD2) protein subfamily JMJD2A-2D proteins on HBV replication, we used lentivirus-based RNA interference to suppress the expression of isoforms JMJD2A-2D in HBV-infected cells. JMJD2D-knockout mice were generated to obtain an HBV-injected model for in vivo experiments. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitylation assays were used to detect JMJD2D-HBx interactions and HBx stability modulated by JMJD2D. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate JMJD2D-cccDNA and HBx-cccDNA interactions. Results Among the JMJD2 family members, JMJD2D was significantly upregulated in mouse livers and human hepatoma cells. Downregulation of JMJD2D inhibited cccDNA transcription and HBV replication. Molecularly, JMJD2D sustained HBx stability by suppressing the TRIM14-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway and acted as a key co-activator of HBx to augment HBV replication. The JMJD2D-targeting inhibitor, 5C-8-HQ, suppressed cccDNA transcription and HBV replication. Conclusion Our study clarified the mechanism by which JMJD2D regulates HBV transcription and replication and identified JMJD2D as a potential diagnostic biomarker and promising drug target against CHB, and HBV-associated hepatocarcinoma. Impact and implications HBV cccDNA is central to persistent infection and is a major obstacle to healing CHB. In this study, using cellular and animal HBV models, JMJD2D was found to stabilise and cooperate with HBx to augment HBV transcription and replication. This study reveals a potential novel translational target for intervention in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Kong
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zuofeng Liu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fu’an Xie
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rubing Liang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingling Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, China
| | - Wensheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xi Li
- College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yilin Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ming Li
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Developing, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaogang Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingwei Gu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Management, Jiang Xia Blood Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Management, Jiang Xia Blood Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chundong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wengang Li
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Zhang C, Xie Y, Lai R, Wu J, Guo Z. Nonsynonymous C1653T Mutation of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Enhances Malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:367-377. [PMID: 35535232 PMCID: PMC9078866 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s348690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuifang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The Pingshan County People’s Hospital, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Xie
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruixue Lai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Animal Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanjun Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhanjun Guo, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China, Tel + 86 311 8609 5734, Fax + 86 311 8609 5237, Email
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Interaction between the Hepatitis B Virus and Cellular FLIP Variants in Viral Replication and the Innate Immune System. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020373. [PMID: 35215970 PMCID: PMC8874586 DOI: 10.3390/v14020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
During viral evolution and adaptation, many viruses have utilized host cellular factors and machinery as their partners. HBx, as a multifunctional viral protein encoded by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), promotes HBV replication and greatly contributes to the development of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx interacts with several host factors in order to regulate HBV replication and evolve carcinogenesis. The cellular FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme (FLICE)-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major factor that functions in a variety of cellular pathways and specifically in apoptosis. It has been shown that the interaction between HBx and c-FLIP determines HBV fate. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of the interplay between c-FLIP and HBV in various environmental circumstances. We describe strategies adapted by HBV to establish its chronic infection. We also summarize the conventional roles of c-FLIP and highlight the functional outcome of the interaction between c-FLIP and HBV or other viruses in viral replication and the innate immune system.
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Immunopathogenesis of HBV Infection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1179:71-107. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9151-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hepatitis B Spliced Protein (HBSP) Suppresses Fas-Mediated Hepatocyte Apoptosis via Activation of PI3K/Akt Signaling. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01273-18. [PMID: 30209179 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01273-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B spliced protein (HBSP) is known to associate with viral persistence and pathogenesis; however, its biological and clinical significance remains poorly defined. Acquired resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis is thought to be one of the major promotors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronicity and malignancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether HBSP could protect hepatocytes against Fas-initiated apoptosis. We showed here that HBSP mediated resistance of hepatoma cells or primary human hepatocytes (PHH) to agonistic anti-Fas antibody (CH11)- or FasL-induced apoptosis. Under Fas signaling stimulation, expression of HBSP inhibited Fas aggregation and prevented recruitment of the adaptor molecule Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and procaspase-8 (or FADD-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme [FLICE]) into the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) while increasing recruitment of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein L (FLIPL) into the DISC. Those effects may be mediated through activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway as evidenced by increased cellular phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) content and PI3K activity and enhanced phosphorylation of mTORC2 and PDPK1 as well as Akt itself. Confirmedly, inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 reversed the effect of HBSP on Fas aggregation, FLIPL expression, and cellular apoptosis. These results indicate that HBSP functions to prevent hepatocytes from Fas-induced apoptosis by enhancing PI3K/Akt activity, which may contribute to the survival and persistence of infected hepatocytes during chronic infection.IMPORTANCE Our study revealed a previously unappreciated role of HBSP in Fas-mediated apoptosis. The antiapoptotic activity of HBSP is important for understanding hepatitis B virus pathogenesis. In particular, HBV variants associated with hepatoma carcinoma may downregulate apoptosis of hepatocytes through enhanced HBSP expression. Our study also found that Akt is centrally involved in Fas-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and revealed that interventions directed at inhibiting the activation or functional activity of Akt may be of therapeutic value in this process.
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Datta S, Dasgupta D, Ghosh A, Ghosh S, Manna A, Datta S, Chatterjee M, Chowdhury A, Banerjee S. Oncogenic potential of hepatitis B virus subgenotype D1 surpasses D3: significance in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2018; 39:283-292. [PMID: 29228221 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgx145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-genotype D, the clinical implications of its ten subgenotypes (D1-D10) have not been well documented. Here, we have investigated the impact of two major circulating HBV/D subgenotypes, D1 and D3 in Eastern India towards pathogenesis of liver disease progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV subgenotypes were determined using full-length genome sequences of HBV isolates from patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC) and HCC. Impact of D1 and D3 on viral lifecycle and disease progression was assessed by several in vitro assays. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that HBV/D1 and HBV/D3 were the two predominating HBV subgenotypes circulating in Eastern India. Interestingly, the frequency of patients infected with HBV/D1 was noticed progressively rising from CHB to HCC through LC while the increasing frequency of HBV/D3 declined suddenly in HCC implicating HBV/D1 might have greater oncogenic potential than HBV/D3. Similar to higher viral load noted in HCC patients infected with HBV/D1 than HBV/D3, the larger amount of intracellular/extracellular viral DNA and secreted HBsAg levels in transfected cell lines also implicated that HBV/D1 might replicate faster than HBV/D3. Again, higher expression of marker genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA double strand breaks, angiogenesis etc. and faster rate of cellular migration and anchorage independent growth cumulatively suggested that compared to HBV/D3, HBV/D1 generates more liver injuries which eventually culminates into HCC. Therefore, our results highlight the importance of determination of subgenotypes of HBV in CHB patients, so that high-risk individual can be monitor periodically that may help to detect HCC at early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somenath Datta
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Debanjali Dasgupta
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Alip Ghosh
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Suchandrima Ghosh
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Alak Manna
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata,, India
| | - Simanti Datta
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata,, India
| | - Abhijit Chowdhury
- Department of Hepatology, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Soma Banerjee
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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Hepatitis B Virus Deregulates the Cell Cycle To Promote Viral Replication and a Premalignant Phenotype. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00722-18. [PMID: 30021897 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00722-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem worldwide, and chronically infected individuals are at high risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular mechanisms whereby HBV causes HCC are largely unknown. Using a biologically relevant system of HBV infection of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), we studied how HBV perturbs gene expression and signaling pathways of infected hepatocytes and whether these effects are relevant to productive HBV infection and HBV-associated HCC. Using a human growth factor antibody array, we first showed that HBV infection induced a distinct profile of growth factor production by PHHs, marked particularly by significantly lower levels of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of proteins in the supernatant. Transcriptome profiling next revealed multiple changes in cell proliferation and cell cycle control pathways in response to HBV infection. A human cell cycle PCR array validated deregulation of more than 20 genes associated with the cell cycle in HBV-infected PHHs. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that HBV-infected PHHs are enriched in the G2/M phase compared to the predominantly G0/G1 phase of cultured PHHs. HBV proviral host factors, such as PPARA, RXRA, and CEBPB, were upregulated upon HBV infection and particularly enriched in cells in the G2/M phase. Together, these results support the notion that HBV deregulates cell cycle control to render a cellular environment that is favorable for productive HBV infection. By perturbing cell cycle regulation of infected cells, HBV may coincidently induce a premalignant phenotype that predisposes infected hepatocytes to subsequent malignant transformation.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem with high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By using a biologically relevant system of HBV infection of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), we studied how HBV perturbs gene expression and whether these effects are relevant to HBV-associated HCC. HBV induced a distinct profile of growth factor production, marked particularly by significantly lower levels of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of proteins. Transcriptome profiling revealed multiple changes in cell proliferation and cell cycle control pathways. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that HBV-infected PHHs are enriched in the G2/M phase. HBV proviral host factors were upregulated upon infection and particularly enriched in cells in the G2/M phase. Together, these results support the notion that HBV deregulates cell cycle control to render a cellular environment that is favorable for productive infection. This may coincidently induce a premalignant phenotype that predisposes infected hepatocytes to subsequent malignant transformation.
