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Liu H, Huang M, Xin D, Wang H, Yu H, Pu W. Natural products with anti-tumorigenesis potential targeting macrophage. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 131:155794. [PMID: 38875811 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is a risk factor for tumorigenesis. Macrophage, a subset of immune cells with high plasticity, plays a multifaceted role in this process. Natural products, which are bioactive compounds derived from traditional herbs or foods, have exhibited diverse effects on macrophages and tumorigenesis making them a valuable resource of drug discovery or optimization in tumor prevention. PURPOSE Provide a comprehensive overview of the various roles of macrophages in tumorigenesis, as well as the effects of natural products on tumorigenesis by modulating macrophage function. METHODS A thorough literature search spanning the past two decades was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and CNKI following the PRISMA guidelines. The search terms employed included "macrophage and tumorigenesis", "natural products, macrophages and tumorigenesis", "traditional Chinese medicine and tumorigenesis", "natural products and macrophage polarization", "macrophage and tumor related microenvironment", "macrophage and tumor signal pathway", "toxicity of natural products" and combinations thereof. Furthermore, certain articles are identified through the tracking of citations from other publications or by accessing the websites of relevant journals. Studies that meet the following criteria are excluded: (1) Articles not written in English or Chinese; (2) Full texts were not available; (3) Duplicate articles and irrelevant studies. The data collected was organized and summarized based on molecular mechanisms or compound structure. RESULTS This review elucidates the multifaceted effect of macrophages on tumorigenesis, encompassing process such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor cell invasion by regulating metabolism, non-coding RNA, signal transduction and intercellular crosstalk. Natural products, including vitexin, ovatodiolide, ligustilide, and emodin, as well as herbal remedies, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating macrophage function, thereby attenuating tumorigenesis. These interventions mainly focus on mitigating the initial inflammatory response or modifying the inflammatory environment within the precancerous niche. CONCLUSIONS These mechanistic insights of macrophages in tumorigenesis offer valuable ideas for researchers. The identified natural products facilitate the selection of promising candidates for future cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Manru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Dandan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| | - Weiling Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
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Cagnin S, Pontisso P, Martini A. SerpinB3: A Multifaceted Player in Health and Disease-Review and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2579. [PMID: 39061218 PMCID: PMC11274807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142579] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SerpinB3, a member of the serine-protease inhibitor family, has emerged as a crucial player in various physiological and pathological processes. Initially identified as an oncogenic factor in squamous cell carcinomas, SerpinB3's intricate involvement extends from fibrosis progression and cancer to cell protection in acute oxidative stress conditions. This review explores the multifaceted roles of SerpinB3, focusing on its implications in fibrosis, metabolic syndrome, carcinogenesis and immune system impairment. Furthermore, its involvement in tissue protection from oxidative stress and wound healing underscores its potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Recent studies have described the therapeutic potential of targeting SerpinB3 through its upstream regulators, offering novel strategies for cancer treatment development. Overall, this review underscores the importance of further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of SerpinB3 and to exploit its therapeutic potential across various medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35123 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.M.)
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Shang T, Jiang T, Cui X, Pan Y, Feng X, Dong L, Wang H. Diverse functions of SOX9 in liver development and homeostasis and hepatobiliary diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:100996. [PMID: 38523677 PMCID: PMC10958229 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is the central organ for digestion and detoxification and has unique metabolic and regenerative capacities. The hepatobiliary system originates from the foregut endoderm, in which cells undergo multiple events of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation to form the liver parenchyma and ductal system under the hierarchical regulation of transcription factors. Studies on liver development and diseases have revealed that SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (SOX9) plays an important role in liver embryogenesis and the progression of hepatobiliary diseases. SOX9 is not only a master regulator of cell fate determination and tissue morphogenesis, but also regulates various biological features of cancer, including cancer stemness, invasion, and drug resistance, making SOX9 a potential biomarker for tumor prognosis and progression. This review systematically summarizes the latest findings of SOX9 in hepatobiliary development, homeostasis, and disease. We also highlight the value of SOX9 as a novel biomarker and potential target for the clinical treatment of major liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyu Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Tianyi Jiang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaowen Cui
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Xiaofan Feng
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liwei Dong
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University & Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, China
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Li Z, Duan D, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Ni R, Liu Y. Tumor-associated macrophages in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: recent research progress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1382256. [PMID: 38957393 PMCID: PMC11217528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1382256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers that seriously threaten human health. Immunotherapy serves as the mainstay of treatment for HCC patients by targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. However, the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is limited when HCC becomes drug-resistant. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important factor in the negative regulation of PD-1 antibody targeted therapy in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, as an emerging direction in cancer immunotherapy research for the treatment of HCC, it is crucial to elucidate the correlations and mechanisms between TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune tolerance. This paper summarizes the effects of TAMs on the pathogenesis and progression of HCC and their impact on HCC anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and further explores current potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs in HCC, including eliminating TAMs in the TME, inhibiting TAMs recruitment to tumors and functionally repolarizing M2-TAMs (tumor-supportive) to M1-TAMs (antitumor type).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rui Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhao Z, Cui T, Wei F, Zhou Z, Sun Y, Gao C, Xu X, Zhang H. Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1367364. [PMID: 38634048 PMCID: PMC11022604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tenglu Cui
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Radiotherapy Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Gao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huihan Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Song X, Wei J, Li Y, Zhu W, Cai Z, Li K, Wei J, Lu J, Pan W, Li M. An integrative pan-cancer analysis of the molecular characteristics of dietary restriction in tumour microenvironment. EBioMedicine 2024; 102:105078. [PMID: 38507875 PMCID: PMC10965464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105078] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary restriction (DR), a general term for dieting, has been demonstrated as an effective intervention in reducing the occurrence of cancers. Molecular activities associated with DR are crucial in mediating its anti-cancer effects, yet a comprehensive exploration of the landscape of these activities at the pan-cancer level is still lacking. METHODS We proposed a computational approach for quantifying DR-related molecular activities and delineating the landscape of these activities across 33 cancer types and 30 normal tissues within 27,320 samples. We thoroughly examined the associations between DR-related molecular activities and various factors, including the tumour microenvironment, immunological phenotypes, genomic features, and clinical prognosis. Meanwhile, we identified two DR genes that show potential as prognostic predictors in hepatocellular carcinoma and verified them by immunohistochemical assays in 90 patients. FINDINGS We found that DR-related molecular activities showed a close association with tumour immunity and hold potential for predicting immunotherapy responses in various cancers. Importantly, a higher level of DR-related molecular activities is associated with improved overall survival and cancer-specific survival. FZD1 and G6PD are two DR genes that serve as biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. INTERPRETATION This study presents a robust link between DR-related molecular activities and tumour immunity across multiple cancer types. Our research could open the path for further investigation of DR-related molecular processes in cancer treatment. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82000628) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine Foundation of Guangdong Province (Grant No. 2023LSYS001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Song
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jiaxing Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhiyuan Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Kunwei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jingyue Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jieyu Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wanping Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Man Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Biobank, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China; Department of Information Technology and Data Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Pezeshki A, Cheville JC, Florio AB, Leibovich BC, Vasmatzis G. Evaluation of tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors by a 3D immunotumoroid model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356144. [PMID: 38605943 PMCID: PMC11007648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Only 20 percent of renal and bladder cancer patients will show a significant response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, and no test currently available accurately predicts ICI response. Methods We developed an "immunotumoroid" cell model system that recapitulates the tumor, its microenvironment, and necessary immune system components in patient-derived spheroids to enable ex vivo assessment of tumor response to ICI therapy. Immunotumoroids were developed from surgically resected renal cell carcinomas and bladder carcinomas selected for high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and survived more than a month without media exchange. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect immune and non-immune cells in cryopreserved source tumors and the resulting immunotumoroids. Immunotumoroid response to ICIs (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and durvalumab) and chemotherapy (cisplatin, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel) was monitored in real-time with Cytotox Red staining in an Incucyte device, and the immunotumoroid response was compared to retrospective clinical drug responses. Results Six of the 13 cases tested grew viable immunotumoroid models, with failed cases attributed to extensive tumor tissue necrosis or excess lymphocytes preventing spheroid formation. One successfully cultured case was excluded from the study due to low TIL infiltration (<5%) in the primary tumor sample. The five remaining models contained immune cells (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and macrophages), non-immune cells (fibroblasts), and tumor cells. Chemotherapy and ICI drugs were tested in immunotumoroids from 5 cases and compared to clinical outcomes where data was available. Four/five models showed cell killing in response to chemotherapy and two/five showed sensitivity to ICI. In three cases, the immunotumoroid model accurately predicted the patient's clinical response or non-response to ICIs or chemotherapy. Conclusion Our immunotumoroid model replicated the multicellular nature of the tumor microenvironment sufficiently for preclinical ICI screening. This model could enable valuable insights into the complex interactions between cancer cells, the immune system, and the microenvironment. This is a feasibility study on a small number of cases, and additional studies with larger case numbers are required including correlation with clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmohammad Pezeshki
