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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Cardin R, Battistel M, Palano G, Bertellini F, Kitenge MP, Peserico G, Farinati F, Russo FP. HIF-1α and VEGF as prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:872-879. [PMID: 37783655 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoangiogenesis plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and concerns have been raised about the role of neoangiogenesis on the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). AIM In this study, we aimed to evaluate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) as circulating prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients treated with TACE. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 163 patients before (t0) and four weeks after TACE (t1). RESULTS Higher levels of VEGF after TACE were demonstrated (264.0 [78.7-450.8] vs. 278.6 [95.0-576.6] pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Responders to TACE had lower levels of VEGF than non-responders both at t0 (200.0 [58.9-415.8] vs. 406.6 [181.4-558.6] pg/mL; p = 0.006) and at t1 (257.3 [68.5-528.6] vs. 425.9 [245.2-808.3] pg/mL; p = 0.003), and in both groups there was an increase in VEGF compared to measurements before treatment (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). VEGF was not associated with overall survival (OS), while patients with HIF-1α ≤ 0.49 ng/mL showed better prognosis (median OS 28.0 months [95% CI 19.7-36.3] vs. 17.0 months [95% CI 11.1-22.9]; p = 0.01). Moreover, HIF-1α was identified as an independent prognostic parameter. CONCLUSIONS VEGF and HIF-1α can be considered useful prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients treated with TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Romilda Cardin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Battistel
- Radiology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palano
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Bertellini
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Piera Kitenge
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Peserico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Agustiningsih A, Rasyak MR, Turyadi, Jayanti S, Sukowati C. The oncogenic role of hepatitis B virus X gene in hepatocarcinogenesis: recent updates. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:120-134. [PMID: 38464387 PMCID: PMC10918233 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancers with high mortality rate. Among its various etiological factors, one of the major risk factors for HCC is a chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV X protein (HBx) has been identified to play an important role in the HBV-induced HCC pathogenesis since it may interfere with several key regulators of many cellular processes. HBx localization within the cells may be beneficial to HBx multiple functions at different phases of HBV infection and associated hepatocarcinogenesis. HBx as a regulatory protein modulates cellular transcription, molecular signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, protein degradation pathways, and host genetic stability via interaction with various factors, including its association with various non-coding RNAs. A better understanding on the regulatory mechanism of HBx on various characteristics of HCC would provide an overall picture of HBV-associated HCC. This article addresses recent data on HBx role in the HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustiningsih Agustiningsih
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rezki Rasyak
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
- Post Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Turyadi
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Sri Jayanti
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Caecilia Sukowati
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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3
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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Choudhary HB, Mandlik SK, Mandlik DS. Role of p53 suppression in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2023; 14:46-70. [PMID: 37304923 PMCID: PMC10251250 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v14.i3.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the top 10 most prevalent malignancies. HCC formation has indeed been linked to numerous etiological factors, including alcohol usage, hepatitis viruses and liver cirrhosis. Among the most prevalent defects in a wide range of tumours, notably HCC, is the silencing of the p53 tumour suppressor gene. The control of the cell cycle and the preservation of gene function are both critically important functions of p53. In order to pinpoint the core mechanisms of HCC and find more efficient treatments, molecular research employing HCC tissues has been the main focus. Stimulated p53 triggers necessary reactions that achieve cell cycle arrest, genetic stability, DNA repair and the elimination of DNA-damaged cells’ responses to biological stressors (like oncogenes or DNA damage). To the contrary hand, the oncogene protein of the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a significant biological inhibitor of p53. MDM2 causes p53 protein degradation, which in turn adversely controls p53 function. Despite carrying wt-p53, the majority of HCCs show abnormalities in the p53-expressed apoptotic pathway. High p53 in-vivo expression might have two clinical impacts on HCC: (1) Increased levels of exogenous p53 protein cause tumour cells to undergo apoptosis by preventing cell growth through a number of biological pathways; and (2) Exogenous p53 makes HCC susceptible to various anticancer drugs. This review describes the functions and primary mechanisms of p53 in pathological mechanism, chemoresistance and therapeutic mechanisms of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena B Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacology, BVDU, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Satish K Mandlik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, BVDU, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepa S Mandlik
- Department of Pharmacology, BVDU, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India
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Zandi M, Shokri S, Mahmoudvand S, Hosseinzadeh Adli A, Mohammadi R, Haddadi A. Interplay between cellular metabolism and DNA viruses. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5163-5173. [PMID: 35869415 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28018] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses as intracellular pathogens take over the host metabolism and reprogram to facilitate optimal virus production. DNA viruses can cause alterations in several metabolic pathways, including aerobic glycolysis also known as the Warburg effect, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and amino acid catabolism such as glutaminolysis, nucleotide biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. The available energy for productive infection can be increased in infected cells via modification of different carbon source utilization. This review discusses the metabolic alterations of the DNA viruses that will be the basis for future novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Zandi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Shokri
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahab Mahmoudvand
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseinzadeh Adli
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Mohammadi
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Azita Haddadi
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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HBx 128–133 Deletion Affecting HBV Mother-to-Child Transmission Weakens HBV Replication via Reducing HBx Level and CP/ENII Transcriptional Activity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091887. [PMID: 36146694 PMCID: PMC9506584 DOI: 10.3390/v14091887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers, especially born to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers, can still be infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV and develop chronic HBV infection. At present, the virological factors affecting HBV MTCT are still unclear. In this study, we found that the mutation rates of amino acids in the HBV X region were high, and there were obvious differences between the immunoprophylaxis success group and the immunoprophylaxis failure group of HBeAg-positive mothers. Specifically, the mutation rate of HBx 128–133 deletion (x128–133del) or corresponding nucleotide 1755–1772 deletion (nt1755–1772del) in the immunoprophylaxis success group was significantly higher than that in the immunoprophylaxis failure group. Furthermore, we found that x128–133del could weaken HBV replication by reducing the level of the HBx protein due to the increased proteasome-dependent degradation of HBx protein, and the transcriptional activity of HBV core promoter (CP)/enhancer II (ENII) due to the attenuated binding capacity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) to HBV CP/ENII. This study suggests that x128–133del may contribute to immunoprophylaxis success, which may be helpful in clarifying the virological mechanism affecting HBV MTCT and formulating an optimal immunization strategy for children born to HBeAg-positive mothers.
