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Wu Y, Mohd Sani SB, Peng K, Lin T, Tan C, Huang X, Li Z. Research progress of the Otubains subfamily in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117348. [PMID: 39208669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In cancer research, oncogenesis can be affected by modulating the deubiquitination pathway. Ubiquitination regulates proteins post-translationally in variety of physiological processes. The Otubain Subfamily includes OTUB1 (ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B1) and OTUB2(ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B2). They are deubiquitinating enzymes, which are research hotspots in tumor immunotherapy, with their implications extending across the spectrum of tumor development. Understanding their important role in tumorigenesis, includ-ing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. HCC has alarming global incidence rates and mortality statistics, ranking among the top five prevalent cancers in Malaysia1. Numerous studies have consistently indicated significant expression of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in HCC cells. In addition, OTUB1 has important biological functions in cancer, suggesting its important role in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the action of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in liver cancer remains inadequately explored. Therefore, Otubain Subfamily, as potential molecular target, holds promise for advancing HCC treatments. However, further clinical studies are required to verify its efficacy and application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang 13200, Malaysia.
| | - Sa'udah Badriah Mohd Sani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang 13200, Malaysia.
| | - Ke Peng
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, China.
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Anyang People's Hospital, Anyang, Henan 450000, China.
| | - Chenghao Tan
- Department of Social Science, Universiti Sain Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang 11700, Malaysia.
| | | | - Zhengrui Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, China.
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2
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Royo F, Garcia-Vallicrosa C, Azparren-Angulo M, Bordanaba-Florit G, Lopez-Sarrio S, Falcon-Perez JM. Three-Dimensional Hepatocyte Spheroids: Model for Assessing Chemotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1200. [PMID: 38927406 PMCID: PMC11201042 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional cellular models provide a more comprehensive representation of in vivo cell properties, encompassing physiological characteristics and drug susceptibility. METHODS Primary hepatocytes were seeded in ultra-low attachment plates to form spheroids, with or without tumoral cells. Spheroid structure, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed using histological staining techniques. In addition, extracellular vesicles were isolated from conditioned media by differential ultracentrifugation. Spheroids were exposed to cytotoxic drugs, and both spheroid growth and cell death were measured by microscopic imaging and flow cytometry with vital staining, respectively. RESULTS Concerning spheroid structure, an active outer layer forms a boundary with the media, while the inner core comprises a mass of cell debris. Hepatocyte-formed spheroids release vesicles into the extracellular media, and a decrease in the concentration of vesicles in the culture media can be observed over time. When co-cultured with tumoral cells, a distinct distribution pattern emerges over the primary hepatocytes, resulting in different spheroid conformations. Tumoral cell growth was compromised upon antitumoral drug challenges. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of mixed spheroids with different cytotoxic drugs enables the characterization of drug effects on both hepatocytes and tumoral cells, determining drug specificity effects on these cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Royo
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Garcia-Vallicrosa
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
| | - Maria Azparren-Angulo
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
| | - Guillermo Bordanaba-Florit
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
| | - Silvia Lopez-Sarrio
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
| | - Juan Manuel Falcon-Perez
- Exosomes Laboratory and Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (C.G.-V.); (M.A.-A.); (G.B.-F.); (S.L.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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Lee JY, Bae K, Kim JH, Han HJ, Yoon HY, Yoon KA. Establishment and characterization of six canine hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1392728. [PMID: 38840628 PMCID: PMC11150866 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1392728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor in dogs. Although surgical resection is a major treatment option for canine HCC, there are no distinct strategies for unresectable tumor subtypes or adjuvant chemotherapy for tumors with positive margins. We aimed to establish and characterize novel HCC cell lines from canine patients. Methods The cellular morphology, general growth features and tumorigenicity of the established cell lines were evaluated. We also examined the sensitivity of the cell lines to multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Results We established novel canine HCC cell lines from hepatic tumors and an additional kidney tumor of six canine patients. All cell lines showed colony forming and migratory ability. KU-cHCC-001 and KU-cHCC-001-Kidney, two cell lines exhibiting high epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics, showed tumorigenicity in xenografted mice. Toceranib, a veterinary TKI that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)/c-kit, effectively inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and induced apoptosis. The established canine HCC cell lines showed greater sensitivity to toceranib than to sorafenib, a first-line treatment for human HCC targeting RAF/VEGFR/PDGFR. Sorafenib showed improved anti-tumor effects when co-treated with SCH772984, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor. Conclusion Our study suggests new therapeutic strategies for canine HCC, and these cell lines are valuable research materials for understanding HCC tumor biology in both humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja Young Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kieun Bae
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Animal Cancer Center, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- KU Animal Cancer Center, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Han
- KU Animal Cancer Center, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Young Yoon
- KU Animal Cancer Center, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong-Ah Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Animal Cancer Center, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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4
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Shrestha S, Lekkala VKR, Acharya P, Kang SY, Vanga MG, Lee MY. Reproducible generation of human liver organoids (HLOs) on a pillar plate platform via microarray 3D bioprinting. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2747-2761. [PMID: 38660778 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00149d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Human liver organoids (HLOs) hold significant potential for recapitulating the architecture and function of liver tissues in vivo. However, conventional culture methods of HLOs, forming Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, have technical limitations such as high cost and low throughput in organoid-based assays for predictive assessment of compounds in clinical and pharmacological lab settings. To address these issues, we have developed a unique microarray 3D bioprinting protocol of progenitor cells in biomimetic hydrogels on a pillar plate with sidewalls and slits, coupled with a clear bottom, 384-deep well plate for scale-up production of HLOs. Microarray 3D bioprinting, a droplet-based printing technology, was used to generate a large number of small organoids on the pillar plate for predictive hepatotoxicity assays. Foregut cells, differentiated from human iPSCs, were mixed with Matrigel and then printed on the pillar plate rapidly and uniformly, resulting in coefficient of variation (CV) values in the range of 15-18%, without any detrimental effect on cell viability. Despite utilizing 10-50-fold smaller cell culture volume compared to their counterparts in Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, HLOs differentiated on the pillar plate exhibited similar morphology and superior function, potentially due to rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen at the small scale. Day 25 HLOs were robust and functional on the pillar plate in terms of their viability, albumin secretion, CYP3A4 activity, and drug toxicity testing, all with low CV values. From three independent trials of in situ assessment, the IC50 values calculated for sorafenib and tamoxifen were 6.2 ± 1.6 μM and 25.4 ± 8.3 μM, respectively. Therefore, our unique 3D bioprinting and miniature organoid culture on the pillar plate could be used for scale-up, reproducible generation of HLOs with minimal manual intervention for high-throughput assessment of compound hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
| | | | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
| | - Soo-Yeon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
| | - Manav Goud Vanga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
- Bioprinting Laboratories Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA
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5
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Xing X, Que X, Zheng S, Wang S, Song Q, Yao Y, Zhang P. Emerging roles of FOXK2 in cancers and metabolic disorders. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1376496. [PMID: 38741782 PMCID: PMC11089157 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1376496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
FOXK2, a member of the Forkhead box K (FOXK) transcription factor family, is widely expressed in various tissues and organs throughout the body. FOXK2 plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, autophagy, de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA damage response, and aerobic glycolysis. Although FOXK2 is recognized as an oncogene in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, it acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, cervical cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review provides an overview of the recent progress in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of FOXK2 and its downstream targets, highlights the significant impact of FOXK2 dysregulation on cancer etiology, and discusses the potential of targeting FOXK2 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingfeng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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6
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Said YA, Hammad SF, Halim MI, El-Moneim AA, Osman A. Assessment of the therapeutic potential of a novel phosphoramidate acyclic nucleoside on induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rat model. Life Sci 2024:122669. [PMID: 38677390 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is renowned as a deadly primary cancer of hepatic origin. Sorafenib is the drug-of-choice for targeted treatment of unresectable end-stage HCC. Unfortunately, great proportion of HCC patients showed intolerance or unresponsiveness to treatment. This study assesses potency of novel ProTide; SH-PAN-19 against N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced HCC in male Wistar rats, compared to Sorafenib. MAIN METHODS Structural entity of the synthesized compound was substantiated via FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis. In vitro, SH-PAN-19 cytotoxicity was tested against 3 human cell lines; hepatocellular carcinoma; HepG-2, colorectal carcinoma; HCT-116 and normal fibroblasts; MRC-5. In vivo, therapeutic efficacy of SH-PAN-19 (300 mg/kg b.w./day) against HCC could be revealed and compared to that of Sorafenib (15 mg/kg b.w./day) by evaluating the morphometric, biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular key markers. KEY FINDINGS SH-PAN-19 was relatively safe toward MRC-5 cells (IC50 = 307.6 μg/mL), highly cytotoxic to HepG-2 cells (IC50 = 24.9 μg/mL) and prominently hepato-selective (TSI = 12.35). Oral LD50 of SH-PAN-19 was >3000 mg/kg b.w. DEN-injected rats suffered hepatomegaly, oxidative stress, elevated liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia, bilirubinemia and skyrocketed AFP plasma titre. SH-PAN-19 alleviated the DEN-induced alterations in apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory markers. SH-PAN-19 produced a 2.5-folds increase in Caspase-9 and downregulated VEGFR-2, IL-6, TNF-α, TGFβ-1, MMP-9 and CcnD-1 to levels comparable to that elicited by Sorafenib. SH-PAN-19 resulted in near-complete pathological response versus partial response achieved by Sorafenib. SIGNIFICANCE This research illustrated that SH-PAN-19 is a promising chemotherapeutic agent capable of restoring cellular plasticity and could stop HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef A Said
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sherif F Hammad
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, PharmD Program, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, 11795 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam I Halim
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abd El-Moneim
- Graphene Center of Excellence, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Physical Chemistry Department, National Research Centre (NRC), 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Osman
