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Meganck S, Raevens S, Ferdinande K, Verhelst X, Hoorens A, Degroote H, Geerts A, Van Vlierberghe H. Recurrent rejections after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma with stem cell features in an adult patient. Acta Clin Belg 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38961614 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2024.2376304] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Patients with hepatoblastoma featuring carcinoma characteristics have better outcomes after liver transplantation, than after chemotherapy and resection. Possibly this should be extrapolated to aggressive subtypes of hepatocellular carcinomas in non-cirrhotic livers, where early liver transplantation might also be indicated. However, the risks associated with liver transplantation and immunosuppressive treatment after liver transplantation are once again demonstrated by this case of a 32-year-old women with a negative personal and familial history of liver diseases. She underwent transplantation (DBD) for a hepatocellular carcinoma with stem cell features (HCC-HS; an aggressive 'hepatoblast subtype' of hepatocellular carcinoma) after chemotherapeutical downstaging techniques failed to sufficiently downstage the tumor. Despite being on conventional immunosuppressive regimens (tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil with initial corticosteroids tapered), this patient still developed two severe rejection episodes, one of which necessitated retransplantation (DCD). Both episodes were preceded by alterations in tacrolimus trough levels, either intentionally, when tacrolimus was reduced within a nephroprotective regimen, or unintentionally, when rifampicin, a CYP3A4 inducer, significantly lowered the trough levels. Together, these episodes stress the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus. Furthermore, the patient experienced an everolimus-linked drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy, underwent multiple ERCPs for an anastomotic stricture and only one and a half year after the first liver transplantation she already suffers from long-term immunosuppressive-related side effects such as impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension and a potential cardiomyopathy. At present, she is still alive and experienced no recurrence of her primary tumor. Her case underscores the significant challenges in post-liver transplantation care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Meganck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - S Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - K Ferdinande
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - X Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - A Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - H Degroote
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - A Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - H Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
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2
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López CL, Calvo M, Cámara JC, García-Paredes B, Gómez-Martin C, López AM, Pazo-Cid R, Sastre J, Yaya R, Feliu J. SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for the management of hepatocarcinoma patients (2023). Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03568-4. [PMID: 38914756 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03568-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy in the liver and is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surveillance with abdominal ultrasound should be offered to individuals at high risk for developing HCC. Accurate diagnosis, staging, and liver function are crucial when determining the optimal therapeutic approach. The BCLC staging system is widely endorsed in Western countries. Managing this pathology requires a multidisciplinary, personalized approach, generally with a multimodal strategy. Surgery remains the only curative option, albeit local and systemic therapy may also increase survival when surgery is not suitable. In advanced disease, systemic treatment should be offered to patients with ECOG/PS 0-1 and Child-Pugh class A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos López López
- Medical Oncology Department, H. U. Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, UNICAN, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Mariona Calvo
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Cámara
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Gómez-Martin
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María López
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Roberto Pazo-Cid
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sastre
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Yaya
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituvo Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Feliu
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERONC, UAM, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Quaranta V, Ballarò C, Giannelli G. Macrophages Orchestrate the Liver Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1772. [PMID: 38730724 PMCID: PMC11083142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091772] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the most common types, and despite numerous advances, therapeutic options still remain poor for these cancer patients. Tumor development and progression strictly depend on a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells population within a tumorigenic liver; they sustain cancer cells' growth and invasiveness, and their presence is correlated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, TAM cross-talk with cells and components of the TME promotes immunosuppression, a desmoplastic response, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding TAM heterogeneity and function, with a particular focus on TAM modulation of the TME. We also discuss the potential of targeting macrophage subpopulations and how this is now being exploited in current clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Quaranta
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy (G.G.)
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Zuo A, Li J, Weng S, Xu H, Zhang Y, Wang L, Xing Z, Luo P, Cheng Q, Li J, Han X, Liu Z. Integrated Exploration of Epigenetic Dysregulation Reveals a Stemness/EMT Subtype and MMP12 Linked to the Progression and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1821-1833. [PMID: 38652053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00036] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation drives aberrant transcriptional programs playing a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may provide novel insights into the heterogeneity of HCC. This study performed an integrated exploration on the epigenetic dysregulation of miRNA and methylation. We discovered and validated three patterns endowed with gene-related transcriptional traits and clinical outcomes. Specially, a stemness/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) subtype was featured by immune exhaustion and the worst prognosis. Besides, MMP12, a characteristic gene, was highly expressed in the stemness/EMT subtype, which was verified as a pivotal regulator linked to the unfavorable prognosis and further proven to promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro experiments. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry sequencing also indicated that the overexpression of MMP12 was significantly associated with cell proliferation and adhesion. Taken together, this study unveils innovative insights into epigenetic dysregulation and identifies a stemness/EMT subtype-specific gene, MMP12, correlated with the progression and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhe Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Heo S, Kang HJ, Choi SH, Kim S, Yoo Y, Choi WM, Kim SY, Lee SS. Proliferative hepatocellular carcinomas in cirrhosis: patient outcomes of LI-RADS category 4/5 and category M. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2974-2985. [PMID: 37848775 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to compare Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category 4/5 and category M (LR-M) of proliferative hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in cirrhotic patients and evaluate their impacts on prognosis. METHODS This retrospective multi-reader study included cirrhotic patients with single treatment-naïve HCC ≤ 5.0 cm who underwent contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, and subsequent hepatic resection within 2 months. The percentages of CT/MRI LR-4/5 and LR-M in proliferative and non-proliferative HCCs were compared. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the association of LI-RADS categories (LR-4/5 vs. LR-M) and pathologic classification (proliferative vs. non-proliferative) with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Subgroups of patients with proliferative and non-proliferative HCCs were analyzed to compare OS and RFS between LR-4/5 and LR-M. RESULTS Of the 204 included patients, 38 were classified as having proliferative HCC. The percentages of LR-M were higher in proliferative than non-proliferative HCC on both CT (15.8% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.007) and MRI (26.3% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.016). Independent of pathologic classification, CT and MRI LR-M were significantly associated with poorer OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.58, p = 0.013, and HR = 6.45, p < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 3.66, p = 0.005, and HR = 6.44, p < 0.001) than LR-4/5. MRI LR-M was associated with significantly poorer OS (p ≤ 0.003) and RFS (p < 0.001) than MRI LR-4/5 in both proliferative and non-proliferative HCCs. CONCLUSIONS This multi-reader study showed that the percentages of LR-M were significantly higher in proliferative than non-proliferative HCCs. CT/MRI LR-M was significantly associated with poor OS and RFS, independent of the pathologic classification of proliferative versus non-proliferative HCCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT CT and MRI LI-RADS category M can be clinically useful in predicting poor outcomes in patients with proliferative and non-proliferative hepatocellular carcinomas. KEY POINTS • The percentages of LR-M tumors on both CT and MRI were significantly higher in proliferative than non-proliferative hepatocellular carcinomas. • Independent of pathologic classification, CT/MRI LR-M categories were correlated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. • Patients with both proliferative and non-proliferative hepatocellular carcinomas categorized as MRI LR-M had significantly poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival than those categorized as MRI LR-4/5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Heo
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Choi
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sehee Kim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngeun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Soo Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
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Bakiri L, Hasenfuss SC, Guío-Carrión A, Thomsen MK, Hasselblatt P, Wagner EF. Liver cancer development driven by the AP-1/c-Jun~Fra-2 dimer through c-Myc. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404188121. [PMID: 38657045 PMCID: PMC11067056 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404188121] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. HCC incidence is on the rise, while treatment options remain limited. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in HCC development has become a priority to guide future therapies. While previous studies implicated the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) (Fos/Jun) transcription factor family members c-Fos and c-Jun in HCC formation, the contribution of Fos-related antigens (Fra-) 1 and 2 is unknown. Here, we show that hepatocyte-restricted expression of a single chain c-Jun~Fra-2 protein, which functionally mimics the c-Jun/Fra-2 AP-1 dimer, results in spontaneous HCC formation in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Several hallmarks of human HCC, such as cell cycle dysregulation and the expression of HCC markers are observed in liver tumors arising in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Tumorigenesis occurs in the context of mild inflammation, low-grade fibrosis, and Pparγ-driven dyslipidemia. Subsequent analyses revealed increased expression of c-Myc, evidently under direct regulation by AP-1 through a conserved distal 3' enhancer. Importantly, c-Jun~Fra-2-induced tumors revert upon switching off transgene expression, suggesting oncogene addiction to the c-Jun~Fra-2 transgene. Tumors escaping reversion maintained c-Myc and c-Myc target gene expression, likely due to increased c-Fos. Interfering with c-Myc in established tumors using the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif inhibitor JQ-1 diminished liver tumor growth in c-Jun~Fra-2 mutant mice. Thus, our data establish c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice as a model to study liver tumorigenesis and identify the c-Jun/Fra-2-Myc interaction as a potential target to improve HCC patient stratification and/or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Bakiri
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastian C. Hasenfuss
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guío-Carrión
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin K. Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Hasselblatt
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erwin F. Wagner
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Zheng S, Chan SW, Liu F, Liu J, Chow PKH, Toh HC, Hong W. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Drug Therapeutic Status, Advances and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1582. [PMID: 38672664 PMCID: PMC11048862 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081582] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for ~90% of liver neoplasms. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Although there have been rapid developments in the treatment of HCC over the past decade, the incidence and mortality rates of HCC remain a challenge. With the widespread use of the hepatitis B vaccine and antiviral therapy, the etiology of HCC is shifting more toward metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Early-stage HCC can be treated with potentially curative strategies such as surgical resection, liver transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation, improving long-term survival. However, most HCC patients, when diagnosed, are already in the intermediate or advanced stages. Molecular targeted therapy, followed by immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, has been a revolution in HCC systemic treatment. Systemic treatment of HCC especially for patients with compromised liver function is still a challenge due to a significant resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, tumor heterogeneity, lack of oncogenic addiction, and lack of effective predictive and therapeutic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunzhen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250098, China;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (S.W.C.); (W.H.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China;
| | - Siew Wee Chan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (S.W.C.); (W.H.)
| | - Fei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250098, China;
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China;
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Singapore;
- Academic Clinical Programme for Surgery, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore;
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (S.W.C.); (W.H.)