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Hypoxic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Acquire Arsenic Trioxide Resistance by Upregulating HIF-1α Expression. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:3806-3816. [PMID: 34383201 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although arsenic trioxide (ATO) is used in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical trials, it is not satisfactory in terms of improving HCC patients' overall survival. Intratumoral hypoxia and overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) may result in ATO resistance and tumor progression. AIMS We investigated the mechanisms involving HIF-1α expression and acquired ATO chemoresistance in HCC cells and mice. METHODS The therapeutic effects of ATO in normoxic and hypoxic HCC cells were assessed using cell viability and apoptosis assays in vitro and a xenograft model in vivo. mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, P-glycoprotein, and VEGF were measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. HIF-1α inhibition was performed to investigate the mechanism of ATO resistance. VEGF secretion was tested using ELISA and tube formation assays. RESULTS Compared to normoxic cells, hypoxic HCC cells were more resistant to ATO, with higher IC50 values and less apoptosis, and upregulated HIF-1α protein expression, accompanied with the enhancement of P-glycoprotein and VEGF synthesis after ATO treatment. VEGF secretion was elevated in the supernatant of ATO-treated HCC cells, and this change can potentiate angiogenesis in vitro. HIF-1α inhibition attenuated ATO resistance and angiogenesis and promoted the anticancer effects of ATO both in vitro and in vivo by downregulating therapy-induced P-glycoprotein and VEGF overexpression. CONCLUSIONS Hypoxic HCC cells acquire ATO resistance by upregulating HIF-1α levels; thus, combining ATO with a HIF-1α-targeting agent may lead to enhanced antitumor effects in HCC.
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8
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Huang H, Yuan D, Li M, Abulaiti A, Lu F. Active HBV replication in hypoxic pericentral zone 3 is upregulated by multiple host factors including HIF-1α. J Hepatol 2022; 77:265-267. [PMID: 35219790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Huang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Disen Yuan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mingwei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Abudurexiti Abulaiti
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
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9
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Guo J, Akahoshi T, Mizuta Y, Murata M, Narahara S, Kawano T, Nagao Y, Zhang S, Tomikawa M, Kawanaka H, Hashizume M. Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Alleviates Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:840-853. [PMID: 33259137 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication of liver surgery and transplantation, especially in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The mechanism of NASH susceptibility to IRI has not been fully clarified. We investigated the role of liver-produced histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in NASH IRI. A NASH mouse model was established using C57BL/6J mice fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCDD) for 6 weeks. The MCDD and standard diet groups were exposed to 60 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We further evaluated the impact of HRG in this context using HRG knockdown (KD) mice. IRI increased HRG expression in the standard diet group, but not in the MCDD group after I/R. HRG expression was inversely correlated with neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). HRG KD mice showed severe liver injury with neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. Pretreatment with supplementary HRG protected against I/R with the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. In vitro, hepatocytes showed that the expression of HRG was upregulated under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions, but not in response to oleic acid-treated hepatocytes. The decrease in HRG expression in fatty hepatocytes was accompanied by decreased farnesoid X receptor and hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha subunit expression. HRG is a hepatoprotective factor during hepatic IRI because it decreases neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. The decrease in HRG is a cause of susceptibility to IRI in steatotic livers. Therefore, HRG is a new therapeutic target for minimizing liver damage in patients with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Guo
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Akahoshi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukie Mizuta
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sayoko Narahara
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahito Kawano
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nagao
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Morimasa Tomikawa
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kawanaka
- Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Beppu Medical Center, Beppu, Japan
| | - Makoto Hashizume
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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10
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Liu PJ, Balfe P, McKeating JA, Schilling M. Oxygen Sensing and Viral Replication: Implications for Tropism and Pathogenesis. Viruses 2020; 12:E1213. [PMID: 33113858 PMCID: PMC7693908 DOI: 10.3390/v12111213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect and respond to varying oxygen tension is an essential prerequisite to life. Several mechanisms regulate the cellular response to oxygen including the prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)/factor inhibiting HIF (FIH)-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway, cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol) dioxygenase (ADO) system, and the lysine-specific demethylases (KDM) 5A and KDM6A. Using a systems-based approach we discuss the literature on oxygen sensing pathways in the context of virus replication in different tissues that experience variable oxygen tension. Current information supports a model where the PHD-HIF pathway enhances the replication of viruses infecting tissues under low oxygen, however, the reverse is true for viruses with a selective tropism for higher oxygen environments. Differences in oxygen tension and associated HIF signaling may play an important role in viral tropism and pathogenesis. Thus, pharmaceutical agents that modulate HIF activity could provide novel treatment options for viral infections and associated pathological conditions.
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11
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Hepatitis B Virus preS/S Truncation Mutant rtM204I/sW196* Increases Carcinogenesis through Deregulated HIF1A, MGST2, and TGFbi. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176366. [PMID: 32887289 PMCID: PMC7503731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inevitable long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has selected reverse-transcriptase (rt) mutants in a substantial proportion of patients. Some of these mutants introduce premature stop codons in the overlapping surface (s) gene, including rtA181T/sW172*, which has been shown to enhance oncogenicity. The oncogenicity of another drug-resistant mutant, rtM204I/sW196*, has not been studied. We constructed plasmids harboring rtM204I/sW196* and assessed the in vitro cell transformation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, and xenograft tumorigenesis of the transformants. Cellular gene expression was analyzed by cDNA microarray and was validated. The rtM204I/sW196* transformants, compared with the control or wild type, showed enhanced transactivation activities for c-fos, increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, more anchorage-independent growth, and enhanced tumor growth in mouse xenografts. X box-binding protein-1 (XBP1) splicing analysis showed no ER stress response. Altered gene expressions, including up-regulated MGST2 and HIF1A, and downregulated transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFbi), were unveiled by cDNA microarray and validated by RT-qPCR. The TGFbi alteration occurred in transformants with wild type or mutated HBV. The altered MGST2 and HIF1A were found only with mutated HBV. The rtM204I/sW196* preS/S truncation may endorse the cell transformation and tumorigenesis ability via altered host gene expressions, including MGST2, HIF1A, and TGFbi. Downregulated TGFbi may be a common mechanism for oncogenicity in HBV surface truncation mutants.
