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Zhou P, Yao W, Liu L, Yan Q, Chen X, Wei X, Ding S, Lv Z, Zhu F. SPG21, a potential oncogene targeted by miR-128-3p, amplifies HBx-induced carcinogenesis and chemoresistance via activation of TRPM7-mediated JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00955-5. [PMID: 38753154 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00955-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary risk factor for the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that HBV X protein (HBx) possesses oncogenic properties, promoting hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of miR-128-3p/SPG21 axis on HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. METHODS The expression of SPG21 in HCC was determined using bioinformatics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The roles of SPG21 in HCC were elucidated through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including real-time cellular analysis (RTCA), matrigel invasion assay, and xenograft mouse model. Pharmacologic treatment and flow cytometry were performed to demonstrate the potential mechanism of SPG21 in HCC. RESULTS SPG21 expression was elevated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (NTs). Moreover, higher SPG21 expression correlated with poor overall survival. Functional assays revealed that SPG21 fostered HCC tumorigenesis and invasion. MiR-128-3p, which targeted SPG21, was downregulated in HCC tissues. Subsequent analyses showed that HBx amplified TRPM7-mediated calcium influx via miR-128-3p/SPG21, thereby activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Furthermore, HBx inhibited doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by engaging the JNK pathway through miR-128-3p/SPG21. CONCLUSION The study suggested that SPG21, targeted by miR-128-3p, might be involved in enhancing HBx-induced carcinogenesis and doxorubicin resistance in HCC via the TRPM7/Ca2+/JNK signaling pathway. This insight suggested that SPG21 could be recognized as a potential oncogene, offering a novel perspective on its role as a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target in the context of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiujin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, No. 185 Donghu Road, 430071, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China.
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Amin MN, El-Far YM, El-Mowafy M, Elgaml A. Tazemetostat decreases β-catenin and CD13 protein expression in HEPG-2 and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG-2 with decreased cell viability. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:180. [PMID: 37941056 PMCID: PMC10634085 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the global health concerns. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of HCC. Poor clinical outcome of HCC patients is attributed to a small population of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this work, we studied the effect of inhibiting the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase known to be overexpressed in CSCs, using tazemetostat (Taz). The effect of Taz was assessed in the HCC cell line (HEPG2) and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG2 (HBV/HEPG2) cells. MTT assay showed a significant decrease in HEPG2 cells viability after 48 h treatment with either 0.5, 1, 4 or 6 μM Taz. HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells were incubated with either 0.5 or 1 μM Taz for 48 h, and then, the cells and supernatants were collected for protein expression analysis of EZH2, CD13, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and β-catenin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taz showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition of EZH2, CD13 and β-catenin in HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells. Also, EpCAM protein levels were significantly decreased in HBV/HEPG2 but not in HEPG2 cell line alone. Our results indicate that Taz inhibition of EZH2 leads to downregulation of β-catenin signaling and eventually decreased expression of CD13 and EpCAM, which are characteristic for CSCs. The present study suggests that Taz could be a promising treatment for HCC including HBV-induced HCC that might be used in combination with radio/chemotherapy to target CSCs and prevent tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N Amin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Yousra M El-Far
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El-Mowafy
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt.
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Jing F, Li X, Jiang H, Sun J, Guo Q. Combating drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: No awareness today, no action tomorrow. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115561. [PMID: 37757493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is associated with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Patients with early HCC may benefit from surgical resection to remove tumor tissue and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. Unfortunately, most patients with HCC are diagnosed at an advanced or distant stage, at which point resection is not feasible. Systemic therapy is now routinely prescribed to patients with advanced HCC; however, drug resistance has become a major obstacle to the treatment of HCC and exploring purported mechanisms promoting drug resistance remains a challenge. Here, we focus on the determinants of drug resistance from the perspective of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), exosomes, ferroptosis, and the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the aim to provide new insights into HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanbo Jing
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Li
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Qingdao Haici Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jialin Sun
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qie Guo
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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4
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Sanal MG, Gupta S, Saha R, Vats N, Sarin SK. Hepatitis B Virus x Protein Increases Cellular OCT3/4 and MYC and Facilitates Cellular Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:224-237. [PMID: 37769039 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus x (HBx) is a multifunctional protein coded by the Hepatitis B virus that is involved in various cellular processes such as proliferation, cell survival/apoptosis, and histone methylation. HBx was reported to be associated with liver "cancer stem cells." The stemness inducing properties of HBx could also facilitate the generation of pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells. It is well established that somatic cells can be reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a cocktail of transcription factors called Yamanaka's factors (YFs) (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC). The reprogramming process proceeds step-by-step with reprogramming factor chromatin interactions, transcription, and chromatin states changing during transitions. HBx is a "broad spectrum trans-activator" and therefore could facilitate these transitions. We electroporated low passage and high passage (difficult to reprogram) fibroblasts using YFs with and without HBx and evaluated the reprogramming efficiency. We also investigated the tri-lineage and terminal differentiation potential of iPSC derived using HBx. We found that the addition of HBx to YF improves iPSC derivation, and it increases the efficiency of iPSC generation from "difficult or hard-to-reprogram samples" such as high passage/senescent fibroblasts. Further, we show that HBx can substitute the key transcription factor MYC in the YF cocktail to generate iPSC. The cellular levels of OCT3/4 and MYC were increased in HBx expressing cells. Our results have practical value in improving the efficiency of pluripotent stem cell derivation from "difficult to reprogram" somatic cells, in addition to providing some insights into the mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis B. To conclude, HBx improves the reprogramming efficiency of YFs. HBx increases the cellular levels of OCT3/4 and MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudana Girija Sanal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarita Gupta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Saha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nisha Vats