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Soliman N, Saharia A, Abdelrahim M, Connor AA. Molecular profiling in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:10-22. [PMID: 38038621 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to both summarize the current knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma molecular biology and to suggest a framework in which to prospectively translate this knowledge into patient care. This is timely as recent guidelines recommend increased use of these technologies to advance personalized liver cancer care. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes covered here address germline and somatic genetic alterations recently discovered in hepatocellular carcinoma, largely owing to next generation sequencing technologies, and nascent efforts to translate these into contemporary practice. SUMMARY Early efforts of translating molecular profiling to hepatocellular carcinoma care demonstrate a growing number of potentially actionable alterations. Still lacking are a consensus on what biomarkers and technologies to adopt, at what scale and cost, and how to integrate them most effectively into care.
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Zhu Y, Wang Q, Xie X, Ma C, Qiao Y, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Gao Y, Jiang J, Liu X, Chen J, Li C, Ge G. ZBTB7B is a permissive regulator of hepatocellular carcinoma initiation by repressing c-Jun expression and function. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:55. [PMID: 38225233 PMCID: PMC10789742 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06441-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multi-step process. However, the regulators of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation are understudied. Adult liver-specific gene expression was globally downregulated in HCC. We hypothesize that adult liver-specific genes, especially adult liver-enriched transcription factors may exert tumor-suppressive functions in HCC. In this study, we identify ZBTB7B, an adult liver-enriched transcription factor as a permissive regulator of HCC initiation. ZBTB7B is highly expressed in hepatocytes in adult livers, compared to fetal livers. To evaluate the functions of ZBTB7B in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed hepatocyte-specific ZBTB7B knockout in hydrodynamic oncogene transfer-induced mouse liver cancer models. Hepatocyte-specific knockout of ZBTB7B promotes activated Akt and N-Ras-induced HCC development. Moreover, ZBTB7B deficiency sensitizes hepatocytes to a single oncogene Akt-induced oncogenic transformation and HCC initiation, which is otherwise incompetent in inducing HCC. ZBTB7B deficiency accelerates HCC initiation by down-regulating adult liver-specific gene expression and priming livers to a fetal-like state. The molecular mechanism underlying ZBTB7B functions in hepatocytes was investigated by integrated transcriptomic, phosphoproteomic, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analyses. Integrative multi-omics analyses identify c-Jun as the core signaling node in ZBTB7B-deficient liver cancer initiation. c-Jun is a direct target of ZBTB7B essential to accelerated liver cancer initiation in ZBTB7B-deficient livers. Knockdown of c-Jun expression or dominant negative c-Jun expression delays HCC development in ZBTB7B-deficient livers. In addition, ZBTB7B competes with c-Jun for chromatin binding. Ectopic ZBTB7B expression attenuates the tumor-promoting functions of c-Jun. Expression of ZBTB7B signature, composed of 140 genes co-regulated by ZBTB7B and c-Jun, is significantly downregulated in early-stage HCCs compared to adjacent normal tissues, correlates to liver-specific gene expression, and is associated with good prognosis in human HCC. Thus, ZBTB7B functions as a permissive regulator of HCC initiation by directly regulating c-Jun expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qinqin Wang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xinyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Cuihong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuemei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yanjun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Genome Tagging Project (GTP) Center, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Chen Li
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Gaoxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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10
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Jiang M, Ren J, Belmonte JCI, Liu GH. Hepatocyte reprogramming in liver regeneration: Biological mechanisms and applications. FEBS J 2023; 290:5674-5688. [PMID: 37556833 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the few organs that retain the capability to regenerate in adult mammals. This regeneration process is mainly facilitated by the dynamic behavior of hepatocytes, which are the major functional constituents in the liver. In response to liver injury, hepatocytes undergo remarkable alterations, such as reprogramming, wherein they lose their original identity and acquire properties from other cells. This phenomenon of hepatocyte reprogramming, coupled with hepatocyte expansion, plays a central role in liver regeneration, and its underlying mechanisms are complex and multifaceted. Understanding the fate of reprogrammed hepatocytes and the mechanisms of their conversion has significant implications for the development of innovative therapeutics for liver diseases. Herein, we review the plasticity of hepatocytes in response to various forms of liver injury, with a focus on injury-induced hepatocyte reprogramming. We provide a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing hepatocyte reprogramming, specifically in the context of liver regeneration, providing insight into potential applications of this process in the treatment of liver disorders, including chronic liver diseases and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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12
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Romualdo GR, Heidor R, Bacil GP, Moreno FS, Barbisan LF. Past, present, and future of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis rodent models: Perspectives concerning classic and new cancer hallmarks. Life Sci 2023; 330:121994. [PMID: 37543357 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main primary liver cancer, accounts for 5 % of all incident cases and 8.4 % of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC displays a spectrum of environmental risk factors (viral chronic infections, aflatoxin exposure, alcoholic- and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases) that result in molecular complexity and heterogeneity, contributing to a rising epidemiological burden, poor prognosis, and non-satisfactory treatment options. The emergence of HCC (i.e., hepatocarcinogenesis) is a multistep and complex process that addresses many (epi)genetic alterations and phenotypic traits, the so-called cancer hallmarks. "Polymorphic microbiomes", "epigenetic reprogramming", "senescent cells" and "unlocking phenotypic plasticity" are trending hallmarks/enabling features in cancer biology. As the main molecular drivers of HCC are still undruggable, chemically induced in vivo models of hepatocarcinogenesis are useful tools in preclinical research. Thus, this narrative review aimed at recapitulating the basic features of chemically induced rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, eliciting their permanent translational value regarding the "classic" and the "new" cancer hallmarks/enabling features. We gathered state-of-art preclinical evidence on non-cirrhotic, inflammation-, alcoholic liver disease- and nonalcoholic fatty liver-associated HCC models, demonstrating that these bioassays indeed express the recently added hallmarks, as well as reflect the interplay between classical and new cancer traits. Our review demonstrated that these protocols remain valuable for translational preclinical application, as they recapitulate trending features of cancer science. Further "omics-based" approaches are warranted while multimodel investigations are encouraged in order to avoid "model-biased" responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Heidor
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador Moreno
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Cogliati B, Yashaswini CN, Wang S, Sia D, Friedman SL. Friend or foe? The elusive role of hepatic stellate cells in liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:647-661. [PMID: 37550577 PMCID: PMC10671228 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a substantial risk factor for the development and progression of liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Studies utilizing cell fate mapping and single-cell transcriptomics techniques have identified quiescent perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as the primary source of activated collagen-producing HSCs and liver cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HCC and liver metastasis, complemented in iCCA by contributions from portal fibroblasts. At the same time, integrative computational analysis of single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing data have revealed marked heterogeneity among HSCs and CAFs, with distinct subpopulations displaying unique gene expression signatures and functions. Some of these subpopulations have divergent roles in promoting or inhibiting liver fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. In this Review, we discuss the dual roles of HSC subpopulations in liver fibrogenesis and their contribution to liver cancer promotion, progression and metastasis. We review the transcriptomic and functional similarities between HSC and CAF subpopulations, highlighting the pathways that either promote or prevent fibrosis and cancer, and the immunological landscape from which these pathways emerge. Insights from ongoing studies will yield novel strategies for developing biomarkers, assessing prognosis and generating new therapies for both HCC and iCCA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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ElBadre HM, El-Deek SEM, Ramadan HKA, Elbadr MM, Sabry D, Ahmed NM, Ahmed AM, El-Mahdy RI. Potential role of human umbilical cord stem cells-derived exosomes as novel molecular inhibitors of hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Apoptosis 2023; 28:1346-1356. [PMID: 37338718 PMCID: PMC10425301 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01863-z] [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] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most critical cancers; thus, novel therapeutical regimens are of great need. In this study, we investigated the effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) derived exosomes on HepG2 cell line, and the underlying mechanism to control HCC proliferation, to identify the potential clinical role of exosomes as a novel molecular therapeutic target. Proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis effects were assessed together with the cell viability evaluation by MTT assay in HepG2 cells at 24/48 h. with or without UC-MSCs-derived exosomes. Gene expressions of TNF-α, caspase-3, VEGF, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), and CX chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR-4) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR technique. Expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) protein was detected by western blot. Treatment of HepG2 cells with UC-MSCs-derived exosomes for 24 and 48 h. demonstrated a significant reduction of cells survival compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The SIRT-1 protein, and VEGF, SDF-1, CXCR-4 expression levels were significantly lower, TNF-α and caspase-3 expression levels were significantly higher in exosomal-treated HepG2 cells for 24 and 48 h. than those in the control group. Moreover, our findings documented that the anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects were achieved in a time-dependent manner in which more effects were determined after 48 h supplementation compared to 24 h (p < 0.05). UC-MSCs-derived exosomes exert anticarcinogenic molecular effects on HepG2 cells through the involvement of SIRT-1, SDF-1, and CXCR-4. Hence, exosomes would be a potential novel therapy regimen against HCC. Large-scale studies are recommended to verify this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala M ElBadre
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sahar E M El-Deek
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elbadr
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noran M Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amr M Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Reham I El-Mahdy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
- Department of Basic medical science, Badr University, west of Assiut, New Naser City, Assiut, Egypt.