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12
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Liu PJ, Harris JM, Marchi E, D'Arienzo V, Michler T, Wing PAC, Magri A, Ortega-Prieto AM, van de Klundert M, Wettengel J, Durantel D, Dorner M, Klenerman P, Protzer U, Giotis ES, McKeating JA. Hypoxic gene expression in chronic hepatitis B virus infected patients is not observed in state-of-the-art in vitro and mouse infection models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14101. [PMID: 32839523 PMCID: PMC7445281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway is a key mammalian oxygen sensing pathway and is frequently perturbed by pathological states including infection and inflammation. We discovered a significant upregulation of hypoxia regulated gene transcripts in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the absence of liver cirrhosis. We used state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo HBV infection models to evaluate a role for HBV infection and the viral regulatory protein HBx to drive HIF-signalling. HBx had no significant impact on HIF expression or associated transcriptional activity under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we found no evidence of hypoxia gene expression in HBV de novo infection, HBV infected human liver chimeric mice or transgenic mice with integrated HBV genome. Collectively, our data show clear evidence of hypoxia gene induction in CHB that is not recapitulated in existing models for acute HBV infection, suggesting a role for inflammatory mediators in promoting hypoxia gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jianrui Liu
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Emanuele Marchi
- Medawar Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Valentina D'Arienzo
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Ana Maria Ortega-Prieto
- Section of Molecular Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Maarten van de Klundert
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - David Durantel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, and University of Lyon (UCBL1), Lyon, France
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Molecular Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Medawar Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Efstathios S Giotis
- Section of Molecular Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, C04 3SQ, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
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13
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Xie F, Dong J, Zhu Y, Wang K, Liu X, Chen D, Meng Q. HIF1a Inhibitor Rescues Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:757-764. [PMID: 31402229 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is critically involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Its inhibitor genistein attenuated D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced liver damage. However, the role of genistein in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is unclear. The influence of genistein on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hepatocyte functions were evaluated in a rat model of ACLF. MATERIAL AND METHODS Genistein [20mg/ (kg. day)]/coenzyme Q10 [10mg/ (kg. day)]/lipoic acid [20mg/ (kg. day)] was administered via the intra-gastric route daily for 6 weeks as co-treatment to the rats in the experimental groups. Then, 100μg/kg LPS combined with 0.5g/kg D-GalN was injected intraperitoneally to attack the rats. RESULTS Genistein significantly attenuated LPS/D-GalN-induced ACLF, characterized by ameliorated gross appearance and microscopic histopathology of liver, reduced AST level in serum, whereas increased levels of ATP, ADP/O, and respiratory control ratio (RCR) in mitochondria. Genistein suppressed necrosis and ROS production. CONCLUSION These results suggested that genistein could protect against ACLF through inhibiting cellular ROS production and necrosis, improving RCR, and decreasing permeability transition pores in mitochondrial, which was similar as mitochondrial protective agent coenzyme Q10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xie
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinling Dong
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yueke Zhu
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kefei Wang
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dexi Chen
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua Meng
- Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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14
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Abstract
The oxygen levels organ and tissue microenvironments vary depending on the distance of their vasculature from the left ventricle of the heart. For instance, the oxygen levels of lymph nodes and the spleen are significantly lower than that in atmospheric air. Cellular detection of oxygen and their response to low oxygen levels can exert a significant impact on virus infection. Generally, viruses that naturally infect well-oxygenated organs are less able to infect cells under hypoxic conditions. Conversely, viruses that infect organs under lower oxygen tensions thrive under hypoxic conditions. This suggests that in vitro experiments performed exclusively under atmospheric conditions ignores oxygen-induced modifications in both host and viral responses. Here, we review the mechanisms of how cells adapt to low oxygen tensions and its impact on viral infections. With growing evidence supporting the role of oxygen microenvironments in viral infections, this review highlights the importance of factoring oxygen concentrations into in vitro assay conditions. Bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo oxygen tensions would allow for more physiologically representative insights into viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Shuyi Gan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Rivière L, Quioc-Salomon B, Fallot G, Halgand B, Féray C, Buendia MA, Neuveut C. Hepatitis B virus replicating in hepatocellular carcinoma encodes HBx variants with preserved ability to antagonize restriction by Smc5/6. Antiviral Res 2019; 172:104618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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16
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Guo Y, Xiao Z, Yang L, Gao Y, Zhu Q, Hu L, Huang D, Xu Q. Hypoxia‑inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Oncol Rep 2019; 43:3-15. [PMID: 31746396 PMCID: PMC6908932 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of an appropriate oxygen concentration is essential for the function of the liver. However, in many pathological conditions, and particularly in the tumor microenvironment, cells and tissues are frequently in a hypoxic state. In the presence of hypoxia, the cells adapt to the low oxygen levels through the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. Overgrowth of tumor cells restricts the diffusion of oxygen in tumors, leading to insufficient blood supply and the creation of a hypoxic microenvironment, and, as a consequence, activation of the expression of HIFs. HIFs possess a wide range of target genes, which function to control a variety of signaling pathways; thus, HIFs modulate cellular metabolism, immune escape, angiogenesis, metastasis, extracellular matrix remodeling, cancer stem cells and other properties of the tumor. Given their crucial role in the occurrence and development of tumors, HIFs are expected to become new targets of precise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Graduate Department, BengBu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Zunqiang Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical Department, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Gao
- Department of Genetics, Shaoxing Women and Children Hospital, Shaoxin, Zhejiang 312030, P.R. China
| | - Qiaojuan Zhu
- The Second Clinical Medical Department, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Linjun Hu
- Medical Department, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
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17
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Sinha M, Sundar K, Premalata CS, Asati V, Murali A, Bajpai AK, Davuluri S, Acharya KK, Lakshmaiah KC, Babu K G, Jacob LA, Nandan D, Velayutham D, Datta S, Jayshree RS. Pro-oncogenic, intra host viral quasispecies in Diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients with occult Hepatitis B Virus infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14516. [PMID: 31601912 PMCID: PMC6787061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non Hodgkin lymphoma, predominantly Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) has been reported to have a significant association with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We investigated the presence of different gene segments of HBV in plasma, B-cells and tumor tissues from DLBCL patients and explored the genetic variability of HBV within and across different compartments in a host using Next Generation Sequencing. Despite all 40 patients being HBV seronegative, 68% showed evidence of occult HBV. Sequencing of these gene segments revealed inter-compartment viral variants in 26% of them, each with at least one non-synonymous mutation. Between compartments, core gene variants revealed Arg94Leu, Glu86Arg and Ser41Thr while X gene variants revealed Phe73Val, Ala44Val, Ser146Ala and Ser147Pro. In tumor compartments per se, several mis-sense mutations were detected, notably the classic T1762A/A1764G mutation in the basal core promoter. In addition, a virus surface antigen mis-sense mutation resulting in M125T was detected in all the samples and could account for surface antigen negativity and occult HBV status. It would be interesting to further explore if a temporal accumulation of viral variants within a favored niche, like patients’ lymphocytes, could bestow survival advantage to the virus, and if certain pro-oncogenic HBV variants could drive lymphomagenesis in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahua Sinha