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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Wang MD, Xiang H, Hong TY, Mierxiati A, Yan FH, Zhang L, Wang C. Integrated analysis of intratumoral biomarker and tumor-associated macrophage to improve the prognosis prediction in cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:593. [PMID: 37370037 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of effective and accurate predictive indicators remains a major bottleneck for the improvement of the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) has been widely suggested as a critical pathogenic protein for HBV-driven liver carcinogenesis, while tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration is also closely related to the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. However, few studies have determined whether combining HBx expression with TAM populations could increase the accuracy of prognostic prediction for HBV-related HCC. METHODS The study cohort enrolling 251 patients with HBV-related HCC was randomly split into a training and a validation group (ratio 1:1). The expression levels of HBx and TAM marker CD68 in HCC samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and Harrell's concordance index (C-index) analysis were conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of these indicators alone or in combination. RESULTS The expression level of HBx was strongly correlated with CD68+ TAM infiltration in HCC tissues. Elevated HBx or CD68 expression indicated poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after hepatectomy, and both of them were independent risk factors for postoperative survival. Meanwhile, patients with both high HBx and CD68 levels had worst clinical outcomes. Moreover, integrating HBx and CD68 expression with clinical indicators (tumor size and micro-vascular invasion) showed the best prognostic potential with highest C-index value for survival predictivity, and this proposed model also performed better than several conventional classifications of HCC. CONCLUSION Combining the expression of intratumoral HBx, CD68+ TAM population and clinical variables could enable better prognostication for HBV-related HCC after hepatectomy, thus providing novel insights into developing more effective clinical prediction model based on both molecular phenotypes and tumor-immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Da Wang
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Gongli Hospital, Navy Medical University, 219 Miaopu Road, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hao Xiang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Tian-Yu Hong
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Gongli Hospital, Navy Medical University, 219 Miaopu Road, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Abudurexiti Mierxiati
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Gongli Hospital, Navy Medical University, 219 Miaopu Road, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Fei-Hu Yan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, 610000, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Gongli Hospital, Navy Medical University, 219 Miaopu Road, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Gongli Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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7
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Cao X, Zhang N, Chen H, Wang W, Liang Y, Zhang J, Liu R, Li S, Yao Y, Jin Q, Guo Z, Chen Y, Gong Y, Li X, Zao X, Ye Y. Exploring the mechanism of JiGuCao capsule formula on treating hepatitis B virus infection via network pharmacology analysis and in vivo/vitro experiment verification. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1159094. [PMID: 37361218 PMCID: PMC10285482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The JiGuCao capsule formula (JCF) has demonstrated promising curative effects in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in clinical trials. Here, we aimed to investigate JCF's function and mechanism in diseases related to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). We used mass spectrometry (MS) to identify the active metabolites of JCF and established the HBV replication mouse model by hydrodynamically injecting HBV replication plasmids into the mice's tail vein. Liposomes were used to transfect the plasmids into the cells. The CCK-8 kit identified cell viability. We detected the levels of HBV s antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) by the quantitative determination kits. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the genes' expression. The key pathways and key genes related to JCF on CHB treatment were obtained by network pharmacological analysis. Our results showed that JCF accelerated the elimination of HBsAg in mice. JCF and its medicated serum inhibited HBV replication and proliferation of HBV-replicating hepatoma cells in vitro. And the key targets of JCF in treating CHB were CASP3, CXCL8, EGFR, HSPA8, IL6, MDM2, MMP9, NR3C1, PTGS2, and VEGFA. Furthermore, these key targets were related to pathways in cancer, hepatitis B, microRNAs in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling, and proteoglycans in cancer pathways. Finally, Cholic Acid, Deoxycholic Acid, and 3', 4', 7-Trihydroxyflavone were the main active metabolites of JCF that we obtained. JCF employed its active metabolites to perform an anti-HBV effect and prevent the development of HBV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ningyi Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hening Chen
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Sun Simiao Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Tongchuan, China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruijia Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Yao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jin
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Guo
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gong
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong’an Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Yin Z, Ma T, Chen S, Yu M. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers among CXC chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment. Cancer Biomark 2023; 36:231-250. [PMID: 36938723 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by occult onset, rapid progression and poor prognosis. CXC chemokines play an important role in tumor microenvironment and development. OBJECTIVE The potential mechanistic values of CXC chemokines as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC have not been fully clarified. METHODS ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, cBioPortal, SurvExpress, MethSurv, SurvivalMeth, String, GeneMANIA, DAVID, Metascape, TRRUST, LinkedOmics, and Timer were applied in this study. RESULTS The transcriptional levels of CXCL9/16/17 in HCC tissues were significantly elevated while CXCL1/2/5/6/7/12/14 were significantly reduced. significant correlation was found between the expression of CXC3/5 and the pathological stage of HCC patients. High level of CXCL4 was associated with a longer disease-free survival. For overall survival, lower expressions of CXCL1/3/5/8 and higher expressions of CXCL2 were associated with a better outcome. In addition, the prognostic values of CXC chemokines signature in HCC were explored in four independent cohorts, the high-risk group displayed unfavorable survival outcome compared with the low-risk group. And for the prognostic value of the DNA methylation of CXC chemokines, we identified the CpGs which were significantly associated with prognosis in HCC patients. DNA methylation signature analysis also showed a statistically significant association between the high- and low-risk group. For potential mechanism, the neighbor gene networks, interaction analyses, functional enrichment analyses of CC chemokine receptors in HCC were performed, the transcription factor targets, kinase targets, and miRNA targets of CXC chemokines were also identified in HCC. We also found significant correlations among CXC chemokines expression and the infiltration of immune cells, the tumor infiltration levels among HCC with different somatic copy number alterations of these chemokine receptors were also assessed. Moreover, the Cox proportional hazard model showed that CCR2/6/8/12, B_cell, macrophage and dendritic _cell were significantly related to the clinical outcome of HCC patients. CONCLUSION CXC chemokines might serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yin
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Yu