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15
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Choi JH, Thung SN. Advances in Histological and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2582. [PMID: 37761023 PMCID: PMC10526317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092582] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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16
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Zhu K, Xia Y, Tian X, He Y, Zhou J, Han R, Guo H, Song T, Chen L, Tian X. Characterization and therapeutic perspectives of differentiation-inducing therapy in malignant tumors. Front Genet 2023; 14:1271381. [PMID: 37745860 PMCID: PMC10514561 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1271381] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health issue globally and is one of the leading causes of death. Although available treatments improve the survival rate of some cases, many advanced tumors are insensitive to these treatments. Cancer cell differentiation reverts the malignant phenotype to its original state and may even induce differentiation into cell types found in other tissues. Leveraging differentiation-inducing therapy in high-grade tumor masses offers a less aggressive strategy to curb tumor progression and heightens chemotherapy sensitivity. Differentiation-inducing therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of tumor cells. For example, differentiation therapy has become the first choice for acute promyelocytic leukemia, with the cure rate of more than 90%. Although an appealing concept, the mechanism and clinical drugs used in differentiation therapy are still in their nascent stage, warranting further investigation. In this review, we examine the current differentiation-inducing therapeutic approach and discuss the clinical applications as well as the underlying biological basis of differentiation-inducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangwei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuren Xia
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xindi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuchao He
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Chiyoda, Japan
| | - Ruyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianqiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangdong Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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17
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Jeong YS, Eun YG, Lee SH, Kang SH, Yim SY, Kim EH, Noh JK, Sohn BH, Woo SR, Kong M, Nam DH, Jang HJ, Lee HS, Song S, Oh SC, Lee J, Ajani JA, Lee JS. Clinically conserved genomic subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:147. [PMID: 37674200 PMCID: PMC10481468 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01796-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is a lethal disease characterized by genomic and clinical heterogeneity. By integrating 8 previously established genomic signatures for GAC subtypes, we identified 6 clinically and molecularly distinct genomic consensus subtypes (CGSs). CGS1 have the poorest prognosis, very high stem cell characteristics, and high IGF1 expression, but low genomic alterations. CGS2 is enriched with canonical epithelial gene expression. CGS3 and CGS4 have high copy number alterations and low immune reactivity. However, CGS3 and CGS4 differ in that CGS3 has high HER2 activation, while CGS4 has high SALL4 and KRAS activation. CGS5 has the high mutation burden and moderately high immune reactivity that are characteristic of microsatellite instable tumors. Most CGS6 tumors are positive for Epstein Barr virus and show extremely high levels of methylation and high immune reactivity. In a systematic analysis of genomic and proteomic data, we estimated the potential response rate of each consensus subtype to standard and experimental treatments such as radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Interestingly, CGS3 was significantly associated with a benefit from chemoradiation therapy owing to its high basal level of ferroptosis. In addition, we also identified potential therapeutic targets for each consensus subtype. Thus, the consensus subtypes produced a robust classification and provide for additional characterizations for subtype-based customized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Seong Jeong
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Young-Gyu Eun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Lee
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Pocheon, Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Kang
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Kyung Noh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Hwa Sohn
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Seon Rang Woo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moonkyoo Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deok Hwa Nam
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hee-Jin Jang
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyun-Sung Lee
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sang Cheul Oh
- Division of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeeyun Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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18
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Shao M, Tao Q, Xu Y, Xu Q, Shu Y, Chen Y, Shen J, Zhou Y, Wu Z, Chen M, Yang J, Shi Y, Wen T, Bu H. Glutamine synthetase-negative hepatocellular carcinoma has better prognosis and response to sorafenib treatment after hepatectomy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2066-2076. [PMID: 37249521 PMCID: PMC10476731 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamine synthetase (GS) and arginase 1 (Arg1) are widely used pathological markers that discriminate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; however, their clinical significance in HCC remains unclear. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 431 HCC patients: 251 received hepatectomy alone, and the other 180 received sorafenib as adjuvant treatment after hepatectomy. Expression of GS and Arg1 in tumor specimens was evaluated using immunostaining. mRNA sequencing and immunostaining to detect progenitor markers (cytokeratin 19 [CK19] and epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM]) and mutant TP53 were also conducted. RESULTS Up to 72.4% (312/431) of HCC tumors were GS positive (GS+). Of the patients receiving hepatectomy alone, GS negative (GS-) patients had significantly better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than GS+ patients; negative expression of Arg1, which is exclusively expressed in GS- hepatocytes in the healthy liver, had a negative effect on prognosis. Of the patients with a high risk of recurrence who received additional sorafenib treatment, GS- patients tended to have better RFS than GS+ patients, regardless of the expression status of Arg1. GS+ HCC tumors exhibit many features of the established proliferation molecular stratification subtype, including poor differentiation, high alpha-fetoprotein levels, increased progenitor tumor cells, TP53 mutation, and upregulation of multiple tumor-related signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS GS- HCC patients have a better prognosis and are more likely to benefit from sorafenib treatment after hepatectomy. Immunostaining of GS may provide a simple and applicable approach for HCC molecular stratification to predict prognosis and guide targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Shao
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qing Tao
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yahong Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuke Shu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhenru Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Menglin Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yujun Shi
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hong Bu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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19
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Coffin P, He A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Past and Present Challenges and Progress in Molecular Classification and Precision Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13274. [PMID: 37686079 PMCID: PMC10487618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid tumor malignancies in the world and represents roughly 90% of all primary malignancies of the liver. The most common risk factors for HCC include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcohol, and increasingly, fatty liver. Most HCC is diagnosed at advanced stages, excluding the possibility of curative resection, which leaves systemic therapy as the only treatment option. However, given the extreme mutational diversity and heterogenous nature of HCC, efforts to develop new targeted systemic therapies were largely unsuccessful until recently. HCC pathogenesis is thought to be a multistage process driven by a wide array of nonmutually exclusive driver mutations accompanied by many passenger mutations, with the average tumor possessing approximately 40 genomic aberrations. Over the past two decades, several efforts to categorize HCC prognostically and therapeutically according to different molecular subclassifications with the intent to guide treatment and identify drug targets have emerged, though, no single consensus has been reached. Recent breakthroughs in drug development have greatly expanded treatment options, but the ideal of uniting each patient's unique HCC with a targeted systemic therapy remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Coffin
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
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20
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Tamura Y, Ono A, Nakahara H, Hayes CN, Fujii Y, Zhang P, Yamauchi M, Uchikawa S, Teraoka Y, Uchida T, Fujino H, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Tsuge M, Serikawa M, Miki D, Kawaoka T, Okamoto W, Imamura M, Nakamura Y, Awai K, Kobayashi T, Ohdan H, Fujita M, Nakagawa H, Chayama K, Aikata H, Oka S. Association of Hepatobiliary Phase of Gadoxetic-Acid-Enhanced MRI Imaging with Immune Microenvironment and Response to Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4234. [PMID: 37686510 PMCID: PMC10486496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that high intensity in the hepatobiliary (HB) phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) is associated with an immune-cold microenvironment in HCC. The aim of this study is to reveal whether non-high-intensity HCCs are homogeneous with respect to the immune microenvironment and to investigate the predictive ability of EOB-MRI for the response to atezolizumab + bevacizumab therapy (Atezo/Bev). The association between differences in stepwise signal intensity of HB phase and molecular subtypes and somatic mutations associated with the immune microenvironment was investigated in 65 HCC patients (cohort 1). The association between EOB-MRI and the therapeutic effect of Atezo/Bev was evaluated in the Atezo/Bev cohort (60 patients in cohort 2). The proportion of HCCs having CTNNB1 mutations and classified as Chiang CTNNB1 and Hoshida S3 was high in the high-intensity HB-phase group. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and regulatory T-lymphocytes (Treg) was characteristic of the high-intensity and low-intensity groups, respectively. Although EOB-MRI could not predict the response to Atezo/Bev treatment, our results demonstrate that EOB-MRI could serve as a surrogate marker predicting the immune microenvironment. This suggests that Atezo/Bev treatment can be selected regardless of signal intensity in the EOB-MRI HB phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Tamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Clair Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuji Teraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takuro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masahiro Serikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Okamoto
- Cancer Treatment Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hidewaki Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8530, Japan
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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Lv J, Yin H, Yu H, Shi H. The added value of 18F-FDG PET/MRI multimodal imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma for identifying cytokeratin 19 status. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:2331-2339. [PMID: 37119293 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cytokeratin 19(CK19) has been proven to be associated with clinical aggressiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the added value of 18F-FDG PET/MRI in predicting CK19 status in HCC. METHODS Sixty-six patients who underwent whole-body or abdominal 18F-FDG PET/MRI after conventional PET/CT for HCC were retrospectively enrolled. The maximal standard uptake value (T-SUVmax) and the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (T-ADCmean) of the tumor (T), as well as those of the normal liver tissues (L) were derived, followed by calculations of the T-SUVmax/L-SUVmax (SUVmax-T/L) and the T-ADCmean/L-ADCmean (ADCmean-T/L) ratios. Combined with the postoperative pathological results, the performance in predicting the CK19 status in HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). RESULTS The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for T-SUVmax, SUVmax-T/L, T-ADCmean, and ADCmean-T/L in predicting the CK19-positive HCC were 0.700, 0.717, 0.717, and 0.735, respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, the T-SUVmax was an independent and significant factor to predict CK19-positive HCC, with an odds ratio of 1.27. In addition, no significant differences were found in the pathological grading, microvascular invasion, liver capsular invasion, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level, and tumor diameter between the CK19-positive and CK19-negative groups, except the recurrent rate. CONCLUSIONS The radiomic features derived from 18F-FDG PET/MRI can be used to predict the CK19 status of HCC. T-SUVmax and T-ADCmean were significant indicators, whereas T-SUVmax was an independent predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Nuclear Medicine Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongyan Yin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Nuclear Medicine Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haojun Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Nuclear Medicine Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongcheng Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Nuclear Medicine Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Liu W, Gao L, Hou X, Feng S, Yan H, Pan H, Zhang S, Yang X, Jiang J, Ye F, Zhao Q, Wei L, Han Z. TWEAK Signaling-Induced ID1 Expression Drives Malignant Transformation of Hepatic Progenitor Cells During Hepatocarcinogenesis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300350. [PMID: 37085918 PMCID: PMC10288241 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the inflammatory microenvironment is the root cause of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the potential molecular mechanisms are still elusive. The HPCs subgroup is identified by single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing and the phenotype of HPCs is investigated in the primary HCC model. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and proteomic analyses are also performed on HPC-derived organoids. It is found that tumors are formed from HPCs in peritumor tissue at the 16th week in a HCC model. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the macrophage-derived TWEAK/Fn14 promoted the expression of inhibitor of differentiation-1 (ID1) in HPCs via NF-κB signaling and a high level of ID1 induced aberrant differentiation of HPCs. Mechanistically, ID1 suppressed differentiation and promoted proliferation in HPCs through the inhibition of HNF4α and Rap1GAP transcriptions. Finally, scRNA sequencing of HCC patients and investigation of clinical specimens also verified that the expression of ID1 is correlated with aberrant differentiation of HPCs into cancer stem cells, patients with high levels of ID1 in HPCs showed a poorer prognosis. This study provides important intervention targets and a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Liu