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Keerthana Sundar
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - C S Premalata
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Vikas Asati
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Alka Murali
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Kshitish K Acharya
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, India.,Shodhaka Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India
| | - K C Lakshmaiah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Govind Babu K
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Linu A Jacob
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Sibnarayan Datta
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - R S Jayshree
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, India
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18
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Qi H, Wang S, Wu J, Yang S, Gray S, Ng CSH, Du J, Underwood MJ, Li MY, Chen GG. EGFR-AS1/HIF2A regulates the expression of FOXP3 to impact the cancer stemness of smoking-related non-small cell lung cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919855228. [PMID: 31275431 PMCID: PMC6598324 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919855228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early data showed that FOXP3 could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, how the expression of FOXP3 is regulated in NSCLC remains unknown. We thus explored the impacts of the long noncoding RNA EGFR antisense RNA 1 (EGFR-AS1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-2A (HIF2A) on FOXP3 expression and the cancer stemness of NSCLC. Methods: Lung tissues samples from 87 patients with NSCLC and two NSCLC cell lines were used in this study. The regulation of FOXP3 and lung cancer cell stemness by EGFR-AS1 and HIF2A was determined at molecular levels in NSCLC tissue samples and cultured cells in the presence/absence of the smoking carcinogen, 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) (also known as nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone). The results were confirmed in tumor xenograft models. Results: We found that NNK decreased the expression of EGFR-AS1 in the long term, but increased the expression of HIF2A and FOXP3 to stimulate lung cancer cell stemness. EGFR-AS1 significantly inhibited FOXP3 expression and NSCLC cell stemness, whereas HIF2A obviously promoted both. The enhancement of lung cancer stemness by FOXP3 was, at least partially, via stimulating Notch1, as the inhibition of Notch1 could markedly diminish the effect of FOXP3. Conclusions: FOXP3, the expression of which is under the fine control of EGFR-AS1, is a critical molecule that promotes NSCLC cancer cell stemness through stimulating the Notch1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolong Qi
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juekun Wu
- Department of Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Steven Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Calvin S H Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jing Du
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Malcolm J Underwood
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Xu QG, Yuan SX, Tao QF, Yu J, Cai J, Yang Y, Guo XG, Lin KY, Ma JZ, Dai DS, Wang ZG, Gu FM, Zhao LH, Li LQ, Liu JF, Sun SH, Zang YJ, Liu H, Yang F, Zhou WP. A novel HBx genotype serves as a preoperative predictor and fails to activate the JAK1/STATs pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2019; 70:904-917. [PMID: 30654066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Genetic variability in the hepatitis B virus X gene (HBx) is frequently observed and is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, a genotype classification based on the full-length HBx sequence and the impact of genotypes on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC prognosis remain unclear. We therefore aimed to perform this genotype classification and assess its clinical impact. METHODS We classified the genotypes of the full-length HBx gene through sequencing and a cluster analysis of HBx DNA from a cohort of patients with HBV-related HCC, which served as the primary cohort (n = 284). Two independent HBV-related HCC cohorts, a validation cohort (n = 171) and a serum cohort (n = 168), were used to verify the results. Protein microarray assay analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanism. RESULTS In the primary cohort, the HBx DNA was classified into 3 genotypes: HBx-EHBH1, HBx-EHBH2, and HBx-EHBH3. HBx-EHBH2 (HBx-E2) indicated better recurrence-free survival and overall survival for patients with HCC. HBx-E2 was significantly correlated with the absence of liver cirrhosis, a small tumor size, a solitary tumor, complete encapsulation and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A-0 tumors. Additionally, HBx-E2 served as a significant prognostic factor for patients with BCLC stage B HCC after hepatectomy. Mechanistically, HBx-E2 is unable to promote proliferation in HCC cells and normal hepatocytes. It also fails to activate the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/STAT5 pathway. CONCLUSION Our study identifies a novel HBx genotype that is unable to promote the proliferation of HCC cells and suggests a potential marker to preoperatively predict the prognosis of patients with BCLC stage B, HBV-associated, HCC. LAY SUMMARY We classified a novel genotype of the full-length hepatitis B virus X gene (HBx), HBx-E2. This genotype was identified in tumor and nontumor tissues from patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. HBx-E2 could preoperatively predict the prognosis of patients with intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma, after resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Guo Xu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China; Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sheng-Xian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Fei Tao
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cai
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Gang Guo
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kong-Ying Lin
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China; Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Jin-Zhao Ma
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Shu Dai
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Ming Gu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Hao Zhao
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Le-Qun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jing-Feng Liu
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Shu-Han Sun
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Jin Zang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu Yang
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China.
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20
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VEGF Upregulation in Viral Infections and Its Possible Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061642. [PMID: 29865171 PMCID: PMC6032371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several viruses are recognized as the direct or indirect causative agents of human tumors and other severe human diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is identified as a principal proangiogenic factor that enhances the production of new blood vessels from existing vascular network. Therefore, oncogenic viruses such as Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and non-oncogenic viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and dengue virus, which lack their own angiogenic factors, rely on the recruitment of cellular genes for angiogenesis in tumor progression or disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes how human viruses exploit the cellular signaling machinery to upregulate the expression of VEGF and benefit from its physiological functions for their own pathogenesis. Understanding the interplay between viruses and VEGF upregulation will pave the way to design targeted and effective therapeutic approaches for viral oncogenesis and severe diseases.