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Yin W, Pham CV, Wang T, Al Shamaileh H, Chowdhury R, Patel S, Li Y, Kong L, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Chen S, Xu H, Jia L, Duan W, Xiang D. Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes the Elimination of Liver Cancer Stem Cells by CD133 Aptamer-Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1623. [PMID: 36358973 PMCID: PMC9687680 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin is the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, one major obstacle to the effective management of liver cancer is the drug resistance derived from the cancer stem cells. Herein, we employed a CD133 aptamer for targeted delivery of doxorubicin into liver cancer stem cells to overcome chemoresistance. Furthermore, we explored the efficacy of autophagy inhibition to sensitize liver cancer stem cells to the treatment of CD133 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates based on the previous observation that doxorubicin contributes to the survival of liver cancer stem cells by activating autophagy. The kinetics and thermodynamics of aptamer-doxorubicin binding, autophagy induction, cell apoptosis, and self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells were studied using isothermal titration calorimetry, Western blot analysis, annexin V assay, and tumorsphere formation assay. The aptamer-cell binding andintracellular accumulation of doxorubicin were quantified via flow cytometry. CD133 aptamer-guided delivery of doxorubicin resulted in a higher doxorubicin concentration in the liver cancer stem cells. The combinatorial treatment strategy of CD133 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates and an autophagy inhibitor led to an over 10-fold higher elimination of liver cancer stem cells than that of free doxorubicin in vitro. Future exploration of cancer stem cell-targeted delivery of doxorubicin in conjunction with autophagy inhibition in vivo may well lead to improved outcomes in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yin
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Cuong V. Pham
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- The College of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hadi Al Shamaileh
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Rocky Chowdhury
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Shweta Patel
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, and St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Kensington, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Yingchu Hou
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Chang’an Avenue, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano–Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sunrui Chen
- Shanghai OneTar Biomedicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huo Xu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lee Jia
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Wei Duan
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai 200092, China
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10
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Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Molecular Mechanisms in Stemness Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012327. [PMID: 36293184 PMCID: PMC9604119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most predominant type of liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. One of the culprits for HCC recurrence and metastasis is the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of cancer cells possessing robust stem cell properties within tumors. CSCs play crucial roles in tumor heterogeneity constitution, tumorigenesis, tumor relapse, metastasis, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Elucidation of how these CSCs maintain their stemness features is essential for the development of CSCs-based therapy. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge of intrinsic molecules and signaling pathways involved in hepatic CSCs, especially the CSC surface markers and associated signaling in regulating the stemness characteristics and the heterogeneous subpopulations within the CSC pool. In addition, we recapitulate the effects of crucial extrinsic cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, including stromal cells and immune cells, on the modulation of hepatic CSCs. Finally, we synopsize the currently valuable CSCs-targeted therapy strategies based on intervention in these intrinsic and extrinsic molecular mechanisms, in the hope of shedding light on better clinical management of HCC patients.
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11
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Integration of OV6 expression and CD68 + tumor-associated macrophages with clinical features better predicts the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101509. [PMID: 36030750 PMCID: PMC9428913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable prognostic indicators for accurately predicting postoperative outcomes in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are lacking. Although cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor microenvironment are implicated in the occurrence and development of HCC, whether the combination of CSC biomarkers and TAM populations could achieve better performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC has been rarely reported. METHODS A total of 306 HCC patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts at a 1:1 ratio, and the expression of OV6 and CD68 was assessed using immunohistochemistry in HCC samples. The prognostic value of these biomarkers for post-surgical survival and recurrence were evaluated by the curve of receiver operating characteristic and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The density of OV6+ CSCs was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD68+ TAMs in HCC. Both high OV6 expression and CD68+ TAM infiltration was closely associated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of HCC patients. Moreover, overexpression of OV6 and infiltration of CD68+ TAMs were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS after liver resection. The integration of OV6 and CD68 with tumor size and microvascular invasion exhibited highest C-index value for survival predictivity in HCC patients than any other biomarkers or clinical indicators alone. CONCLUSION Incorporating intratumoral OV6 expression and CD68+ TAMs infiltration with established clinical indicators may serve as a promising prognostic signature for HCC, and could more accurately predict the clinical outcomes for HCC patients after liver resection.
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12
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Shen C, Li J, Li R, Ma Z, Tao Y, Zhang Q, Wang Z. Effects of Tumor-Derived DNA on CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 Axes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and the Regulation of Sinomenine Hydrochloride. Front Oncol 2022; 12:901705. [PMID: 35860597 PMCID: PMC9289293 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.901705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, chemokines and their receptors, CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axes, are deemed vital factors in the modulation of angiogenesis and are crucial for the growth and development of liver cancer. Tumor-derived DNA can be recognized by immune cells to induce an autoimmune response. In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism of tumor-derived DNA on the CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the regulatory effect of sinomenine hydrochloride. Tumor-derived DNA was separated from HCCLM cell lines. Tumor-derived DNA was transfected into SK-Hep1 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. We found that sinomenine hydrochloride reduced the expression of CXCR4, CXCR12, CCR7, and CCL21 in HCC cells, suppressed the growth and invasion of HCC cells, and increased apoptosis. In contrast to the controls, the protein expressions of CXCR4, CXCL12, CCR7, CCL21, P-ERK1/2, MMP-9, and MMP-2 in SK-Hep1 cells were significantly increased after transfection of tumor-derived DNA, while the increase was reversed by sinobine hydrochloride. Acid sinomenine interferes with tumor-derived DNA and affects ERK/MMP signaling via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in HCC cells. CXCR4 siRNA and CCR7 siRNA attenuated tumor-derived DNA activation of ERK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathways in HCC cells. CXCR4-oe and CCR7-OE enhance the stimulation of erK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathway by tumor-derived DNA in HCC cells. Tumor-derived DNA reduced apoptosis and increased invasion of SK-Hep1 cells by CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CCL21-CCR7 axis, and sinobine hydrochloride reversed this regulation. These results strongly suggest that tumor-derived DNA can increase the growth and invasion of oncocytes via the upregulation of the expression of CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axis and through ERK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathway in HCC cells, and sinobine hydrochloride can inhibit this signaling pathway, thus inhibiting HCC cells. These results provide new potential therapeutic targets for blocking the progression of HCC induced by CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CCL21-CCR7.