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Hernández-Galdámez HV, Fattel-Fazenda S, Flores-Téllez TNJ, Aguilar-Chaparro MA, Mendoza-García J, Díaz-Fernández LC, Romo-Medina E, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Arellanes-Robledo J, De la Garza M, Villa-Treviño S, Piña-Vázquez C. Iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin: a promising chemopreventive agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. Food Funct 2024; 15:4586-4602. [PMID: 38590223 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05184f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor with minimal chance of cure due to underlying liver diseases, late diagnosis, and inefficient treatments. Thus, HCC treatment warrants the development of additional strategies. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a mammalian multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein of the innate immune response and can be found as either a native low iron form (native-Lf) or a high iron form (holo-Lf). Bovine Lf (bLf), which shares many functions with human Lf (hLf), is safe for humans and has several anticancer activities, including chemotherapy boost in cancer. We found endogenous hLf is downregulated in HCC tumors compared with normal liver, and decreased hLf levels in HCC tumors are associated with shorter survival of HCC patients. However, the chemoprotective effect of 100% iron saturated holo-bLf on experimental hepatocarcinogenesis has not yet been determined. We aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of holo-bLf in different HCC models. Remarkably, a single dose (200 mg kg-1) of holo-bLf was effective in preventing early carcinogenic events in a diethylnitrosamine induced HCC in vivo model, such as necrosis, ROS production, and the surge of facultative liver stem cells, and eventually, holo-bLf reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions. For an established HCC model, holo-bLf treatment significantly reduced HepG2 tumor burden in xenotransplanted mice. Finally, holo-bLf in combination with sorafenib, the advanced HCC first-line treatment, synergistically decreased HepG2 viability by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Our findings provide the first evidence suggesting that holo-bLf has the potential to prevent HCC or to be used in combination with treatments for established HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samia Fattel-Fazenda
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Teresita N J Flores-Téllez
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG Macclesfield, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Mendoza-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Lidia C Díaz-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Eunice Romo-Medina
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Yesennia Sánchez-Pérez
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Subdirección de Investigación Básica, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Hepáticas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México. Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mireya De la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Saúl Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Carolina Piña-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
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Carmignani A, Battaglini M, Marino A, Pignatelli F, Ciofani G. Drug-Loaded Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Chemo/Photothermal Therapy against Colorectal Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:2205-2217. [PMID: 38489294 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly malignancy, ranking second in terms of mortality and third in terms of incidence on a global scale. The survival rates for CRC patients are unsatisfactory primarily because of the absence of highly effective clinical strategies. The efficacy of existing CRC treatments, such as chemotherapy (CT), is constrained by issues such as drug resistance and damage to healthy tissues. Alternative approaches such as photothermal therapy (PTT), while offering advantages over traditional therapies, suffer instead from a low efficiency in killing tumor cells when used alone. In this context, nanostructures can efficiently contribute to a selective and targeted treatment. Here, we combined CT and PTT by developing a nanoplatform based on polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNPs), selected for their biocompatibility, drug-carrying capabilities, and ability to produce heat upon exposure to near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. As a chemotherapy drug, sorafenib has been selected, a multikinase inhibitor already approved for clinical use. By encapsulating sorafenib in polydopamine nanoparticles (Sor-PDNPs), we were able to successfully improve the drug stability in physiological media and the consequent uptake by CRC cells, thereby increasing its therapeutic effects. Upon NIR stimulus, Sor-PDNPs can induce a temperature increment of about 10 °C, encompassing both PTT and triggering a localized and massive drug release. Sor-PDNPs were tested on healthy colon cells, showing minimal adverse outcomes; conversely, they demonstrated excellent efficacy against CRC cells, with a strong capability to hinder cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Obtained findings pave the way to new synergistic chemo-photothermal approaches, maximizing the therapeutic outcomes against CRC while minimizing side effects on healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Carmignani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Attilio Marino
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Francesca Pignatelli
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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Chaisupasakul P, Pekthong D, Wangteeraprasert A, Kaewkong W, Somran J, Kaewpaeng N, Parhira S, Srisawang P. Combination of ethyl acetate fraction from Calotropis gigantea stem bark and sorafenib induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300051. [PMID: 38527038 PMCID: PMC10962855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction of the Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand. (C. gigantea) stem bark extract (CGEtOAc) has been demonstrated in many types of cancers. This study examined the improved cancer therapeutic activity of sorafenib when combined with CGEtOAc in HepG2 cells. The cell viability and cell migration assays were applied in HepG2 cells treated with varying concentrations of CGEtOAc, sorafenib, and their combination. Flow cytometry was used to determine apoptosis, which corresponded with a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of DNA fragmentation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed in combination with the expression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which was suggested for association with ROS-induced apoptosis. Combining CGEtOAc at 400 μg/mL with sorafenib at 4 μM, which were their respective half-IC50 concentrations, significantly inhibited HepG2 viability upon 24 h of exposure in comparison with the vehicle and each single treatment. Consequently, CGEtOAc when combined with sorafenib significantly diminished HepG2 migration and induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial-correlation mechanism. ROS production was speculated to be the primary mechanism of stimulating apoptosis in HepG2 cells after exposure to a combination of CGEtOAc and sorafenib, in association with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway suppression. Our results present valuable knowledge to support the development of anticancer regimens derived from the CGEtOAc with the chemotherapeutic agent sorafenib, both of which were administered at half-IC50, which may minimize the toxic implications of cancer treatments while improving the therapeutic effectiveness toward future medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattaraporn Chaisupasakul
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Dumrongsak Pekthong
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | | | - Worasak Kaewkong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Julintorn Somran
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Naphat Kaewpaeng
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Parhira
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Piyarat Srisawang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Shrestha S, Lekkala VKR, Acharya P, Kang SY, Vanga MG, Lee MY. Reproducible generation of human liver organoids (HLOs) on a pillar plate platform via microarray 3D bioprinting. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584478. [PMID: 38559126 PMCID: PMC10979895 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human liver organoids (HLOs) hold significant potential for recapitulating the architecture and function of liver tissues in vivo. However, conventional culture methods of HLOs, forming Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, have technical limitations such as high cost and low throughput in organoid-based assays for predictive assessment of compounds in clinical and pharmacological lab settings. To address these issues, we have developed a unique microarray 3D bioprinting protocol of progenitor cells in biomimetic hydrogels on a pillar plate with sidewalls and slits, coupled with a clear bottom, 384-deep well plate for scale-up production of HLOs. Microarray 3D bioprinting, a droplet-based printing technology, was used to generate a large number of small organoids on the pillar plate for predictive hepatotoxicity assays. Foregut cells, differentiated from human iPSCs, were mixed with Matrigel and then printed on the pillar plate rapidly and uniformly, resulting in coefficient of variation (CV) values in the range of 15 - 18%, without any detrimental effect on cell viability. Despite utilizing 10 - 50-fold smaller cell culture volume compared to their counterparts in Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, HLOs differentiated on the pillar plate exhibited similar morphology and superior function, potentially due to rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen at the small scale. Day 25 HLOs were robust and functional on the pillar plate in terms of their viability, albumin secretion, CYP3A4 activity, and drug toxicity testing, all with low CV values. From three independent trials of in situ assessment, the IC50 values calculated for sorafenib and tamoxifen were 6.2 ± 1.6 μM and 25.4 ± 8.3 μM, respectively. Therefore, our unique 3D bioprinting and miniature organoid culture on the pillar plate could be used for scale-up, reproducible generation of HLOs with minimal manual intervention for high-throughput assessment of compound hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | | | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Soo-Yeon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Manav Goud Vanga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
- Bioprinting Laboratories Inc., Dallas, Texas
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Franco-Juárez EX, González-Villasana V, Camacho-Moll ME, Rendón-Garlant L, Ramírez-Flores PN, Silva-Ramírez B, Peñuelas-Urquides K, Cabello-Ruiz ED, Castorena-Torres F, Bermúdez de León M. Mechanistic Insights about Sorafenib-, Valproic Acid- and Metformin-Induced Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1760. [PMID: 38339037 PMCID: PMC10855535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the main causes of death by cancer worldwide, representing about 80-90% of all liver cancers. Treatments available for advanced HCC include atezolizumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib, among others. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab are immunological options recently incorporated into first-line treatments, along with sorafenib, for which great treatment achievements have been reached. However, sorafenib resistance is developed in most patients, and therapeutical combinations targeting cancer hallmark mechanisms and intracellular signaling have been proposed. In this review, we compiled evidence of the mechanisms of cell death caused by sorafenib administered alone or in combination with valproic acid and metformin and discussed them from a molecular perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Xchel Franco-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Vianey González-Villasana
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - María Elena Camacho-Moll
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Luisa Rendón-Garlant
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Patricia Nefertari Ramírez-Flores
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Beatriz Silva-Ramírez
- Departamento de Inmunogenética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Katia Peñuelas-Urquides
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Ethel Daniela Cabello-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Mario Bermúdez de León
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
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12
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Seo SH, Cho KJ, Park HJ, Lee HW, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Cheon JH, Yook JI, Kim MD, Joo DJ, Kim SU. Inhibition of Dickkopf-1 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:339. [PMID: 38012711 PMCID: PMC10680194 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib improves the overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is commonly overexpressed in HCC. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of DKK1 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib in HCC. METHODS HCC cells were treated with sorafenib and WAY-262611, which is an inhibitor of DKK1. Transgenic mouse models were also developed using hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Mice were orally administered with sorafenib (32 mg/kg), WAY-262611 (16 mg/kg), or sorafenib + WAY-262611 for 10 days. Mechanisms of sorafenib and WAY-262611 were explored via western blotting, immunostaining, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS DKK1 was significantly overexpressed in patients with HCC than in the healthy controls and patients with liver diseases except HCC (all P < 0.05). Compared with sorafenib alone, sorafenib + WAY-262611 significantly inhibited the cell viability, invasion, migration, and colony formation by promoting apoptosis and altering the cell cycles in HCC cells (all P < 0.05). Moreover, sorafenib + WAY-262611 decreased the p110α, phospho-Akt (all P < 0.05), active β-catenin (all P < 0.05) and phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) expression levels, while increasing the phospho-GSK-3β (Tyr216) expression levels compared with those in the sorafenib alone in vitro and in vivo. In addition, sorafenib + WAY-262611 inhibited tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, significantly better than sorafenib alone in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that DKK1 inhibition significantly enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways via regulation of GSK3β activity, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Jung Park
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jae Hee Cheon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
| | - Man-Deuk Kim
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University of College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea.