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21
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Chen C, Lou T. Hypoxia inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46691-46703. [PMID: 28493839 PMCID: PMC5542303 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers with limited therapeutic options. Pathogenesis of this disease involves tumor hypoxia and the activation of hypoxia inducible factors. In this review, we describe the current understanding of hypoxia signaling pathway and summarize the expression, function and target genes of hypoxia inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. We also highlight the recent progress in hypoxia-targeted therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss further the future efforts for the study of hypoxia and/or hypoxia inducible factors in this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Lou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Kang HJ, Chung DH, Sung CO, Yoo SH, Yu E, Kim N, Lee SH, Song JY, Kim CJ, Choi J. SHP2 is induced by the HBx-NF-κB pathway and contributes to fibrosis during human early hepatocellular carcinoma development. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27263-27276. [PMID: 28460481 PMCID: PMC5432333 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 has scaffolding functions in signal transduction cascades downstream of growth receptors. A recent study suggested that SHP2 acts as a tumor suppressor during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Herein we examined whether SHP2 links the HBx-NF-κB pathway to EGFR signaling during HCC development. The overexpression of HBx or NF-κB led to increased SHP2 expression via NF-κB binding to the Shp2 promoter. EGF treatment induced ERK activation as well as the rapid assembly of SHP2, EGFR, and Gab1. Upon LPS stimulation, NF-κB-SHP2-ERK activation and phosphorylated STAT3 levels exhibited a negative correlation in vitro. By contrast, in patients with HBV-associated HCC, NF-κB-SHP2-ERK and IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway activity levels were concomitantly higher in adjacent non-neoplastic tissues than in HCC tissues. The immunohistochemical analysis of 162 tissues of patients with HCC revealed that SHP2 levels were significantly higher in non-neoplastic background tissues than in corresponding HCC tissues and considerably increased in background liver tissues with advanced fibrosis (P < 0.001). SHP2 expression increased gradually from normal liver to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and background liver with a dysplastic nodule, but was decreased or lost in dysplastic nodules and HCC. This is the first report to describe the existence of the HBx-NF-κB-SHP2 pathway, linking HBV infection to the EGFR-RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway in the liver. SHP2 depletion from the negative crosstalk between NF-κB and STAT3 accelerates HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dal-Hee Chung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Hyun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sy-Hye Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Young Song
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jene Choi
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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23
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Yang SL, Liu LP, Niu L, Sun YF, Yang XR, Fan J, Ren JW, Chen GG, Lai PBS. Downregulation and pro-apoptotic effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:34571-81. [PMID: 27119229 PMCID: PMC5085177 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of HIF-2α in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern and role of HIF-2α in HCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting analyses were applied to detect the protein level of HIF-2α in 206 paired HCC and peritumoral tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in these patients. The function of HIF-2α was studied in HCC cells and in vivo models. We found that the protein levels of HIF-2α in HCC tissues were lower than in peritumoral tissues, and were negatively correlated with tumor size (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate analysis revealed that HCC patients with high HIF-2α protein levels had longer overall survival (P < 0.05). Over-expression of HIF-2α induced apoptosis in HCC cells and increased the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak, ZBP-89 and PDCD4, whereas the inhibition of HIF-2α expression achieved opposite results. The findings were confirmed in a mouse HCC xenograft model. In conclusion, our study revealed that HIF-2α was decreased and played an anti-tumorigenic role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Li Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Leilei Niu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Wei Ren
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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24
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HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR AS A MOLECULAR TARGET IN HEPATORENAL SYNDROME. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2018-3-65-23-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Siddiqui ZI, Farooqui SR, Azam SA, Afroz M, Wajid S, Parveen S, Kazim SN. A comparative study of hepatitis B virus X protein mutants K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI to investigate their roles in fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:1121-1131. [PMID: 28654219 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations A1762T, G1764A and AG1762/1764TA cause production of HBV X protein (HBx) mutants, namely K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI. These mutations are important biomarkers for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic HBV patients. This study comparatively analyses the impact of intracellular expression of HBx mutants on HCC cell line Huh7. It was found that expression of KV130/131MI induced: cell proliferation, altered expression of cell cycle regulatory genes in favour of cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization. KV130/131MI may be directly involved in host cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis via altering expression of cell cycle regulatory genes. KV130/131MI may also play pivotal roles in fibrosis and cirrhosis via inducing ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, these might be the possible reasons for higher occurrence of AG1762/1764TA as compared to A1762T and G1764A in cirrhosis and HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z I Siddiqui
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - S R Farooqui
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - S A Azam
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - M Afroz
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - S Wajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - S Parveen
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - S N Kazim
- Hepatitis Research Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most common human cancers with a high mortality rate. Therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain ineffective, due to the heterogeneity of HCC with regard to both the etiology and mutation spectrum, as well as its chemotherapy resistant nature; thus surgical resection and liver transplantation remain the gold standard of patient care. The most common etiologies of HCC are extrinsic factors. Humans have multiple defense mechanisms against extrinsic factor-induced carcinogenesis, of which tumor suppressors play crucial roles in preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in liver cancer. p53 regulates expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, cell death, and cellular metabolism to avert tumor development due to carcinogens. This review article mainly summarizes extrinsic factors that induce liver cancer and potentially have etiological association with p53, including aflatoxin B1, vinyl chloride, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, iron overload, and infection of hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Link
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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27
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Farquhar MJ, Humphreys IS, Rudge SA, Wilson GK, Bhattacharya B, Ciaccia M, Hu K, Zhang Q, Mailly L, Reynolds GM, Ashcroft M, Balfe P, Baumert TF, Roessler S, Wakelam MJO, McKeating JA. Autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid receptor signalling regulates hepatitis C virus replication. J Hepatol 2017; 66:919-929. [PMID: 28126468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis C is a global health problem with an estimated 170 million hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected individuals at risk of progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autotaxin (ATX, gene name: ENPP2) is a phospholipase with diverse roles in the physiological and pathological processes including inflammation and oncogenesis. Clinical studies have reported increased ATX expression in chronic hepatitis C, however, the pathways regulating ATX and its role in the viral life cycle are not well understood. METHODS In vitro hepatocyte and ex vivo liver culture systems along with chimeric humanized liver mice and HCC tissue enabled us to assess the interplay between ATX and the HCV life cycle. RESULTS HCV infection increased hepatocellular ATX RNA and protein expression. HCV infection stabilizes hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) and we investigated a role for these transcription factors to regulate ATX. In vitro studies show that low oxygen increases hepatocellular ATX expression and transcriptome analysis showed a positive correlation between ATX mRNA levels and hypoxia gene score in HCC tumour tissue associated with HCV and other aetiologies. Importantly, inhibiting ATX-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signalling reduced HCV replication, demonstrating a positive role for this phospholipase in the viral life cycle. LPA activates phosphoinositide-3-kinase that stabilizes HIF-1α and inhibiting the HIF signalling pathway abrogates the pro-viral activity of LPA. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a model where HCV infection increases ATX expression which supports viral replication and HCC progression. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis C is a global health problem with infected individuals at risk of developing liver disease that can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. Autotaxin generates the biologically active lipid lysophosphatidic acid that has been reported to play a tumorigenic role in a wide number of cancers. In this study we show that hepatitis C virus infection increases autotaxin expression via hypoxia inducible transcription factor and provides an environment in the liver that promotes fibrosis and liver injury. Importantly, we show a new role for lysophosphatidic acid in positively regulating hepatitis C virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Farquhar
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Isla S Humphreys
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Garrick K Wilson
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Ke Hu
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Laurent Mailly
- INSERM U1110, University of Strasbourg, 3 Rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gary M Reynolds
- NIHR Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Peter Balfe
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM U1110, University of Strasbourg, 3 Rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jane A McKeating
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, UK.