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13
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Xia P, Liu DH. Cancer stem cell markers for liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102701. [PMID: 35149457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) theory has ushered in a new era of cancer research. Tumor recurrence, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance are all related to the existence of cancer stem cells. Further understanding of tumor heterogeneity will contribute to targeted treatment. Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer are common digestive gland tumors with high lethality. This article reviews the identification and isolation of CSC markers in hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. The markers related signal pathways are involved in the occurrence and development of tumors, and have a significant impact on the proliferation, metastasis and invasion of cancer cells, which can be used as potential molecular therapeutic targets. This study will be helpful to understand cancer stem cell like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Xia
- Biological Anthropology Institute, College of Basic Medical Science, Liaoning Medical University, China.
| | - Da-Hua Liu
- Biological Anthropology Institute, College of Basic Medical Science, Liaoning Medical University, China
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14
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Quercetin Regulates Key Components of the Cellular Microenvironment during Early Hepatocarcinogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020358. [PMID: 35204240 PMCID: PMC8868318 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a health problem worldwide due to its high mortality rate, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the HCC progression. The current ineffective therapies to fight the disease still warrant the development of preventive strategies. Quercetin has been shown to have different antitumor activities; however, its effect on TME components in preneoplastic lesions has not been fully investigated yet. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin (10 mg/kg) on TME components during the early stages of HCC progression induced in the rat. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that quercetin decreases the size of preneoplastic lesions, glycogen and collagen accumulation, the expression of cancer stem cells and myofibroblasts markers, and that of the transporter ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3), a marker of HCC progression and multi-drug resistance. Our results strongly suggest that quercetin has the capability to reduce key components of TME, as well as the expression of ABCC3. Thus, quercetin can be an alternative treatment for inhibiting the growth of early HCC tumors.
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15
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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16
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Leonardi L, Sibéril S, Alifano M, Cremer I, Joubert PE. Autophagy Modulation by Viral Infections Influences Tumor Development. Front Oncol 2021; 11:743780. [PMID: 34745965 PMCID: PMC8569469 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.743780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradative process important for balancing cellular homeostasis at critical times in development and/or in response to nutrient stress. This is particularly relevant in tumor model in which autophagy has been demonstrated to have an important impact on tumor behavior. In one hand, autophagy limits tumor transformation of precancerous cells in early stage, and in the other hand, it favors the survival, proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to antitumor therapies in more advanced tumors. This catabolic machinery can be induced by an important variety of extra- and intracellular stimuli. For instance, viral infection has often been associated to autophagic modulation, and the role of autophagy in virus replication differs according to the virus studied. In the context of tumor development, virus-modulated autophagy can have an important impact on tumor cells' fate. Extensive analyses have shed light on the molecular and/or functional complex mechanisms by which virus-modulated autophagy influences precancerous or tumor cell development. This review includes an overview of discoveries describing the repercussions of an autophagy perturbation during viral infections on tumor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Leonardi
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Univ Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Sibéril
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Univ Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marco Alifano
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital Cochin Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Cremer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Univ Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Joubert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Univ Paris, Paris, France
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17
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Wang S, Gao S, Li Y, Qian X, Luan J, Lv X. Emerging Importance of Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 and Its Ligand in Liver Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716842. [PMID: 34386499 PMCID: PMC8353181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, which together with chemokine ligands form chemokine networks to regulate various cellular functions, immune and physiological processes. These receptors are closely related to cell movement and thus play a vital role in several physiological and pathological processes that require regulation of cell migration. CXCR4, one of the most intensively studied chemokine receptors, is involved in many functions in addition to immune cells recruitment and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Aberrant CXCR4 expression pattern is related to the migration and movement of liver specific cells in liver disease through its cross-talk with a variety of significant cell signaling pathways. An in-depth understanding of CXCR4-mediated signaling pathway and its role in liver disease is critical to identifying potential therapeutic strategies. Current therapeutic strategies for liver disease mainly focus on regulating the key functions of specific cells in the liver, in which the CXCR4 pathway plays a crucial role. Multiple challenges remain to be overcome in order to more effectively target CXCR4 pathway and identify novel combination therapies with existing strategies. This review emphasizes the role of CXCR4 and its important cell signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of liver disease and summarizes the targeted therapeutic studies conducted to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yueran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xueyi Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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18
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The inhibition of ABCB1/MDR1 or ABCG2/BCRP enables doxorubicin to eliminate liver cancer stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10791. [PMID: 34031441 PMCID: PMC8144399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89931-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two ATP-binding cassette transporters, ABCB1/MDR1 and ABCG2/BCRP, are considered the most critical determinants for chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, their roles in the chemoresistance in liver cancer stem cells remain elusive. Here we explored the role of inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 in sensitizing liver cancer stem cells to doxorubicin, the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent in treating liver cancer. We show that the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 in Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells using either pharmacological inhibitors or RNAi resulted in the elevated level of intracellular concentration of doxorubicin and the accompanied increased apoptosis as determined by confocal microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and annexin V assay. Notably, the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 led to the reversal of the chemoresistance, as evident from the enhanced death of the chemoresistant liver cancer stem cells in tumorsphere-forming assays. Thus, the elevation of effective intracellular concentration of doxorubicin via the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 represents a promising future strategy that transforms doxorubicin from a traditional chemotherapy agent into a robust killer of liver cancer stem cells for patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.