- Biomarker Discovery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - John C. Cheville
- Biomarker Discovery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Angela B. Florio
- Biomarker Discovery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - George Vasmatzis
- Biomarker Discovery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Khan K, Yu B, Tardif JC, Rhéaume E, Al-Kindi H, Filimon S, Pop C, Genest J, Cecere R, Schwertani A. Significance of the Wnt signaling pathway in coronary artery atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1360380. [PMID: 38586172 PMCID: PMC10995361 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1360380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The progression of coronary atherosclerosis is an active and regulated process. The Wnt signaling pathway is thought to play an active role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases; however, a better understanding of this system in atherosclerosis is yet to be unraveled. Methods In this study, real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to quantify the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and Wnt5b in the human coronary plaque, and immunohistochemistry was used to identify sites of local expression. To determine the pathologic significance of increased Wnt, human vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) were treated with Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and Wnt5b recombinant proteins and assessed for changes in cell differentiation and function. Results RT-PCR and Western blotting showed a significant increase in the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, and their receptors in diseased coronary arteries compared with that in non-diseased coronary arteries. Immunohistochemistry revealed an abundant expression of Wnt3a and Wnt5b in diseased coronary arteries, which contrasted with little or no signals in normal coronary arteries. Immunostaining of Wnt3a and Wnt5b was found largely in inflammatory cells and myointimal cells. The treatment of vSMCs with Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and Wnt5b resulted in increased vSMC differentiation, migration, calcification, oxidative stress, and impaired cholesterol handling. Conclusions This study demonstrates the upregulation of three important members of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways and their receptors in coronary atherosclerosis and shows an important role for these molecules in plaque development through increased cellular remodeling and impaired cholesterol handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Khan
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bin Yu
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Eric Rhéaume
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hamood Al-Kindi
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabin Filimon
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cristina Pop
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques Genest
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Renzo Cecere
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adel Schwertani
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
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10
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Liu J, Park K, Shen Z, Lee H, Geetha P, Pakyari M, Chai L. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and their cross talks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285370. [PMID: 38173713 PMCID: PMC10762788 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options beyond surgery and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, including PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, have shown promise, but their efficacy has not met expectations. Biomarker testing and personalized medicine based on genetic mutations and other biomarkers represent the future direction for HCC treatment. To address these challenges and opportunities, this comprehensive review discusses the progress made in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for HCC, focusing on dissecting the rationales, opportunities, and challenges for combining these modalities. The liver's unique physiology and the presence of fibrosis in many HCC patients pose additional challenges to drug delivery and efficacy. Ongoing efforts in biomarker development and combination therapy design, especially in the context of immunotherapies, hold promise for improving outcomes in advanced HCC. Through exploring the advancements in biomarkers and targeted therapies, this review provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field and proposes strategies for rational combination therapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Park
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ziyang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Lee
- University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Mohammadreza Pakyari
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Peri SS, Narayanaa Y K, Hubert TD, Rajaraman R, Arfuso F, Sundaram S, Archana B, Warrier S, Dharmarajan A, Perumalsamy LR. Navigating Tumour Microenvironment and Wnt Signalling Crosstalk: Implications for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5847. [PMID: 38136392 PMCID: PMC10741643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245847] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutics face significant challenges due to drug resistance and tumour recurrence. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a crucial contributor and essential hallmark of cancer. It encompasses various components surrounding the tumour, including intercellular elements, immune system cells, the vascular system, stem cells, and extracellular matrices, all of which play critical roles in tumour progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, drug resistance, and relapse. These components interact with multiple signalling pathways, positively or negatively influencing cell growth. Abnormal regulation of the Wnt signalling pathway has been observed in tumorigenesis and contributes to tumour growth. A comprehensive understanding and characterisation of how different cells within the TME communicate through signalling pathways is vital. This review aims to explore the intricate and dynamic interactions, expressions, and alterations of TME components and the Wnt signalling pathway, offering valuable insights into the development of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Shravani Peri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Krithicaa Narayanaa Y
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Therese Deebiga Hubert
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Roshini Rajaraman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Sandhya Sundaram
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.); (B.A.)
| | - B. Archana
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India;
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Lakshmi R. Perumalsamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
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12
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Athavale D, Barahona I, Song Z, Desert R, Chen W, Han H, Das S, Ge X, Komakula SSB, Gao S, Lantvit D, Guzman G, Nieto N. Overexpression of HMGB1 in hepatocytes accelerates PTEN inactivation-induced liver cancer. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0311. [PMID: 38055645 PMCID: PMC10984663 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is increasing due to the rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease, but its role in MASH-associated liver cancer is unknown. We hypothesized that an increase in hepatocyte-derived HMGB1 in a mouse model of inactivation of PTEN that causes MASH could promote MASH-induced tumorigenesis. METHODS We analyzed publicly available transcriptomics datasets, and to explore the effect of overexpressing HMGB1 in cancer progression, we injected 1.5-month-old Pten∆Hep mice with adeno-associated virus serotype-8 (AAV8) vectors to overexpress HMGB1-EGFP or EGFP, and sacrificed them at 3, 9 and 11 months of age. RESULTS We found that HMGB1 mRNA increases in human MASH and MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC) compared to healthy livers. Male and female Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1 showed accelerated liver tumor development at 9 and 11 months, respectively, with increased tumor size and volume, compared to control Pten∆Hep mice. Moreover, Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1, had increased incidence of mixed HCC-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). All iCCAs were positive for nuclear YAP and SOX9. Male Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1 showed increased cell proliferation and F4/80+ cells at 3 and 9 months. CONCLUSION Overexpression of HMGB1 in hepatocytes accelerates liver tumorigenesis in Pten∆Hep mice, enhancing cell proliferation and F4/80+ cells to drive MASH-induced liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Inés Barahona
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Shenglan Gao
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel Lantvit
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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13
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Ait Ahmed Y, Lafdil F, Tacke F. Ambiguous Pathogenic Roles of Macrophages in Alcohol-Associated Liver Diseases. Hepat Med 2023; 15:113-127. [PMID: 37753346 PMCID: PMC10519224 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s326468] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents a major public health issue worldwide and is a leading etiology of liver cirrhosis. Alcohol-related liver injuries include a range of manifestations including alcoholic hepatitis (AH), simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver disease occurs from several pathological disturbances such as the metabolism of ethanol, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes, alterations in the gut microbiota, and the immune response to these changes. A common hallmark of these liver affections is the establishment of an inflammatory environment, and some (broad) anti-inflammatory approaches are used to treat AH (eg, corticosteroids). Macrophages, which represent the main innate immune cells in the liver, respond to a wide variety of (pathogenic) stimuli and adopt a large spectrum of phenotypes. This translates to a diversity of functions including pathogen and debris clearance, recruitment of other immune cells, activation of fibroblasts, or tissue repair. Thus, macrophage populations play a crucial role in the course of ALD, but the underlying mechanisms driving macrophage polarization and their functionality in ALD are complex. In this review, we explore the various populations of hepatic macrophages in alcohol-associated liver disease and the underlying mechanisms driving their polarization. Additionally, we summarize the crosstalk between hepatic macrophages and other hepatic cell types in ALD, in order to support the exploration of targeted therapeutics by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Ait Ahmed
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Fouad Lafdil
- Université Paris-Est, UMR-S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), U955, Créteil, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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14