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28
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USP16 Downregulation by Carboxyl-terminal Truncated HBx Promotes the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33039. [PMID: 27633997 PMCID: PMC5025738 DOI: 10.1038/srep33039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major factor that contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV X protein (HBx) has been shown to accelerate HCC progression by promoting tumour growth and metastasis. In the clinic, carboxyl-terminal truncated HBx (Ct-HBx) proteins are frequently present in HCC tumour tissues, but not in non-tumorous tissues. In this study, we analysed deubiquitinase expression profiles in cells with or without ectopic expression of the Ct-HBx proteins and observed that the expression of ubiquitin specific peptidase 16 (USP16) was substantially inhibited by Ct-HBx proteins. Liver tumour cells with forced down-regulation of USP16 exhibited increased capabilities for colony formation and tumour growth in vivo. In addition, USP16 inhibition promoted stem-like properties in tumour cells, as evidenced by their spheroid formation and chemo-responsiveness. Furthermore, ectopic expression of USP16 in tumour cells significantly abrogated the tumour promoting activities of the Ct-HBx proteins (HBxΔ35), leading to decreased tumour cell viability and tumour growth. In human HCCs, USP16 was frequently downregulated, and the decreased expression of USP16 was correlated with high tumour stages and poor differentiation status. Taken together, our study suggests that USP16 downregulation is a critical event in Ct-HBx-mediated promotion of HCC tumorigenicity and malignancy.
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Yang SL, Liu LP, Sun YF, Yang XR, Fan J, Ren JW, Chen GG, Lai PBS. Distinguished prognosis after hepatectomy of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma with or without cirrhosis: a long-term follow-up analysis. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:722-32. [PMID: 26607653 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting results have often been observed for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but few studies have attempted to explore the reasons for the conflicting results. We aimed to distinguish the prognosis of patients with HCC with cirrhosis (HCC-C) and that of patients with HCC without cirrhosis (HCC-NC). METHODS Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC treated by curative liver resection at a single institution between 1995 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors, including tumor-related factors, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expression, HBV X protein (HBx) expression, and HBx double mutations for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in these patients. RESULTS The long-term prognosis of HCC-NC patients is better than that of HCC-C patients. Male sex, poor differentiation, preoperative serum alanine aminotransferase level greater than 80 IU/L, and α-fetoprotein level greater than 400 ng/mL were risk factors for overall survival among HCC-NC patients but not among HCC-C patients, and age greater than 50 years was associated with poor overall survival only in cirrhotic patients. HCC-C patients benefit more from antiviral therapy following curative hepatectomy than do HCC-NC patients. The clinical value of the biomarkers hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, HBx, and HBx double mutations for predicting HCC prognosis was significantly different between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS There were differences in tumor-related prognostic factors, effectiveness of the antiviral therapy after hepatectomy, and biomarkers between HCC-C and HCC-NC patients, indicating that subgroup analysis of the prognostic factors may result in better management of HCC and that HCC patients, especially those with liver cirrhosis, should be given antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Li Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Wei Ren
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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30
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Liu S, Koh SSY, Lee CGL. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17060940. [PMID: 27314335 PMCID: PMC4926473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most associated factors in hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV is able to integrate into the host genome and encode the multi-functional hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx). Although the mechanism between HBx and carcinogenesis is still elusive, recent studies have shown that HBx was able to influence various signaling pathways, as well as epigenetic and genetic processes. This review will examine and summarize recent literature about HBx’s role in these various processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaichen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597 Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreas Surgery, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Samantha S Y Koh
- Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 169610 Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Caroline G L Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597 Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 169610 Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117456 Singapore, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore.
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31
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Ju C, Colgan SP, Eltzschig HK. Hypoxia-inducible factors as molecular targets for liver diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:613-27. [PMID: 27094811 PMCID: PMC4879168 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease is a growing global health problem, as deaths from end-stage liver cirrhosis and cancer are rising across the world. At present, pharmacologic approaches to effectively treat or prevent liver disease are extremely limited. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription factor that regulates diverse signaling pathways enabling adaptive cellular responses to perturbations of the tissue microenvironment. HIF activation through hypoxia-dependent and hypoxia-independent signals have been reported in liver disease of diverse etiologies, from ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute liver injury to chronic liver diseases caused by viral infection, excessive alcohol consumption, or metabolic disorders. This review summarizes the evidence for HIF stabilization in liver disease, discusses the mechanistic involvement of HIFs in disease development, and explores the potential of pharmacological HIF modifiers in the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Ju
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado, Auroa, Colorado, 800045, USA.
| | - Sean P Colgan
- Department of Medicine and Mucosal Inflammation Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Auroa, Colorado, 800045, USA
| | - Holger K Eltzschig
- Department of Anesthesiology and Organ Protection Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Auroa, Colorado, 800045, USA
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32
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Ouyang J, Sun Y, Li W, Zhang W, Wang D, Liu X, Lin Y, Lian B, Xie L. dbPHCC: a database of prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma that provides online prognostic modeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2688-95. [PMID: 26940364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers with a poor prognosis. For decades, more and more biomarkers were found to effect on HCC prognosis, but these studies were scattered and there were no unified identifiers. Therefore, we built the database of prognostic biomarkers and models for hepatocellular carcinoma (dbPHCC). METHODS dbPHCC focuses on biomarkers which were related to HCC prognosis by traditional experiments rather than high-throughput technology. All of the prognostic biomarkers came from literatures issued during 2002 to 2014 in PubMed and were manually selected. dbPHCC collects comprehensive information of candidate biomarkers and HCC prognosis. RESULTS dbPHCC mainly contains 567 biomarkers: 323 proteins, 154 genes, and 90 microRNAs. For each biomarker, the reference information, experimental conditions, and prognostic information are shown. Based on two available patient cohort data sets, an exemplified prognostic model was constructed using 15 phosphotransferases in dbPHCC. The web interface does not only provide a full range of browsing and searching, but also provides online analysis tools. dbPHCC is available at http://lifecenter.sgst.cn/dbphcc/ CONCLUSIONS dbPHCC provides a comprehensive and convenient search and analysis platform for HCC prognosis research. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE dbPHCC is the first database to focus on experimentally verified individual biomarkers, which are related to HCC prognosis. Prognostic markers in dbPHCC have the potential to be therapeutic drug targets and may help in designing new treatments to improve survival of HCC patients. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "System Genetics" Guest Editor: Dr. Yudong Cai and Dr. Tao Huang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ouyang
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of People Libration Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiangqiong Liu
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Baofeng Lian
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People's Hospital, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Lu Xie
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, China.