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13
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Caputo TM, Cusano AM, Principe S, Cicatiello P, Celetti G, Aliberti A, Micco A, Ruvo M, Tagliamonte M, Ragone C, Minopoli M, Carriero MV, Buonaguro L, Cusano A. Sorafenib-Loaded PLGA Carriers for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Cellular Uptake in Liver Cancer Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4121-4142. [PMID: 37525693 PMCID: PMC10387258 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s415968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, conventional treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not selective enough for tumor tissue and lead to multidrug resistance and drug toxicity. Although sorafenib (SOR) is the standard first-line systemic therapy approved for the clinical treatment of HCC, its poor aqueous solubility and rapid clearance result in low absorption efficiency and severely limit its use for local treatment. Methods Herein, we present the synthesis of biodegradable polymeric Poly (D, L-Lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles loaded with SOR (PS) by emulsion-solvent evaporation process. The particles are carefully characterized focusing on particle size, surface charge, morphology, drug loading content, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro stability, drug release behaviour and tested on HepG2 cells. Additionally, PLGA particles have been coupled on side emitting optical fibers (seOF) integrated in a microfluidic device for light-triggered local release. Results PS have a size of 248 nm, tunable surface charge and a uniform and spherical shape without aggregation. PS shows encapsulation efficiency of 89.7% and the highest drug loading (8.9%) between the SOR-loaded PLGA formulations. Treating HepG2 cells with PS containing SOR at 7.5 µM their viability is dampened to 40%, 30% and 17% after 48, 129 and 168 hours of incubation, respectively. Conclusion The high PS stability, their sustained release profile and the rapid cellular uptake corroborate the enhanced cytotoxicity effect on HepG2. With the prospect of developing biomedical tools to control the spatial and temporal release of drugs, we successfully demonstrated the potentiality of seOF for light-triggered local release of the carriers. Our prototypical system paves the way to new devices integrating microfluidics, optical fibers, and advanced carriers capable to deliver minimally invasive locoregional cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mariastella Caputo
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Cusano
- CeRICTscrl Regional Center Information Communication Technology, Palazzo Ex Poste, Benevento, Italy
| | - Sofia Principe
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
| | - Paola Cicatiello
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
| | - Giorgia Celetti
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
| | - Anna Aliberti
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alberto Micco
- CeRICTscrl Regional Center Information Communication Technology, Palazzo Ex Poste, Benevento, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - “Fond G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Ragone
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - “Fond G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Minopoli
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - “Fond G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Cusano
- Optoelectronics Group, Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Palazzo Dell’ Aquila Bosco Lucarelli, Benevento, Italy
- CeRICTscrl Regional Center Information Communication Technology, Palazzo Ex Poste, Benevento, Italy
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14
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Sperandio LP, Lins IVF, Erustes AG, Leão AHFF, Antunes F, Morais IBM, Vieira HF, de Campos LM, Bincoletto C, Smaili SS, Pereira GJS. Blocking autophagy by the two-pore channels antagonist tetrandrine improves sorafenib-induced death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 90:105603. [PMID: 37121360 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance is still common in several HCC patients. This complex mechanism is not yet fully elucidated, driving the search for new therapeutic targets to potentiate the antitumoral effect of sorafenib. Recent findings have linked the expression of Two-Pore Channels (TPCs) receptors with the development and progression of cancer. TPCs receptors are stimulated by NAADP, a Ca2+ messenger, and inhibited by their antagonists Ned-19 and tetrandrine. Here, we investigate the participation of TPCs inhibition in cell death and autophagy in sorafenib-treated HCC cells. Here, we show that the association of sorafenib with tetrandrine increased sorafenib-induced cell death accompanied by increased lysotracker fluorescence intensity. In contrast, these effects were not observed after treating these cells with Ned-19. The pharmacological TPC antagonists by Ned-19 and tetrandrine or siRNA-mediated TPC1/2 inhibition decreased sorafenib-induced Ca2+ release, reinforcing the participation of TPCs in sorafenib HCC responses. Furthermore, the association tetrandrine and sorafenib blocked autophagy through ERK1/2 pathway inhibition, which represents a putative target for potentiating HCC cell death. Therefore, our study proposes the use of tetrandrine analogs with the aim of improving sorafenib therapy. Also, our data also allow us to suggest that TPCs may be a new target in anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Paulino Sperandio
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isis Valeska F Lins
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adolfo G Erustes
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson H F F Leão
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ingrid B M Morais
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Laís Maria de Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bincoletto
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Smaili
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo J S Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Li S, Pei W, Yuan W, Yu D, Song H, Zhang H. Multi-omics joint analysis reveals the mechanism of action of the traditional Chinese medicine Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115285. [PMID: 35429621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, (M. tenacissima) a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for thousands of years. It is noted in Dian Nan Ben Cao that M. tenacissima is bitter in flavor and cold in property, and extracts possess diverse pharmacological effects, including immunomodulation and anti-tumor activities. AIM OF THE STUDY The anti-tumor effects of M. tenacissima extracts (MTE) have been repeatedly confirmed, and this medicine has also been extensively applied in cancer treatment or prognostic adjuvant therapy, with significant curative effect. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the anti-tumor mechanism of M. tenacissima starting from the key features of traditional Chinese medicine and by studying the main active components individually to identify anti-tumor targets in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular network profiling and multi-omic joint analyses were conducted using an H22 mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma to determine the main active ingredients in MTE and the underlying anti-tumor mechanisms. RESULTS Tenacissosides I, H, and G (TI,TH and TG) were found to be the likely active ingredients of MTE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. These compounds were shown to promote apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis and improve immune function through targeting P53, JAK-1 and HIF1α, respectively. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, based on the theory that multiple components and multiple targets synergistically exert the beneficial effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, this paper comprehensively analyzes the mechanisms of action of M. tenacissima and provides a novel strategy for the subsequent development of anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, PR China
| | - Wenhan Pei
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, PR China
| | - Wei Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, PR China
| | - Dan Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, PR China
| | - Huanjie Song
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, PR China.
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Antitumor effects ofrhamnazinon sorafenib-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines via modulation of VEGF signalingand PI3K/NF-κBp38/caspase-3 axes cross talk. Life Sci 2022; 297:120443. [PMID: 35245519 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common livermalignancy,characterized by dysregulation of multiple oncogenicsignaling pathways, including the VEGF/PI3K/NF-κBandp38 MAPKaxes.Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that targetsRaf kinases and receptor tyrosine kinases,which mediateHCC angiogenesis.Rhamnazinis a VEGFR2 signaling inhibitor, whichinhibits the phosphorylation of Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) and its downstream signaling regulators. This study was designed toassess the antitumor effects of rhamnazinon human HCC cell lines treated with sorafenib, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms mediating this effect. MAIN METHODS HepG2 and HUH-7 HCC cell lines were used.Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. NF-κB, p38MAPK, VEGF, VEGFR2, PI3K, and Ki67 levels were assessedusing ELISA. Caspase-3 activity was measuredcolorimetrically. VEGFR2 expression was detected by RT-PCR. KEY FINDINGS MTT assay revealed that the sorafenib-rhamnazin combination showed significant cytotoxicity compared with sorafenib or rhamnazin alone. The sorafenib-rhamnazin combination also showed significant inhibition of the angiogenicVEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/NF-κBsignaling axis associated with significant upregulation of the apoptotic p38MAPK/caspase-3 axis and inhibition of Ki67, a proliferation marker in HepG2 and HUH-7 cells. SIGNIFICANCE Rhamnazin potentiates the chemotherapeutic effect of sorafenibvia modulation ofthe VEGF/PI3K/NF-κBsignaling axis, downregulation of VEGFR2 expression, and upregulation of the p38MAPK/caspase-3 axisin human HCC cell lines.