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Bowen MB, Helmink BA, Wargo JA, Yates MS. TIME for Bugs: The Immune Microenvironment and Microbes in Precancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:497-505. [PMID: 37428011 PMCID: PMC10542944 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0087] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Major advances in our understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in established cancer have been made, including the influence of host-intrinsic (host genomics) and -extrinsic factors (such as diet and the microbiome) on treatment response. Nonetheless, the immune and microbiome milieu across the spectrum of precancerous tissue and early neoplasia is a growing area of interest. There are emerging data describing the contribution of the immune microenvironment and microbiota on benign and premalignant tissues, with opportunities to target these factors in cancer prevention and interception. Throughout this review, we provide rationale for not only the critical need to further elucidate the premalignant immune microenvironment, but also for the utility of pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions to alter the immune microenvironment of early lesions to reverse carcinogenesis. Novel research methodologies, such as implementing spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, in combination with innovative sampling methods will advance precision targeting of the premalignant immune microenvironment. Additional studies defining the continuum of immune and microbiome evolution, which emerges in parallel with tumor development, will provide novel opportunities for cancer interception at the earliest steps in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Borthwick Bowen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Beth A Helmink
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Melinda S Yates
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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15
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Kim HS, Yoon JH, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Han JE, Cho HJ, Kim SS, Jeong JY, Cheong JY, Eun JW. Tumor Endothelial Cells-Associated Integrin Alpha-6 as a Promising Biomarker for Early Detection and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4156. [PMID: 37627184 PMCID: PMC10453423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164156] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC remains a lethal cancer type, with early detection being critical for improved patient outcomes. This study introduces a comprehensive methodological approach to identify the ITGA6 gene as a potential blood marker for early HCC (eHCC) detection. We initially analyzed the GSE114564 dataset encompassing various stages of liver disease, identifying 972 differentially expressed genes in HCC. A refined analysis yielded 59 genes specifically differentially expressed in early HCC, including ITGA6. Subsequent validation in multiple datasets confirmed the consistent upregulation of ITGA6 in HCC. In addition, when analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) within the entire patient cohort and overall survival (OS) specifically among patients classified as tumor grade G1, the group of patients characterized by high expression levels of ITGA6 displayed an elevated risk ratio in relation to prognosis. Further analyses demonstrated the predominant expression of ITGA6 in TECs and its enrichment in angiogenesis-related pathways. Additionally, positive correlations were found between ITGA6 expression and pro-tumorigenic immune cells, but not with anti-tumorigenic immune cells. Our study elucidates the potential of ITGA6 as a blood-based marker for HCC early detection and diagnosis and its complex interplay with the tumor microenvironment. Further research may lead to novel strategies for HCC management and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Seok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (H.S.K.); (J.-Y.J.)
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
| | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Moon Gyeong Yoon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Ji Eun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Jee-Yeong Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (H.S.K.); (J.-Y.J.)
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
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16
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Mafi A, Rismanchi H, Malek Mohammadi M, Hedayati N, Ghorbanhosseini SS, Hosseini SA, Gholinezhad Y, Mousavi Dehmordi R, Ghezelbash B, Zarepour F, Taghavi SP, Asemi Z, Alimohammadi M, Mirzaei H. A spotlight on the interplay between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1224138. [PMID: 37546393 PMCID: PMC10403753 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1224138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers due to multifocal development and distant metastasis resulting from late diagnosis. Consequently, new approaches to HCC diagnosis and treatment are required to reduce mortality rates. A large body of evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important in cancer initiation and progression. Cancer cells release many of these ncRNAs into the blood or urine, enabling their use as a diagnostic tool. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are as a members of the ncRNAs that regulate cancer cell expansion, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance through different mechanisms such as the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling pathway. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays prominent roles in several biological processes including organogenesis, stem cell regeneration, and cell survival. Aberrant signaling of both pathways mentioned above could affect the progression and metastasis of many cancers, including HCC. Based on several studies investigated in the current review, circRNAs have an effect on HCC formation and progression by sponging miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, circRNAs/miRNAs or RBPs/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could be considered promising prognostic and therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Rismanchi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Neda Hedayati
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Sara Ghorbanhosseini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Hosseini
- Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Gholinezhad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rohollah Mousavi Dehmordi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Ghezelbash
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarepour
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mina Alimohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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17
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Quarta S, Cappon A, Turato C, Ruvoletto M, Cannito S, Villano G, Biasiolo A, Maggi M, Protopapa F, Bertazza L, Fasolato S, Parola M, Pontisso P. SerpinB3 Upregulates Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein (LRP) Family Members, Leading to Wnt Signaling Activation and Increased Cell Survival and Invasiveness. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:771. [PMID: 37372056 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the Wnt-β-catenin signaling cascade is involved in tumor growth and dissemination. SerpinB3 has been shown to induce β-catenin, and both molecules are overexpressed in tumors, particularly in those with poor prognoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of SerpinB3 to modulate the Wnt pathway in liver cancer and in monocytic cells, the main type of inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment. The Wnt cascade, Wnt co-receptors, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) members were analyzed in different cell lines and human monocytes in the presence or absence of SerpinB3. The Wnt-β-catenin axis was also evaluated in liver tumors induced in mice with different extents of SeprinB3 expression. In monocytic cells, SerpinB3 induced a significant upregulation of Wnt-1/7, nuclear β-catenin, and c-Myc, which are associated with increased cell lifespan and proliferation. In liver tumors in mice, the expression of β-catenin was significantly correlated with the presence of SerpinB3. In hepatoma cells, Wnt co-receptors LRP-5/6 and LRP-1, implicated in cell survival and invasiveness, were upregulated by SerpinB3. The LRP pan-inhibitor RAP not only induced a decrease in LRP expression, but also a dose-dependent reduction in SerpinB3-induced invasiveness. In conclusion, SerpinB3 determines the activation of the Wnt canonical pathway and cell invasiveness through the upregulation of LRP family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santina Quarta
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappon
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Cristian Turato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Cannito
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Villano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Maristella Maggi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Protopapa
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvano Fasolato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
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18
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Alba MM, Ebright B, Hua B, Slarve I, Zhou Y, Jia Y, Louie SG, Stiles BL. Eicosanoids and other oxylipins in liver injury, inflammation and liver cancer development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098467. [PMID: 36818443 PMCID: PMC9932286 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a malignancy developed from underlying liver disease that encompasses liver injury and metabolic disorders. The progression from these underlying liver disease to cancer is accompanied by chronic inflammatory conditions in which liver macrophages play important roles in orchestrating the inflammatory response. During this process, bioactive lipids produced by hepatocytes and macrophages mediate the inflammatory responses by acting as pro-inflammatory factors, as well as, playing roles in the resolution of inflammation conditions. Here, we review the literature discussing the roles of bioactive lipids in acute and chronic hepatic inflammation and progression to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario M. Alba
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Brandon Ebright
- Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Brittney Hua
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Ielyzaveta Slarve
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Yiren Zhou
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Yunyi Jia
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Stan G. Louie
- Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
| | - Bangyan L. Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
- Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Unites States
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19
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Huang H, Tsui YM, Ng IOL. Fueling HCC Dynamics: Interplay Between Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor Initiating Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 36736664 PMCID: PMC10036749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a common cancer worldwide. It is an aggressive cancer, with high rates of tumor relapse and metastasis, high chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Liver tumor-initiating cells (LTICs) are a distinctive subset of liver cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities that contribute to intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemo-drug resistance. LTICs, marked by different TIC markers, have high plasticity and use diverse signaling pathways to promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LTICs are nurtured in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where noncellular and cellular components participate to build an immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting niche. As a result, the TME has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic target, as exemplified by some successful applications of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the plasticity of LTICs in terms of cellular differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. We also discuss the various components of the TME, including its noncellular and cellular components. Thereafter, we discuss the mutual interactions between TME and LTICs, including recently reported molecular mechanisms. Lastly, we summarize and describe new ideas concerning novel approaches and strategies for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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20
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Macrophages and Wnts in Tissue Injury and Repair. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223592. [PMID: 36429021 PMCID: PMC9688352 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are important players in the immune system that sense various tissue challenges and trigger inflammation. Tissue injuries are followed by inflammation, which is tightly coordinated with tissue repair processes. Dysregulation of these processes leads to chronic inflammation or tissue fibrosis. Wnt ligands are present both in homeostatic and pathological conditions. However, their roles and mechanisms regulating inflammation and tissue repair are being investigated. Here we aim to provide an overview of overarching themes regarding Wnt and macrophages by reviewing the previous literature. We aim to gain future insights into how tissue inflammation, repair, regeneration, and fibrosis events are regulated by macrophages.