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33
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Hu JL, Liu LP, Yang SL, Fang X, Wen L, Ren QG, Yu C. Hepatitis B virus induces hypoxia-inducible factor-2α expression through hepatitis B virus X protein. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:1443-8. [PMID: 26647960 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies suggest that the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) enhances the protein stability of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). However, the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBx and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) has not yet been fully elucidated. Immunohistochemical analysis was employed to detect the expression of HIF-2α in normal liver, HBV-related chronic hepatitis, and HBV-related and non-HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Quantitative real‑time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were used to investigate the impact of HBV and HBx on the expression of HIF‑2α. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms. The HIF‑2α expression was found to be higher in HBV‑related chronic hepatitis tissues than in normal liver tissues. Furthermore, it was higher in HBV‑related HCC tissues and HBV‑integrated HepG2 cells than in the corresponding non‑HBV‑related HCC tissues and HepG2 cells. Both HBV and HBx enhanced the protein stability of HIF‑2α. HBx‑mediated upregulation of HIF‑2α resulted mainly from an inhibition of the degradation of HIF‑2α due to the binding of HBx to the von Hippel‑Lindau protein (pVHL). In addition, HBx upregulated the expression of HIF‑2α by activating the NF‑κB signaling pathway. Thus, the present study identified that HBV induces the HIF‑2α expression through its encoded protein HBx. This upregulates the HIF-2α expression by binding to the pVHL activating the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xiefan Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lu Wen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Quan-Guang Ren
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, P.R. China
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ARTARINI ANITA, GEBY JESSICA HANARY, RINI KARTIKASARI RADEN, RIANI CATUR, SOEFIE RETNONINGRUM DEBBIE. Detection of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Mutation from Local Clinical Samples. MICROBIOLOGY INDONESIA 2016. [DOI: 10.5454/mi.10.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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35
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Geng M, Xin X, Bi LQ, Zhou LT, Liu XH. Molecular mechanism of hepatitis B virus X protein function in hepatocarcinogenesis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:10732-10738. [PMID: 26478665 PMCID: PMC4600575 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i38.10732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many factors are considered to contribute to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including products of HBV, HBV integration and mutation, and host susceptibility. HBV X protein (HBx) can interfere with several signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and invasion, and HBx C-terminal truncation has been suggested to impact the development of HCC. This review focuses on the pathological functions of HBx in HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. As a transactivator, HBx can affect regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long ncRNAs. HBx is also involved in epigenetic modification and DNA repair. HBx interacts with various signal-transduction pathways, such as the p53, Wnt, and nuclear factor-κB pathways. We conclude that HBx hastens the development of hepatoma.
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36
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Zhu R, Mok MTS, Kang W, Lau SSK, Yip WK, Chen Y, Lai PBS, Wong VWS, To KF, Sung JJY, Cheng ASL, Chan HLY. Truncated HBx-dependent silencing of GAS2 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through deregulation of cell cycle, senescence and p53-mediated apoptosis. J Pathol 2015; 237:38-49. [PMID: 25925944 DOI: 10.1002/path.4554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide threat to public health, especially in China, where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is found in 80-90% of all HCCs. The HBV-encoded X antigen (HBx) is a trans-regulatory protein involved in virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Although the carboxyl-terminus-truncated HBx, rather than the full-length counterpart, is frequently overexpressed in human HCCs, its functional mechanisms are not fully defined. We investigated the molecular function of a naturally occurring HBx variant which has 35 amino acids deleted at the C-terminus (HBxΔ35). Genome-wide scanning analysis and PCR validation identified growth arrest-specific 2 (GAS2) as a direct target of HBxΔ35 at transcriptional level in human immortalized liver cells. HBxΔ35 was found to bind the promoter region of GAS2 and attenuate its expression to promote hepatocellular proliferation and tumourigenicity. Further functional assays demonstrated that GAS2 induces p53-dependent apoptosis and senescence to counteract HBxΔ35-mediated tumourigenesis. Notably, GAS2 expression was significantly down-regulated in HCCs compared with the corresponding normal tissues. In conclusion, our integrated study uncovered a novel viral mechanism in hepatocarcinogenesis, wherein HBxΔ35 deregulates cell growth via direct silencing of GAS2 and thereby provides a survival advantage for pre-neoplastic hepatocytes to facilitate cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranxu Zhu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Myth T S Mok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Suki S K Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Wing-Kit Yip
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yangchao Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Vincent W S Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Joseph J Y Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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37
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Zhang X, Ding HG. Key role of hepatitis B virus mutation in chronic hepatitis B development to hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1282-1286. [PMID: 26019744 PMCID: PMC4438503 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i9.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV mutations, which include point mutation, deletion, insertion and truncation mutation of HBV gene in 4 open reading frames (S, C, P, X), are closely associated with HCC pathogenesis. Some mutations accumulated during chronic HBV infection could be regarded as a biomarker to predict the occurrence of HCC. The detection of the mutations in clinical practice could be helpful for defining better preventive and therapeutic strategies and, moreover, predicting the progression of liver disease.
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Zhu M, Guo J, Li W, Xia H, Lu Y, Dong X, Chen Y, Xie X, Fu S, Li M. HBx induced AFP receptor expressed to activate PI3K/AKT signal to promote expression of Src in liver cells and hepatoma cells. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:362. [PMID: 25943101 PMCID: PMC4427932 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-X protein(HBx) is a transactivator of host several cellular genes including alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and AFP receptor(AFPR) which contributes to HBV-associated tumor development. The expression of AFP/AFPR are correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)-initial cells. But the role of AFP and AFPR in promoting occurrence of HBV-related HCC were still unclear. METHODS A total of 71 clinical patients' liver specimens, normal human liver cells L-02 and HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 were selected for analyzing the effects of HBx on expression of AFP, AFPR and Src. The expression of goal proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stained and Western blotting; HBx-expressed vectors were constructed and transfected into L-02 cells, laser confocal microscopy was applied to observe expression and location of AFP, AFPR and Src in the normal liver cells and HCC cells, soft agar colony formation assay was used to observe colonies formed of the cells. RESULTS We confirmed HBx gives preference to promote the expression of AFP and AFPR; HBx priors to up-regulate the expression of AFPR and AFP in L-02 cells and in normal liver specimens; AFPR signal been able to stimulate Src expression. The results also indicated that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) inhibitors Ly294002 and GDC0941 effectively suppress AFPR mediated up-regulation expression of Src in AFPR positive HCC lines. CONCLUSIONS HBx priors to drive the expression of AFP and AFPR to promote expression of Src in normal liver cells and hepatoma cells; AFP and AFPR maybe play pivotal role in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis; Targeting AFPR is an available therapeutic strategy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Hua Xia
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Xieju Xie
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Shigan Fu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Department of Physiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, , Hainan Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, P.R. China.