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19
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Klein AM, de Queiroz RM, Venkatesh D, Prives C. The roles and regulation of MDM2 and MDMX: it is not just about p53. Genes Dev 2021; 35:575-601. [PMID: 33888565 PMCID: PMC8091979 DOI: 10.1101/gad.347872.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Klein et al. discuss the p53-independent roles of MDM2 and MDMX. First, they review the structural and functional features of MDM2 and MDMX proteins separately and together that could be relevant to their p53-independent activities. Following this, they summarize how these two proteins are regulated and how they can function in cells that lack p53. Most well studied as proteins that restrain the p53 tumor suppressor protein, MDM2 and MDMX have rich lives outside of their relationship to p53. There is much to learn about how these two proteins are regulated and how they can function in cells that lack p53. Regulation of MDM2 and MDMX, which takes place at the level of transcription, post-transcription, and protein modification, can be very intricate and is context-dependent. Equally complex are the myriad roles that these two proteins play in cells that lack wild-type p53; while many of these independent outcomes are consistent with oncogenic transformation, in some settings their functions could also be tumor suppressive. Since numerous small molecules that affect MDM2 and MDMX have been developed for therapeutic outcomes, most if not all designed to prevent their restraint of p53, it will be essential to understand how these diverse molecules might affect the p53-independent activities of MDM2 and MDMX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Klein
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | - Divya Venkatesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Carol Prives
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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20
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Xue D, Zheng Y, Wen J, Han J, Tuo H, Liu Y, Peng Y. Role of chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 45:809-823. [PMID: 33650640 PMCID: PMC7859922 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, with an unsatisfactory prognosis, although treatments are improving. One of the main challenges for the treatment of HCC is the prevention or management of recurrence and metastasis of HCC. It has been found that chemokines and their receptors serve a pivotal role in HCC progression. In the present review, the literature on the multifactorial roles of exosomes in HCC from PubMed, Cochrane library and Embase were obtained, with a specific focus on the functions and mechanisms of chemokines in HCC. To date, >50 chemokines have been found, which can be divided into four families: CXC, CX3C, CC and XC, according to the different positions of the conserved N‑terminal cysteine residues. Chemokines are involved in the inflammatory response, tumor immune response, proliferation, invasion and metastasis via modulation of various signaling pathways. Thus, chemokines and their receptors directly or indirectly shape the tumor cell microenvironment, and regulate the biological behavior of the tumor. In addition, the potential application of chemokines in chemotaxis of exosomes as drug vehicles is discussed. Exosomes containing chemokines or expressing receptors for chemokines may improve chemotaxis to HCC and may thus be exploited for targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Medical Center Laboratory, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Junye Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhao Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Hongfang Tuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yanhui Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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21
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López-Gil JC, Martin-Hijano L, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030469. [PMID: 33530455 PMCID: PMC7866198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CXCL12 and its receptors have been extensively studied in cancer, including their influence on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. This intensive research has led to a better understanding of the crosstalk between CXCL12 and CSCs, which has aided in designing several drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive review has not been published to date. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on how CXCL12 axes are involved in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs, their presence and influence at different cellular levels within the CSC niche, and the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches aimed to target the CXCL12 crossroads. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos López-Gil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Hijano
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
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22
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Liu L, Borlak J. Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and their Characterization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1215-1238. [PMID: 33432485 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade research on cancer stem cells (CSC) significantly contributed to a better understanding of tumor biology. Given their similarity to normal stem cells, i.e. self-renewal and pluripotency the need arises to develop robust protocols for the isolation and characterization of CSCs. As with other malignancies, hepatic tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). Yet, a precise understanding of why stem cells become cancerous is still lacking. There is unmet need to develop robust protocols for the successful isolation of LCSCs from human tissue resection material as to assist in the development of molecular targeted therapies. Here we review the research progress made in the isolation and characterization of LCSCs by considering a wide range of cell surface markers and sorting methods, as applied to side populations, microsphere cultures and the gradient centrifugation method. We emphasize the different fluorescence activated cell sorting methods and the possibility to enrich LCSCs by immunomagnetic beads. We review the specificity of functional assays by considering ABCG transporter and ALDH1 enzyme activities and evaluate the in vivo tumorigenicity of LCSCs in highly sensitive bioassays. Finally, we evaluate different LCSC markers in association with viral and non-viral liver disease and explore the potential of novel drug delivery systems targeting CD133, EpCAM, CD13 and CD90 for the development of molecular targeted therapies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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23
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Xia Q, Shu Z, Ye T, Zhang M. Identification and Analysis of the Blood lncRNA Signature for Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:595699. [PMID: 33365048 PMCID: PMC7750531 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.595699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common malignant tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth major cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In 90% of cases, HCC develops in the context of liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important etiology for cirrhosis and HCC, accounting for 53% of all HCC cases. To understand the underlying mechanisms of the dynamic chain reactions from normal to HBV infection, from HBV infection to liver cirrhosis, from liver cirrhosis to HCC, we analyzed the blood lncRNA expression profiles from 38 healthy control samples, 45 chronic hepatitis B patients, 46 liver cirrhosis patients, and 46 HCC patients. Advanced machine-learning methods including Monte Carlo feature selection, incremental feature selection (IFS), and support vector machine (SVM) were applied to discover the signature associated with HCC progression and construct the prediction model. One hundred seventy-one key HCC progression-associated lncRNAs were identified and their overall accuracy was 0.823 as evaluated with leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV). The accuracies of the lncRNA signature for healthy control, chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, and HCC were 0.895, 0.711, 0.870, and 0.826, respectively. The 171-lncRNA signature is not only useful for early detection and intervention of HCC, but also helpful for understanding the multistage tumorigenic processes of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheyue Shu