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Tse APW, Sze KMF, Shea QTK, Chiu EYT, Tsang FHC, Chiu DKC, Zhang MS, Lee D, Xu IMJ, Chan CYK, Koh HY, Wong CM, Zheng YP, Ng IOL, Wong CCL. Hepatitis transactivator protein X promotes extracellular matrix modification through HIF/LOX pathway in liver cancer. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:44. [PMID: 29799025 PMCID: PMC5968027 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 90% of primary liver cancer, is a lethal malignancy that is tightly associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV encodes a viral onco-protein, transactivator protein X (HBx), which interacts with proteins of hepatocytes to promote oncogenesis. Our current study focused on the interaction of HBx with a transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is stabilized by low O2 condition (hypoxia) and is found to be frequently overexpressed in HCC intra-tumorally due to poor blood perfusion. Here, we showed that overexpression of HBx by tetracycline-inducible systems further stabilized HIF-1α under hypoxia in HBV-negative HCC cell lines. Reversely, knockdown of HBx reduced HIF-1α protein stabilization under hypoxia in HBV-positive HCC cell lines. More intriguingly, overexpression of HBx elevated the mRNA and protein expression of a family of HIF-1α target genes, the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family in HCC. The LOX family members function to cross-link collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote cancer progression and metastasis. By analyzing the collagens under scanning electron microscope, we found that collagen fibers were significantly smaller in size when incubated with conditioned medium from HBx knockdown HCC cells as compared to control HCC cells in vitro. Transwell invasion assay further revealed that less cells were able to invade through the matrigel which was pre-treated with conditioned medium from HBx knockdown HCC cells as compared to control HCC cells. Orthotopic and subcutaneous HCC models further showed that knockdown of HBx in HCC cells reduced collagen crosslinking and stiffness in vivo and repressed HCC growth and metastasis. Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo studies showed the HBx remodeled the ECM through HIF-1α/LOX pathway to promote HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Pui-Wah Tse
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Queenie Tsung-Kwan Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | - Misty Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Derek Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Iris Ming-Jing Xu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Hui-Yu Koh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Ming Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Kang HJ, Chung DH, Sung CO, Yoo SH, Yu E, Kim N, Lee SH, Song JY, Kim CJ, Choi J. SHP2 is induced by the HBx-NF-κB pathway and contributes to fibrosis during human early hepatocellular carcinoma development. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27263-27276. [PMID: 28460481 PMCID: PMC5432333 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 has scaffolding functions in signal transduction cascades downstream of growth receptors. A recent study suggested that SHP2 acts as a tumor suppressor during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Herein we examined whether SHP2 links the HBx-NF-κB pathway to EGFR signaling during HCC development. The overexpression of HBx or NF-κB led to increased SHP2 expression via NF-κB binding to the Shp2 promoter. EGF treatment induced ERK activation as well as the rapid assembly of SHP2, EGFR, and Gab1. Upon LPS stimulation, NF-κB-SHP2-ERK activation and phosphorylated STAT3 levels exhibited a negative correlation in vitro. By contrast, in patients with HBV-associated HCC, NF-κB-SHP2-ERK and IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway activity levels were concomitantly higher in adjacent non-neoplastic tissues than in HCC tissues. The immunohistochemical analysis of 162 tissues of patients with HCC revealed that SHP2 levels were significantly higher in non-neoplastic background tissues than in corresponding HCC tissues and considerably increased in background liver tissues with advanced fibrosis (P < 0.001). SHP2 expression increased gradually from normal liver to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and background liver with a dysplastic nodule, but was decreased or lost in dysplastic nodules and HCC. This is the first report to describe the existence of the HBx-NF-κB-SHP2 pathway, linking HBV infection to the EGFR-RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway in the liver. SHP2 depletion from the negative crosstalk between NF-κB and STAT3 accelerates HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dal-Hee Chung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Hyun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sy-Hye Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Young Song
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jene Choi
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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X protein variants of the autochthonous Latin American hepatitis B virus F genotype promotes human hepatocyte death by the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Virus Res 2017; 242:156-165. [PMID: 28986109 PMCID: PMC7114566 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of BCP mutations on HBV-X biologic activity was analyzed. Genotype F wild type and mutant HBV-X induce apoptosis of human hepatocytes. HBV-X variants modulate the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins. Subgenotypes F1b and F4 HBV-X and variants induce autophagy of human hepatocytes.
The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBV-X) is a multifunctional regulatory protein associated with the pathogenesis of liver disease in chronic HBV infection. Basal core promoter mutations (BCP), associated with the clinical course of chronic HBV infection, affect HBV-X at 130–131 positions. The role of these mutations on HBV-X biological activity remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the presence of different amino acids at 130–131 positions of HBV-X on the biological activity of the protein. Transient expression of wild type and mutant F1b and F4 HBV-X increased cell mortality by the induction of apoptosis in human hepatoma cells. The wild type and mutant HBV-X differentially modulate the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and Bcl-X) regulatory proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Furthermore, the expression of HBV-X variants of both subgenotypes induced autophagy of human tumoral hepatocytes. In conclusion, HBV-X variants of the Latin American HBV F genotype promotes human hepatocytes death by the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. The results of this work describe some of the molecular mechanisms by which HBV-X variants contribute to the pathogenesis of liver diseases in the infected liver and help to the biological characterization of genotype F, responsible of the majority of HBV infections in Argentina.
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Interference of Apoptosis by Hepatitis B Virus. Viruses 2017; 9:v9080230. [PMID: 28820498 PMCID: PMC5580487 DOI: 10.3390/v9080230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver diseases that have been a consistent problem for human health, leading to more than one million deaths every year worldwide. A large proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases across the world are closely associated with chronic HBV infection. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death and is frequently altered in cancer development. HBV infection interferes with the apoptosis signaling to promote HCC progression and viral proliferation. The HBV-mediated alteration of apoptosis is achieved via interference with cellular signaling pathways and regulation of epigenetics. HBV X protein (HBX) plays a major role in the interference of apoptosis. There are conflicting reports on the HBV interference of apoptosis with the majority showing inhibition of and the rest reporting induction of apoptosis. In this review, we described recent studies on the mechanisms of the HBV interference with the apoptosis signaling during the virus infection and provided perspective.