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Lu Gao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Shiyao Feng
- Department of UrologySecond Affiliated HospitalAnhui Medical UniversityHefei230601P. R. China
| | - Haixin Yan
- Department of UrologySecond Affiliated HospitalAnhui Medical UniversityHefei230601P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Pan
- Department of Hepatic SurgeryThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Department of Hepatic SurgeryThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Fei Ye
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Qiudong Zhao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Han
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer of Ministry of EducationEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver CancerNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200438P. R. China
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Luo S, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X. A transcriptomic intratumour heterogeneity-free signature overcomes sampling bias in prognostic risk classification for hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100754. [PMID: 37234275 PMCID: PMC10206488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) fosters the vulnerability of RNA expression-based biomarkers derived from a single biopsy to tumour sampling bias, and is regarded as an unaddressed confounding factor for patient precision stratification using molecular biomarkers. This study aimed to identify an ITH-free predictive biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We interrogated the confounding effect of ITH on performance of molecular biomarkers and quantified transcriptomic heterogeneity utilising three multiregional HCC transcriptome datasets involving 142 tumoural regions from 30 patients. A de novo strategy based on the heterogeneity metrics was devised to develop a surveillant biomarker (a utility gadget using RNA; AUGUR) using three datasets involving 715 liver samples from 509 patients with HCC. The performance of AUGUR was assessed in seven cross-platform HCC cohorts that encompassed 1,206 patients. Results An average discordance rate of 39.9% at the level of individual patients was observed applying 13 published prognostic signatures to classify tumour regions. We partitioned genes into four heterogeneity quadrants, from which we developed and validated a reproducible robust ITH-free expression signature AUGUR that showed significant positive associations with adverse features of HCC. High AUGUR risk increased the risk of disease progression and mortality independent of established clinicopathological indices, which maintained concordance across seven cohorts. Moreover, AUGUR compared favourably to the discriminative ability, prognostic accuracy, and patient risk concordant rates of 13 published signatures. Finally, a well-calibrated predictive nomogram integrating AUGUR and tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage was established, which generated a numerical probability of mortality. Conclusions We constructed and validated an ITH-free AUGUR and nomogram that overcame sampling bias and provided reliable prognostic information for patients with HCC. Impact and Implications Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) is prevalent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is regarded as an unaddressed confounding factor for biomarker design and application. We examined the confounding effect of transcriptomic ITH in patient risk classification, and found existing molecular biomarkers of HCC were vulnerable to tumour sampling bias. We then developed an ITH-free expression biomarker (a utility gadget using RNA; AUGUR) that overcame clinical sampling bias and maintained prognostic reproducibility and generalisability across multiple HCC patient cohorts from different commercial platforms. Furthermore, we established and validated a well-calibrated nomogram based on AUGUR and tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage that provided an individualised prognostic information for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyi Luo
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Child Development and Genetic Research, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ying Jia
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Child Development and Genetic Research, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Child Development and Genetic Research, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Child Development and Genetic Research, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Sun L, Gu M, Cai J, Yang W, Pan B, Wang B, Zhang C, Guo W. Combining γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP to predict long-term prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:287-297. [PMID: 36507841 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13745] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the top five contributors to the cancer burden in China, with a poor prognosis and heavy disability-adjusted life year burden. The criteria used for HCC prognosis are complicated and therefore restricted in routine clinical practice. Multiple factors influence HCC malignancy and progression. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 173 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection for 9 years to evaluate the correlation of a combination of γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), and α-fetoprotein (AFP) with the long-term survival of patients with HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed that the γ-GT level was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence. The prediction rate of early recurrence with γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP levels individually was 63.5%, 79.4%, and 39.7%, respectively, whereas the prediction rate of early recurrence was 95.2% with the combination of γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP levels as a composite indicator. Our long-term retrospective study revealed that γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP can aid in predicting long-term prognosis of HCC recurrence. The combination of γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP can further aid in identifying patients with early recurrence. Together, γ-GT, PIVKA-II, and AFP may a be used to develop a new prediction method to improve the prognosis of patients with HCC, and our results indicate the requirement of more active HCC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meixiu Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabin Cai
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Zhu J, Xu X, Jiang M, Yang F, Mei Y, Zhang X. Comprehensive characterization of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma revealing the association with prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1145380. [PMID: 37051544 PMCID: PMC10083400 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1145380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundFerroptosis is a type of regulatory cell death (RCD) mode that depends on iron-mediated oxidative damage. It has the potential to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, immunotherapy has significantly improved the overall treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the distinct immune microenvironment and high tolerance to the immune make massive differences in the immunotherapy effect of HCC patients. As a result, it is imperative to classify HCC patients who may benefit from immune checkpoint therapy. Simultaneously, the predictive value of ferroptosis in HCC and its potential role in TME immune cell infiltration also need to be further clarified.MethodsThree ferroptosis molecular models were built on the basis of mRNA expression profiles of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs), with notable variations in immunocyte infiltration, biological function, and survival prediction. In order to further investigate the predictive impact of immunotherapy response in HCC patients, the ferroptosis score was constructed using the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm to quantify the ferroptosis molecular models of individual tumors.ResultsIn HCC, there were three totally different ferroptosis molecular models. The ferroptosis score can be used to assess genetic variation, immunotherapy response, TME characteristics, and prognosis. Notably, tumors with low ferroptosis scores have extensive tumor mutations and immune exhaustion, which are associated with a poor prognosis and enhanced immunotherapy response.ConclusionsOur study indicates that ferroptosis plays an indispensable role in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. For HCC, the ferroptosis score is an independent prognostic indicator. Assessing the molecular model of ferroptosis in individual tumors will assist us in better understanding the characteristics of TME, predicting the effect of immunotherapy in HCC patients, and thus guiding a more reasonable immunotherapy program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjuan Zhu
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingying Mei
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochun Zhang,
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Hernandez JC, Chen CL, Machida T, Uthaya Kumar DB, Tahara SM, Montana J, Sher L, Liang J, Jung JU, Tsukamoto H, Machida K. LIN28 and histone H3K4 methylase induce TLR4 to generate tumor-initiating stem-like cells. iScience 2023; 26:106254. [PMID: 36949755 PMCID: PMC10025994 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance and plasticity of tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs) promote tumor recurrence and metastasis. The gut-originating endotoxin-TLR4-NANOG oncogenic axis is responsible for the genesis of TICs. This study investigated mechanisms as to how TICs arise through transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional activation of oncogenic TLR4 pathways. Here, we expressed constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) in mice carrying pLAP-tTA or pAlb-tTA, under a tetracycline withdrawal-inducible system. Liver progenitor cell induction accelerated liver tumor development in caTLR4-expressing mice. Lentiviral shRNA library screening identified histone H3K4 methylase SETD7 as central to activation of TLR4. SETD7 combined with hypoxia induced TLR4 through HIF2 and NOTCH. LIN28 post-transcriptionally stabilized TLR4 mRNA via de-repression of let-7 microRNA. These results supported a LIN28-TLR4 pathway for the development of HCCs in a hypoxic microenvironment. These findings not only advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms responsible for TIC generation in HCC, but also represent new therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Hernandez
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- MS Biotechnology Program, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
| | - Chia-Lin Chen
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Life Sciences & Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tatsuya Machida
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dinesh Babu Uthaya Kumar
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stanley M. Tahara
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jared Montana
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Linda Sher
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | - Jae U. Jung
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Hidekazu Tsukamoto
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keigo Machida
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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27
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Calvisi DF, Boulter L, Vaquero J, Saborowski A, Fabris L, Rodrigues PM, Coulouarn C, Castro RE, Segatto O, Raggi C, van der Laan LJW, Carpino G, Goeppert B, Roessler S, Kendall TJ, Evert M, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Valle JW, Vogel A, Bridgewater J, Borad MJ, Gores GJ, Roberts LR, Marin JJG, Andersen JB, Alvaro D, Forner A, Banales JM, Cardinale V, Macias RIR, Vicent S, Chen X, Braconi C, Verstegen MMA, Fouassier L. Criteria for preclinical models of cholangiocarcinoma: scientific and medical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-022-00739-y. [PMID: 36755084 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy that develops at any point along the biliary tree. CCA has a poor prognosis, its clinical management remains challenging, and effective treatments are lacking. Therefore, preclinical research is of pivotal importance and necessary to acquire a deeper understanding of CCA and improve therapeutic outcomes. Preclinical research involves developing and managing complementary experimental models, from in vitro assays using primary cells or cell lines cultured in 2D or 3D to in vivo models with engrafted material, chemically induced CCA or genetically engineered models. All are valuable tools with well-defined advantages and limitations. The choice of a preclinical model is guided by the question(s) to be addressed; ideally, results should be recapitulated in independent approaches. In this Consensus Statement, a task force of 45 experts in CCA molecular and cellular biology and clinicians, including pathologists, from ten countries provides recommendations on the minimal criteria for preclinical models to provide a uniform approach. These recommendations are based on two rounds of questionnaires completed by 35 (first round) and 45 (second round) experts to reach a consensus with 13 statements. An agreement was defined when at least 90% of the participants voting anonymously agreed with a statement. The ultimate goal was to transfer basic laboratory research to the clinics through increased disease understanding and to develop clinical biomarkers and innovative therapies for patients with CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Cancer Research UK Scottish Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Javier Vaquero
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Saborowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Digestive Disease Section, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signalling), UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Rui E Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oreste Segatto
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Raggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplantation Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Ludwigsburg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan W Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - John Bridgewater
- Department of Medical Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jose J G Marin
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alejandro Forner
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Liver Unit, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Silve Vicent
- University of Navarra, Centre for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumours, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chiara Braconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Monique M A Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplantation Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