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Herbein G, Nehme Z. Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells, a Hallmark of Oncoviruses and a New Therapeutic Challenge. Front Oncol 2020; 10:567116. [PMID: 33154944 PMCID: PMC7591763 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.567116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are renowned as intricate systems that harbor heterogeneous cancer cells with distinctly diverse molecular signatures, sizes and genomic contents. Among those various genomic clonal populations within the complex tumoral architecture are the polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC). Although described for over a century, PGCC are increasingly being recognized for their prominent role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, therapy resistance and tumor repopulation after therapy. A shared characteristic among all tumors triggered by oncoviruses is the presence of polyploidy. Those include Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively), Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and Merkel polyomavirus (MCPyV). Distinct viral proteins, for instance Tax for HTLV-1 or HBx for HBV have demonstrated their etiologic role in favoring the appearance of PGCC. Different intriguing biological mechanisms employed by oncogenic viruses, in addition to viruses with high oncogenic potential such as human cytomegalovirus, could support the generation of PGCC, including induction of endoreplication, inactivation of tumor suppressors, development of hypoxia, activation of cellular senescence and others. Interestingly, chemoresistance and radioresistance have been reported in the context of oncovirus-induced cancers, for example KSHV and EBV-associated lymphomas and high-risk HPV-related cervical cancer. This points toward a potential linkage between the previously mentioned players and highlights PGCC as keystone cancer cells in virally-induced tumors. Subsequently, although new therapeutic approaches are actively needed to fight PGCC, attention should also be drawn to reveal the relationship between PGCC and oncoviruses, with the ultimate goal of establishing effective therapeutic platforms for treatment of virus-associated cancers. This review discusses the presence of PGCCs in tumors induced by oncoviruses, biological mechanisms potentially favoring their appearance, as well as their consequent implication at the clinical and therapeutic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Herbein
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France.,Department of Virology, CHRU Besancon, Besançon, France
| | - Zeina Nehme
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France.,Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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25
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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26
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Xu J, An P, Winkler CA, Yu Y. Dysregulated microRNAs in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1271. [PMID: 32850386 PMCID: PMC7399632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that can function as gene regulators and are involved in tumorigenesis. We review the commonly dysregulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues and plasma/serum of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The frequently reported up-regulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues include miR-18a, miR-21, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-224, whereas down-regulated miRNAs include miR-26a, miR-101, miR-122, miR-125b, miR-145, miR-199a, miR-199b, miR-200a, and miR-223. For a subset of these miRNAs (up-regulated miR-222 and miR-224, down-regulated miR-26a and miR-125b), the pattern of dysregulated circulating miRNAs in plasma/serum is mirrored in tumor tissue based on multiple independent studies. Dysregulated miRNAs target oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Normalization of dysregulated miRNAs by up- or down-regulation has been shown to inhibit HCC cell proliferation or sensitize liver cancer cells to chemotherapeutic treatment. miRNAs hold as yet unrealized potential as biomarkers for early detection of HCC and as precision therapeutic targets, but further studies in diverse populations and across all stages of HCC are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghang Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ping An
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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27
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Gu Y, Zheng X, Ji J. Liver cancer stem cells as a hierarchical society: yes or no? Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:723-735. [PMID: 32490517 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells possessing abilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity in NOD/SCID mice. Based on this definition, multiple cell surface markers (such as CD24, CD133, CD90, and EpCAM) as well as chemical methods are discovered to enrich liver CSCs in the recent decade. Accumulated studies have revealed molecular signatures and signaling pathways involved in regulating different liver CSCs. Among liver CSCs positive for different markers, some molecular features and regulatory pathways are commonly shared, while some are only unique in certain CSC populations. These studies imply that liver CSCs exhibit diverse heterogeneity, while a functional relationship also exists. The aim of this review is to revisit the society of liver CSCs and summarize the common or unique molecular features of known liver CSCs. We hope to call for attention of researchers on the relationship of the liver CSC subgroups and to provide clues on the hierarchical structure of the liver CSC society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhuo Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junfang Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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28
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Cao H, Chen X, Wang Z, Wang L, Xia Q, Zhang W. The role of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction in the hepatocellular carcinoma transformation. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:53. [PMID: 32595984 PMCID: PMC7305227 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-0287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death globally. The main histological subtype is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is derived from hepatocytes. According to the epidemiologic studies, the most important risk factors of HCC are chronic viral infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) and metabolic disease (metabolic syndrome). Interestingly, these carcinogenic factors that contributed to HCC are associated with MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction, which presented with inactivation of p53 and overactivation of MDM2 (a transcriptional target and negative regulator of p53). Mechanically, the homeostasis of MDM2-p53 feedback loop plays an important role in controlling the initiation and progression of HCC, which has been found to be dysregulated in HCC tissues. To maintain long-term survival in hepatocytes, hepatitis viruses have lots of ways to destroy the defense strategies of hepatocytes by inducing TP53 mutation and silencing, promoting MDM2 overexpression, accelerating p53 degradation, and stabilizing MDM2. As a result, genetic instability, chronic ER stress, oxidative stress, energy metabolism switch, and abnormalities in antitumor genes can be induced, all of which might promote hepatocytes' transformation into hepatoma cells. In addition, abnormal proliferative hepatocytes and precancerous cells cannot be killed, because of hepatitis viruses-mediated exhaustion of Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and CD4+T cells by disrupting their MDM2-p53 axis. Moreover, inefficiency of hepatic immune response can be further aggravated when hepatitis viruses co-infected with HIV. Unlike with chronic viral infections, MDM2-p53 axis might play a dual role in glucolipid metabolism of hepatocytes, which presented with enhancing glucolipid catabolism, but promoting hepatocyte injury at the early and late stages of glucolipid metabolism disorder. Oxidative stress, fatty degeneration, and abnormal cell growth can be detected in hepatocytes that were suffering from glucolipid metabolism disorder, and all of which could contribute to HCC initiation. In this review, we focus on the current studies of the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC, and specifically discuss the impact of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction by viral infection and metabolic disease in the transformation of normal hepatocytes into hepatoma cells. We also discuss the therapeutic avenues and potential targets that are being developed to normalize the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cao
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Putuo People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
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29
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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30
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BNIP3L-Dependent Mitophagy Promotes HBx-Induced Cancer Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Glycolysis Metabolism Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030655. [PMID: 32168902 PMCID: PMC7139741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of predisposing factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of HBV x protein (HBx) in mediating the induction and maintenance of cancer stemness during HBV-related HCC attracts considerable attention, but the exact mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Here, ABCG2-dependent stem-like side population (SP) cells, which are thought to be liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), were present in HCC cells, and the fraction of this subset was increased in HBx-expressing HCC cells. In addition, glycolysis was upregulated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, and intervention of glycolysis attenuated cancer stem-like phenotypes. Mitochondria play an important role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy was also activated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, which triggered a metabolic shift toward glycolysis. In summary, we proposed a positive feedback loop, in which HBx induced BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy which upregulated glycolytic metabolism, increasing cancer stemness of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. BNIP3L might be a potential therapeutic target for intervention of LCSCs-associated HCC. Anti-HBx, a monoclonal antibody targeting intracellular HBx, had the potential to delay the progression of HBV infection related-HCC.