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21
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Tu T, Alba MM, Datta AA, Hong H, Hua B, Jia Y, Khan J, Nguyen P, Niu X, Pammidimukkala P, Slarve I, Tang Q, Xu C, Zhou Y, Stiles BL. Hepatic macrophage mediated immune response in liver steatosis driven carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:958696. [PMID: 36276076 PMCID: PMC9581256 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958696] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity confers an independent risk for carcinogenesis. Classically viewed as a genetic disease, owing to the discovery of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, genetic events alone are not sufficient to explain the progression and development of cancers. Tumor development is often associated with metabolic and immunological changes. In particular, obesity is found to significantly increase the mortality rate of liver cancer. As its role is not defined, a fundamental question is whether and how metabolic changes drive the development of cancer. In this review, we will dissect the current literature demonstrating that liver lipid dysfunction is a critical component driving the progression of cancer. We will discuss the involvement of inflammation in lipid dysfunction driven liver cancer development with a focus on the involvement of liver macrophages. We will first discuss the association of steatosis with liver cancer. This will be followed with a literature summary demonstrating the importance of inflammation and particularly macrophages in the progression of liver steatosis and highlighting the evidence that macrophages and macrophage produced inflammatory mediators are critical for liver cancer development. We will then discuss the specific inflammatory mediators and their roles in steatosis driven liver cancer development. Finally, we will summarize the molecular pattern (PAMP and DAMP) as well as lipid particle signals that are involved in the activation, infiltration and reprogramming of liver macrophages. We will also discuss some of the therapies that may interfere with lipid metabolism and also affect liver cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taojian Tu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mario M. Alba
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Aditi A. Datta
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Handan Hong
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brittney Hua
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yunyi Jia
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jared Khan
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Phillip Nguyen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiatoeng Niu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pranav Pammidimukkala
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ielyzaveta Slarve
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qi Tang
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yiren Zhou
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bangyan L. Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bangyan L. Stiles,
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22
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Tumor-associated macrophages in cancer: recent advancements in cancer nanoimmunotherapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:68. [PMID: 35183252 PMCID: PMC8857848 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer immunotherapy has emerged as a novel cancer treatment, although recent immunotherapy trials have produced suboptimal outcomes, with durable responses seen only in a small number of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to be responsible for tumor immune escape and therapy failure. The vital component of the TME is tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which are usually associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance, including immunotherapies, and have emerged as promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, nanoparticles, because of their unique physicochemical characteristics, have emerged as crucial translational moieties in tackling tumor-promoting TAMs that amplify immune responses and sensitize tumors to immunotherapies in a safe and effective manner. In this review, we mainly described the current potential nanomaterial-based therapeutic strategies that target TAMs, including restricting TAMs survival, inhibiting TAMs recruitment to tumors and functionally repolarizing tumor-supportive TAMs to antitumor type. The current understanding of the origin and polarization of TAMs, their crucial role in cancer progression and prognostic significance was also discussed in this review. We also highlighted the recent evolution of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophage cell therapy.
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Qiu T, Zhang D, Xu J, Li X, Wang D, Zhao F, Qian Y, Xu J, Xu T, Zhang H, Chen X. Yes-associated protein gene overexpression regulated by β-catenin promotes gastric cancer cell tumorigenesi. Technol Health Care 2022; 30:425-440. [PMID: 35124617 PMCID: PMC9028613 DOI: 10.3233/thc-thc228039] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been reported to act as a candidate human oncogene and played a critical role in the development of multiple cancer types. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the expression, function, and underlying mechanisms of YAP in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Expression levels of YAP in gastric tissues were tested. CCK8 assay, clonogenic assay, apoptosis assay, transwell assay, cell scratch assay and animal study were conducted to explore the function of YAP. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Survival analysis was carried out to reveal the relationship between YAP and clinical outcome. RESULTS: YAP was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and correlates with poor prognosis. YAP could promote GC cells proliferation, metastatic capacity, inhibit GC cells apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Bothβ-catenin and YAP were mainly localized withi the tumor cell nuclei. β-catenincould upregulate YAP expression by binding to the promotor region of YAP. Patients with both YAP and β-catenin negetive expression had a better prognosis than others. CONCLUSIONS: YAP overexpression is driven by aberrant Wnt β-catenin signalingand then contributed to the GC tumorigenesis and progression. Thus, YAP might be a potential target for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Qiu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Diancai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Qian
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongpeng Xu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, PuKou Branch Hospital of Jiangsu Province Hospital (NanJing PuKou Central Hospital), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Glitscher M, Hildt E, Bender D. [Hepatitis B and C: mechanisms of virus-induced liver pathogenesis and tumorigenesis]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:228-237. [PMID: 35015106 PMCID: PMC8813796 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03482-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HBV, HCV) are the most relevant causative viral agents of a chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). At present, more than 250 million people suffer from a chronic HBV infection globally, resulting in 0.8 million deaths per year. A chronic HCV infection accounts for about 70 million cases worldwide, leading to a death toll of about 1 million per year. An approved vaccine is only available against an HBV infection. Both HBV and HCV infections result in a highly increased risk of developing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).This review aims to describe mechanisms of the HBV- and HCV-associated pathogenesis. The focus is on the interplay between a chronic infection with intracellular signaling transduction, metabolic pathways with an emphasis on lipid metabolism, the establishment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis during a chronic infection, and the mechanisms of the onset of a virally induced HCC.Despite there being great advances in the characterization of viral life cycles and the development of robust antiviral strategies, significant hurdles persist: gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive virus-associated pathogenesis as well as increasing insights regarding different viral genotypes having impacts on alternate pathogeneses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Glitscher
- Abteilung 2/01, Virologie, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut - Bundesinstitut für Impfstoffe und biomedizinische Arzneimittel, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63226, Langen, Deutschland
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Abteilung 2/01, Virologie, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut - Bundesinstitut für Impfstoffe und biomedizinische Arzneimittel, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63226, Langen, Deutschland.