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17
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Hosseinzadeh F, Ai J, Hajifathali A, Muhammadnejad S, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Seyhoun I, Komeili Movahed T, Shirian S, Hosseinzadeh F, Ahmadpour S, Alijani M, Verdi J. The effects of Sorafenib and Natural killer cell co-injection in combinational treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma; an in vivo approach. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:379-391. [PMID: 35089543 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells (NKC) and Sorafenib (Sor) are two important agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Over the past decade, the interaction of Sor and NKC against HCC has been widely challenging. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of NKC & Sor for the treatment of HCC in vivo. METHODS Subcutaneous xenograft models of HCC were established in nude mice. For safety assessment of treatment, the kidney and liver functions were analyzed. Paraffin embedded tumor sections were histopathologically studied and immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests were done to evaluate the angiogenesis (CD34) and proliferation (Ki67) indexes. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to identify the tumor cells undergoing apoptosis. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and expression levels of major inflammatory cytokines and cytoplasmic granules in xenograft HCC were quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS NKC & Sor significantly inhibited necrosis and apoptosis in tumor cells and increased angiogenesis and proliferation of HCC compared to the monotherapy of NKC or Sor alone. The serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ as well as the expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, interleukins (ILs)-1, 6, 10, granzyme-B and perforin in the xenograft HCC tissues of the treated mice with NKC & Sor were significantly lower than those of treated with NKC or Sor alone. CONCLUSION Therapy with the specific dosage of NKC & Sor could not inhibit the HCC xenograft growth rate through a synergistic effect in a mouse model of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Tissue Engineering, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samad Muhammadnejad
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Seyhoun
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sadegh Shirian
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Shiraz Molecular Pathology Research Center, Dr. Daneshbod Path Lab, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Sajjad Ahmadpour
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Alijani
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Liu Y, Gu W. p53 in ferroptosis regulation: the new weapon for the old guardian. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:895-910. [PMID: 35087226 PMCID: PMC9091200 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the conventional activities of p53 such as cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis are well accepted as the major checkpoints in stress responses, accumulating evidence implicates the importance of other tumor suppression mechanisms. Among these unconventional activities, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, termed ferroptosis, attracts great interest. Unlike apoptotic cell death, activation of p53 alone is not sufficient to induce ferroptosis directly; instead, through its metabolic targets, p53 is able to modulate the ferroptosis response in the presence of ferroptosis inducers such as GPX4 inhibitors or high levels of ROS. Here, we review the role of ferroptosis in p53-mediated tumor suppression, with a focus on what cellular factors are critical for p53-dependent ferroptosis during tumor suppression and how p53 modulates both the canonical (GPX4-dependent) and the non-canonical (GPX4-independent) ferroptosis pathways. We also discuss the possibility of targeting p53-mediated ferroptotic responses for the treatment of human cancers and potentially, other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Liu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 1130 Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Wei Gu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 1130 Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 1130 Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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19
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Dayani L, Dehghani M, Aghaei M, Taymouri S, Taheri A. Preparation and evaluation of targeted albumin lipid nanoparticles with lactobionic acid for targeted drug delivery of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Nandi D, Cheema PS, Singal A, Bharti H, Nag A. Artemisinin Mediates Its Tumor-Suppressive Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Targeted Inhibition of FoxM1. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751271. [PMID: 34900697 PMCID: PMC8652299 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant up-regulation of the oncogenic transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is associated with tumor development, progression and metastasis in a myriad of carcinomas, thus establishing it as an attractive target for anticancer drug development. FoxM1 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma is reflective of tumor aggressiveness and recurrence, poor prognosis and low survival in patients. In our study, we have identified the antimalarial natural product, Artemisinin, to efficiently curb FoxM1 expression and activity in hepatic cancer cells, thereby exhibiting potential anticancer efficacy. Here, we demonstrated that Artemisinin considerably mitigates FoxM1 transcriptional activity by disrupting its interaction with the promoter region of its downstream targets, thereby suppressing the expression of numerous oncogenic drivers. Augmented level of FoxM1 is implicated in drug resistance of cancer cells, including hepatic tumor cells. Notably, FoxM1 overexpression rendered HCC cells poorly responsive to Artemisinin-mediated cytotoxicity while FoxM1 depletion in resistant liver cancer cells sensitized them to Artemisinin treatment, manifested in lower proliferative and growth index, drop in invasive potential and repressed expression of EMT markers with a concomitantly increased apoptosis. Moreover, Artemisinin, when used in combination with Thiostrepton, an established FoxM1 inhibitor, markedly reduced anchorage-independent growth and displayed more pronounced death in liver cancer cells. We found this effect to be evident even in the resistant HCC cells, thereby putting forth a novel combination therapy for resistant cancer patients. Altogether, our findings provide insight into the pivotal involvement of FoxM1 in the tumor suppressive activities of Artemisinin and shed light on the potential application of Artemisinin for improved therapeutic response, especially in resistant hepatic malignancies. Considering that Artemisinin compounds are in current clinical use with favorable safety profiles, the results from our study will potentiate its utility in juxtaposition with established FoxM1 inhibitors, promoting maximal therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse effects in liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aakriti Singal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Hina Bharti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Alo Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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21
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Ortega-Muelas M, Roche O, Fernández-Aroca DM, Encinar JA, Albandea-Rodríguez D, Arconada-Luque E, Pascual-Serra R, Muñoz I, Sánchez-Pérez I, Belandia B, Ruiz-Hidalgo MJ, Sánchez-Prieto R. ERK5 signalling pathway is a novel target of sorafenib: Implication in EGF biology. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10591-10603. [PMID: 34655447 PMCID: PMC8581332 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor widely used in cancer therapy with an antitumour effect related to biological processes as proliferation, migration or invasion, among others. Initially designed as a Raf inhibitor, Sorafenib was later shown to also block key molecules in tumour progression such as VEGFR and PDGFR. In addition, sorafenib has been connected with key signalling pathways in cancer such as EGFR/EGF. However, no definitive clue about the molecular mechanism linking sorafenib and EGF signalling pathway has been established so far. Our data in HeLa, U2OS, A549 and HEK293T cells, based on in silico, chemical and genetic approaches demonstrate that the MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway is a novel target of sorafenib. In addition, our data show how sorafenib is able to block MEK5-dependent phosphorylation of ERK5 in the Ser218/Tyr220, affecting the transcriptional activation associated with ERK5. Moreover, we demonstrate that some of the effects of this kinase inhibitor onto EGF biological responses, such as progression through cell cycle or migration, are mediated through the effect exerted onto ERK5 signalling pathway. Therefore, our observations describe a novel target of sorafenib, the ERK5 signalling pathway, and establish new mechanistic insights for the antitumour effect of this multikinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ortega-Muelas
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Olga Roche
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Diego M Fernández-Aroca
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - José A Encinar
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología de Elche (IDiBE) e Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular (IBMC), Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Elche, Spain
| | - David Albandea-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' (CSIC-UAM), Unidad asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Arconada-Luque
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel Pascual-Serra
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ismael Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' (CSIC-UAM), Unidad asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Sánchez-Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' (CSIC-UAM), Unidad asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja Belandia
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' (CSIC-UAM), Unidad asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Ruiz-Hidalgo
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain.,Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Prieto
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIBM-CSIC)-Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
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22
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Mansour GH, El-Magd MA, Mahfouz DH, Abdelhamid IA, Mohamed MF, Ibrahim NS, Hady A Abdel Wahab A, Elzayat EM. Bee venom and its active component Melittin synergistically potentiate the anticancer effect of Sorafenib against HepG2 cells. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105329. [PMID: 34544028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There are current attempts to find a safe substitute or adjuvant for Sorafenib (Sorf), the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it triggers very harsh side effects and drug-resistance. The therapeutic properties of Bee Venom (BV) and its active component, Melittin (Mel), make them suitable candidates as potential anti-cancer agents per-se or as adjuvants for cancer chemotherapy. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the combining effect of BV and Mel with Sorf on HepG2 cells and to investigate their molecular mechanisms of action. Docking between Mel and different tumor-markers was performed. The cytotoxicity of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 and THLE-2 cells was conducted. Combinations of BV/Sorf and Mel/Sorf were performed in non-constant ratios on HepG2. Expression of major cancer-related genes and oxidative stress status was evaluated and the cell cycle was analyzed. The computational analysis showed that Mel can bind to and inhibit XIAP, Bcl2, MDM2, CDK2 and MMP12. Single treatments of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 showed lower IC50than on THLE-2. All combinations revealed a synergistic effect at a combination index (CI) < 1. Significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of p53, Bax, Cas3, Cas7 and PTEN and significant downregulation (p < 0.05) of Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1, Rac1, Nf-κB, HIF-1a, VEGF and MMP9 were observed. The oxidative stress markers including MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx showed insignificant changes, while the cell cycle was arrested at G2/M phase. In conclusion, BV and Mel have a synergistic anticancer effect with Sorf on HepG2 that may represent a new enhancing strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada H Mansour
- Biotechnology, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed A El-Magd
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt.