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31
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MicroRNA-28-5p Regulates Liver Cancer Stem Cell Expansion via IGF-1 Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:8734362. [PMID: 31885628 PMCID: PMC6915025 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8734362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the role of miRNAs in liver CSCs has not been fully elucidated. Methods Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-miR-28-5p in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). The impact of miR-28-5p on liver CSC expansion was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The correlation between miR-28-5p expression and sorafenib benefits in HCC was further evaluated in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Results Our data showed that miR-28-5p was downregulated in sorted EpCAM- and CD24-positive liver CSCs. Biofunctional investigations revealed that knockdown miR-28-5p promoted liver CSC self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Consistently, miR-28-5p overexpression inhibited liver CSC's self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, we found that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was a direct target of miR-28-5p in liver CSCs, and the effects of miR-28-5p on liver CSC's self-renewal and tumorigenesis were dependent on IGF-1. The correlation between miR-28-5p and IGF-1 was confirmed in human HCC tissues. Furthermore, the miR-28-5p knockdown HCC cells were more sensitive to sorafenib treatment. Analysis of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further demonstrated that the miR-28-5p may predict sorafenib benefits in HCC patients. Conclusion Our findings revealed the crucial role of the miR-28-5p in liver CSC expansion and sorafenib response, rendering miR-28-5p an optimal therapeutic target for HCC.
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Kong F, You H, Kong D, Zheng K, Tang R. The interaction of hepatitis B virus with the ubiquitin proteasome system in viral replication and associated pathogenesis. Virol J 2019; 16:73. [PMID: 31146743 PMCID: PMC6543661 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) regulates the expression levels of cellular proteins by ubiquitination of protein substrates followed by their degradation via the proteasome. As a highly conserved cellular degradation mechanism, the UPS affects a variety of biological processes and participates in viral propagation. Main body During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the UPS is shown to act as a double-edged sword in viral pathogenesis. On the one hand, the UPS acts as a host defense mechanism to selectively recognize HBV proteins as well as special cellular proteins that favor the viral life cycle and induces their ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation to limit HBV infection. On the other hand, the HBV has evolved to subvert the UPS function for its own advantage. Moreover, in the infected hepatocytes, certain cellular proteins that are dependent on the UPS are involved in abnormal biological processes which are mediated by HBV. Conclusion The molecular interaction of HBV with the UPS to modulate viral propagation and pathogenesis is summarized in the review. Considering the important role of the UPS in HBV infection, a better understanding of the HBV-UPS interaction could provide novel insight into the mechanisms that are involved in viral replication and pathogenesis and help to develop potential treatment strategies targeting the UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Delong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China. .,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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Han R, Chen X, Li Y, Zhang S, Li R, Lu L. MicroRNA-34a suppresses aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating E2F1, E2F3, and Caspase-3. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:2963-2976. [PMID: 31114344 PMCID: PMC6489561 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s202664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence suggests an antineoplastic role of MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) in human cancer. However, its precise biological functions stay largely elusive. Purpose: Our study was aimed to investigate the impact of miR-34a on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying apoptosis related mechanisms in vitro, as well as the association of miR-34a, E2F1 and E2F3 expression with patient survival of HCC using publicly accessed datasets. Methods: The HBV-expressing Hep3B and SNU-449 cell lines with or without enforced expression of miR-34a were in vitro cultured for cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, cell invasion, and 3D spheroid formation. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed for E2F1, E2F3 expression. Caspase-3 (CASP3) activity was determined using a CaspACETM Assay System. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the associations of miR-34a, E2F1 and E2F3 expression and overall survival in HCC. Meta-analysis was performed to examine the differential expression of E2F1 and E2F3 between primary HCC vs normal tissues. Results: The results in vitro showed that enforced miR-34a expression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of both Hep3B and SNU-449. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that miR-34a could significantly suppress E2F1 and E2F3 expression, particularly in SNU-449. CASP3 activity in both Hep3B and SNU-449 increased in miR-34a treatment group. Overexpressed E2F1 and E2F3 were observed in primary HCC vs normal tissues. Survival analyses showed that HCC patients with either high miR-34a, or low E2F1, or low E2F3 expression had better survival than their opposite counterparts, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggested thatmiR-34a can modulate the expression of E2F1, E2F3, and CASP3 activity, thereby repressing tumor aggressiveness and expediting apoptosis in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700 People's Republic of China.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700 People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700 People's Republic of China.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shunjia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ruibai Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700 People's Republic of China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.,Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Wang H, Zhang CZ, Lu SX, Zhang MF, Liu LL, Luo RZ, Yang X, Wang CH, Chen SL, He YF, Xie D, Xu RH, Yun JP. A Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 50 Splice Variant Is Modulated by Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 3 and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice by the Ras Signaling Pathway. Hepatology 2019; 69:179-195. [PMID: 30028541 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of alternative splicing contributes to the malignant progression of cancer. Little is known about the significant alternative splicing events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High-throughput sequencing revealed that coiled-coil domain containing 50 (CCDC50) pre-mRNA is aberrantly spliced in 50% of our HCC cases. A BaseScope assay was performed to examine the expression of CCDC50S (a truncated oncogenic splice variant) in HCC tissues. Compared with benign liver tumors and several other types of solid tumors, CCDC50S mRNA was up-regulated in HCC, with a diagnostic potential (sensitivity, 0.711; specificity, 0.793). High expression of CCDC50S mRNA in HCC was significantly correlated with poor tumor differentiation, advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and unfavorable prognosis. Overexpression of CCDC50S exerted tumorigenic activities that promoted HCC growth and metastasis by activation of Ras/forkhead box protein O4 (Foxo4) signaling. Either suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation or overexpression of Foxo4 markedly attenuated CCDC50S-mediated phenotypes. Furthermore, serine- and arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) directly bound to CCDC50S mRNA to maintain its stability in the cytoplasm. The cytosolic retention of SRSF3 was mediated by the interaction of hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein (HBx) and 14-3-3β. Ectopic HBx expression induced expression of cytosolic SRSF3 and CCDC50S. Conclusion: Our study provided compelling evidence that up-regulation of CCDC50S was modulated by HBx/SRSF3/14-3-3β complex and enhanced oncogenic progression of HCC through the Ras/Foxo4 signaling pathway. These data suggest that CCDC50S may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and probably a promising therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chris Zhiyi Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Xun Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Fang Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Zhen Luo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hua Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Lu Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang-Fan He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Ping Yun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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35