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Kim J, Zimmerman MA, Shin WY, Boettcher BT, Lee JS, Park JI, Ali M, Yang M, Mishra J, Hagen CE, McGraw JE, Mathison A, Woehlck HJ, Lomberk G, Camara AKS, Urrutia RA, Stowe DF, Hong JC. Effects of Subnormothermic Regulated Hepatic Reperfusion on Mitochondrial and Transcriptomic Profiles in a Porcine Model. Ann Surg 2023; 277:e366-e375. [PMID: 34387201 PMCID: PMC8840998 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the biological effects of pre-reperfusion treatments of the liver after warm and cold ischemic injuries in a porcine donation after circulatory death model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Donation after circulatory death represents a severe form of liver ischemia and reperfusion injury that has a profound impact on graft function after liver transplantation. METHODS Twenty donor pig livers underwent 60 minutes of in situ warm ischemia after circulatory arrest and 120 minutes of cold static preservation prior to simulated transplantation using an ex vivo perfusion machine. Four reperfusion treatments were compared: Control-Normothermic (N), Control- Subnormothermic (S), regulated hepatic reperfusion (RHR)-N, and RHR-S (n = 5 each). The biochemical, metabolic, and transcriptomic profiles, as well as mitochondrial function were analyzed. RESULTS Compared to the other groups, RHR-S treated group showed significantly lower post-reperfusion aspartate aminotransferase levels in the reperfusion effluent and histologic findings of hepatocyte viability and lesser degree of congestion and necrosis. RHR-S resulted in a significantly higher mitochondrial respiratory control index and calcium retention capacity. Transcriptomic profile analysis showed that treatment with RHR-S activated cell survival and viability, cellular homeostasis as well as other biological functions involved in tissue repair such as cytoskeleton or cytoplasm organization, cell migration, transcription, and microtubule dynamics. Furthermore, RHR-S inhibited organismal death, morbidity and mortality, necrosis, and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Subnormothermic RHR mitigates IRI and preserves hepatic mitochondrial function after warm and cold hepatic ischemia. This organ resuscitative therapy may also trigger the activation of protective genes against IRI. Sub- normothermic RHR has potential applicability to clinical liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyun Kim
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Transplant Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Michael A Zimmerman
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Transplant Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Woo Young Shin
- Department of Surgery, inha University School of Medicine, incheon, South Korea
| | - Brent T Boettcher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jong-In Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Muhammed Ali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Meiying Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jyotsna Mishra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Joseph E McGraw
- Department of Pharmacology, Concordia University, Mequon, WI
| | - Angela Mathison
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; and
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Harvey J Woehlck
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; and
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Amadou K S Camara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Raul A Urrutia
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; and
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - David F Stowe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Johnny C Hong
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Transplant Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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29
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Kierans AS, Chernyak V, Mendiratta-Lala M, Sirlin CB, Hecht EM, Fowler KJ. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network hepatocellular carcinoma classification: Alignment with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System, current gaps, and future direction. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:206-216. [PMID: 37160075 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) updated its allocation policy for liver transplantation to align with the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LI-RADS computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging algorithm had achieved congruency with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) HCC Practice Guidance in 2018, and therefore, alignment of OPTN, LI-RADS, and AASLD unifies HCC diagnostic approaches. The two changes to the OPTN HCC classification are adoption of LI-RADS terminology or lexicon for HCC major imaging features as well as the modification of OPTN Class-5A through the adoption of LI-RADS-5 criteria. However, despite this significant milestone, the OPTN allocation policy may benefit from further refinements such as adoption of treatment response assessment criteria after locoregional therapy and categorization criteria for lesions with atypical imaging appearances that are not specific for HCC. In this review, we detail the changes to the OPTN HCC classification to achieve alignment with LI-RADS, discuss current limitations of the OPTN classification, and explore future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Kierans
- Department of Radiology , Weill Cornell Medical College , New York , New York , USA
| | - Victoria Chernyak
- Department of Radiology , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York , New York , USA
| | | | - Claude B Sirlin
- Department of Radiology , University of California San Diego , La Jolla , California , USA
| | - Elizabeth M Hecht
- Department of Radiology , Weill Cornell Medical College , New York , New York , USA
| | - Kathryn J Fowler
- Department of Radiology , University of California San Diego , La Jolla , California , USA
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30
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Yang Z, Wan W, Zhang P, Wang S, Zhao Z, Xue J, Yao M, Zhao Y, Zheng W, Niu B, Wang M, Li H, Guo W, Ren Z, Hu Y. Crosstalk between heat shock factor 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 mediated by interleukin-8 autocrine signaling maintains the cancer stem cell phenotype in liver cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:138-152. [PMID: 36300571 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) cause therapeutic refractoriness and relapse in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) plays versatile roles in multiple cancers. However, the role of HSF1 in LCSCs is not well understood. This study investigated the function and signal mechanisms of HSF1 in maintaining LCSC phenotypes. METHODS We established two LCSC lines, HepG2-R and HuH-7-R. Constitutive activation of HSF1 was observed in these LCSCs. Specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and chemical inhibitors were used to identify the relationship between HSF1 expression and LCSCs phenotypes. RESULTS We revealed a concomitant activation modality involving HSF1 and STAT3 in LCSCs and liver cancer tissues. We also found that liver cancer patients whose HSF1 and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were high presented with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics. Moreover, the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) was elevated in the LCSC medium and was directly regulated by HSF1 at the transcriptional level. In turn, IL-8 activated HSF1 and STAT3 signaling, and a neutralizing IL-8 antibody inhibited HSF1 and STAT3 activity, reduced cancer stem cell marker expression, and decreased LCSC microsphere formation. Simultaneous intervention with HSF1 and STAT3 led to synergistically suppressed stemness acquisition and growth suppression in the LCSCs in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that IL-8 mediates the crosstalk between the HSF1 and Stat3 signaling pathways in LCSCs and that the combined targeting of HSF1 and STAT3 is a promising treatment strategy for patients with advanced liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Yang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenjuan Wan
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Pai Zhang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuangfeng Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Severe Infections, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi Zhao
- Henan University-Affiliated Zhengzhou Yihe Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingrui Xue
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Mengzhuo Yao
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weifeng Zheng
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Baohua Niu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Mingli Wang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hui Li
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weikai Guo
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhiguang Ren
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanzhong Hu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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31
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Wei J, Yao J, Yang C, Mao Y, Zhu D, Xie Y, Liu P, Yan M, Ren L, Lin Y, Zheng Q, Li X. Heterogeneous matrix stiffness regulates the cancer stem-like cell phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:555. [PMID: 36463272 PMCID: PMC9719217 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solid tumors are stiffer than their surrounding normal tissues; however, their interior stiffness is not uniform. Under certain conditions, cancer cells can acquire stem-like phenotypes. However, it remains unclear how the heterogeneous physical microenvironment affects stemness expression in cancer cells. Here, we aimed to evaluate matrix stiffness heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and to explore the regulation effect of the tumor microenvironment on stem-like phenotypic changes through mechanical transduction. METHODS First, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate the elastic modulus of HCC tissues. We then used hydrogel with adjustable stiffness to investigate the effect of matrix stiffness on the stem-like phenotype expression of HCC cells. Moreover, cells cultured on hydrogel with different stiffness were subjected to morphology, real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses to explore the mechanotransduction pathway. Finally, animal models were used to validate in vitro results. RESULTS AFM results confirmed the heterogenous matrix stiffness in HCC tissue. Cancer cells adhered to hydrogel with varying stiffness (1.10 ± 0.34 kPa, 4.47 ± 1.19 kPa, and 10.61 kPa) exhibited different cellular and cytoskeleton morphology. Higher matrix stiffness promoted the stem-like phenotype expression and reduced sorafenib-induced apoptosis. In contrast, lower stiffness induced the expression of proliferation-related protein Ki67. Moreover, mechanical signals were transmitted into cells through the integrin-yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway. Higher matrix stiffness did not affect YAP expression, however, reduced the proportion of phosphorylated YAP, promoted YAP nuclear translocation, and regulated gene transcription. Finally, application of ATN-161 (integrin inhibitor) and verteporfin (YAP inhibitor) effectively blocked the stem-like phenotype expression regulated by matrix stiffness. CONCLUSIONS Our experiments provide new insights into the interaction between matrix stiffness, cancer cell stemness, and heterogeneity, while also providing a novel HCC therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Wei
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Jia Yao
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Chendong Yang
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Civil Engineering and Mechanics College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Yongcui Mao
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Dan Zhu
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Ye Xie
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Pinyan Liu
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Mengchao Yan
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Longfei Ren
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482General Surgery Department, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Yan Lin
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Qiuxia Zheng
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Xun Li
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, 1st West Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482General Surgery Department, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China
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Jiang L, Wang X, Ma F, Wang X, Shi M, Yan Q, Liu M, Chen J, Shi C, Guan XY. PITX2C increases the stemness features of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by up-regulating key developmental factors in liver progenitor. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:211. [PMID: 35765089 PMCID: PMC9238105 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tumor cells exhibited phenotypic and molecular characteristics similar to their lineage progenitor cells. Liver developmental signaling pathways are showed to be associated with HCC development and oncogenesis. The similarities of expression profiling between liver progenitors (LPs) and HCC suggest that understanding the molecular mechanism during liver development could provide insights into HCC.
Methods
To profile the dynamic gene expression during liver development, cells from an in vitro liver differentiation model and two paired hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing. The expression levels of selected genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, the role of a key transcription factor, pituitary homeobox 2 (PITX2), was characterized via in vitro and vivo functional assays. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies were performed to unveil how PITX2C regulate the key developmental factors in LPs, thereby increasing the stemness of HCC.
Results
PITX2 was found to exhibit a similar expression pattern to specific markers of LPs. PITX2 consists of three isoforms (PITX2A/B/C). The expression of PITX2 is associated with tumor size and overall survival rate, whereas only PITX2C expression is associated with AFP and differentiation in clinical patients. PITX2A/B/C has distinct functions in HCC tumorigenicity. PITX2C promotes HCC metastasis, self-renewal and chemoresistance. Molecular mechanism studies showed that PITX2C could up-regulate RALYL which could enhance HCC stemness via the TGF-β pathway. Furthermore, ChIP assays confirmed the role of PITX2C in regulating key developmental factors in LP.
Conclusion
PITX2C is a newly discovered transcription factor involved in hepatic differentiation and could increase HCC stemness by upregulating key transcriptional factors related to liver development.
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Mesenchymal/stromal stem cells: necessary factors in tumour progression. Cell Death Discov 2022; 8:333. [PMID: 35869057 PMCID: PMC9307857 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs) are a crucial component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). They can be recruited from normal tissues into the TME and educated by tumour cells to transform into tumour-associated MSCs, which are oncogenic cells that promote tumour development and progression by impacting or transforming into various kinds of cells, such as immune cells and endothelial cells. Targeting MSCs in the TME is a novel strategy to prevent malignant processes. Exosomes, as communicators, carry various RNAs and proteins and thus link MSCs and the TME, which provides options for improving outcomes and developing targeted treatment.