| | - Dalia H Mahfouz
- Biotechnology, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ismail A Abdelhamid
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
| | - Magda F Mohamed
- Biochemistry Branch, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; Chemistry Department, College of Science and Arts, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada S Ibrahim
- Biochemistry Branch, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | | | - Emad M Elzayat
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
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23
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Atwa SM, Odenthal M, El Tayebi HM. Genetic Heterogeneity, Therapeutic Hurdle Confronting Sorafenib and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4343. [PMID: 34503153 PMCID: PMC8430643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the latest advances in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening and treatment modalities, HCC is still representing a global burden. Most HCC patients present at later stages to an extent that conventional curative options are ineffective. Hence, systemic therapy represented by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, in the first-line setting is the main treatment modality for advanced-stage HCC. However, in the two groundbreaking phase III clinical trials, the SHARP and Asia-Pacific trials, sorafenib has demonstrated a modest prolongation of overall survival in almost 30% of HCC patients. As HCC develops in an immune-rich milieu, particular attention has been placed on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a novel therapeutic modality for HCC. Yet, HCC therapy is hampered by the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and the subsequent tumor recurrence. HCC is characterized by substantial genomic heterogeneity that has an impact on cellular response to the applied therapy. And hence, this review aims at giving an insight into the therapeutic impact and the different mechanisms of resistance to sorafenib and ICIs as well as, discussing the genomic heterogeneity associated with such mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Atwa
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11865, Egypt;
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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24
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Nabi AA, Atta SA, El-Ahwany E, Elzayat E, Saleh H. Taurine Upregulates miRNA-122-5p Expression and Suppresses the Metabolizing Enzymes of Glycolytic Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5549-5559. [PMID: 34313924 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complicated disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer have become vital focuses in healthcare research. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of taurine (Tau) on the expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes and affects the overall glycolytic pathway in HepG2 cells. METHOD IC50 and the inhibitory effect of Tau on cell proliferation were measured after 48 h by MTT assay. Then, the mRNA expressions of some apoptosis-related genes P53, BAX, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were measured using quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and the protein levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activities of some antioxidant's biomarkers were assessed. The gene expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes; Aldolase and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were evaluated after treatment with Tau for 48 h. RESULTS A Significant inhibition in the proliferation of HepG2 was encountered after treatment with Tau in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the expression of apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 exhibited a significant upregulation, while Bcl-2 showed a significant downregulation. These alterations in the expression levels were also confirmed on the protein level. The antioxidant activities of GPx, CAT, and NO were significantly elevated versus untreated control. Also, a significant increase in the expression level of miR-122-5p was observed after treatment with Tau affecting the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Concomitantly, a significant inhibition in ALDOA protein and the hallmark of glycolytic enzymes LDH and Aldolase were observed. CONCLUSIONS These observations showed that taurine inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and restores the expression of miR-122-5p which inhibits the hallmark glycolytic enzymes and ultimately the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Tau is assumed to be a promising and effective antitumor therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Abdel Nabi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Attia Atta
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad Elzayat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hanan Saleh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
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25
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Dahiya M, Dureja H. Sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma: potential molecular targets and resistance mechanisms. J Chemother 2021; 34:286-301. [PMID: 34291704 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2021.1955202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widespread typical therapy-resistant, unresectable type of malignant solid tumour with a high death rate constituting huge medical concern. Sorafenib is a small molecule oral multi-target kinase potent inhibitor that acts by suppressing/blocking the multiplication of the tumour cells, angiogenesis, and encouraging apoptosis of the tumour cells. Though, the precise mechanism of tumour cell death induction by sorafenib is yet under exploration. Furthermore, genetic heterogeneity plays a critical role in developing sorafenib resistance, which leads the way to identify the need for predictive biomarkers responsible for drug resistance. Therefore, it is essential to find out the fundamental resistance mechanisms to expand therapeutic plans. The authors summarize the molecular concepts of resistance, progression, potential molecular targets, HCC management therapies, and discussion on the advancements expected in the coming future, inclusive of biomarker-driven treatment strategies, which may provide the prospects to design innovative therapeutically targeted strategies for the HCC treatment and the clinical implementation of emerging targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Dahiya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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26
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Blidisel A, Marcovici I, Coricovac D, Hut F, Dehelean CA, Cretu OM. Experimental Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Preclinical Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3651. [PMID: 34359553 PMCID: PMC8344976 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent form of primary liver carcinoma, is a heterogenous and complex tumor type with increased incidence, poor prognosis, and high mortality. The actual therapeutic arsenal is narrow and poorly effective, rendering this disease a global health concern. Although considerable progress has been made in terms of understanding the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and therapeutical approaches, several facets of human HCC remain undiscovered. A valuable and prompt approach to acquire further knowledge about the unrevealed aspects of HCC and novel therapeutic candidates is represented by the application of experimental models. Experimental models (in vivo and in vitro 2D and 3D models) are considered reliable tools to gather data for clinical usability. This review offers an overview of the currently available preclinical models frequently applied for the study of hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of initiation, development, and progression, as well as for the discovery of efficient treatments, highlighting the advantages and the limitations of each model. Furthermore, we also focus on the role played by computational studies (in silico models and artificial intelligence-based prediction models) as promising novel tools in liver cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Blidisel
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
| | - Iasmina Marcovici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Florin Hut
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Marius Cretu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
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27
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A 3D screening approach identifies the compound epitajixanthone hydrate as a new inhibitor of cancer cell growth and invasion. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 31:890-899. [PMID: 32960529 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
With unique advantages, the small-molecule anticancer drugs have recently gained growing attention. Particular strategies, exemplified by high-throughput screening, fragment-based drug discovery, virtual screening and knowledge-based design, have been developed to identify active compounds. However, such screens generally rely on sophisticated and expensive instrumentations. Herein, we developed a simple spheroids 3D culture system to enable direct screening of small molecules with reliable results. Using this system, we screened 27 fungal natural products and three fungal crude extracts for their inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth, and invasion. We identified that the compound M23 (epitajixanthone hydrate, a derivative of prenylxanthone) and the crude extracts (MPT-191) from the fungi Taxus chinensis showed potential anticancer activity. The effect of epitajixanthone hydrate on cancer cell growth and invasion were further confirmed by the assays of cells viability, trans-well migration and invasion, colony formation and cells reattachment. Overall, Epitajixanthone hydrate was identified as an effective inhibitor of cancer cell growth and invasion by our simple and fast screening platform.
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28
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Histone deacetylase inhibitor resminostat in combination with sorafenib counteracts platelet-mediated pro-tumoral effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9587. [PMID: 33953226 PMCID: PMC8100298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), blood platelets have been linked to tumor growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extrahepatic metastasis and a limited therapeutic response to the multikinase inhibitor (MKi) sorafenib, the standard of care in advanced HCC for the last decade. Recent clinical data indicated an improved overall survival for sorafenib in combination with the HDAC inhibitor resminostat in a platelet count dependent manner. Here, the impact of platelets on the sorafenib and resminostat drug effects in HCC cells was explored. In contrast to sorafenib, resminostat triggered an anti-proliferative response in HCC cell lines independent of platelets. As previously described, platelets induced invasive capabilities of HCC cells, a prerequisite for extravasation and metastasis. Importantly, the resminostat/sorafenib drug combination, but not the individual drugs, effectively blocked platelet-induced HCC cell invasion. Exploration of the molecular mechanism revealed that the combined drug action led to a reduction of platelet-induced CD44 expression and to the deregulation of several other epithelial and mesenchymal genes, suggesting interference with cell invasion via EMT. In addition, the drug combination decreased phosphorylated ERK level, indicating inhibition of the mitogenic signaling pathway MEK/ERK. Taken together, the resminostat plus sorafenib combination counteracts platelet-mediated cancer promoting effects in HCC cells.
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29
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Sharaky M, Kamel M, Aziz MA, Omran M, Rageh MM, Abouzid KAM, Shouman SA. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidine-based urea derivative with potential antitumor activity against tamoxifen sensitive and resistant breast cancer cell lines. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1641-1656. [PMID: 32781854 PMCID: PMC7470147 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1804383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and endocrine resistance to chemotherapy are challenging problems where angiogenesis plays fundamental roles. Thus, targeting of VEGFR-2 signalling pathway has been an attractive approach. In this study, we synthesised a new sorafenib analogue, thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine based urea derivative, KM6. It showed 65% inhibition of VEGF2 tyrosine kinase activity and demonstrated a potential antitumor activity in TAM-resistant, LCC2, and its parental MCF7 BC cells. KM6 retained the sensitivity of LCC2 through upregulation of key enzymes of apoptosis and proteins of cell death including caspases 3, 8, 9, P53, BAX/BCL-2 ratio and LDH in media. It downregulated mRNA expression of Ki-67, survivin, Akt, and reduced levels of ROS and glucose uptake. Moreover, KM6 reduced the levels of inflammation markers PGE2, COX2, IL-1β and IL6 and metastasis markers MMP-2 and MMP-9. In conclusion, KM6 is a promising compound for ER + and TAM-resistant BC with many potential antitumor and polypharmacological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Sharaky
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Kamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Aziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mervat Omran
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monira M Rageh
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Samia A Shouman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Chen K, Zhu P, Liao Y, Yan L, Feng R, Zhai W. An Apoptotic Gene Signature for the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1589-1604. [PMID: 33688206 PMCID: PMC7936856 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health burden worldwide owing to high incidence and poor prognosis. Although numerous apoptotic genes were disclosed in HCC, the prognostic value and clinical utility of the genes remained unclear. Methods The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the microarray and RNA sequencing data from public databases. The apoptosis-related differentially expressed genes (AR-DEGs) were selected to construct a Lasso-penalized Cox regression model. The signature including five apoptotic genes was used to calculate risk score. Then, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and survival analysis were conducted based on the signature. A nomogram containing the signature and clinical characteristics was plotted to visualized the prognosis prediction. Finally, the enrichment analysis was performed in the Gene Ontology (GO) to investigate the potential mechanism. Results Patients with high risk scores were related to worse overall survival than those with low risk. The 3-year and 5-year area under curve (AUC) values of the signature were above 0.7 in databases. And the nomogram presented reliable net benefits for the survival prediction. The nomogram was also tested by probability calibration curves and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Furthermore, the five differentially expressed genes were verified again in the HCC clinical specimens with real-time PCR and Western Blot. Conclusion Collectively, the present study formed a novel signature based on five apoptotic genes, and this possibly predicted prognosis and strengthened the communication with HCC patients about the likely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Henan Oilfield General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, 473000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruo Feng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Zhai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
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31
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Aboughaleb IH, Matboli M, Shawky SM, El-Sharkawy YH. Integration of transcriptomes analysis with spectral signature of total RNA for generation of affordable remote sensing of Hepatocellular carcinoma in serum clinical specimens. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06388. [PMID: 33748469 PMCID: PMC7972971 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health problem with about 841,000 new cases and 782,000 deaths annually, due to lacking early biomarker/s, and centralized diagnosis. Transcriptomes research despite its infancy has proved excellence in its implementation in identifying a coherent specific cancer RNAs differential expression. However, results are sometimes overlapped by other cancer types which negatively affecting specificity, plus the high cost of the equipment used. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an advanced tool with unique, spectroscopic features, is an emerging tool that has widely been used in cancer detection. Herein, a pilot study has been performed for HCC diagnosis, by exploiting HIS properties and the analysis of the transcriptome for the development of non-invasive remote HCC sensing. HSI data cube images of the sera extracted total RNA have been analyzed in HCC, normal subject, liver benign tumor, and chronic HCV with cirrhotic/non-cirrhotic liver groups. Data analyses have revealed a specific spectral signature for all groups and can be easily discriminated; at the computed optimum wavelength. Moreover, we have developed a simple setup based on a commercial laser pointer for sample illumination and a Smartphone CCD camera, with HSI consistent data output. We hypothesized that RNA differential expression and its spatial organization/folding are the key players in the obtained spectral signatures. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to use HSI for sensing cancer based on total RNA in serum, using a Smartphone CCD camera/laser pointer. The proposed biosensor is simple, rapid (2 min), and affordable with specificity and sensitivity of more than 98% and high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marwa Matboli
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif M. Shawky
- Center of Genomics, Helmy Medical Institute, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Ahmed Zewail Road, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12578 Giza, Egypt
- Misr University for Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Department, Al-Motamayez District. P.O.BOX: 77, 6thOctober City, Giza, Egypt
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Microvesicles mediate sorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells through attenuating p53 and enhancing FOXM1 expression. Life Sci 2021; 271:119149. [PMID: 33549596 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance in cancer, still poses therapeutic challenges and tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in it. Microvesicles (MVs) are effective transporters of the molecular information between cells and regulate the tumor microenvironment. They contribute to the drug resistance by transferring functional molecules between cells. Herein we report the effects of liver cancer cell-secreted MVs on sorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells HepG2 and Huh7 both in vitro and in vivo. In our study, these cancer cell-secreted MVs affected the anti-proliferative effect of sorafenib in a dose- and time-dependent manner and also inhibited the sorafenib induced apoptosis in vitro. Further, in in-vivo xenograft mice models, liver cancer cell-secreted MVs increased the tumor volume even after sorafenib treatment. Further, HGF, also got elevated in liver cancer cell-secreted MVs treatment group and activated Ras protein expression. miR-25 in the cancer cell-secreted MVs was transferred to their host cells HepG2 and Huh7 cells and reversed the sorafenib induced expression of tumor suppressor p53. This in turn induced the expression of FOXM1, a key regulator of cell cycle progression and thus affected the anti-proliferative effect of sorafenib. Therefore, this study reveals that liver cancer cell-derived MVs can mediate sorafenib resistance in the liver cancer cells, suggesting that these MVs may not be utilized as vehicles for anti-cancer drug delivery in liver cancer treatments.