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Current insight into a cancer-implicated long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 and correlative functional mechanisms involved. Pathol Res Pract 2018; 214:1517-1523. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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36
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Wang K, Sun D. Cancer stem cells of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:23306-23314. [PMID: 29796190 PMCID: PMC5955417 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor arising from hepatocytes. The hepatocellular carcinoma is dictated by a subset of cells with stem cell-like features. These cells are apoptosis-resistant and have particular biomarkers, which serve as seeds in different stages of tumorigenesis including initiation, progression, metastasis, and relapse of hepatocellular carcinoma. Signaling pathways of cancer stem cells are novel targets for the radical intervention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Wang
- Institute of Cell Biotechnology, China and Russia Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (23618504), National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Harbin, China.,Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dianjun Sun
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (23618504), National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Harbin, China.,Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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37
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Huang H, Wang C, Liu F, Li HZ, Peng G, Gao X, Dong KQ, Wang HR, Kong DP, Qu M, Dai LH, Wang KJ, Zhou Z, Yang J, Yang ZY, Cheng YQ, Tian QQ, Liu D, Xu CL, Xu DF, Cui XG, Sun YH. Reciprocal Network between Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Macrophages Facilitates the Progression and Androgen Deprivation Therapy Resistance of Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4612-4626. [PMID: 29691294 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) contribute to the progression and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) resistance of prostate cancer. As CSCs depend on their specific niche, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), elucidating the network between CSCs and TAMs may help to effectively inhibit the progression and ADT resistance of prostate cancer.Experimental Design: The underlying intracellular mechanism that sustains the stem-like characteristics of CSCs in prostate cancer was assessed via RNA sequencing, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and other assays. A coculture system and cytokine antibody arrays were used to examine the interaction network between CSCs and TAMs. In addition, an orthotopic prostate cancer model was established to evaluate the in vivo effects of the combined targeting of CSCs and their interaction with TAMs on ADT resistance.Results: Autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) facilitated the transcription of OCT4 via β-catenin, which binds to the OCT4 promoter, promoting CSC characteristics in prostate cancer, including self-renewal, tumor initiation, and drug resistance. In addition, CSCs remodeled their specific niche by educating monocytes/macrophages toward TAMs, and the CSC-educated TAMs reciprocally promoted the stem-like properties of CSCs, progression and ADT resistance of prostate cancer via IL6/STAT3. Furthermore, the combined targeting of CSCs and their interaction with TAMs by inhibiting ATG7/OCT4 and IL6 receptor effectively ameliorated ADT resistance in an orthotopic prostate cancer model.Conclusions: Targeting CSCs and their niche may prove to be a more powerful strategy than targeting CSCs alone, providing a rational approach to ameliorating ADT resistance in prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4612-26. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Li
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Peng
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Qin Dong
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Ru Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Pei Kong
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Qu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-He Dai
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai-Jian Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhou
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Yu Yang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Cheng
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Qin Tian
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Liang Xu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Feng Xu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Gang Cui
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University (Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital), Shanghai, China.
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Hao Sun
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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38
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Lu Z. The function of HBx in HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. INFECTION INTERNATIONAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ii-2017-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second cause cancer death in the world. HCC is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with intrahepatic metstasis or vascular invasion and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate. In the world, hepatitis B virus (HBV) caused over 50% HCC, making it the most common carcinogen after tobacco. Notably, accumulating evidence suggests HBV X gene (HBx) play an important role in tumorigenesis of HBV-related HCC. In this review, we will summarize the functions of HBx proteins in tumorigenesis and discuss their potential implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
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39
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Damiati S, Peacock M, Leonhardt S, Damiati L, Baghdadi MA, Becker H, Kodzius R, Schuster B. Embedded Disposable Functionalized Electrochemical Biosensor with a 3D-Printed Flow Cell for Detection of Hepatic Oval Cells (HOCs). Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E89. [PMID: 29443890 PMCID: PMC5852585 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are considered the progeny of the intrahepatic stem cells that are found in a small population in the liver after hepatocyte proliferation is inhibited. Due to their small number, isolation and capture of these cells constitute a challenging task for immunosensor technology. This work describes the development of a 3D-printed continuous flow system and exploits disposable screen-printed electrodes for the rapid detection of HOCs that over-express the OV6 marker on their membrane. Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes have a chitosan film that serves as a scaffold for the immobilization of oval cell marker antibodies (anti-OV6-Ab), which enhance the sensitivity of the biomarker and makes the designed sensor specific for oval cells. The developed sensor can be easily embedded into the 3D-printed flow cell to allow cells to be exposed continuously to the functionalized surface. The continuous flow is intended to increase capture of most of the target cells in the specimen. Contact angle measurements were performed to characterize the nature and quality of the modified sensor surface, and electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV)) were performed to confirm the efficiency and selectivity of the fabricated sensor to detect HOCs. The proposed method is valuable for capturing rare cells and could provide an effective tool for cancer diagnosis and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Damiati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitecture, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Stefan Leonhardt
- Institute of Medical and Polymer Engineering, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 85748 Garching, Germany.
| | - Laila Damiati
- Centre for Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
- Department of Biology, Jeddah University, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A Baghdadi
- Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah 21499, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Rimantas Kodzius
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department, The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq.
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
- Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), 80539 Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitecture, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
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