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PI3Kδ activity controls plasticity and discriminates between EMT and stemness based on distinct TGFβ signaling. Commun Biol 2022; 5:740. [PMID: 35879421 PMCID: PMC9314410 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe stem cells involved in formation of the complex human body are epithelial cells that undergo apicobasal polarization and form a hollow lumen. Epithelial plasticity manifests as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which epithelial cells switch their polarity and epithelial features to adopt a mesenchymal phenotype. The connection between the EMT program and acquisition of stemness is now supported by a substantial number of reports, although what discriminates these two processes remains largely elusive. In this study, based on 3D organoid culture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived cell lines and AAV8-based protein overexpression in the mouse liver, we show that activity modulation of isoform δ of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kδ) controls differentiation and discriminates between stemness and EMT by regulating the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. This study provides an important tool to control epithelial cell fate and represents a step forward in understanding the development of aggressive carcinoma.
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Lee SH, Yim SY, Jeong YS, Li QX, Kang SH, Sohn BH, Kumar SV, Shin JH, Choi YR, Shim JJ, Kim H, Kim J, Kim S, Guo S, Johnson RL, Kaseb A, Kang KJ, Chun YS, Jang HJ, Lee BG, Woo HG, Ha MJ, Akbani R, Roberts LR, Wheeler DA, Lee JS. Consensus subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with clinical outcomes and genomic phenotypes. Hepatology 2022; 76:1634-1648. [PMID: 35349735 PMCID: PMC9519807 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although many studies revealed transcriptomic subtypes of HCC, concordance of the subtypes are not fully examined. We aim to examine a consensus of transcriptomic subtypes and correlate them with clinical outcomes. APPROACH AND RESULTS By integrating 16 previously established genomic signatures for HCC subtypes, we identified five clinically and molecularly distinct consensus subtypes. STM (STeM) is characterized by high stem cell features, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. CIN (Chromosomal INstability) has moderate stem cell features, but high genomic instability and low immune activity. IMH (IMmune High) is characterized by high immune activity. BCM (Beta-Catenin with high Male predominance) is characterized by prominent β-catenin activation, low miRNA expression, hypomethylation, and high sensitivity to sorafenib. DLP (Differentiated and Low Proliferation) is differentiated with high hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A activity. We also developed and validated a robust predictor of consensus subtype with 100 genes and demonstrated that five subtypes were well conserved in patient-derived xenograft models and cell lines. By analyzing serum proteomic data from the same patients, we further identified potential serum biomarkers that can stratify patients into subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Five HCC subtypes are correlated with genomic phenotypes and clinical outcomes and highly conserved in preclinical models, providing a framework for selecting the most appropriate models for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hwan Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Korea
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Seong Jeong
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qi-Xiang Li
- Crown Bioscience, Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Sang-Hee Kang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Hwa Sohn
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shwetha V. Kumar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Shin
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - You Rhee Choi
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hayeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sheng Guo
- Crown Bioscience (Suzhou), Inc., 218 Xinhu St, Suzhou, China
| | - Randy L. Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Kaseb
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Koo Jeong Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yun Shin Chun
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hee Jin Jang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Byoung Gill Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jin Ha
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rehan Akbani
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David A. Wheeler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Pallerla SR, Hoan NX, Rachakonda S, Meyer CG, Van Tong H, Toan NL, Linh LTK, Giang DP, Kremsner PG, Bang MH, Song LH, Velavan TP. Custom gene expression panel for evaluation of potential molecular markers in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:235. [PMID: 36345011 PMCID: PMC9641913 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01386-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, which highlights the need for reliable biomarkers. This study aims to explore molecular markers that allow stratification of HCC and may lead to better prognosis and treatment prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 20 candidate genes (HCC hub genes, potential drug target genes, predominant somatic mutant genes) retrieved from literature and public databases with potential to be used as the molecular markers. We analysed expression of the genes by RT-qPCR in 30 HCC tumour and adjacent non-tumour paired samples from Vietnamese patients. Fold changes in expression were then determined using the 2-∆∆CT method, and unsupervised hierarchical clustering was generated using Cluster v3.0 software. RESULTS Clustering of expression data revealed two subtypes of tumours (proliferative and normal-like) and four clusters for genes. The expression profiles of the genes TOP2A, CDK1, BIRC5, GPC3, IGF2, and AFP were strongly correlated. Proliferative tumours were characterized by high expression of the c-MET, ARID1A, CTNNB1, RAF1, LGR5, and GLUL1 genes. TOP2A, CDK1, and BIRC5 HCC hub genes were highly expressed (> twofold) in 90% (27/30), 83% (25/30), and 83% (24/30) in the tissue samples, respectively. Among the drug target genes, high expression was observed in the GPC3, IGF2 and c-MET genes in 77% (23/30), 63% (19/30), and 37% (11/30), respectively. The somatic mutant Wnt/ß-catenin genes (CTNNB1, GLUL and LGR5) and TERT were highly expressed in 40% and 33% of HCCs, respectively. Among the HCC marker genes, a higher percentage of tumours showed GPC3 expression compared to AFP expression [73% (23/30) vs. 43% (13/30)]. CONCLUSION The custom panel and molecular markers from this study may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis, biomarker-guided clinical trial design, and prediction of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Reddy Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Sivaramakrishna Rachakonda
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian G Meyer
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Le Thi Kieu Linh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Phuong Giang
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Mai Hong Bang
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Faculty of Gastroenterology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
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Zhu Y, Qin LX. Strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:420-429. [PMID: 35977874 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Recently, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. However, anti-PD-1 therapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab as a single agent did not meet their predefined end points of overall survival in the KEYNOTE-240 and CheckMate 459 trials. It is urgent to understand the immunological rationale and explore novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ICIs with other therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, or local therapy, has been demonstrated to improve overall response rate and survival. In addition, modulating tumor microenvironment is a potential way to overcome the primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarized the latest findings in the immune microenvironment, the mechanisms of their synergistic effects when combined with anti-VEGF agents or TKIs, as well as other kinds of immune treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Serra M, Pal R, Puliga E, Sulas P, Cabras L, Cusano R, Giordano S, Perra A, Columbano A, Kowalik MA. mRNA-miRNA networks identify metabolic pathways associated to the anti-tumorigenic effect of thyroid hormone on preneoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941552. [PMID: 36203462 PMCID: PMC9530455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid hormones (THs) inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through different mechanisms. However, whether microRNAs play a role in the antitumorigenic effect of THs remains unknown. Methods By next generation sequencing (NGS) we performed a comprehensive comparative miRNomic and transcriptomic analysis of rat hepatic preneoplastic lesions exposed or not to a short-term treatment with triiodothyronine (T3). The expression of the most deregulated miRs was also investigated in rat HCCs, and in human hepatoma cell lines, treated or not with T3. Results Among miRs down-regulated in preneoplastic nodules following T3, co-expression networks revealed those targeting thyroid hormone receptor-β (Thrβ) and deiodinase1, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. On the other hand, miRs targeting members of the Nrf2 Oxidative Pathway, Glycolysis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Proline biosynthesis – all involved in the metabolic reprogramming displayed by preneoplastic lesions– were up-regulated. Notably, while the expression of most miRs deregulated in preneoplastic lesions was not altered in HCC or in hepatoma cells, miR-182, a miR known to target Dio1 and mitochondrial complexes, was down-deregulated by T3 treatment at all stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and in hepatocarcinoma cell lines. In support to the possible critical role of miR-182 in hepatocarcinogenesis, exogenous expression of this miR significantly impaired the inhibitory effect of T3 on the clonogenic growth capacity of human HCC cells. Conclusions This work identified several miRNAs, so far never associated to T3. In addition, the precise definition of the miRNA-mRNA networks elicited by T3 treatment gained in this study may provide a better understanding of the key regulatory events underlying the inhibitory effect of T3 on HCC development. In this context, T3-induced down-regulation of miR-182 appears as a promising tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Candiolo, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Cusano
- Centro di Ricerca, Sviluppo e Studi Superiori in Sardegna (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Amedeo Columbano, ; Marta Anna Kowalik,
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Amedeo Columbano, ; Marta Anna Kowalik,
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Mohapatra P, Chandrasekaran N. Wnt/β-catenin targeting in liver carcinoma through nanotechnology-based drug repurposing: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113713. [PMID: 36126453 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113713] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most widespread in the world, with a high fatality rate and poor prognosis.However,surgicalresction,thermal/radiofrequencyablation,chemo/radioembolization and pathway targeting to the cancer cells are all possible options for treating Liver Carcinoma. Unfortunately, once the tumour has developed and spread, diagnosis often occurs too late. The targeted therapy has demonstrated notable, albeit modest, efficacy in some patients with advanced HCC. This demonstrates the necessity of creating additional focused treatments and, in pursuit of this end, the need to find ever-more pathways as prospective targets. Despite the critical need, there are currently no Wnt signalling directed therapy on the research field, only a few methods have progressed beyond the early stage of clinical studies. In the present study, we report that repurposing of drug previously licensed for other diseases is one possible strategy inhibit malignant cell proliferation and renewal by removing individuals protein expression in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Particularly β-catenin complex is present in Liver cancer, where tumour necrosis factor is indispensable for the complex formation and β-catenin interactions are disrupted upon drug in nano-carrier through nanotechnology. This study findings not only highlight that repurposing drug could improve liver cancer treatment outcomes but also focused to character traits and functions of the Wnt signalling cascade's molecular targets and how they could be used to get anti-tumour results method to targeting Wnt/β-catenin in liver carcinoma.