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Salimi A, Saboji M, Seydi E. Synergistic Effects of Ellagic Acid and Sorafenib on Hepatocytes and Mitochondria Isolated from a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rat Model. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:2460-2468. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1829653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Salimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Saboji
- Department of Biology, Plant Physiology, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Enayatollah Seydi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Research Center for Health, Safety and Environment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Chen CY, Fang JY, Chen CC, Chuang WY, Leu YL, Ueng SH, Wei LS, Cheng SF, Hsueh C, Wang TH. 2-O-Methylmagnolol, a Magnolol Derivative, Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Inhibiting Class I Histone Deacetylase Expression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1319. [PMID: 32850418 PMCID: PMC7431949 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnolia officinalis is widely used in Southeast Asian countries for the treatment of fever, headache, diarrhea, and stroke. Magnolol is a phenolic compound extracted from M. officinalis, with proven antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, we modified magnolol to synthesize a methoxylated derivative, 2-O-methylmagnolol (MM1), and investigated the use of MM1, and magnolol in the treatment of liver cancer. We found that both magnolol and MM1 exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and halted the cell cycle at the G1 phase. MM1 also demonstrated a substantially better tumor-suppressive effect than magnolol. Further analysis suggested that by inhibiting class I histone deacetylase expression in HCC cell lines, magnolol and MM1 induced p21 expression and p53 activation, thereby causing cell cycle arrest and inhibiting HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, we verified the significant tumor-suppressive effects of magnolol and MM1 in an animal model. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the anti-HCC activities of magnolol and MM1 and their potential for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yuan Chen
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jia-You Fang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chuan Chen
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Chuang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yann-Lii Leu
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Chinese Herbal Medicine Research Team, Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Shir-Hwa Ueng
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Shan Wei
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Cheng
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chuen Hsueh
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Tong-Hong Wang
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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35
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Cao H, Chen X, Wang Z, Wang L, Xia Q, Zhang W. The role of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction in the hepatocellular carcinoma transformation. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:53. [PMID: 32595984 PMCID: PMC7305227 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-0287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death globally. The main histological subtype is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is derived from hepatocytes. According to the epidemiologic studies, the most important risk factors of HCC are chronic viral infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) and metabolic disease (metabolic syndrome). Interestingly, these carcinogenic factors that contributed to HCC are associated with MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction, which presented with inactivation of p53 and overactivation of MDM2 (a transcriptional target and negative regulator of p53). Mechanically, the homeostasis of MDM2-p53 feedback loop plays an important role in controlling the initiation and progression of HCC, which has been found to be dysregulated in HCC tissues. To maintain long-term survival in hepatocytes, hepatitis viruses have lots of ways to destroy the defense strategies of hepatocytes by inducing TP53 mutation and silencing, promoting MDM2 overexpression, accelerating p53 degradation, and stabilizing MDM2. As a result, genetic instability, chronic ER stress, oxidative stress, energy metabolism switch, and abnormalities in antitumor genes can be induced, all of which might promote hepatocytes' transformation into hepatoma cells. In addition, abnormal proliferative hepatocytes and precancerous cells cannot be killed, because of hepatitis viruses-mediated exhaustion of Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and CD4+T cells by disrupting their MDM2-p53 axis. Moreover, inefficiency of hepatic immune response can be further aggravated when hepatitis viruses co-infected with HIV. Unlike with chronic viral infections, MDM2-p53 axis might play a dual role in glucolipid metabolism of hepatocytes, which presented with enhancing glucolipid catabolism, but promoting hepatocyte injury at the early and late stages of glucolipid metabolism disorder. Oxidative stress, fatty degeneration, and abnormal cell growth can be detected in hepatocytes that were suffering from glucolipid metabolism disorder, and all of which could contribute to HCC initiation. In this review, we focus on the current studies of the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC, and specifically discuss the impact of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction by viral infection and metabolic disease in the transformation of normal hepatocytes into hepatoma cells. We also discuss the therapeutic avenues and potential targets that are being developed to normalize the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cao
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Putuo People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
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Gong Z, Yu J, Yang S, Lai PBS, Chen GG. FOX transcription factor family in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188376. [PMID: 32437734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistep process, involving the progressive accumulation of molecular alterations and transcriptomic alterations. The Forkhead-box (FOX) transcription factor family is characterized by its unique DNA binding domain (FKH or winged-helix domain). Human FOX family consists of about 17 subfamilies, at least 43 members. Some of them are liver-enriched transcription factors, suggesting that they may play a crucial role in the development or/and functions of the liver. Dysregulation of FOX transcription factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC because they can activate or suppress the expression of various tumor-related molecules, and pinpoint different molecular and cellular events. Here we summarized, analyzed and discussed the status and the functions of the human FOX family of transcription factors in HCC, aiming to help the further development of them as potential therapeutic targets or/and diagnostic/prognostic markers for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqin Gong
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianqing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan District people's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Rodríguez-Hernández MA, Chapresto-Garzón R, Cadenas M, Navarro-Villarán E, Negrete M, Gómez-Bravo MA, Victor VM, Padillo FJ, Muntané J. Differential effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in 2D/3D culture according to cell differentiation, p53 status and mitochondrial respiration in liver cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:339. [PMID: 32382022 PMCID: PMC7206079 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib and Regorafenib are the recommended first- and second-line therapies in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lenvatinib and Cabozantinib have shown non-inferior antitumoral activities compared with the corresponding recommended therapies. The clinical trials have established recommended doses for each treatment that lead different blood concentrations in patients for Sorafenib (10 µM), Regorafenib (1 µM), Lenvatinib (0.1 µM), and Cabozantinib (1 µM). However, very low response rates are observed in patients attributed to intrinsic resistances or upregulation of survival signaling. The aim of the study was the comparative dose-response analysis of the drugs (0-100 µM) in well-differentiated (HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7), moderately (SNU423), and poorly (SNU449) differentiated liver cancer cells in 2D/3D cultures. Cells harbors wild-type p53 (HepG2), non-sense p53 mutation (Hep3B), inframe p53 gene deletion (SNU423), and p53 point mutation (Huh7 and SNU449). The administration of regular used in vitro dose (10 µM) in 3D and 2D cultures, as well as the dose-response analysis in 2D cultures showed Sorafenib and Regorafenib were increasingly effective in reducing cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in well-differentiated and expressing wild-type p53 in HCC cells. Lenvatinib and Cabozantinib were particularly effective in moderately to poorly differentiated cells with mutated or lacking p53 that have lower basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ATP, and maximal respiration capacity than observed in differentiated HCC cells. Sorafenib and Regorafenib downregulated, and Lenvatinib and Cabozantinib upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor receptor (c-Met) in HepG2 cells. Conclusions: Sorafenib and Regorafenib were especially active in well-differentiated cells, with wild-type p53 and increased mitochondrial respiration. By contrast, Lenvatinib and Cabozantinib appeared more effective in moderately to poorly differentiated cells with mutated p53 and low mitochondrial respiration. The development of strategies that allow us to deliver increased doses in tumors might potentially enhance the effectiveness of the treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Rodríguez-Hernández
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Chapresto-Garzón
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Miryam Cadenas
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Villarán
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Negrete
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A Gómez-Bravo
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, Seville, Spain
| | - Victor M Victor
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Service of Endocrinology, University Hospital Doctor Peset, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Padillo
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntané
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, Seville, Spain.