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12
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Liu C, Liu L, Wang X, Liu Y, Wang M, Zhu F. HBV X Protein induces overexpression of HERV-W env through NF-κB in HepG2 cells. Virus Genes 2017. [PMID: 28639221 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-017-1479-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W) envelope (env) at chromosome 7 is highly expressed in the placenta and possesses fusogenic activity in trophoblast development. HERV-W env has been found to be overexpressed in some cancers and immune diseases. Viral transactivators can induce the overexpression of HERV-W env in human cell lines. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is believed to be a multifunctional oncogenic protein. Here, we reported that HBx could increase the promoter activity of HERV-W env and upregulate the mRNA levels of non-spliced and spliced HERV-W env and also its protein in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Interestingly, we found that the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) using shRNA targeting NF-κB/p65 or PDTC (an inhibitor of NF-κB) could attenuate the upregulation of HERV-W env induced by HBx. These suggested that HBx might upregulate the expression of HERV-W env through NF-κB in HepG2 cells. This study might provide a new insight in HBV-associated liver diseases including HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuling Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Youyi Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China. .,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Shin GC, Kang HS, Lee AR, Kim KH. Hepatitis B virus-triggered autophagy targets TNFRSF10B/death receptor 5 for degradation to limit TNFSF10/TRAIL response. Autophagy 2016; 12:2451-2466. [PMID: 27740879 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2016.1239002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Death receptors of TNFSF10/TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 10) contribute to immune surveillance against virus-infected or transformed cells by promoting apoptosis. Many viruses evade antiviral immunity by modulating TNFSF10 receptor signaling, leading to persistent infection. Here, we report that hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) restricts TNFSF10 receptor signaling via macroautophagy/autophagy-mediated degradation of TNFRSF10B/DR5, a TNFSF10 death receptor, and thus permits survival of virus-infected cells. We demonstrate that the expression of the TNFRSF10B protein is dramatically reduced both in liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B patients and in cell lines transfected with HBV or HBx. HBx-mediated downregulation of TNFRSF10B is caused by the lysosomal, but not proteasomal, degradation pathway. Immunoblotting analysis of LC3B and SQSTM1, and microscopy analysis of tandem-fluorescence-tagged LC3B revealed that HBx promotes complete autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy with a pharmacological inhibitor and LC3B knockdown revealed that HBx-induced autophagy is crucial for TNFRSF10B degradation. Immunoprecipitation and GST affinity isolation assays showed that HBx directly interacts with TNFRSF10B and recruits it to phagophores, the precursors to autophagosomes. We confirmed that autophagy activation is related to the downregulation of the TNFRSF10B protein in liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B patients. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced the susceptibility of HBx-infected hepatocytes to TNFSF10. These results identify the dual function of HBx in TNFRSF10B degradation: HBx plays a role as an autophagy receptor-like molecule, which promotes the association of TNFRSF10B with LC3B; HBx is also an autophagy inducer. Our data suggest a molecular mechanism for HBV evasion from TNFSF10-mediated antiviral immunity, which may contribute to chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gu-Choul Shin
- a Department of Pharmacology , Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea.,b KU Open Innovation Center, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kang
- a Department of Pharmacology , Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- a Department of Pharmacology , Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- a Department of Pharmacology , Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea.,b KU Open Innovation Center, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea.,c Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University , Seoul , Korea
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14
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Lamontagne RJ, Bagga S, Bouchard MJ. Hepatitis B virus molecular biology and pathogenesis. HEPATOMA RESEARCH 2016; 2:163-186. [PMID: 28042609 PMCID: PMC5198785 DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2016.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses need a host cell to provide a milieu favorable to viral replication. Consequently, viruses often adopt mechanisms to subvert host cellular signaling processes. While beneficial for the viral replication cycle, virus-induced deregulation of host cellular signaling processes can be detrimental to host cell physiology and can lead to virus-associated pathogenesis, including, for oncogenic viruses, cell transformation and cancer progression. Included among these oncogenic viruses is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite the availability of an HBV vaccine, 350-500 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, and a significant number of these chronically infected individuals will develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic infection with HBV is the leading risk factor for the development of HCC. Globally, HCC is the second highest cause of cancer-associated deaths, underscoring the need for understanding mechanisms that regulate HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated HCC. HBV is the prototype member of the Hepadnaviridae family; members of this family of viruses have a narrow host range and predominately infect hepatocytes in their respective hosts. The extremely small and compact hepadnaviral genome, the unique arrangement of open reading frames, and a replication strategy utilizing reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate to generate the DNA genome are distinguishing features of the Hepadnaviridae. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of HBV biology, summarize the model systems used for studying HBV infections, and highlight potential mechanisms that link a chronic HBV-infection to the development of HCC. For example, the HBV X protein (HBx), a key regulatory HBV protein that is important for HBV replication, is thought to play a cofactor role in the development of HBV-induced HCC, and we highlight the functions of HBx that may contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Jason Lamontagne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sumedha Bagga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Michael J. Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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15
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Yeganeh B, Rezaei Moghadam A, Alizadeh J, Wiechec E, Alavian SM, Hashemi M, Geramizadeh B, Samali A, Bagheri Lankarani K, Post M, Peymani P, Coombs KM, Ghavami S. Hepatitis B and C virus-induced hepatitis: Apoptosis, autophagy, and unfolded protein response. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:13225-39. [PMID: 26715805 PMCID: PMC4679754 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i47.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the co-incidence of apoptosis, autophagy, and unfolded protein response (UPR) in hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infected hepatocytes. METHODS We performed immunofluorescence confocal microscopy on 10 liver biopsies from HBV and HCV patients and tissue microarrays of HBV positive liver samples. We used specific antibodies for LC3β, cleaved caspase-3, BIP (GRP78), and XBP1 to detect autophagy, apoptosis and UPR, respectively. Anti-HCV NS3 and anti-HBs antibodies were also used to confirm infection. We performed triple blind counting of events to determine the co-incidence of autophagy (LC3β punctuate), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), and unfolded protein response (GRP78) with HBV and HCV infection in hepatocytes. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software for Windows (Version 16 SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, United States). P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney test to compare incidence rates for autophagy, apoptosis, and UPR in HBV- and HCV-infected cells and adjacent non-infected cells. RESULTS Our results showed that infection of hepatocytes with either HBV and HCV induces significant increase (P < 0.001) in apoptosis (cleavage of caspase-3), autophagy (LC3β punctate), and UPR (increase in GRP78 expression) in the HCV- and HBV-infected cells, as compared to non-infected cells of the same biopsy sections. Our tissue microarray immunohistochemical expression analysis of LC3β in HBV(Neg) and HBV(Pos) revealed that majority of HBV-infected hepatocytes display strong positive staining for LC3β. Interestingly, although XBP splicing in HBV-infected cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05), our analyses show a slight increase of XBP splicing was in HCV-infected cells (P > 0.05). Furthermore, our evaluation of patients with HBV and HCV infection based on stage and grade of the liver diseases revealed no correlation between these pathological findings and induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and UPR. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that HCV and HBV infection activates apoptosis, autophagy and UPR, but slightly differently by each virus. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the interconnections between these pathways in relation to pathology of HCV and HBV in the liver tissue.
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16
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Finkin S, Yuan D, Stein I, Taniguchi K, Weber A, Unger K, Browning JL, Goossens N, Nakagawa S, Gunasekaran G, Schwartz ME, Kobayashi M, Kumada H, Berger M, Pappo O, Rajewsky K, Hoshida Y, Karin M, Heikenwalder M, Ben-Neriah Y, Pikarsky E. Ectopic lymphoid structures function as microniches for tumor progenitor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Immunol 2015. [PMID: 26502405 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3290.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic lymphoid-like structures (ELSs) are often observed in cancer, yet their function is obscure. Although ELSs signify good prognosis in certain malignancies, we found that hepatic ELSs indicated poor prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied an HCC mouse model that displayed abundant ELSs and found that they constituted immunopathological microniches wherein malignant hepatocyte progenitor cells appeared and thrived in a complex cellular and cytokine milieu until gaining self-sufficiency. The egress of progenitor cells and tumor formation were associated with the autocrine production of cytokines previously provided by the niche. ELSs developed via cooperation between the innate immune system and adaptive immune system, an event facilitated by activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and abolished by depletion of T cells. Such aberrant immunological foci might represent new targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomi Finkin
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Detian Yuan
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ilan Stein
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Koji Taniguchi
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Achim Weber
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University and University-Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit of Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Ingolstädter-Landstrasse, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey L Browning
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology &Hepatology Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Ganesh Gunasekaran
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Myron E Schwartz
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Berger
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orit Pappo
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Klaus Rajewsky
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yinon Ben-Neriah
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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17
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Ectopic lymphoid structures function as microniches for tumor progenitor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:1235-44. [PMID: 26502405 PMCID: PMC4653079 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic lymphoid-like structures (ELS) are often observed in cancer, yet their function is obscure. Although ELSs signify good prognosis in certain malignancies, we found that hepatic ELSs indicate poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied an HCC mouse model, displaying abundant ELSs and found that they constitute immunopathological microniches, wherein progenitor malignant hepatocytes appear and thrive in a complex cellular and cytokine milieu until gaining self-sufficiency. Progenitor egression and tumor formation is associated with autocrine production of cytokines previously provided by the niche. ELSs develop upon cooperation between the innate and adaptive immune system which is facilitated by NF-κB activation and abolished by T cell depletion. These aberrant immune foci could be new targets for cancer therapy.