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Razpotnik R, Vidmar R, Fonović M, Rozman D, Režen T. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0062682 Binds to YBX1 and Promotes Oncogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184524. [PMID: 36139684 PMCID: PMC9497178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184524] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circular RNA (circRNA) have a role in carcinogenesis in different cancers, also in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transcriptome analyses of HCC tumours identified an upregulated circRNA hsa_circ_0062682. We show that this circRNA affects several aspects of oncogenesis, which are cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Using transcriptome analyses we identified modulated signalling pathways and transcription factors, confirming the observed phenotype in cells. We identified Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX1), a known oncogene and RNA-binding protein, as a binding partner, which was in line with transcriptome analyses. We also identified a cell-specific response to sorafenib after circRNA modulation, which is in line with a heterogeneous molecular pathology of HCC subtypes. Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By implementing available transcriptomic analyses of HCC patients, we identified an upregulated circRNA hsa_circ_0062682. Stable perturbations of hsa_circ_0062682 in Huh-7 and SNU-449 cell lines influenced colony formation, migration, cell proliferation, sorafenib sensitivity, and additionally induced morphological changes in cell lines, indicating an important role of hsa_circ_0062682 in oncogenesis. Pathway enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis of the transcriptome data from hsa_circ_0062682 knockdown explained the observed phenotypes and exposed transcription factors E2F1, Sp1, HIF-1α, and NFκB1 as potential downstream targets. Biotinylated oligonucleotide pulldown combined with proteomic analyses identified protein interaction partners of which YBX1, a known oncogene, was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, we discovered a complex cell-type-specific phenotype in response to the oncogenic potential of hsa_circ_0062682. This finding is in line with different classes of HCC tumours, and more studies are needed to shed a light on the molecular complexity of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Razpotnik
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Vidmar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Fonović
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-543-7592 or +386-1-543-7588
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Smith MA, Van Alsten SC, Walens A, Damrauer JS, Maduekwe UN, Broaddus RR, Love MI, Troester MA, Hoadley KA. DNA Damage Repair Classifier Defines Distinct Groups in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174282. [PMID: 36077818 PMCID: PMC9454479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA repair pathways have been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes. We found that hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) could be separated into two groups (high and low) based on the overall expression of genes involved in DNA repair. Among the low repair group, there were three subgroups, one of which shared features of the high repair group. Given the important role of liver in metabolism and detoxification and its regenerative capacity, proliferation and DNA damage responses are critical in subdividing major biological categories of liver tumors. High repair samples showed more proliferative and regenerative signatures and had poorer outcomes versus the low repair that were more associated with the genes involved in normal liver biology. These biological groups suggest that dysregulation in endogenous liver processes promotes a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment that may facilitate tumor progression or identify tumors that require more substantial clinical intervention. Abstract DNA repair pathways have been associated with variability in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical outcomes, but the mechanism through which DNA repair varies as a function of liver regeneration and other HCC characteristics is poorly understood. We curated a panel of 199 genes representing 15 DNA repair pathways to identify DNA repair expression classes and evaluate their associations with liver features and clinicopathologic variables in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC study. We identified two groups in HCC, defined by low or high expression across all DNA repair pathways. The low-repair group had lower grade and retained the expression of classical liver markers, whereas the high-repair group had more clinically aggressive features, increased p53 mutant-like gene expression, and high liver regenerative gene expression. These pronounced features overshadowed the variation in the low-repair subset, but when considered separately, the low-repair samples included three subgroups: L1, L2, and L3. L3 had high DNA repair expression with worse progression-free (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.81–1.91) and overall (HR 1.63, 95% CI 0.98–2.71) survival. High-repair outcomes were also significantly worse compared with the L1 and L2 groups. HCCs vary in DNA repair expression, and a subset of tumors with high regeneration profoundly disrupts liver biology and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markia A. Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sarah C. Van Alsten
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrea Walens
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Damrauer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ugwuji N. Maduekwe
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Russell R. Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael I. Love
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Melissa A. Troester
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine A. Hoadley
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence:
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Tarnow G, Matrenec R, Oropeza CE, Maienschein-Cline M, McLachlan A. Distinct phenotypic spectra of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver-specific tumor suppressor-deficient hepatitis B virus transgenic mice. Virology 2022; 574:84-95. [PMID: 35961146 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.08.002] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model was used to interrogate the origins of HCC heterogeneity. HBV biosynthesis was used as a marker of liver tumor heterogeneity. Principal component and correlation analysis of HBV and cellular transcript levels demonstrated major differences within and between the gene expression profiles of Apc-deficient, Apc-deficient Pten-deficient, and Pten-deficient HCC. Hence, both oncogenic stimuli and zonal hepatocyte properties determine heterogeneous HCC phenotypes. Additionally, Apc-deficient HCC display decreased expression of Apob, Otc and Tet2 relative to Pten-deficient HCC and control liver tissue suggesting their gene products may represent markers of Apc-deficient HCC. A subset of human HCC with mutations in the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) displayed a gene expression profile similar to that observed in the mouse Apc-deficient HCC indicating this model of liver cancer may be useful for interrogating the molecular properties of these tumors and their potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Tarnow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Rachel Matrenec
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Claudia E Oropeza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mark Maienschein-Cline
- Research Resources Center, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Alan McLachlan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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43
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Athavale D, Song Z, Desert R, Han H, Das S, Ge X, Komakula SSB, Chen W, Gao S, Lantvit D, Guzman G, Nieto N. Ablation of high-mobility group box-1 in the liver reduces hepatocellular carcinoma but causes hyperbilirubinemia in Hippo signaling-deficient mice. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2155-2169. [PMID: 35344292 PMCID: PMC9315122 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Silencing the Hippo kinases mammalian sterile 20-like 1 and 2 (MST1/2) activates the transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatocyte-derived high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) regulates YAP expression; however, its contribution to HCC in the context of deregulated Hippo signaling is unknown. Here, we hypothesized that HMGB1 is required for hepatocarcinogenesis by activating YAP in Hippo signaling-deficient (Mst1/2ΔHep ) mice. Mst1/2ΔHep mice developed HCC within 3.5 months of age and had increased hepatic expression of HMGB1 and elevated YAP activity compared to controls. To understand the contribution of HMGB1, we generated Mst1/2&Hmgb1ΔHep mice. They exhibited decreased YAP activity, cell proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, atypical ductal cell expansion, and HCC burden at 3.5 months compared to Mst1/2∆Hep mice. However, Mst1/2&Hmgb1ΔHep mice were smaller, developed hyperbilirubinemia, had more liver injury with intrahepatic biliary defects, and had reduced hemoglobin compared to Mst1/2ΔHep mice. Conclusion: Hepatic HMGB1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by regulation of YAP activity; nevertheless, it maintains intrahepatic bile duct physiology under Hippo signaling deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Athavale
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Romain Desert
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Hui Han
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Sukanta Das
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Wei Chen
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Shenglan Gao
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Daniel Lantvit
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Grace Guzman
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- 14681Department of PathologyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA.,14681Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA.,Research Biologist, Research & Development Service, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
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MRI features of histologic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation with histologic, genetic, and molecular biologic classification. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:5119-5133. [PMID: 35258675 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
HCC is a heterogeneous group of tumors in terms of histology, genetic aberration, and protein expression. Advancements in imaging techniques have allowed imaging diagnosis to become a critical part of managing HCC in the clinical setting, even without pathologic diagnosis. With the identification of many HCC subtypes, there is increasing correlative evidence between imaging phenotypes and histologic, molecular, and genetic characteristics of various HCC subtypes. In this review, current knowledge of histologic heterogeneity of HCC correlated to features on gadolinium-enhanced dynamic liver MRI will be discussed. In addition, HCC subtype classification according to transcriptomic profiles will be outlined with descriptions of histologic, genetic, and molecular characteristics of some relatively well-established morphologic subtypes, namely the low proliferation class (steatohepatitic HCC and CTNNB1-mutated HCC) and the high proliferation class (macrotrabecular-massive HCC (MTM-HCC), scirrhous HCC, and CK19-positive HCC). Characteristics of sarcomatoid HCC and fibrolamellar HCC will also be discussed. Further research on radiological characteristics of HCC subtypes may ultimately enable non-invasive diagnosis and serve as a biomarker in predicting prognosis, molecular characteristics, and therapeutic response. In the era of precision medicine, a multidisciplinary effort to develop an integrated radiologic and clinical diagnostic system of various HCC subtypes is necessary. KEY POINTS: • HCC is a heterogeneous group of tumors in terms of histology, genetic aberration, and protein expression, which can be divided into many subtypes according to transcriptome profiles. • There is increasing evidence of a correlation between imaging phenotypes and histologic, genetic, and molecular biologic characteristics of various HCC subtypes. • Imaging characteristics may ultimately enable non-invasive diagnosis and subtype characterization, serving as a biomarker for predicting prognosis, molecular characteristics, and therapeutic response.