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Association between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α gene polymorphisms and risk of chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis in a Chinese population: a retrospective case-control study. Gene 2015; 564:96-100. [PMID: 25824382 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our recent study demonstrated a significant association between HIF-1α polymorphisms and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and HCC are progressive stages of chronic HBV infection, the aim of this study is to further determine if HIF-1α polymorphisms are associated with CHB and HBV-related LC. METHODS Two HIF-1α polymorphisms (rs11549465 and rs115494657) were examined in 173 healthy controls, 153 patients with CHB, and 132 patients with HBV-related LC, using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. DNA sequencing was also used to validate the genotype results. RESULTS There were no significant differences regarding the HIF-1α rs11549465 and rs115494657 polymorphisms between the patient groups and the healthy controls, no matter the genotypes, alleles, or haplotypes. To exclude the potential influence of HBV infection in the association between HIF-1a and HBV-related LC, a comparison between the LC patients and HBV infected patients was also conducted, but a similar insignificant result was found. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the HIF-1α gene polymorphisms might not contribute to the development of CHB and HBV-related LC in a Chinese population.
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Ringelhan M, O'Connor T, Protzer U, Heikenwalder M. The direct and indirect roles of HBV in liver cancer: prospective markers for HCC screening and potential therapeutic targets. J Pathol 2015; 235:355-67. [PMID: 25196558 DOI: 10.1002/path.4434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the number one risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for more than 600 000 deaths/year. Despite highly effective antiviral treatment options, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), subsequent end-stage liver disease and HCC development remain a major challenge worldwide. In CHB, liver damage is mainly caused by the influx of immune cells and destruction of infected hepatocytes, causing necro-inflammation. Treatment with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues can effectively suppress HBV replication in patients with CHB and thus decrease the risk for HCC development. Nevertheless, the risk of HCC in treated patients showing sufficient suppression of HBV DNA replication is significantly higher than in patients with inactive CHB, regardless of the presence of baseline liver cirrhosis, suggesting direct, long-lasting, predisposing effects of HBV. Direct oncogenic effects of HBV include integration in the host genome, leading to deletions, cis/trans-activation, translocations, the production of fusion transcripts and generalized genomic instability, as well as pleiotropic effects of viral transcripts (HBsAg and HBx). Analysis of these viral factors in active surveillance may allow early identification of high-risk patients, and their integration into a molecular classification of HCC subtypes might help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ringelhan
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; Second Medical Department, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Infection research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Germany
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Wilson GK, Tennant DA, McKeating JA. Hypoxia inducible factors in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: current understanding and future directions. J Hepatol 2014; 61:1397-406. [PMID: 25157983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia inducible transcription factors (HIFs) activate diverse pathways that regulate cellular metabolism, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration, enabling a cell to respond to a low oxygen or hypoxic environment. HIFs are regulated by oxygen-dependent and independent signals including: mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticular stress, and viral infection. HIFs have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of liver disease of diverse aetiologies. This review explores the impact of HIFs on hepatocellular biology and inflammatory responses, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting HIFs for an array of liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrick K Wilson
- Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel A Tennant
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Centre for Human Virology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Choi YB, Harhaj EW. Functional implications of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generated by oncogenic viruses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 9:423-436. [PMID: 25580106 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-014-1332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Between 15-20% of human cancers are associated with infection by oncogenic viruses. Oncogenic viruses, including HPV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1, target mitochondria to influence cell proliferation and survival. Oncogenic viral gene products also trigger the production of reactive oxygen species which can elicit oxidative DNA damage and potentiate oncogenic host signaling pathways. Viral oncogenes may also subvert mitochondria quality control mechanisms such as mitophagy and metabolic adaptation pathways to promote virus replication. Here, we will review recent progress on viral regulation of mitophagy and metabolic adaptation and their roles in viral oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Bong Choi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns HopkinsSchool of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Edward William Harhaj
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns HopkinsSchool of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Kim CH. Hidden secret in hepatitis B viral X protein mutation and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in hepatocarcinoma cancer. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2014; 3:115-7. [PMID: 25019072 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3881.2014.02.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B type virus (HBV) is an old hepato oncogenic and hepatitis agent. Hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx)-induced malignant transformation requires the excess amounts of ATP level, inducing the extremely oxygen-deprived condition in the cancer tissues and vessels. To adapt, cells go to shift the hypoxic responsive state by altered hypoxia-responsive molecules such as HIF-1. In addition, tumors avoid or suppress immune recognition in the energy-deprived condition. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) regulates MAP1, histone deacetylase and MAPK pathway. In the hypoxia, the HIF-1α interacts with HIF-1β, allowing DNA binding at the hypoxia response elements (HREs), while HBx binds with the nHLH/PAS domain of HIF-1α, preventing pVHL and HIF-1α binding capacity and degradation of HIF-1α protein. Recent work of Liu et al. [2013] demonstrated that HBx in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues contained mutations, affecting the HBx transactivation capacity and C-terminal HBx mutation. In the HCC tissues, the HBx C-terminal mutation and HIF-1α expression were related and the different C-terminal mutations of HBx exhibit the different functionality of HIF-1α. The C-terminal region of amino acids 119-140 was important for the stability and transactivation, and the point mutations K130M/V131I enhance the functionality of HIF-1α, while C-terminal truncation diminish the HIF-1α function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
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Lee YY, Mok MTS, Cheng ASL. Dissecting the pleiotropic actions of HBx mutants against hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2014; 3:95-7. [PMID: 24812603 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3881.2014.02.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Error-prone integration of the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) into the hepatocellular genome generates a multitude of mutants exerting diverse effects on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A recent study by Lai and colleagues revealed the disparate regulatory activity of clinically-predominant HBx mutants towards hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a central regulator of tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, metastasis and differentiation. These findings have shed insight into specific viral contribution of hypoxic response during hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Lee
- 1 Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, 2 State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, 3 School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ; 4 Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Myth T S Mok
- 1 Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, 2 State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, 3 School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ; 4 Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Alfred Sze-Lok Cheng
- 1 Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, 2 State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, 3 School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ; 4 Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518052, China
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