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18
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Ebert G, Pellegrini M. Cancer drugs for hepatitis B treatment: what do we know? Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Ebert
- Division of Infection & Immunity, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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19
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Tong L, Yuan Y, Wu S. Therapeutic microRNAs targeting the NF-kappa B signaling circuits of cancers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 81:1-15. [PMID: 25220353 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) not only directly regulate NF-κB expression, but also up- or down-regulate NF-κB activity via upstream and downstream signaling pathways of NF-κB. In many cancer cells, miRNA expressions are altered accompanied with an elevation of NF-κB activity, which often plays a role in promoting cancer development and progression as well as hindering the effectiveness of chemo and radiation therapies. Thus NF-κB-targeting miRNAs have been identified and characterized as potential therapeutics for cancer treatment and sensitizers of chemo and radiotherapies. However, due to cross-targeting and instability of miRNAs, some limitations of using miRNA as cancer therapeutics still exist. In this review, the mechanisms for miRNA-mediated alteration of NF-κB expression and activation in different types of cancers will be discussed. The results of therapeutic use of NF-κB-targeting miRNA for cancer treatment will be examined. Some limitations, challenges and potential strategies in future development of miRNA as cancer therapeutics are also assessed.
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20
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Abstract
Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays important roles in regulation of countless cellular functions, including cell cycle and apoptosis. As a versatile transcription factor, NF-κB is a target of a large amount of miRNAs. Abnormal NF-κB activity is frequently associated with an abnormal level of miRNAs, which is found to play critical roles in disease progression including cancer. While the expression and activity of NF-κB can be directly or indirectly up-regulated or downregulated by various miRNAs, NF-κB can also regulate the expression of many miRNAs. Intriguingly, reciprocal regulation between miRNAs and NF-κB, which exists in the form of positive and negative feedback loops, is often observed in various cancers. In this chapter, the mechanisms and roles of miRNA-regulated NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated miRNAs in a variety of cancers will be discussed. The potential therapeutic use of miRNAs that are up- and down-stream of NF-κB signaling pathways as targets for cancer treatment will also be accessed.
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21
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Ryu SH, Jang MK, Kim WJ, Lee D, Chung YH. Metastatic tumor antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma: golden roads toward personalized medicine. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2014; 33:965-80. [PMID: 25325987 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-014-9522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prototype of hypervascular tumors, is one of the most common malignancies in the world, especially hyperendemic in the Far East where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent. It is characterized by the clinical feature of a poor prognosis or a high mortality due to its already far advanced stages at diagnosis. It is so multifactorial that hepatocarcinogenesis cannot be explained by a single molecular mechanism. To date, a number of pathways have been known to contribute to the development, growth, angiogenesis, and even metastasis of HCC. Among the various factors, metastatic tumor antigens (MTAs) or metastasis-associated proteins have been vigorously investigated as an intriguing target in the field of hepatocarcinogenesis. According to recent studies including ours, MTAs are not only involved in the HCC development and growth (molecular carcinogenesis), but also closely associated with the post-operative recurrence and a poor prognosis or a worse response to post-operative anti-cancer therapy (clinical significance). Herein, we review MTAs in light of their essential structure, functions, and molecular mechanism in hepatocarcinogenesis. We will also focus in detail on the interaction between hepatitis B x protein (HBx) of HBV and MTA in order to clarify the HBV-associated HCC development. Finally, we will discuss the prognostic significance and clinical application of MTA in HCC. We believe that this review will help clinicians to understand the meaning and use of the detection of MTA in order to more effectively manage their HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyung Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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22
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Chen WN, Liu LL, Jiao BY, Lin WS, Lin XJ, Lin X. Hepatitis B virus X protein increases the IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation via interaction with evolutionarily conserved signaling intermediate in Toll pathways (ECSIT). Virus Res 2014; 195:236-45. [PMID: 25449573 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) transactivates multiple transcription factors including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) that regulates inflammatory-related genes. However, the regulatory mechanism of HBx in NF-κB activation remains largely unknown. This study reports that HBx augments the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced NF-κB activation via interaction with a Toll-like receptor (TLR) adapter protein, ECSIT (evolutionarily conserved signaling intermediate in Toll pathways). GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation analyses showed that HBx interacted with ECSIT. Deletion analysis of HBx in a CytoTrap two-hybrid system revealed that the interaction region of HBx for ECSIT was attributed to aa 51-80. Co-transfection of HBx and ECSIT in IL-1β-stimulated cells appeared to activate IKK and IκB signaling pathway as phosphorylation of both IKK α/β and IκBα was increased whereas knockdown of ECSIT or HBxΔ51-80 mutant attenuated the phosphorylation. As a consequence of IκBα degradation, NF-κB was activated as evidenced by increases in NF-κB transcriptional activity and the nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 that resulted in the induction of IL-10. In contrast, knockdown of ECSIT by siRNA or treatment with an NF-κB selective inhibitor (helenalin) abolished the NF-κB activation and IL-10 expression. We conclude that ECSIT appears to be a novel HBx-interacting signal molecule and their interaction is mechanistically important in IL-1β induction of NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-nan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling-ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bo-yan Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wan-song Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin-jian Lin
- Department of Medicine and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Xu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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23
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Zhang R, Cao Y, Bai L, Zhu C, Li R, He H, Liu Y, Wu K, Liu F, Wu J. The collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 facilitates hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades. Mol Carcinog 2014; 54:1554-66. [PMID: 25263696 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of acute and chronic liver diseases, fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC accounts for more than 85% of primary liver cancers and is the seventh most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, the mechanism by which HBV induces HCC is largely unknown. Collagen triple helixes repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is a secreted protein and has characteristics of a circulating hormone with potentially broad implications for cell metabolism and physiology. CTHRC1 is associated with human cancers, but its effect on HCC is unknown. Here, we revealed that CTHRC1 expression is highly correlated with HCC progression in HBV-infected patients, and demonstrated that HBV stimulates CTHRC1 expression by activating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), through extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (ERK/c-JNK) pathway. In addition, CTHRC1 activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through regulating phosphoinosmde-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI-3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. More interestingly, CTHRC1 enhances colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells by regulating p53 and stimulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. In addition, knock-down of CTHRC1 results in the repression of HBV-associated carcinogenesis in nude mice. Thus, we revealed a novel mechanism by which HBV facilitates HCC development through activating the oncoprotein CTHRC1, which in turn enhances HBV-related HCC progression by stimulates colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells through regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanhua Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Shlomai A, de Jong YP, Rice CM. Virus associated malignancies: the role of viral hepatitis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 26:78-88. [PMID: 24457013 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Revised: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading fatal cancer worldwide and its incidence continues to increase. Chronic viral hepatitis involving either hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading etiology for HCC, making HCC prevention a major goal of antiviral therapy. While recent clinical observations and translational research have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of HCC, much remains unknown. Current data indicates that HCC tumors are highly complex and heterogeneous resulting from the aberrant function of multiple molecular pathways. This complex biology is responsible, at least in part, for the absence of highly efficient target-directed therapies for this deadly cancer. Additionally, the direct or indirect effect of HBV and HCV infection on the development of HCC is still a contentious issue. Thus, the question remains whether viral hepatitis-associated HCC stems from virus-specific factors, and/or from a general mechanism involving inflammation and tissue regeneration. In this review we summarize general mechanisms implicated in HCC, emphasizing data generated by new technologies available today. We also highlight specific pathways by which HBV and HCV could be involved in HCC pathogenesis. However, improvements to current in vitro and in vivo systems for both viruses will be needed to rigorously define the temporal sequence and specific pathway dysregulations that drive the strong clinical link between chronic hepatitis virus infection and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shlomai