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Ghidaglia J, Golse N, Pascale A, Sebagh M, Besson FL. 18F-FDG /18F-Choline Dual-Tracer PET Behavior and Tumor Differentiation in HepatoCellular Carcinoma. A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:924824. [PMID: 35872754 PMCID: PMC9300997 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.924824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-operative recurrence remains the strongest prognostic factor of resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), making the accurate selection of patients with curable HCC a crucial issue. PET imaging combining both 18F-FDG and fatty acid synthase (FAS) radiotracers—such as Choline—has shown its interest for the initial staging and therapeutic management of patients with HCC, but its use is still not consensual. Importantly, the very first dual-tracer PET studies suggested 18F-FDG/FAS PET behavior be linked to the degree of differentiation of HCC, a major predictive factor of post-operative recurrence. Although this key molecular imaging concept may impact how dual-tracer PET will be used in early-stage HCC, its level of evidence remains largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the available evidence-based data to clarify the relevance of dual 18F-FDG/18F-Choline PET in characterizing the degree of differentiation of HCC tumors. Methods A systematic search of the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases was performed up to November 2021. A systematic review of the dual-tracer 18F-FDG/18F-Choline PET behavior of histology-proven HCC according to their degree of differentiation was conducted. The overall quality of the included studies was critically assessed based on the STROBE guidelines. Information on study date, design, patient cohort characteristics, grade of differentiation of HCC tumors, and the dual-tracer PET behavior per HCC was independently extracted and summarized. Results From 440 records initially available, 6 full-text articles (99 histology-proven HCC) provided dual-tracer 18F-FDG/18F-Choline PET behavior per HCC tumor grade were included in the systematic review. Based on our analysis, 43/99 HCCs were reported to be well-differentiated, and 56/99 HCCs were reported to be less-differentiated tumors. In the well-differentiated subgroup, more than half were exclusively positive for 18F-Choline (51%), whereas 39% were positive for both 18F-FDG and 18F-Choline. In the less-differentiated subgroup, 37% of HCC patients were positive exclusively for FDG, 36% were positive for both 18F-FDG and 18F-Choline, and 25% were positive exclusively for 18F-Choline. Conclusion The 18F-FDG/18F-Choline dual-tracer PET behavior of uptake shows high overlap between well- and less differentiated HCC, making the characterization of tumors challenging based on such PET combination alone. Given our growing knowledge of the molecular complexity of HCC, further studies are necessary to refine our understanding of radiotracers’ behavior in this field and improve the usefulness of PET imaging in the clinical decision process of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Ghidaglia
- Department of Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine-Molecular Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nicolas Golse
- Centre Hépato Biliaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Physiopathogénèse et Traitement des Maladies du Foie, UMR-S 1193, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Alina Pascale
- Centre Hépato Biliaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Mylène Sebagh
- Department of Pathology, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Florent L Besson
- Department of Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine-Molecular Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Orsay, France
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46
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Fuchs BC, Guo W, Drum DL, Erstad DJ, Shi B, DeLeo AB, Zheng H, Cai L, Zhang L, Tanabe KK, Wang X. Improving the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Repurposing Disulfiram. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913736. [PMID: 35912209 PMCID: PMC9329590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, is a standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but provides only a limited survival benefit. Disulfiram (DSF), a drug for treating alcoholism and a chelator of copper (Cu), forms a complex with Cu (DSF/Cu). DSF/Cu is a potent inducer of autophagic apoptosis of cancer stem cells, which can demonstrate drug resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that DSF/Cu could increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib by targeting hepatic cancer stem cells.MethodsThe synergistic effect of DSF/Cu and sorafenib on human HCC cell lines was assessed by cell viability MTT assay. Changes in stemness gene expression in HCC cells were investigated by assessing the presence of hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs) (defined as ALDH+ cells) using flow cytometry, sphere formation ability as an index of in vitro tumorigenicity, and expression of stemness gene-encoded proteins by western blot. Autophagic apoptosis and the ERK signaling pathway were also assessed by western blot. Most importantly, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of DSF/Cu and sorafenib was tested using orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice.ResultsCompared with sorafenib alone, DSF/Cu + sorafenib synergistically inhibited proliferation of all HCC cell lines, decreased the stemness of HCC cells, and increased the autophagy and apoptosis of HCC cells. The mechanism by which DSF/Cu mediated these phenomena with sorafenib was sustained activation of the ERK pathway. The combination of DSF/Cu (formed with endogenous Cu2+) and sorafenib was significantly more effective than sorafenib alone in inhibiting the growth of orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice. This in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was associated with decreased stemness in treated HCC tumors.ConclusionsDSF/Cu and sorafenib can synergistically and effectively treat HCC by targeting HCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide a foundation for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wei Guo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L. Drum
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Derek J. Erstad
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert B. DeLeo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hui Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lei Cai
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xinhui Wang,
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47
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Revisiting Epithelial Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137437. [PMID: 35806442 PMCID: PMC9267463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of cancer remains one of the most important enigmas in modern biology. This paper presents a hypothesis for the origin of carcinomas in which cellular aging and inflammation enable the recovery of cellular plasticity, which may ultimately result in cancer. The hypothesis describes carcinogenesis as the result of the dedifferentiation undergone by epithelial cells in hyperplasia due to replicative senescence towards a mesenchymal cell state with potentially cancerous behavior. In support of this hypothesis, the molecular, cellular, and histopathological evidence was critically reviewed and reinterpreted when necessary to postulate a plausible generic series of mechanisms for the origin and progression of carcinomas. In addition, the implications of this theoretical framework for the current strategies of cancer treatment are discussed considering recent evidence of the molecular events underlying the epigenetic switches involved in the resistance of breast carcinomas. The hypothesis also proposes an epigenetic landscape for their progression and a potential mechanism for restraining the degree of dedifferentiation and malignant behavior. In addition, the manuscript revisits the gradual degeneration of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to propose an integrative generalized mechanistic explanation for the involution and carcinogenesis of tissues associated with aging. The presented hypothesis might serve to understand and structure new findings into a more encompassing view of the genesis of degenerative diseases and may inspire novel approaches for their study and therapy.
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48
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Serna R, Ramrakhiani A, Hernandez JC, Chen CL, Nakagawa C, Machida T, Ray RB, Zhan X, Tahara SM, Machida K. c-JUN inhibits mTORC2 and glucose uptake to promote self-renewal and obesity. iScience 2022; 25:104325. [PMID: 35601917 PMCID: PMC9121277 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and the risk of cancer. We tested whether oncogenic transcription factor c-JUN metabolically reprogrammed cells to induce obesity and cancer by reduction of glucose uptake, with promotion of the stemness phenotype leading to malignant transformation. Liquid alcohol, high-cholesterol, fat diet (HCFD), and isocaloric dextrin were fed to wild-type or experimental mice for 12 months to promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We demonstrated 40% of mice developed liver tumors after chronic HCFD feeding. Disruption of liver-specific c-Jun reduced tumor incidence 4-fold and improved insulin sensitivity. Overexpression of c-JUN downregulated RICTOR transcription, leading to inhibition of the mTORC2/AKT and glycolysis pathways. c-JUN inhibited GLUT1, 2, and 3 transactivation to suppress glucose uptake. Silencing of RICTOR or c-JUN overexpression promoted self-renewal ability. Taken together, c-JUN inhibited mTORC2 via RICTOR downregulation and inhibited glucose uptake via downregulation of glucose intake, leading to self-renewal and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Serna
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ambika Ramrakhiani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chia-Lin Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chad Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Tatsuya Machida
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | - Xiaohang Zhan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Stanley M. Tahara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Keigo Machida
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR503C, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Castven D, Czauderna C, Becker D, Pereira S, Schmitt J, Weinmann A, Shah V, Hajduk J, Keggenhoff F, Binder H, Keck T, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Wörns MA, Thorgeirsson SS, Breuhahn K, Galle PR, Marquardt JU. Acquired Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Mediated by Yes-Associated Protein 1 Activation and Transient Expansion of Stem-Like Cancer Cells. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1140-1156. [PMID: 34817932 PMCID: PMC9035566 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of neoangiogenesis is a hallmark feature during disease progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antiangiogenetic compounds represent a mainstay of therapeutic approaches; however, development of chemoresistance is observed in the majority of patients. Recent findings suggest that tumor-initiating cells (TICs) may play a key role in acquisition of resistance, but the exact relevance for HCC in this process remains to be defined. Primary and established hepatoma cell lines were exposed to long-term sorafenib treatment to model acquisition of resistance. Treatment effects on TICs were estimated by sphere-forming capacity in vitro, tumorigenicity in vivo, and flow cytometry. Adaptive molecular changes were assessed by whole transcriptome analyses. Compensatory mechanisms of resistance were identified and directly evaluated. Sustained antiproliferative effect following sorafenib treatment was observed in three of six HCC cell lines and was followed by rapid regrowth, thereby mimicking responses observed in patients. Resistant cells showed induction in sphere forming in vitro and tumor-initiating capacity in vivo as well as increased number of side population and epithelial cell adhesion molecule-positive cells. Conversely, sensitive cell lines showed consistent reduction of TIC properties. Gene sets associated with resistance and poor prognosis, including Hippo/yes-associated protein (YAP), were identified. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed increased levels of YAP. Combined treatment of sorafenib and specific YAP inhibitor consistently revealed synergistic antioncogenic effects in resistant cell lines. Conclusion: Resistance to antiangiogenic therapy might be driven by transient expansion of TICs and activation of compensatory pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, including YAP. Specific targeting of TICs might be an effective therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine ILichtenberg Research Group for Molecular HepatocarcinogenesisUniversity Medical Center Schleswig HolsteinLuebeckGermany.,Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine ILichtenberg Research Group for Molecular HepatocarcinogenesisUniversity Medical Center Schleswig HolsteinLuebeckGermany.,Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Sharon Pereira
- Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Jennifer Schmitt
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Viral Shah
- Department of HematologyMedical Oncology, and PneumologyUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Jovana Hajduk
- Department of Medicine ILichtenberg Research Group for Molecular HepatocarcinogenesisUniversity Medical Center Schleswig HolsteinLuebeckGermany.,Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | | | - Harald Binder
- Institute for Medical Biometry and StatisticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Tobias Keck
- Clinic for SurgeryUniversity Medical Center Schleswig HolsteinLuebeckGermany
| | - Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity of Bonn School of MedicineUniversity of BonnBonnGermany.,Department of GenomicsLife and Brain CenterUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Marcus A Wörns
- Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Human CarcinogenesisCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine ILichtenberg Research Group for Molecular HepatocarcinogenesisUniversity Medical Center Schleswig HolsteinLuebeckGermany.,Department of Medicine IUniversity Medical CenterMainzGermany
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50
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Bévant K, Desoteux M, Angenard G, Pineau R, Caruso S, Louis C, Papoutsoglou P, Sulpice L, Gilot D, Zucman-Rossi J, Coulouarn C. TGFβ-induced FOXS1 controls epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts a poor prognosis in liver cancer. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1157-1171. [PMID: 34825776 PMCID: PMC9035581 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a key role in tumor progression, notably as a potent inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, all of the molecular effectors driving TGFβ-induced EMT are not fully characterized. Here, we report that forkhead box S1 (FOXS1) is a SMAD (mothers against decapentaplegic)-dependent TGFβ-induced transcription factor, which regulates the expression of genes required for the initial steps of EMT (e.g., snail family transcription repressor 1) and to maintain a mesenchymal phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In human HCC, we report that FOXS1 is a biomarker of poorly differentiated and aggressive tumor subtypes. Importantly, FOXS1 expression level and activity are associated with a poor prognosis (e.g., reduced patient survival), not only in HCC but also in colon, stomach, and kidney cancers. Conclusion: FOXS1 constitutes a clinically relevant biomarker for tumors in which the pro-metastatic arm of TGF-β is active (i.e., patients who may benefit from targeted therapies using inhibitors of the TGF-β pathway).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bévant
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - Matthis Desoteux
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - Gaëlle Angenard
- InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - Raphaël Pineau
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersInsermSorbonne UniversitéUniversité de ParisUniversité Paris 13Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors LaboratoryParisFrance
| | - Corentin Louis
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - Panagiotis Papoutsoglou
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - Laurent Sulpice
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
| | - David Gilot
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersInsermSorbonne UniversitéUniversité de ParisUniversité Paris 13Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors LaboratoryParisFrance.,European Hospital Georges PompidouAP-HPParisFrance
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- InsermUniv RennesUMR_S 1242ChemistryOncogenesis, Stress SignalingCentre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène MarquisService de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et DigestiveCHU RennesRennesFrance.,InsermUniv RennesInraeUMR_S 1241NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer)RennesFrance
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