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Panda S, Banerjee N, Chatterjee S. Solute carrier proteins and c-Myc: a strong connection in cancer progression. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:891-900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Moawad AW, Szklaruk J, Lall C, Blair KJ, Kaseb AO, Kamath A, Rohren SA, Elsayes KM. Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Pathophysiology, Targeted Therapy, and Role of Imaging. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:77-89. [PMID: 32426302 PMCID: PMC7188073 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s224471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide, usually occurring on a background of liver cirrhosis. HCC is a highly vascular tumor in which angiogenesis plays a major role in tumor growth and spread. Tumor-induced angiogenesis is usually related to a complex interplay between multiple factors and pathways, with vascular endothelial growth factor being a major player in angiogenesis. In the past decade, understanding of tumor-induced angiogenesis has led to the emergence of novel anti-angiogenic therapies, which act by reducing neo-angiogenesis, and improving patient survival. Currently, Sorafenib and Lenvatinib are being used as the first-line treatment for advanced unresectable HCC. However, a disadvantage of these agents is the presence of numerous side effects. A major challenge in the management of HCC patients being treated with anti-angiogenic therapy is effective monitoring of treatment response, which decides whether to continue treatment or to seek second-line treatment. Several criteria can be used to assess response to treatment, such as quantitative perfusion on cross-sectional imaging and novel/emerging MRI techniques, including a host of known and emerging biomarkers and radiogenomics. This review addresses the pathophysiology of angiogenesis in HCC, accurate imaging assessment of angiogenesis, monitoring effects of anti-angiogenic therapy to guide future treatment and assessing prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed W Moawad
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Janio Szklaruk
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chandana Lall
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Katherine J Blair
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amita Kamath
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott A Rohren
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Pang D, Yang C, Li C, Zou Y, Feng B, Li L, Liu W, Luo Q, Chen Z, Huang C. Polyphyllin II inhibits liver cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion through downregulated cofilin activity and the AKT/NF-κB pathway. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio.046854. [PMID: 31988091 PMCID: PMC7044461 DOI: 10.1242/bio.046854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of primary liver cancer is one of the highest amongst all cancers. Deficiency of effective treatment and characteristics of cancer metastasis are believed to be responsible for this situation, thus a great demand is required for new agent development. Polyphyllin II (PP2), an important steroidal saponin extracted from Rhizoma Paris, has emerged as a potential anti-cancer agent, but the effects of PP2 in liver cancers and its underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. In our study, we found that PP2 could remarkably suppress the proliferation of two liver cancer cell lines, HepG2 and BEL7402, resulting in significant cell death. Besides, low doses of PP2 have displayed properties that inhibit cellular motility and invasion of liver cancer cells. In addition, we have found that PP2-mediated cofilin activity suppression was implicated in the inhibition of liver cancer cell motility. Decreased expression of two major hydrolytic enzymes (MMP2/MMP9), through the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway may also be also responsible for this process. Rescue experiments done with either non-phosphorylatable mutant cofilin-1 (S3A) transfection or an activator of the AKT pathway significantly reversed the inhibition effects of PP2 on liver cancer cells. Taken together, we report a potential agent for liver cancer treatment and reveal its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejiang Pang
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Neuroscience & Metabolism Research, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chao Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qihui Luo
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhengli Chen
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Chao Huang
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China,Authors for correspondence (; )
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Sedighi M, Rahimi F, Shahbazi MA, Rezayan AH, Kettiger H, Einfalt T, Huwyler J, Witzigmann D. Controlled Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Delivery to Liver Cancer Cells by Gate-Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:239-251. [PMID: 35019440 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary malignancy in the liver and one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Its readily increasing mortality rate highlights the urgent need for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sorafenib and sunitinib are used as efficient angiogenesis inhibitors for this purpose. However, despite their pharmacological effects, their transfer into clinical practice is characterized by their poor aqueous solubility and accumulation in off-target tissues, resulting in unfavorable side effects. Here, we report a nanocomposite made of amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanocomposites (MSNs) that are surface-coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) for the controlled delivery and release of TKIs. Amine-functionalized MSNs were prepared using a sol-gel method and loaded with TKIs. To trap drug molecules into the mesoporous structure, CNPs were covalently conjugated to the surface of MSNs. The synthesis and functionalization steps were controlled using different characterization methods, confirming the desired morphology and structure, the identity of functional groups on the surface, successful coating, and appropriate loading efficiency. Under physiological conditions, CNP-capped MSNs demonstrated a sustained drug release over time as a result of CNPs' gatekeeping effect on the payloads. Strong cellular interactions with different liver cancer cells and enhanced cellular uptake were also observed in vitro for the gate-capped MSNs. Internalization of nanocomposites induced cell death via the production of reactive oxygen species, and subsequent activation of apoptosis pathways. This study demonstrates that gate-capped MSNs are promising chemotherapeutic vehicles characterized by a sustained drug release profile and high cellular internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Sedighi
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, 1439957131 Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fereshteh Rahimi
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, 1439957131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
- Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Plads, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 4513956184 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Hossein Rezayan
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, 1439957131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Helene Kettiger
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tomaz Einfalt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Health Sciences Mall, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bai T, Lei P, Zhou H, Liang R, Zhu R, Wang W, Zhou L, Sun Y. Sigma-1 receptor protects against ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:7349-7359. [PMID: 31507082 PMCID: PMC6815844 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which plays a vital role in ferroptosis. Sorafenib is a strong inducer of ferroptosis but not of apoptosis. However, the mechanism of sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we found for the first time that sorafenib induced most of S1Rs away from nucleus compared to control groups in Huh-7 cells, and ferrostatin-1 completely blocked the translocation. S1R protein expression, but not mRNA expression, in HCC cells was significantly up-regulated by sorafenib. Knockdown of NRF2, but not of p53 or hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), markedly induced S1R mRNA expression in HCC cells. Inhibition of S1R (by RNAi or antagonists) increased sorafenib-induced HCC cell death in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of S1R blocked the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), one of the core targets of ferroptosis, in vitro and in vivo. Iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation increased in the S1R knockdown groups treated with sorafenib compared to the control counterpart. Ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and transferrin receotor protein 1 (TFR1), both of which are critical for iron metabolism, were markedly up-regulated in HCC cells treated with erastin and sorafenib, whereas knockdown of S1R inhibited these increases. In conclusion, we demonstrate that S1R protects HCC cells against sorafenib and subsequent ferroptosis. A better understanding of the role of S1R in ferroptosis may provide novel insight into this biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Pengxu Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Ruopeng Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Rongtao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Weijie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yuling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic DiseasesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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Ebrahim HM, El-Rouby MN, Morsy ME, Said MM, Ezz MK. The Synergistic Cytotoxic Effect of Laser-Irradiated Gold Nanoparticles and Sorafenib Against the Growth of a Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:3369-3376. [PMID: 31759361 PMCID: PMC7062997 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.11.3369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles are the most promising candidate in cancer treatment due to their physiochemical properties and increased use in photothermal therapy (PTT). In the present study, spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using citrate reduction method. The particles were then characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. A hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) was incubated with sorafenib and/or non-irradiated or laser-irradiated AuNPs for 48 hrs. The cytotoxic effect of different treatment modalities was determined using MTT assay. Furthermore, apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide, as well as estimating the level of caspases. Results showed that AuNPs and sorafenib reduced HepG2 cell viability, and the cytotoxicity was associated with increased release of LDH in the culture medium. The recorded cytotoxicity was attributed to enhanced apoptosis as revealed by increased cellular caspases (3, 8 and 9), that was further confirmed by flow cytometry. The most notable cytotoxic effect was recorded when combining sorafenib with laser-irradiated AuNPs. In conclusion, a synergistic cytotoxic effect was observed between sorafenib and laser-irradiated AuNPs against the growth of HepG2, suggesting the potential substitution of large toxic doses of sorafenib by lower doses in combination with photothermal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidy M Ebrahim
- Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud N El-Rouby
- Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona E Morsy
- Department of Medical Applications, National Institute of Laser-Enhanced Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Said
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magda K Ezz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Delman M, Avcı ST, Akçok İ, Kanbur T, Erdal E, Çağır A. Antiproliferative activity of (R)-4'-methylklavuzon on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and EpCAM +/CD133 + cancer stem cells via SIRT1 and Exportin-1 (CRM1) inhibition. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 180:224-237. [PMID: 31306909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic effects of (R)-4'-methylklavuzon were investigated on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HuH-7 and HepG2) and HuH-7 EpCAM+/CD133+ cancer stem cells. IC50 of (R)-4'-methylklavuzon was found as 1.25 μM for HuH-7 parental cells while it was found as 2.50 μM for HuH-7 EpCAM+/CD133+ cancer stem cells. (R)-4'-methylklavuzon tended to show more efficient in vitro cytotoxicity with its lower IC50 values on hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines compared to its lead molecule, goniothalamin and FDA-approved drugs, sorafenib and regorafenib. Cell-based Sirtuin/HDAC enzyme activity measurements revealed that endogenous Sirtuin/HDAC enzymes were reduced by 40% compared to control. SIRT1 protein levels were upregulated indicating triggered DNA repair mechanism. p53 was overexpressed in HepG2 cells. (R)-4'-methylklavuzon inhibited CRM1 protein providing increased retention of p53 and RIOK2 protein in the nucleus. HuH-7 parental and EpCAM+/CD133+ cancer stem cell spheroids lost intact morphology. 3D HepG2 spheroid viabilities were decreased in a correlation with upregulation in p53 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Delman
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sanem Tercan Avcı
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İsmail Akçok
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tuğçe Kanbur
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdal
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Ali Çağır
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