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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Liu Y, Lou G, Wu W, Shi Y, Zheng M, Chen Z. Interferon-α sensitizes HBx-expressing hepatocarcinoma cells to chemotherapeutic drugs through inhibition of HBx-mediated NF-κB activation. Virol J 2013; 10:168. [PMID: 23718853 PMCID: PMC3680016 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high chemotherapy resistance; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. In addition, HBx protein has been reported to play a key role in virus-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the role of HBx in the drug-resistance of HBV-related HCC and examine whether such drug-resistance can be reversed by IFN-α treatment. Methods We established HBx-expressing cells by liposome-mediated transfection of HBx into the Huh7 cell line. MTT, Annexin V/PI, and cell cycle assay were used for determining the cellular growth inhibition, apoptosis, and growth arrest, respectively, after treatment with chemical drug. We further used tumor-bearing mice model to compare the tumor growth inhibition efficacy of ADM and 5-FU between the Huh7-HBx group and the control group, as well as the ADM + IFN-α or ADM + IMD treated group and the ADM treated group. SQ-Real time-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of MDR-associated genes and anti-apoptotic genes. Moreover, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to determine the subcellular localization of p65 and the phosphorylation of IκBα. Results The IC50 values of Huh7-HBx cells against ADM and Amn were 2.317 and 1.828-folds higher than those of Huh7-3.1 cells, respectively. The apoptosis ratio and growth arrest was significantly lower in Huh7-HBx cells after treatment with ADM. The in vivo experiment also confirmed that the Huh7-HBx group was much more resistant to ADM or 5-FU than the control. Furthermore, the expression of MDR-associated genes, such as MDR1, MRP1, LRP1, and ABCG2, were significantly up-regulated in Huh7-HBx cells, and the NF-κB pathway was activated after HBx gene transfection in Huh7 cells. However, combined with IFN-α in ADM treatment, the HBx induced drug-resistance in Huh7-HBx cells can be partly abolished in in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, we found that the NF-κB canonical pathway was affected by IFN-α treatment, and the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, such as Gadd45β, Survivin, and c-IAP-1 was down-regulated by IFN-α treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions HBx protein can induce MDR of HBV-related HCC by activating the NF-κB pathway, which can be partly abolished by IFN-α treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Liu Y, Lou G, Wu W, Shi Y, Zheng M, Chen Z. Interferon-α sensitizes HBx-expressing hepatocarcinoma cells to chemotherapeutic drugs through inhibition of HBx-mediated NF-κB activation. Virol J 2013. [PMID: 23718853 DOI: 10.1186/1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high chemotherapy resistance; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. In addition, HBx protein has been reported to play a key role in virus-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the role of HBx in the drug-resistance of HBV-related HCC and examine whether such drug-resistance can be reversed by IFN-α treatment. METHODS We established HBx-expressing cells by liposome-mediated transfection of HBx into the Huh7 cell line. MTT, Annexin V/PI, and cell cycle assay were used for determining the cellular growth inhibition, apoptosis, and growth arrest, respectively, after treatment with chemical drug. We further used tumor-bearing mice model to compare the tumor growth inhibition efficacy of ADM and 5-FU between the Huh7-HBx group and the control group, as well as the ADM + IFN-α or ADM + IMD treated group and the ADM treated group. SQ-Real time-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of MDR-associated genes and anti-apoptotic genes. Moreover, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to determine the subcellular localization of p65 and the phosphorylation of IκBα. RESULTS The IC₅₀ values of Huh7-HBx cells against ADM and Amn were 2.317 and 1.828-folds higher than those of Huh7-3.1 cells, respectively. The apoptosis ratio and growth arrest was significantly lower in Huh7-HBx cells after treatment with ADM. The in vivo experiment also confirmed that the Huh7-HBx group was much more resistant to ADM or 5-FU than the control. Furthermore, the expression of MDR-associated genes, such as MDR1, MRP1, LRP1, and ABCG2, were significantly up-regulated in Huh7-HBx cells, and the NF-κB pathway was activated after HBx gene transfection in Huh7 cells. However, combined with IFN-α in ADM treatment, the HBx induced drug-resistance in Huh7-HBx cells can be partly abolished in in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, we found that the NF-κB canonical pathway was affected by IFN-α treatment, and the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, such as Gadd45β, Survivin, and c-IAP-1 was down-regulated by IFN-α treatment in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS HBx protein can induce MDR of HBV-related HCC by activating the NF-κB pathway, which can be partly abolished by IFN-α treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Lim KH, Choi HS, Park YK, Park ES, Shin GC, Kim DH, Ahn SH, Kim KH. HBx-induced NF-κB signaling in liver cells is potentially mediated by the ternary complex of HBx with p22-FLIP and NEMO. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57331. [PMID: 23483900 PMCID: PMC3587578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained activation of NF-κB is one of the causative factors for various liver diseases, including liver inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been known that activating the NF-κB signal by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is implicated in the development of HCC. However, despite numerous studies on HBx-induced NF-κB activation, the detailed mechanisms still remain unsolved. Recently, p22-FLIP, a cleavage product of c-FLIPL, has been reported to induce NF-κB activation through interaction with the IκB kinase (IKK) complex in primary immune cells. Since our previous report on the interaction of HBx with c-FLIPL, we explored whether p22-FLIP is involved in the modulation of HBx function. First, we identified the expression of endogenous p22-FLIP in liver cells. NF-κB reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that the expression of p22-FLIP synergistically enhances HBx-induced NF-κB activation. Moreover, we found that HBx physically interacts with p22-FLIP and NEMO and potentially forms a ternary complex. Knock-down of c-FLIP leading to the downregulation of p22-FLIP showed that endogenous p22-FLIP is involved in HBx-induced NF-κB activation, and the formation of a ternary complex is necessary to activate NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, we showed a novel mechanism of HBx-induced NF-κB activation in which ternary complex formation is involved among HBx, p22-FLIP and NEMO. Our findings will extend the understanding of HBx-induced NF-κB activation and provide a new target for intervention in HBV-associated liver diseases and in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keo-Heun Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Sun Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kwang Park
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Park
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Choul Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Rawat S, Clippinger AJ, Bouchard MJ. Modulation of apoptotic signaling by the hepatitis B virus X protein. Viruses 2012; 4:2945-72. [PMID: 23202511 PMCID: PMC3509679 DOI: 10.3390/v4112945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, an estimated 350 million people are chronically infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV); chronic infection with HBV is associated with the development of severe liver diseases including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Individuals who are chronically infected with HBV also have a significantly higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than uninfected individuals. The HBV X protein (HBx) is a key regulatory HBV protein that is important for HBV replication, and likely plays a cofactor role in the development of HCC in chronically HBV-infected individuals. Although some of the functions of HBx that may contribute to the development of HCC have been characterized, many HBx activities, and their putative roles during the development of HBV-associated HCC, remain incompletely understood. HBx is a multifunctional protein that localizes to the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria of HBV‑infected hepatocytes. HBx regulates numerous cellular signal transduction pathways and transcription factors as well as cell cycle progression and apoptosis. In this review, we will summarize reports in which the impact of HBx expression on cellular apoptotic pathways has been analyzed. Although various effects of HBx on apoptotic pathways have been observed in different model systems, studies of HBx activities in biologically relevant hepatocyte systems have begun to clarify apoptotic effects of HBx and suggest mechanisms that could link HBx modulation of apoptotic pathways to the development of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Rawat
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA;
| | - Amy J. Clippinger