| | - Daniela Bender
- Abteilung 2/01, Virologie, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut - Bundesinstitut für Impfstoffe und biomedizinische Arzneimittel, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63226, Langen, Deutschland
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25
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Aggarwal R, Peng Z, Zeng N, Silva J, He L, Chen J, Debebe A, Tu T, Alba M, Chen CY, Stiles EX, Hong H, Stiles BL. Chronic Exposure to Palmitic Acid Down-Regulates AKT in Beta-Cells through Activation of mTOR. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:130-145. [PMID: 34619135 PMCID: PMC8759041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
High circulating lipids occurring in obese individuals and insulin-resistant patients are considered a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. Exposure to high lipid concentration is proposed to both protect and damage beta-cells under different circumstances. Here, by feeding mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks to up to 14 months, the study showed that HFD initially causes the beta-cells to expand in population, whereas long-term exposure to HFD is associated with failure of beta-cells and the inability of animals to respond to glucose challenge. To prevent the failure of beta-cells and the development of type 2 diabetes, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this biphasic response of beta-cells to lipid exposure were explored. Using palmitic acid (PA) in cultured beta-cells and islets, the study demonstrated that chronic exposure to lipids leads to reduced viability and inhibition of cell cycle progression concurrent with down-regulation of a pro-growth/survival kinase AKT, independent of glucose. This AKT down-regulation by PA is correlated with the induction of mTOR/S6K activity. Inhibiting mTOR activity with rapamycin induced Raptor and restored AKT activity, allowing beta-cells to gain proliferation capacity that was lost after HFD exposure. In summary, a novel mechanism in which lipid exposure may cause the dipole effects on beta-cell growth was elucidated, where mTOR acts as a lipid sensor. These mechanisms can be novel targets for future therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhechu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ni Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joshua Silva
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lina He
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anketse Debebe
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Taojian Tu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mario Alba
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eileen X. Stiles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Handan Hong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bangyan L. Stiles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,Address correspondence to Bangyan L. Stiles, Ph.D., Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
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Papachristoforou E, Ramachandran P. Macrophages as key regulators of liver health and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 368:143-212. [PMID: 35636927 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are a heterogeneous population of innate immune cells and key cellular components of the liver. Hepatic macrophages consist of embryologically-derived resident Kupffer cells (KC), recruited monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and capsular macrophages. Both the diversity and plasticity of hepatic macrophage subsets explain their different functions in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis and in injury processes in acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we assess the evidence for macrophage involvement in regulating both liver health and injury responses in liver diseases including acute liver injury (ALI), chronic liver disease (CLD) (including liver fibrosis) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In healthy livers, KC display critical functions such as phagocytosis, danger signal recognition, cytokine release, antigen processing and the ability to orchestrate immune responses and maintain immunological tolerance. However, in most liver diseases there is a striking hepatic MDM expansion, which orchestrate both disease progression and regression. Single-cell approaches have transformed our understanding of liver macrophage heterogeneity, dynamics, and functions in both human samples and preclinical models. We will further discuss the new insights provided by these approaches and how they are enabling high-fidelity work to specifically identify pathogenic macrophage subpopulations. Given the important role of macrophages in regulating injury responses in a broad range of settings, there is now a huge interest in developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting macrophages. Therefore, we also review the current approaches being used to modulate macrophage function in liver diseases and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophage subpopulations as a novel treatment strategy for patients with liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papachristoforou
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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27
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Xie S, Xia L, Song Y, Liu H, Wang ZW, Zhu X. Insights Into the Biological Role of NEDD4L E3 Ubiquitin Ligase in Human Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:774648. [PMID: 34869021 PMCID: PMC8634104 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.774648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that has been reported to participate in multiple cellular procedures by regulating of substrate ubiquitination and subsequent protein degradation. A great amount of evidence has demonstrated that NEDD4L mainly functions as a tumor suppressor in most cancer types, while it also acts as an oncogene in a few cancers. In this review, we summarize the potential role of NEDD4L in carcinogenesis and the related underlying molecular mechanism to improve our understanding of its functions in the tumorigenesis of human malignancies. Developing clinical drugs targeting NEDD4L could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangdan Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yizuo Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hejing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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28
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Wang K, Qiu X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Chen L. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0306. [PMID: 34591416 PMCID: PMC8958883 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates many aspects of tumor biology, and many studies have focused on the role of this signaling pathway in tumor cells. However, it is now clear that tumor development and metastasis depend on the two-way interaction between cancer cells and their environment, thereby forming a tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss how Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates cross-interactions among different components of the TME, including immune cells, stem cells, tumor vasculature, and noncellular components of the TME in hepatocellular carcinoma. We also investigate their preclinical and clinical insights for primary liver cancer intervention, and explore the significance of using Wnt/β-catenin mutations as a biomarker to predict resistance in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xinyao Qiu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology (IMIB), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lei Chen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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29
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Chen CY, Li Y, Zeng N, He L, Zhang X, Tu T, Tang Q, Alba M, Mir S, Stiles EX, Hong H, Cadenas E, Stolz AA, Li G, Stiles BL. Inhibition of Estrogen-Related Receptor α Blocks Liver Steatosis and Steatohepatitis and Attenuates Triglyceride Biosynthesis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1240-1254. [PMID: 33894178 PMCID: PMC8261472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family of orphan nuclear receptors are transcriptional activators for genes involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolism. The goal of this study was to explore the role of ERRα in lipid metabolism and the potential effect of inhibiting ERRα on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In the current study, three experimental mouse models: high-fat diet, high-carbohydrate diet, and a genetic model of hepatic insulin resistance where the liver hyperinsulinemia signal is mimicked via hepatic deletion of Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), the negative regulator of the insulin/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway, were used. A recently developed small-molecule inhibitor for ERRα was used to demonstrate that inhibiting ERRα blocked NAFLD development induced by either high-carbohydrate diet or high-fat diet feeding. ERRα inhibition also diminished lipid accumulation and attenuated NASH development in the Pten null mice. Glycerolipid synthesis was discovered as an additional mechanism for ERRα-regulated NAFLD/NASH development and glycerophosphate acyltransferase 4 was identified as a novel transcriptional target of ERRα. In summary, these results establish ERRα as a major transcriptional regulator of lipid biosynthesis in addition to its characterized primary function as a regulator for mitochondrial function. This study recognizes ERRα as a potential target for NAFLD/NASH treatment and elucidates novel signaling pathways regulated by ERRα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Chen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yang Li
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ni Zeng
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lina He
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Taojian Tu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Qi Tang
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mario Alba
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sabrina Mir
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eileen X Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Handan Hong
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Enrique Cadenas
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biochemistry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew A Stolz
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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30
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Fodor A, Lazar AL, Buchman C, Tiperciuc B, Orasan OH, Cozma A. MicroRNAs: The Link between the Metabolic Syndrome and Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126337. [PMID: 34199293 PMCID: PMC8231835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of disorders that increase the risk of a plethora of conditions, in particular type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. MetS is a complex entity characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that implies dysregulations of adipokins and proinflammatory cytokins together with hormonal and growth factors imbalances. Of great interest is the implication of microRNA (miRNA, miR), non-coding RNA, in cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis. The adipose tissue serves as an important source of miRs, which represent a novel class of adipokines, that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. Altered miRs secretion in the adipose tissue, in the context of MetS, might explain their implication in the oncogenesis. The interplay between miRs expressed in adipose tissue, their dysregulation and cancer pathogenesis are still intriguing, taking into consideration the fact that miRNAs show both carcinogenic and tumor suppressor effects. The aim of our review was to discuss the latest publications concerning the implication of miRs dysregulation in MetS and their significance in tumoral signaling pathways. Furthermore, we emphasized the role of miRNAs as potential target therapies and their implication in cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Fodor
- Department of Diabetes and Nutrtion, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Andrada Luciana Lazar
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristina Buchman
- Department of Oncology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Brandusa Tiperciuc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Olga Hilda Orasan
- Internal Medicine Department, 4th Medical Clinic “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.H.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Cozma
- Internal Medicine Department, 4th Medical Clinic “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.H.O.); (A.C.)