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Li A, Zhang R, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wang R, Liu J, Liu X, Xie Y, Cao W, Xu R, Ma Y, Cai W, Wu B, Cai S, Tang X. BEZ235 increases sorafenib inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:5573-5585. [PMID: 31632530 PMCID: PMC6789287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor that inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway. However, sorafenib loses effectiveness because most tumors acquire drug resistance over time. As the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is also activated abnormally in HCC, we evaluated the effect of sorafenib, in combination with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, on HCC cell proliferation and survival in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biological phenotypes were analysed in HCC cell lines, parental and sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2 and HepG2R), treated with sorafenib or BEZ235, alone or in combination. HCC cellular proliferation and apoptosis were investigated, and perturbations of the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling/survival pathways were evaluated by western blot analysis. RESULTS BEZ235 enhanced sorafenib inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration, and promotion of apoptosis in HepG2 and HepG2R cells. The combined effects were associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and S6K in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, whereas the combination of sorafenib and BEZ235 did not significantly alter the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway compared with the effect of sorafenib alone. CONCLUSION Sorafenib/BEZ235 combination has potent anti-HCC cell activity. This anti-tumor activity is most likely multi-factorial, mainly involving PI3K down-regulation and AKT, mTOR and S6K dephosphorylation. Combined inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MAPK pathways enhances sorafenib inhibition of HCC. The results of these in vitro studies suggest that trials of combined sorafenib and BEZ235 in the treatment of HCC should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Rongbo Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Ruikai Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Jiachang Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xinkuang Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghai Xie
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Ruyue Xu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Wenpeng Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Binquan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu 233004, China
| | - Shuyu Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
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Wang D, Jia W, Wang Z, Wen T, Ding W, Xia F, Zhang L, Wu F, Peng T, Liu B, Zhou C, Zheng Q, Miao X, Peng J, Huang Z, Dou K. Retrospective analysis of sorafenib efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with high recurrence rate of post-hepatic carcinectomy. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:5779-5791. [PMID: 31410023 PMCID: PMC6643495 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s168447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is no guideline recommendation for preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after hepatic resection. Moreover, an unmet need exists on the effectiveness of sorafenib therapy in recurrent HCC. Purpose: We therefore assessed the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in Chinese HCC patients with high risk of recurrence. Patients and methods: Data were collected retrospectively from 15 Chinese research centers from January 1, 2012 to November 15, 2013, by chart reviews of patients with moderate-advanced HCC who received hepatic carcinectomy. The primary end point was recurrence-free survival rate at 1 year in patients with a high recurrence risk. Secondary end points included 1-year survival rate, time to recurrence and safety assessment. Results: A total of 209 high-risk patients (sorafenib, n=98; control, n=111) who underwent carcinectomy were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with recurrence-free survival at 1 year between the sorafenib and control (70.43% vs 68.90%: χ2=0.007, P=0.934). One-year survival rate was significantly higher with sorafenib than observed with control (95.5% vs 83.35%; χ2=7.441, P=0.006). Time to recurrence between sorafenib and control groups was similar. Incidences of all the adverse events (AEs) were similar in both the groups and transaminase elevation was most common in both groups (20.37% vs 24.79%). Thrombocytopenia incidence was significantly lower with the sorafenib group than with control (1.85% vs 9.40%; P=0.015). Conclusion: Sorafenib may be considered as a feasible option in the treatment of HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weridong Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feixiang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Cuncai Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Qichang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiongying Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Junping Peng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Shaanxi, China
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Chiu YC, Chen HIH, Zhang T, Zhang S, Gorthi A, Wang LJ, Huang Y, Chen Y. Predicting drug response of tumors from integrated genomic profiles by deep neural networks. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:18. [PMID: 30704458 PMCID: PMC6357352 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of high-throughput genomic profiles from a pharmacogenomics viewpoint has provided unprecedented insights into the oncogenic features modulating drug response. A recent study screened for the response of a thousand human cancer cell lines to a wide collection of anti-cancer drugs and illuminated the link between cellular genotypes and vulnerability. However, due to essential differences between cell lines and tumors, to date the translation into predicting drug response in tumors remains challenging. Recently, advances in deep learning have revolutionized bioinformatics and introduced new techniques to the integration of genomic data. Its application on pharmacogenomics may fill the gap between genomics and drug response and improve the prediction of drug response in tumors. RESULTS We proposed a deep learning model to predict drug response (DeepDR) based on mutation and expression profiles of a cancer cell or a tumor. The model contains three deep neural networks (DNNs), i) a mutation encoder pre-trained using a large pan-cancer dataset (The Cancer Genome Atlas; TCGA) to abstract core representations of high-dimension mutation data, ii) a pre-trained expression encoder, and iii) a drug response predictor network integrating the first two subnetworks. Given a pair of mutation and expression profiles, the model predicts IC50 values of 265 drugs. We trained and tested the model on a dataset of 622 cancer cell lines and achieved an overall prediction performance of mean squared error at 1.96 (log-scale IC50 values). The performance was superior in prediction error or stability than two classical methods (linear regression and support vector machine) and four analog DNN models of DeepDR, including DNNs built without TCGA pre-training, partly replaced by principal components, and built on individual types of input data. We then applied the model to predict drug response of 9059 tumors of 33 cancer types. Using per-cancer and pan-cancer settings, the model predicted both known, including EGFR inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer and tamoxifen in ER+ breast cancer, and novel drug targets, such as vinorelbine for TTN-mutated tumors. The comprehensive analysis further revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance to a chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel in a pan-cancer setting and the anti-cancer potential of a novel agent, CX-5461, in treating gliomas and hematopoietic malignancies. CONCLUSIONS Here we present, as far as we know, the first DNN model to translate pharmacogenomics features identified from in vitro drug screening to predict the response of tumors. The results covered both well-studied and novel mechanisms of drug resistance and drug targets. Our model and findings improve the prediction of drug response and the identification of novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chiao Chiu
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Hung-I Harry Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Tinghe Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Songyao Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
- Laboratory of Information Fusion Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710072 Shaanxi China
| | - Aparna Gorthi
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Li-Ju Wang
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
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Dai X, Geng F, Dai J, Li M, Liu M. Rho GTPase Activating Protein 24 (ARHGAP24) Regulates the Anti-Cancer Activity of Sorafenib Against Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells via the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Signaling Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:8669-8677. [PMID: 30499465 PMCID: PMC6284358 DOI: 10.12659/msm.911394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND STAT3 has emerged as a novel potential target for sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, in the context of cancer therapy. ARHGAP24 is a Rac-specific Rho GTPase-activating protein (Rho GAP), which can convert Rho GTPases to an inactive state. It has been proved to be an oncosuppressor protein in renal cancer. In the present study, we investigated its anti-cancer effect in breast cancer (BC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of ARHGAP24 in clinical tissue samples. Then, BC MDA-MB-231 cells were virally transduced with ARHGAP24 silencing or overexpression lentiviral vectors in the absence or presence of sorafenib. Cell viability and metastatic ability were evaluated by using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays. Proteins belonging to the STAT3 pathway were detected by Western blot. RESULTS ARHGAP24 decreased in BC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues. Forced expression of ARHGAP24 and sorafenib treatment significantly suppressed the viability, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Conversely, elimination of the endogenous ARHGAP24 with shRNA promoted cell viability, migration, and invasion. The phosphorylation of STAT3 and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were attenuated by ARHGAP24 ectopic expression and sorafenib treatment. Furthermore, forced expression of ARHGAP24 significantly enhanced sorafenib-induced decrease of cell viability, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, while elimination of the endogenous ARHGAP24 with shRNA inhibited it. CONCLUSIONS ARHGAP24 can suppress the development of MDA-MB-231 cells via the STAT3 signaling pathway, and sorafenib inhibits cell viability, migration, invasion, and STAT3 activation in MDA-MB-231 cells through ARHGAP24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianping Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Feng Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jiale Dai
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Mengshun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, P.R. China
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49
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Dai J, Huang Q, Niu K, Wang B, Li Y, Dai C, Chen Z, Tao K, Dai J. Sestrin 2 confers primary resistance to sorafenib by simultaneously activating AKT and AMPK in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5691-5703. [PMID: 30311444 PMCID: PMC6247041 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the malignancy derived from normal hepatocytes with increasing incidence and extremely poor prognosis worldwide. The only approved first‐line systematic treatment agent for HCC, sorafenib, is capable to effectively improve advanced HCC patients’ survival. However, it is gradually recognized that the therapeutic response to sorafenib could be drastically diminished after short‐term treatment, defined as primary resistance. The present study is aimed to explore the role of stress‐inducible protein Sestrin2 (SESN2), one of the most important sestrins family members, in sorafenib primary resistance. Herein, we initially found that SESN2 expression was significantly up‐regulated in both HCC cell lines and tissues compared to normal human hepatocytes and corresponding adjacent liver tissues, respectively. In addition, SESN2 expression was highly correlated with sorafenib IC50 of HCC cell lines. Thereafter, we showed that sorafenib treatment resulted in an increase of SESN2 expression and the knockdown of SESN2 exacerbated sorafenib‐induced proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis. Further mechanistic study uncovered that SESN2 deficiency impaired both AKT and AMPK phosphorylation and activation after sorafenib treatment. Moreover, the correlations between SESN2 expression and both phosphor‐AKT and phosphor‐AMPK expression were illustrated in HCC tissues. Taken together, our study demonstrates that SESN2 activates AKT and AMPK signaling as a novel mechanism to induce sorafenib primary resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,The Cadet Team 6 (Regiment 6) of School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qichao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kunwei Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhinan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingyao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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A Novel Aurora-A Inhibitor (MLN8237) Synergistically Enhances the Antitumor Activity of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:176-188. [PMID: 30292139 PMCID: PMC6172479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, sorafenib-based therapy is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and there is a strong rationale for investigating its use in combination with other agents to achieve better therapeutic effects. Aurora-A, a member of a family of mitotic serine/threonine kinases, is frequently overexpressed in human cancers and therefore represents a target for therapy. Here, we investigated a novel Aurora-A inhibitor, MLN8237, together with sorafenib in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and elucidated the possible molecular mechanism. Here, it was found that MLN8237 was strongly synergistic with sorafenib in inhibition of HCC progression by altering cell growth, cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Mechanism dissection suggests that the combination of MLN8237 and sorafenib led to significant inhibition of the activation of phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and their downstream genes including CDK4, cyclinD1, and VEGFA. The activators of p-Akt and p-p38 MAPK signaling partially reversed the synergistic inhibitory effects of sorafenib and MLN8237 on HCC progression. Subsequent in vivo studies further confirmed the synergistic effects of sorafenib and MLN8237. Collectively, the newly developed sorafenib-MLN8237 combination may be a novel therapy to better inhibit HCC progression.
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