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Michael J. Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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Liu Y, Lou G, Wu W, Zheng M, Shi Y, Zhao D, Chen Z. Involvement of the NF-κB pathway in multidrug resistance induced by HBx in a hepatoma cell line. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:e439-46. [PMID: 21914061 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is widely believed that hepatocellular cancer (HCC), especially HBV associated HCC, is highly resistant to chemotherapy. To investigate the molecular influence of HBx protein on multidrug resistance (MDR) in HCC and the potential role of the NF-κB pathway in this process. We established HBx-expressing cells by liposome-mediated transfection of the HBx into the HepG2 cell line. We found that HBx expression in HCC cells induces drug resistance against multiple drugs, a significantly lower apoptosis ratio in HepG2-HBx and HepG2.2.15 cells, compared with HepG2 and HepG2-3.1 cells (P < 0.05) after treating with 5-FU or adriamycin. And compared with the control group, the HBx-transfected cells showed a higher expression of MDR-associated and anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, we found that the NF-κB activity was remarkably high in the HBx-expressing cells as measured by p65 nuclear localization. In addition, the upregulated anti-apoptotic genes, Gadd45b and Survivin, in HBx-expressing HCC cells were downregulated by IMD-0354 treatment, which is the NF-κB pathway inhibitor. Taken together, these results suggest that HBx protein might be one of the causes for the occurrence of MDR in HCC, and the NF-κB pathway might be involved in this change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Lim KH, Kim KH, Choi SI, Park ES, Park SH, Ryu K, Park YK, Kwon SY, Yang SI, Lee HC, Sung IK, Seong BL. RPS3a over-expressed in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma enhances the HBx-induced NF-κB signaling via its novel chaperoning function. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22258. [PMID: 21857917 PMCID: PMC3156704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is known to play a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several cellular proteins have been reported to be over-expressed in HBV-associated HCC tissues, but their role in the HBV-mediated oncogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we explored the effect of the over-expressed cellular protein, a ribosomal protein S3a (RPS3a), on the HBx-induced NF-κB signaling as a critical step for HCC development. The enhancement of HBx-induced NF-κB signaling by RPS3a was investigated by its ability to translocate NF-κB (p65) into the nucleus and the knock-down analysis of RPS3a. Notably, further study revealed that the enhancement of NF-κB by RPS3a is mediated by its novel chaperoning activity toward physiological HBx. The over-expression of RPS3a significantly increased the solubility of highly aggregation-prone HBx. This chaperoning function of RPS3a for HBx is closely correlated with the enhanced NF-κB activity by RPS3a. In addition, the mutational study of RPS3a showed that its N-terminal domain (1–50 amino acids) is important for the chaperoning function and interaction with HBx. The results suggest that RPS3a, via extra-ribosomal chaperoning function for HBx, contributes to virally induced oncogenesis by enhancing HBx-induced NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keo-Heun Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (BLS); (K-HK)
| | - Seong Il Choi
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Park
- Department of Pharmacology, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hwa Park
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kisun Ryu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Kwang Park
- Department of Pharmacology, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Young Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Il Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Chu Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Kyung Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Baik L. Seong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (BLS); (K-HK)
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Wu S, Yang C, Guo S, Fei L, Luo N, Fu X, Chen Y, Wu Y. Stimulation of B7-H1 in hepatocarcinoma cells by hepatitis B virus X antigen. Immunol Invest 2011; 39:754-69. [PMID: 20840059 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2010.494193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cross-talk between the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and B7-H1 in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) is unclear. This study analyzed the potential relationships between HBx and B7-H1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. One of human HCC cell lines, HepG2 cells, was transfected to stably express HBx protein (HBx(+)-HepG2). The transcription of B7-H1 mRNA was increased significantly in these cells compared to cells transfected with control vector (HBx(-)-HepG2), as confirmed by a comparative genome-wide microarray analysis (Capitalbio) and real time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Flow cytometry and western-blot further demonstrated that B7-H1 protein synthesis was enhanced in HBx(+)-HepG2 cells. Site-directed mutagenesis of promoter constructs revealed that the transcription factor (NF)-κB binding site between 128 and 137 bp upstream of B7-H1 gene transcriptional start site is primarily responsible for HBx-mediated B7-H1 expression. Co-culture experiments with HBx(+)-HepG2/T cells showed that the number of apoptotic T cells increased profoundly, and this effect could be partially prevented when a neutralizing mAb against B7-H1 was added to the culture, demonstrating that B7-H1 signaling can promote T cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that the expression of B7-H1 in hepatocarcimona cells can be initiated by HBx antigen, thus inducing T cell apoptosis and finally potentially facilitates the genesis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxi Wu
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China
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Zemel R, Issachar A, Tur-Kaspa R. The role of oncogenic viruses in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Liver Dis 2011; 15:261-79, vii-x. [PMID: 21689612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
HBV and HCV have major roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. More than 500 million people are infected with hepatitis viruses and, therefore, HCC is highly prevalent, especially in those countries endemic for HBV and HCV. Viral and host factors contribute to the development of HCC. The main viral factors include the circulating load of HBV DNA or HCV RNA and specific genotypes. Various mechanisms are involved in the host-viral interactions that lead to HCC development, among which are genetic instability, self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, evasion of apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasiveness. Prevention of HBV by vaccination, as well as antiviral therapy against HBV and for HCV seem able to inhibit the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Zemel
- Department of Medicine D and the Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Molecular Hepatology Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky Street, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel
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Impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) x gene mutations on hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic HBV infection. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 18:914-21. [PMID: 21490166 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00474-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) PreS mutations C1653T, T1753V, and A1762T/G1764A were reported as a strong risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a meta-analysis. HBV core promoter overlaps partially with HBx coding sequence, so the nucleotide 1762 and 1764 mutations induce HBV X protein (HBx) 130 and 131 substitutions. We sought to elucidate the impact of HBx mutations on HCC development. Chronically HBV-infected patients were enrolled in this study: 42 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 23 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and 31 HCC patients. Direct sequencing showed HBx131, HBx130, HBx5, HBx94, and HBx38 amino acid mutations were common in HCC patients. Of various mutations, HBx130+HBx131 (double) mutations and HBx5+HBx130+HBx131 (triple) mutations were significantly high in HCC patients. Double and triple mutations increased the risk for HCC by 3.75-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.101 to 12.768, P = 0.033) and 5.34-fold (95% CI = 1.65 to 17.309, P = 0.005), respectively, when HCC patients were compared to CHB patients. Functionally, there were significantly higher levels of NF-κB activity in cells with the HBx5 mutant and with the double mutants than that of wild-type cells and the triple-mutant cells. The triple mutation did not increase NF-κB activity. Other regulatory pathways seem to exist for NF-κB activation. In conclusion, a specific HBx mutation may contribute to HCC development by activating NF-κB activity. The HBx5 mutation in genotype C2 HBV appears to be a risk factor for the development of HCC and may be used to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Yu Y, Shen H, Yu H, Zhong F, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhao J, Li H, Chen J, Liu Y, Yang P. Systematic proteomic analysis of human hepotacellular carcinoma cells reveals molecular pathways and networks involved in metastasis. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:1908-16. [DOI: 10.1039/c0mb00265h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Tumor initiation and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma: risk factors, classification, and therapeutic targets. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2010; 31:1409-20. [PMID: 20953207 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2010.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide responsible for 500 000 deaths annually. A number of risk factors are associated with either the induction of the disease or its progression; these include infection with hepatitis B or C virus, alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and certain congenital disorders. In around 80% of the cases, HCC is associated with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis and with inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review we focus firstly on the different risk factors for HCC and summarize the mechanisms by which each is considered to contribute to HCC. In the second part we look at the molecular processes involved in cancer progression. HCC development is recognized as a multistep process that normally develops over many years. Over this period several mutations accumulate in the cell and that stimulate malign transformation, growth, and metastatic behavior. Over the recent years it has become evident that not only the tumor cell itself but also the tumor microenviroment plays a major role in the development of a tumor. There is a direct link between the role of inflammation and cirrhosis with this microenviroment. Both in vitro and in vivo it has been shown that tumor formation and metastatic properties are linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which facillitates the tumor cell's attempts to migrate to a more favourable microenviroment. Several groups have analyzed the gene expression in HCC and its surrounding tissue by microarray and this has resulted in the molecular classification into a distinct number of classes. Here we also found a role for hypoxia induced gene expression leading to a clinically more aggressive gene expression in HCC. Molecular analysis also helped to identify important cellular pathways and possible therapeutic targets. The first molecule that in this way has shown clinical application for liver cancer is the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, others are currently in different stages of clinical studies like the mTOR inhibitor everolimus.