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Abstract
Integrin linked kinase (ILK) is a vital signaling protein ubiquitously expressed throughout the body. It binds to intracellular integrins to help promote signaling related to cell adhesion, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and a plethora of other common cellular functions. In this review, ILKs role in the liver is detailed. Studies have shown ILK to be a major participant in hepatic ECM organization, liver regeneration, insulin resistance, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Martucci
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburgh, PAUSA
| | | | - Wendy M Mars
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburgh, PAUSA
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Chen J, Debebe A, Zeng N, Kopp J, He L, Sander M, Stiles BL. Transformation of SOX9 + cells by Pten deletion synergizes with steatotic liver injury to drive development of hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11823. [PMID: 34083580 PMCID: PMC8175600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX9 (Sex-determining region Y Box 9) is a well-characterized transcription factor that is a marker for progenitor cells in various tissues. In the liver, cells delineated by SOX9 are responsible for regenerating liver parenchyma when cell proliferation is impaired following chronic injury. However, whether these SOX9+ cells play a role in liver carcinogenesis has not been fully understood, although high SOX9 expression has been linked to poor survival outcome in liver cancer patients. To address this question, we developed a liver cancer mouse model (PtenloxP/loxP; Sox9-CreERT+; R26RYFP) where tumor suppressor Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) is deleted in SOX9+ cells following tamoxifen injection. In this paper, we employ lineage-tracing to demonstrate the tumorigenicity potential of the Pten-, SOX9+ cells. We show that these cells are capable of giving rise to mixed-lineage tumors that manifest features of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our results suggest that PTEN loss induces the transformation of SOX9+ cells. We further show that to activate these transformed SOX9+ cells, the presence of liver injury is crucial. Liver injury, induced by hepatotoxin 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) or high-fat diet (HFD), substantially increases tumor incidence and accelerates liver carcinogenesis from SOX9+ cells in Pten null mice but not in control mice. We further examine the mechanisms underlying tumor formation in this model to show that concurrent with the induction of niche signal (i.e., Wnt signaling), liver injury significantly stimulates the expansion of tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Together, these data show that (1) SOX9+ cells have the potential to become TICs following the primary transformation (i.e. Pten deletion) and that (2) liver injury is necessary for promoting the activation and proliferation of transformed SOX9+ cells, resulting in the genesis of mixed-lineage liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Chen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anketse Debebe
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ni Zeng
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Janel Kopp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lina He
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Maike Sander
- Department of Pediatrics and Cellar and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Sohn SH, Sul HJ, Kim B, Kim HS, Kim BJ, Lim H, Kang HS, Soh JS, Kim KC, Cho JW, Seo J, Koh Y, Zang DY. RNF43 and PWWP2B inhibit cancer cell proliferation and are predictive or prognostic biomarker for FDA-approved drugs in patients with advanced gastric cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:4616-4625. [PMID: 34149925 PMCID: PMC8210561 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Abnormal regulation of genes has been closely related to gastric cancer. The characterization of gastric cancer has necessitated the development of new therapeutics as well as the identification of prognostic markers to predict the response to novel drugs. In our study, we used RNA sequencing analyses to show that on gastric cancer tissues to identification of gastric cancer prognostic markers. We specifically chose to study RNF43 because it inhibits gastric cancer-related Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with Wnt receptors. PWWP2B was chosen because it is a gene which is downregulated in gastric cancer. Methods: Utilizing RNA sequencing analysis, we evaluated the mRNA expression profile in gastric cancer patients. Also, we used HAP1 cells which is a human near-haploid cell line derived from the male chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line KBM-7. These cell line has one copy of each gene, ensuring the edited allele will not be masked by additional alleles. We investigated the screening of 1,449 FDA-approved drugs in HAP1, HAP1 RNF43 KO and HAP1 PWWP2B KO cells. RNA sequencing data reveals that RNF43 and PWWP2B expression were down-regulated in recurrence gastric cancer patients. Next, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of selected drugs in RNF43 and PWWP2B down-regulated MKN45 gastric cancer cells and xenograft model. Results: Among these FDA-approved drugs, three drugs (docetaxel trihydrate, pelitinib and uprosertib) showed strong inhibitory effects in RNF43 KO cells and PWWP2B KO cells. In MKN45 xenograft model, tumor volumes were significantly reduced in the docetaxel trihydrate, uprosertib or pelitinib-treated group. Our data demonstrated that RNF43 and PWWP2B are a biomarker that predict recurrence of gastric cancer. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that docetaxel trihydrate, uprosertib and pelitinib could be used as novel therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer with a decrease in RNF43 and PWWP2B expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hwa Sohn
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, 14066, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Sul
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, 14066, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohyun Kim
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, 14066, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Suk Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Seung Soh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Kab Choong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Hospital, Singil-ro Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Cho
- Department of Surgery, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Hospital, Singil-ro Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwon Seo
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Koh
- Department of Bio-medical Gerontology, Ilsong Institute of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Zang
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, 14066, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068, Republic of Korea
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Xiong J, Jiang P, Zhong L, Wang Y. The Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene ZNF24 Induces THCA Cells Senescence by Regulating Wnt Signaling Pathway, Resulting in Inhibition of THCA Tumorigenesis and Invasion. Front Oncol 2021; 11:646511. [PMID: 34136386 PMCID: PMC8201406 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.646511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECT Clinically, the effective treatment options available to thyroid cancer (THCA) patients are very limited. Elucidating the features of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and the corresponding signal transduction cascade may provide clues for the development of new strategies for targeted therapy of THCA. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the mechanism of ZNF24 underlying promoting THCA cell senescence at molecular level. METHODS We performed RT-PCR and Western Blotting for evaluating associated RNA and protein expression. CCK8, colony forming, wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were conducted to examine THCA cell proliferation, invasion and migration. β-galactosidase staining assay was performed to detect THCA cells senescence. The size and volume of xenotransplanted tumors in nude mice are calculated to asses ZNF24 effect in vivo. RESULTS Ectopic expression of ZNF24 significantly inhibited the cell viability, colony forming, migration and invasion abilities of THCA cell lines (K1/GLAG-66i and BCPAPi) (P < 0.05). ZNF24 induced BCPAPi cells senescence through regulating Wnt signaling pathway. ZNF24 inhibited Wnt signaling pathway activition by competitively binding β-catenin from LEF1/TCF1-β-catenin complex. In nude mice, both Ectopic expression of ZNF24 and 2,4-Da (the strong β-catenin/Tcf-4 inhibitor) treatment significantly decreased both the size and weight of xenotransplanted tumors when compared with control mice (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Results obtained in vivo and in vitro reveal the role of ZNF24 in significantly suppressing THCA tumorigenesis and invasion by regulating Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xiong
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Panpan Jiang
- School of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen RealOmics (Biotech) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhong
- School of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Youling Wang
- School of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Zhou M, Wang C, Lu S, Xu Y, Li Z, Jiang H, Ma Y. Tumor-associated macrophages in cholangiocarcinoma: complex interplay and potential therapeutic target. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103375. [PMID: 33993051 PMCID: PMC8134032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive and multifactorial malignancy of the biliary tract. The carcinogenesis of CCA is associated with genomic and epigenetic abnormalities, as well as environmental effects. However, early clinical diagnosis and reliable treatment strategies of CCA remain unsatisfactory. Multiple compartments of the tumor microenvironment significantly affect the progression of CCA. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a type of plastic immune cells that are recruited and activated in the CCA microenvironment, especially at the tumor invasive front and perivascular sites. TAMs create a favorable environment that benefits CCA growth by closely interacting with CCA cells and other stromal cells via releasing multiple protumor factors. In addition, TAMs exert immunosuppressive and antichemotherapeutic effects, thus intensifying the malignancy. Targeting TAMs may provide an improved understanding of, and novel therapeutic approaches for, CCA. This review focuses on revealing the interplay between TAMs and CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shounan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Yong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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The association between RAPSN methylation in peripheral blood and breast cancer in the Chinese population. J Hum Genet 2021; 66:1069-1078. [PMID: 33958711 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00933-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation in peripheral blood is associated with breast cancer (BC) but has mainly been studied in Caucasian populations. We investigated the association between blood-based methylation of receptor-associated protein of the synapse (RAPSN) and BC in Chinese population. The methylation levels of 12 RAPSN CpG sites were quantitatively evaluated by mass spectrometry in two case-control studies with 283 sporadic BC cases and 331 controls totally. The association was analyzed by logistic regression adjusted for covariants. The RAPSN methylation levels in patients with variant clinical characteristics were investigated by non-parametric tests. We found a significant association between BC and altered RAPSN methylation in blood in women at premenopausal and perimenopausal (age < 50 years old), but not in the elder women. This was approved by two independent case-control studies as well as by combining the subjects of the two studies (taken all subjects together, age < 50 years old, per 5% of methylation, odds ratio (OR) range from 1.17 to 1.30 for two CpG sites; OR = 0.75 for one CpG site; all p values < 0.02). This age-related RAPSN methylation was further modified by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status (age < 50 years old, HER2 negative, per 5% of methylation, OR range from 1.27 to 1.48 for two CpG sites; OR = 0.76 for one CpG site; all p values < 0.02). We elucidated an association between BC and blood-based RAPSN methylation influenced by age and the status of HER2 in Chinese population.
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Vilfranc CL, Che LX, Patra KC, Niu L, Olowokure O, Wang J, Shah SA, Du CY. BIR repeat-containing ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) regulation of β-catenin signaling in the progression of drug-induced hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:343-361. [PMID: 33815677 PMCID: PMC8006081 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i3.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BIR repeat-containing ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) is a liver tumor suppressor, which is downregulated in a large number of patients with liver diseases. BRUCE facilitates DNA damage repair to protect the mouse liver against the hepatocarcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-dependent acute liver injury and carcinogenesis. While there exists an established pathologic connection between fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), DEN exposure alone does not induce robust hepatic fibrosis. Further studies are warranted to identify new suppressive mechanisms contributing to DEN-induced fibrosis and HCC.