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Li Y, Chen J, Wu C, Wang L, Lu M, Chen X. Hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus upregulate angiopoietin-2 expression through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Hepatol Res 2010; 40:1022-33. [PMID: 20887338 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2010.00712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the molecular mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) upregulate angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) expression. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis were used to measure the Ang-2 transcription and expression level. Reporter gene assays were used to determine the cis-element of the Ang-2 promoter. The specific inhibitors assay, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were conducted to verify the signal pathway involved in the upregulation of Ang-2 expression. RESULTS The level of transcription and expression of Ang-2 increased in the HepG2.2.15 and Con-1 cells. Reporter gene assays in HepG2.2.15 and Con-1 cells revealed that HBV/HCV could enhance Ang-2 promoter expression by activating AP-1 and Ets1. Analysis with specific inhibitors indicated that HBV/HCV upregulated the expression of Ang-2 through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. CONCLUSION This study illustrates a distinct mechanism by which a tumor virus modulates vasculature to promote tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
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Liu LP, Liang HF, Chen XP, Zhang WG, Yang SL, Xu T, Ren L. The role of NF-kappaB in Hepatitis b virus X protein-mediated upregulation of VEGF and MMPs. Cancer Invest 2010; 28:443-51. [PMID: 20073580 DOI: 10.3109/07357900903405959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis by a poorly understood mechanism. This study investigated the role of NF-kappa B in HBx-mediated upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In a stably expressing HBx cell line, NF-kappa B level was examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy before and after treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; an NF-kappa B inhibitor). VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP14 mRNA and protein levels were quantitated by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. HBx stimulated NF-kappa B signaling and increased VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP14 mRNA and protein levels. PDTC treatment blocked HBx-mediated stimulation of NF-kappa B signaling and decreased VEGF, MMP9, and MMP14 (but not MMP2) mRNA and protein levels. In vivo studies, PDTC reduced angiogenesis in subcutaneous xenograft of nude mice which injected HepG2-HBx cells. This suggests that NF-kappa B is involved in upregulating these genes and in the HBx-mediated invasion and metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-ping Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Jin F, Kretschmer PJ, Harkins RN, Hermiston TW. Enhanced protein production using HBV X protein (HBx), and synergy when used in combination with XBP1s in BHK21 cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 105:341-9. [PMID: 19739082 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The demand of therapeutic protein production from mammalian cells has expanded greatly since the first biologic was approved in 1982. It remains a major challenge to exploit the exocytic pathway and increase cell viability during the production process. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional viral transcription activator that regulates a variety of cellular events including transcription, cell cycle and proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. As such it may address some of the current production challenges. In this study we demonstrate that HBx can enhance protein production during transient transfection and in stable cell lines. XBP1s is a potent transcription factor and has been demonstrated to enlarge the ER secretion pathway and increase protein production. We explored the possibility of combinational engineering of HBx with XBP1s in BHK21 cells. Our data revealed that combinational engineering of HBx with XBP1s further enhances protein production compared with HBx or XBP1s alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Jin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Bayer HealthCare, Richmond, California 94806, USA
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Bui-Nguyen TM, Pakala SB, Sirigiri RD, Xia W, Hung MC, Sarin SK, Kumar V, Slagle BL, Kumar R. NF-kappaB signaling mediates the induction of MTA1 by hepatitis B virus transactivator protein HBx. Oncogene 2010; 29:1179-89. [PMID: 20010875 PMCID: PMC3621706 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2009.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), a master chromatin modifier, has been shown to regulate cancer progression and is widely upregulated in human cancer, including hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Here we provide evidence that hepatitis B virus transactivator protein HBx stimulates the expression of MTA1 but not of MTA2 or MTA3. The underlying mechanism of HBx stimulation of MTA1 involves HBx targeting of transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and the recruitment of HBx/p65 complex to the NF-kappaB consensus motif on the relaxed MTA1 gene chromatin. We also discovered that MTA1 depletion in HBx-expressing cells severely impairs the ability of HBx to stimulate NF-kappaB signaling and the expression of target proinflammatory molecules. Furthermore, the presence of HBx in HBx-infected HCCs correlated well with increased MTA1 and NF-kappaB-p65. Collectively, these findings revealed a previously unrecognized integral role of MTA1 in HBx stimulation of NF-kappaB signaling and consequently, the expression of NF-kappaB targets gene products with functions in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri M. Bui-Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Coregulator Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Suresh B. Pakala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Coregulator Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Reddy Divijendranatha Sirigiri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Coregulator Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Weiya Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.P. Pant Hospital, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Betty L. Slagle
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Coregulator Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Bui-Nguyen TM, Pakala SB, Sirigiri DR, Martin E, Murad F, Kumar R. Stimulation of inducible nitric oxide by hepatitis B virus transactivator protein HBx requires MTA1 coregulator. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:6980-6. [PMID: 20022949 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.065987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, including hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Transactivator protein HBx, a major regulator of cellular responses of hepatitis B virus, is known to induce the expression of MTA1 (metastasis-associated protein 1) coregulator via NF-kappaB signaling in hepatic cells. However, the underlying mechanism of HBx regulation of the inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway remains unknown. Here we provide evidence that MTA1 is a positive regulator of iNOS transcription and plays a mechanistic role in HBx stimulation of iNOS expression and activity. We found that the HBx-MTA1 complex is recruited onto the human iNOS promoter in an NF-kappaB-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-kappaB signaling prevented the ability of HBx to stimulate the transcription, the expression, and the activity of iNOS; nevertheless, these effects could be substantially rescued by MTA1 dysregulation. We further discovered that HBx-mediated stimulation of MTA1 is paralleled by the suppression of miR-661, a member of the small noncoding RNAs, recently shown to target MTA1. We observed that miR-661 controls of MTA1 expression contributed to the expression and activity of iNOS in HBx-expressing HepG2 cells. Accordingly, depletion of MTA1 by either miR-661 or siRNA in HBx-expressing cells severely impaired the ability of HBx to modulate the endogenous levels of iNOS and nitrite production. Together, these findings reveal an inherent role of MTA1 in HBx regulation of iNOS expression and consequently its function in the liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri M Bui-Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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41
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The hepatitis B viral X protein activates NF-kappaB signaling pathway through the up-regulation of TBK1. FEBS Lett 2009; 584:525-30. [PMID: 19958770 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional protein that plays a role in the activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that HBx up-regulates expression of TANK-binding kinase-1 (TBK1) at the transcriptional level. Increased levels of TBK1 protein then induce the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 at serine 536. Because TBK1 is up-regulated by HBx as part of its promotion of NF-kappaB activation, it is possible that increased TBK1 levels play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From these data, we suggest that TBK1 may play a role in the HBx-mediated activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and the development of HCCs.
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42
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Lee YM, Kang M, Hwang JM, Lee S, Cho H, Kim YS. Sulfasalazine induces apoptosis of HBx-expressing cells in an NF-kappaB-independent manner. Virus Genes 2009; 40:37-43. [PMID: 19859796 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-009-0416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a causative agent of acute chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocarcinoma. The Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) has pleiotypic functions in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. It has been suggested that the anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine, which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, inhibits nuclear factor NF-kappaB and induces cell death in HBx-expressing liver cells. In this study, we demonstrate that sulfasalazine induces cell death via apoptosis in HBx-expressing liver cells, as evidenced by characteristic changes in nuclear morphology, cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3 and caspase-9, and activation of caspase-3. We also demonstrate that inhibition of NF-kappaB by siRNA fails to induce apoptosis of HBx-expressing liver cells, indicating that sulfasalazine modulates apoptosis of HBx-expressing cells in an NF-kappaB-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Man Lee
- Indang Institute of Molecular Biology, Inje University, Jeodong 2-Ga 64, Chung-Ku, Seoul, 100-032, Republic of Korea
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43
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Hepatitis B virus X protein modulates apoptosis in primary rat hepatocytes by regulating both NF-kappaB and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. J Virol 2009; 83:4718-31. [PMID: 19279112 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02590-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional protein that regulates numerous cellular signal transduction pathways, including those that modulate apoptosis. However, different HBx-dependent effects on apoptosis have been reported; these differences are likely the consequence of the exact conditions and cell types used in a study. Many of the previously reported studies that analyzed HBx regulation of apoptosis were conducted in immortalized or transformed cells, and the alterations that have transformed or immortalized these cells likely impact apoptotic pathways. We examined the effects of HBx on apoptotic pathways in cultured primary rat hepatocytes, a biologically relevant system that mimics normal hepatocytes in the liver. We analyzed the effects of HBx on apoptosis both when HBx was expressed in the absence of other HBV proteins and in the context of HBV replication. HBx stimulation of NF-kappaB inhibited the activation of apoptotic pathways in cultured primary rat hepatocytes. However, when HBx-induced activation of NF-kappaB was blocked, HBx stimulated apoptosis; blocking the activity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibited HBx activation of apoptosis. These results suggest that HBx can be either proapoptotic or antiapoptotic in hepatocytes, depending on the status of NF-kappaB, and confirm previous studies that link some HBx activities to modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Overall, our studies define apoptotic pathways that are regulated by HBx in cultured primary hepatocytes and provide potential mechanisms for the development of HBV-associated liver cancer.