AIM To investigate the suppressive mechanisms of BRUCE in hepatic fibrosis and HCC development.
METHODS Male C57/BL6/J control mice [loxp/Loxp; albumin-cre (Alb-cre)-] and BRUCE Alb-Cre KO mice (loxp/Loxp; Alb-Cre+) were injected with a single dose of DEN at postnatal day 15 and sacrificed at different time points to examine liver disease progression.
RESULTS By using a liver-specific BRUCE knockout (LKO) mouse model, we found that BRUCE deficiency, in conjunction with DEN exposure, induced hepatic fibrosis in both premalignant as well as malignant stages, thus recapitulating the chronic fibrosis background often observed in HCC patients. Activated in fibrosis and HCC, β-catenin activity depends on its stabilization and subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Interestingly, we observed that livers from BRUCE KO mice demonstrated an increased nuclear accumulation and elevated activity of β-catenin in the three stages of carcinogenesis: Pre-malignancy, tumor initiation, and HCC. This suggests that BRUCE negatively regulates β-catenin activity during liver disease progression. β-catenin can be activated by phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates it at Ser-675 (pSer-675-β-catenin). Mechanistically, BRUCE and PKA were colocalized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes where PKA activity is maintained at the basal level. However, in BRUCE deficient mouse livers or a human liver cancer cell line, both PKA activity and pSer-675-β-catenin levels were observed to be elevated.
CONCLUSION Our data support a “BRUCE-PKA-β-catenin” signaling axis in the mouse liver. The BRUCE interaction with PKA in hepatocytes suppresses PKA-dependent phosphorylation and activation of β-catenin. This study implicates BRUCE as a novel negative regulator of both PKA and β-catenin in chronic liver disease progression. Furthermore, BRUCE-liver specific KO mice serve as a promising model for understanding hepatic fibrosis and HCC in patients with aberrant activation of PKA and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle L Vilfranc
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Li-Xiao Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Krushna C Patra
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Liang Niu
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Olugbenga Olowokure
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Chun-Ying Du
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
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Xiang X, Wang J, Lu D, Xu X. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages to synergize tumor immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:75. [PMID: 33619259 PMCID: PMC7900181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The current treatment strategies in advanced malignancies remain limited. Notably, immunotherapies have raised hope for a successful control of these advanced diseases, but their therapeutic responses are suboptimal and vary considerably among individuals. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are often correlated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance, including immunotherapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the complex roles of TAMs in immunotherapy regulation could provide new insight into the TME. Furthermore, targeting of TAMs is an emerging field of interest due to the hope that these strategies will synergize with current immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating the involvement of TAMs in immune checkpoint inhibition, tumor vaccines and adoptive cell transfer therapies, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TAMs as an adjuvant therapy in tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Pistollato F, Forbes-Hernandez TY, Iglesias RC, Ruiz R, Elexpuru Zabaleta M, Dominguez I, Cianciosi D, Quiles JL, Giampieri F, Battino M. Effects of caloric restriction on immunosurveillance, microbiota and cancer cell phenotype: Possible implications for cancer treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:45-57. [PMID: 33271317 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fasting, caloric restriction and foods or compounds mimicking the biological effects of caloric restriction, known as caloric restriction mimetics, have been associated with a lower risk of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and cognitive decline, and a longer lifespan. Reduced calorie intake has been shown to stimulate cancer immunosurveillance, reducing the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells towards the tumor bulk. Autophagy stimulation via reduction of lysine acetylation, increased sensitivity to chemo- and immunotherapy, along with a reduction of insulin-like growth factor 1 and reactive oxygen species have been described as some of the major effects triggered by caloric restriction. Fasting and caloric restriction have also been shown to beneficially influence gut microbiota composition, modify host metabolism, reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower diastolic blood pressure and elevate morning cortisol level, with beneficial modulatory effects on cardiopulmonary fitness, body fat and weight, fatigue and weakness, and general quality of life. Moreover, caloric restriction may reduce the carcinogenic and metastatic potential of cancer stem cells, which are generally considered responsible of tumor formation and relapse. Here, we reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies describing the effects of fasting, caloric restriction and some caloric restriction mimetics on immunosurveillance, gut microbiota, metabolism, and cancer stem cell growth, highlighting the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects. Additionally, studies on caloric restriction interventions in cancer patients or cancer risk subjects are discussed. Considering the promising effects associated with caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics, we think that controlled-randomized large clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the inclusion of these non-pharmacological approaches in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pistollato
- Centre for Nutrition and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico (UEA), Santander, Spain
| | - Tamara Yuliett Forbes-Hernandez
- Nutrition and Food Science Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, CITACA, CACTI, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Roberto Ruiz
- Centre for Nutrition and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico (UEA), Santander, Spain
| | | | - Irma Dominguez
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI), Camphece, Mexico; Universidade Internacional do Cuanza, Cuito, Angola
| | - Danila Cianciosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche ed Odontostomatologiche, Sez. Biochimica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Josè L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "Jose Mataix", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, 18000, Spain
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche ed Odontostomatologiche, Sez. Biochimica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche ed Odontostomatologiche, Sez. Biochimica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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Regulation of basal expression of hepatic PEPCK and G6Pase by AKT2. Biochem J 2020; 477:1021-1031. [PMID: 32096546 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic glucose metabolism signaling downstream of insulin can diverge to multiple pathways including AKT. Genetic studies suggest that AKT is necessary for insulin to suppress gluconeogenesis. To specifically address the role of AKT2, the dominant liver isoform of AKT in the regulation of gluconeogenesis genes, we generated hepatocytes lacking AKT2 (Akt2-/-). We found that, in the absence of insulin signal, AKT2 is required for maintaining the basal level expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK) and to a lesser extent G6Pase, two key rate-limiting enzymes for gluconeogenesis that support glucose excursion due to pyruvate loading. We further showed that this function of AKT2 is mediated by the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB). Phosphorylation of CREB by AKT2 is needed for CREB to induce the expression of PEPCK and likely represents a priming event for unstimulated cells to poise to receive glucagon and other signals. The inhibition of gluconeogenesis by insulin is also dependent on the reduced FOXO1 transcriptional activity at the promoter of PEPCK. When insulin signal is absent, this activity appears to be inhibited by AKT2 in manner that is independent of its phosphorylation by AKT. Together, this action of AKT2 on FOXO1 and CREB to maintain basal gluconeogenesis activity may provide fine-tuning for insulin and glucocorticoid/glucagon to regulate gluconeogenesis in a timely manner to meet metabolic needs.
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Li H, Ngan HL, Liu Y, Chan HHY, Poon PHY, Yeung CK, Peng Y, Lam WY, Li BX, He Y, Lui VWY. Comprehensive Exome Analysis of Immunocompetent Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Models Reveals Patient Relevant Landscapes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102935. [PMID: 33053752 PMCID: PMC7601118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunocompetent metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) models, although scarce, can help understanding cancer progression and therapy responses in vivo. Their comprehensive genome characterizations are essential for translational research. We first exome-sequenced the two most widely used spontaneous metastatic immunocompetent models, namely AT-84 and SCC VII, followed by comprehensive genomic analyses with three prior-sequenced models (MOC2, MOC2-10, and 4MOSC2), together with patient tumors for utility assessment. AT-84 and SCC VII bear high HNC tumor resemblance regarding mutational signatures-Trp53, Fanconi anemia, and MAPK and PI3K pathway defects. Collectively, the five models harbor genetic aberrations across 10 cancer hallmarks and 14 signaling pathways and machineries (metabolic, epigenetic, immune evasion), to extents similar in patients. Immune defects in HLA-A (H2-Q10, H2-Q4, H2-Q7, and H2-K1), Pdcd1, Tgfb1, Il2ra, Il12a, Cd40, and Tnfrsf14 are identified. Invasion/metastatic genome analyses first highlight potential druggable ERBB4 and KRAS mutations, for advanced/metastatic oral cavity cancer, as well as known metastasis players (Muc5ac, Trem3, Trp53, and Ttn) frequently captured by all models. Notable immunotherapy and precision druggable targets (Pdcd1, Erbb4, Fgfr1, H/Kras, Jak1, and Map2k2) and three druggable hubs (RTK family, MAPK, and DNA repair pathways) are frequently represented by these models. Immunocompetent metastatic HNC models are worth developing to address therapy- and invasion/metastasis-related questions in host immunity contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Hoi-Lam Ngan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Yuchen Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Helen Hoi Yin Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Peony Hiu Yan Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Chun Kit Yeung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Yibing Peng
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Y.P.); (Y.H.)