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44
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Abstract
The NF-kappaB signaling pathway has particular relevance to several liver diseases including hepatitis (liver infection by Helicobacter, viral hepatitis induced by HBV and HCV), liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is a potential target for development of hepatoprotective agents. Several types of drugs including: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), antioxidants, proteasome inhibitors, IKK inhibitors and nucleic acid-based decoys have been shown to interfere with NF-kappaB activity at different levels and may be useful for the treatment of liver diseases. However, NF-kappaB also plays an important hepatoprotective function that needs to be taken into consideration during development of new therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sun
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and Cancer Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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45
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Wong CH, Chan SKP, Chan HLY, Tsui SKW, Feitelson M. The Molecular Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 43:69-101. [PMID: 16531275 DOI: 10.1080/10408360500410407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC has been studied extensively, and molecular changes during malignant transformation have been identified. It has been proposed that the insertion of HBV DNA into the human genome results in chromosomal instability and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Transactivation of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and alteration of the cell cycle by HBV proteins are also involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Traditional clinical examinations of HCC, such as biopsy, computer tomography, ultrasonic imaging, and detection of such biomarkers as a-fetoprotein, are currently the "gold standard" in diagnosis. These tests diagnose HCC only in the late stages of disease. This limitation has greatly reduced the chance of survival of HCC patients. To resolve this problem, new biomarkers that can diagnose HCC in earlier stages are necessary. Based on recent molecular studies of the effects of HBV on cellular transformation, differentially expressed biomarkers of HBV infection have been elucidated. With the analyses of the HBV replication profile, the viral load (HBV DNA levels) of patients, and the viral protein expression, the severity of hepatitis in the preneoplastic stages can be assessed. In the future, with the molecular profiles identified by genomic and proteomic approaches, stage-specific biomarkers should be identified to monitor the progression and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hang Wong
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University, Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
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46
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Yoo YG, Na TY, Seo HW, Seong JK, Park CK, Shin YK, Lee MO. Hepatitis B virus X protein induces the expression of MTA1 and HDAC1, which enhances hypoxia signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncogene 2008; 27:3405-13. [PMID: 18264140 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1211000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Expression level of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is closely related to tumor growth and metastasis in various cancers. Although increased expression level of MTA1 was observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), role of MTA1 complex containing histone deacetylase (HDAC) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocarcinogenesis has not been studied. Here, we demonstrated that HBx strongly induced the expression of MTA1 and HDAC1 genes at transcription level. MTA1 and HDAC1/2 physically associated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) in vivo in the presence of HBx, which was abolished by knockdown of MTA1 by short interfering RNA (siRNA). HBx induced deacetylation of the oxygen-dependent degradation domain of HIF-1 alpha, which was accompanied with dissociation of prolyl hydroxylases and von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor from HIF-1 alpha. These results indicate that HBx-induced deacetylation is important for proteasomal degradation of HIF-1 alpha. Further, we observed that protein levels of MTA1 and HDAC1 were increased in the liver of HBx-transgenic mice. Also, there was a higher expression of HDAC1 in HCC than in the adjacent non-tumorous cirrhotic nodules in 10 out of 12 human HBV-associated HCC specimens. Together, our data indicate a positive cross talk between HBx and the MTA1/HDAC complex in stabilizing HIF-1 alpha, which may play a critical role in angiogenesis and metastasis of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-G Yoo
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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47
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Guan YS, He Q, Wang MQ, Li P. Nuclear factor kappa B and hepatitis viruses. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 12:265-80. [PMID: 18269337 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.3.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis can be caused by a number of viruses, which have similar clinical manifestations and render infected individuals at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Current therapies for hepatitis have limited effects and unsatisfactory patient outcomes. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is critical for immune and inflammatory responses. During its lifetime the cell demands specific and highly regulated control of NF-kappaB activity. OBJECTIVE To develop novel strategies to overcome various hepatitides and related liver cancer with NF-kappaB as the key point. METHODS All aspects of NF-kappaB control with regard to hepatitis are covered. RESULTS/CONCLUSION NF-kappaB plays an important role in the process of hepatitis and is hypothesized to be an anti-cancer factor in the subsequent inflammation-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Song Guan
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
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48
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Kim SY, Kim JC, Kim JK, Kim HJ, Lee HM, Choi MS, Maeng PJ, Ahn JK. Hepatitis B virus X protein enhances NFκB activity through cooperating with VBP1. BMB Rep 2008; 41:158-63. [DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2008.41.2.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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49
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Chung C, Park SG, Park YM, Joh JW, Jung G. Interferon-gamma sensitizes hepatitis B virus-expressing hepatocarcinoma cells to 5-fluorouracil through inhibition of hepatitis B virus-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB activation. Cancer Sci 2007; 98:1758-66. [PMID: 17711513 PMCID: PMC11159465 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2007.00591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Revised: 06/29/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is important for immune responses and cell survival; however, abnormal activation of NF-kappaB is linked with many types of diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous report indicated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) induces NF-kappaB activation through NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK), and this can be blocked specifically by interferon (IFN)-gamma. In the present study, we report that HBV expression in HCC cell lines induces drug resistance against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This drug resistance was abolished by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation through small interfering RNA-mediated NIK 'knockdown' and IFN-gamma treatment. In addition to the reduced NF-kappaB activation and drug resistance, the upregulated growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible protein 45beta (Gadd45beta) in HBV-expressing HCC cell lines was downregulated by the small interfering RNA-mediated NIK knockdown and IFN-gamma treatment. The overexpression of Gadd45beta in HCC cell lines also induces drug resistance against 5-FU. Based on our data, we suggest that IFN-gamma treatment might be helpful for chemotherapy in HBV-integrated HCC through inhibition of the NIK-mediated NF-kappaB activation and downregulation of the NF-kappaB target gene Gadd45beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Chung
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Shillim-dong, Kwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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50
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Um HR, Lim WC, Chae SY, Park S, Park JH, Cho H. Raf-1 and protein kinase B regulate cell survival through the activation of NF-kappaB in hepatitis B virus X-expressing cells. Virus Res 2006; 125:1-8. [PMID: 17188775 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2006.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 11/10/2006] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that activation of NF-kappaB by the hepatitis B virus X (HBx) gene plays an important role in cell survival. In the present study, we explored the upstream mediators of NF-kappaB activation and their correlations with cell survival. XTT assays and colony generation assays revealed that inhibition of NF-kappaB activation indeed increased cell death in HBx-expressing cells. Utilizing inactivating mutants of signal transducers, we showed that dominant negative mutants of stress-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (SEK1) or PKCalpha significantly diminished the HBx-mediated NF-kappaB activation. However, neither of these mutants significantly affected the cell survival in colony generation assays. In contrast, inactivating mutants of Raf-1 or PKB (protein kinase B)/Akt abrogated the HBx-mediated NF-kappaB activation and also suppressed the cell survival. Our results suggest that the Raf-1 or PKB-mediated NF-kappaB activation promotes cell survival in HBx-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ryun Um
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chronic Inflammatory Disease Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, 5 Wonchon-Dong, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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