| | - Wai Yip Lam
- Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; (W.Y.L.); (B.X.L.)
| | - Benjamin Xiaoyi Li
- Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; (W.Y.L.); (B.X.L.)
| | - Yukai He
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Y.P.); (Y.H.)
| | - Vivian Wai Yan Lui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.L.); (H.-L.N.); (Y.L.); (H.H.Y.C.); (P.H.Y.P.); (C.K.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3943-5388; Fax: +852-2603-5123
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Hu X, Wang X, Jia F, Tanaka N, Kimura T, Nakajima T, Sato Y, Moriya K, Koike K, Gonzalez FJ, Nakayama J, Aoyama T. A trans-fatty acid-rich diet promotes liver tumorigenesis in HCV core gene transgenic mice. Carcinogenesis 2020; 41:159-170. [PMID: 31300810 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess consumption of trans-fatty acid (TFA), an unsaturated fatty acid containing trans double bonds, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about the link between TFA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite it being a frequent form of cancer in humans. In this study, the impact of excessive dietary TFA on hepatic tumorigenesis was assessed using hepatitis C virus (HCV) core gene transgenic mice that spontaneously developed HCC. Male transgenic mice were treated for 5 months with either a control diet or an isocaloric TFA-rich diet that replaced the majority of soybean oil with shortening. The prevalence of liver tumors was significantly higher in TFA-rich diet-fed transgenic mice compared with control diet-fed transgenic mice. The TFA-rich diet significantly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), leading to high p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) expression. Furthermore, the TFA diet activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, synergistically upregulating cyclin D1 and c-Myc, driving cell proliferation. Excess TFA intake also promoted fibrogenesis and ductular reaction, presumably contributing to accelerated liver tumorigenesis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a TFA-rich diet promotes hepatic tumorigenesis, mainly due to persistent activation of NF-κB and NRF2-p62/SQSTM1 signaling, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and fibrogenesis. Therefore, HCV-infected patients should avoid a TFA-rich diet to prevent liver tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Lishui Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Lishui, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangping Jia
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takero Nakajima
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Sato
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Aoyama
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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43
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Lu Y, Fang Z, Li M, Chen Q, Zeng T, Lu L, Chen Q, Zhang H, Zhou Q, Sun Y, Xue X, Hu Y, Chen L, Su S. Dynamic edge-based biomarker non-invasively predicts hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis B virus infection for individual patients based on blood testing. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:665-677. [PMID: 30925583 PMCID: PMC6788726 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in Asia and Africa. Developing effective and non-invasive biomarkers of HCC for individual patients remains an urgent task for early diagnosis and convenient monitoring. Analyzing the transcriptomic profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both healthy donors and patients with chronic HBV infection in different states (i.e. HBV carrier, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and HCC), we identified a set of 19 candidate genes according to our algorithm of dynamic network biomarkers. These genes can both characterize different stages during HCC progression and identify cirrhosis as the critical transition stage before carcinogenesis. The interaction effects (i.e. co-expressions) of candidate genes were used to build an accurate prediction model: the so-called edge-based biomarker. Considering the convenience and robustness of biomarkers in clinical applications, we performed functional analysis, validated candidate genes in other independent samples of our collected cohort, and finally selected COL5A1, HLA-DQB1, MMP2, and CDK4 to build edge panel as prediction models. We demonstrated that the edge panel had great performance in both diagnosis and prognosis in terms of precision and specificity for HCC, especially for patients with alpha-fetoprotein-negative HCC. Our study not only provides a novel edge-based biomarker for non-invasive and effective diagnosis of HBV-associated HCC to each individual patient but also introduces a new way to integrate the interaction terms of individual molecules for clinical diagnosis and prognosis from the network and dynamics perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyu Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital/Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Lu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qilong Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianmei Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong People's Hospital, Qidong, China
| | - Xuefeng Xue
- Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong People's Hospital, Qidong, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Institute of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibing Su
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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44
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El-Derany MO, El-Demerdash E. Pyrvinium pamoate attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Insight on hedgehog/Gli and Wnt/β-catenin signaling crosstalk. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113942. [PMID: 32240652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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45
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Zheng C, Zhou F, Shi LL, Xu GF, Zhang B, Wang L, Zhuge Y, Zou XP, Wang Y. R-spondin2 Suppresses the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via MAPK Signaling Pathway. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1491-1499. [PMID: 32581137 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Liang Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Gui Fang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Ping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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46
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AKT1 Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mediates the Adaptive Response of Pancreatic β Cells. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:MCB.00031-20. [PMID: 32179553 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00031-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoforms of protein kinase B (also known as AKT) play important roles in mediating insulin and growth factor signals. Previous studies have suggested that the AKT2 isoform is critical for insulin-regulated glucose metabolism, while the role of the AKT1 isoform remains less clear. This study focuses on the effects of AKT1 on the adaptive response of pancreatic β cells. Using a mouse model with inducible β-cell-specific deletion of the Akt1 gene (βA1KO mice), we showed that AKT1 is involved in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced growth and survival of β cells but is unnecessary for them to maintain a population in the absence of metabolic stress. When unchallenged, βA1KO mice presented the same metabolic profile and β-cell phenotype as the control mice with an intact Akt1 gene. When metabolic stress was induced by HFD, β cells in control mice with intact Akt1 proliferated as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic overload. Similar effects were not observed in βA1KO mice. We further demonstrated that AKT1 protein deficiency caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and potentiated β cells to undergo apoptosis. Our results revealed that AKT1 protein loss led to the induction of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 α subunit (eIF2α) signaling and ER stress markers under normal-chow-fed conditions, indicating chronic low-level ER stress. Together, these data established a role for AKT1 as a growth and survival factor for adaptive β-cell response and suggest that ER stress induction is responsible for this effect of AKT1.
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47
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Ye G, Gao H, Huang Q, Lin Y, Liao X, Zhang H, Yang BC. Metabolomic Characterization of Metabolic Disturbances in the Extracellular Microenvironment of Oleate-Treated Macrophages Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. ANAL LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2020.1750623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guozhu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Gao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiansheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Bi-cheng Yang
- Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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48
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Ma J, Xia LL, Yao XQ, Zheng SM, Li S, Xu LS, Sha WH, Li ZS. BARX2 expression is downregulated by CpG island hypermethylation and is associated with suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1805-1818. [PMID: 32236603 PMCID: PMC7160541 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2), a homeobox gene, is associated with several types of cancers. The present study aimed to determine whether DNA methylation downregulates BARX2 expression and whether BARX2 is associated with suppression of gastric carcinogenesis. BARX2 protein expression in normal and cancerous gastric tissues and various gastric cancer (GC) cell lines was detected using immunohistochemical and western blot assays. BARX2 mRNA levels were detected using both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Promoter hypermethylation in GC cells was detected using methylation-specific PCR or bisulfite DNA sequencing PCR. Effects of BARX2 expression on GC cell proliferation, clonal formation, and migration were evaluated after lentivirus-BARX2 transfection. The effect of stable BARX2 transfection on tumor formation was assessed in a nude xenograft mouse model. BARX2 was strongly expressed in the normal gastric mucosa, but weakly or not expressed in GC tissues and most GC cell lines. BARX2 expression was negatively correlated with DNMT (a marker for DNA methylation) expression in the gastric tissues. The BARX2 promoter fragment was hypermethylated in the GC cell lines. Overexpression of BARX2 significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, clonal formation, and migration. Stable BARX2 transfection inhibited tumor formation in xenograft mice, which was correlated with decreased expression of E-cadherin, proliferation markers, and matrix metalloproteinases. In conclusion, BARX2 expression is aberrantly reduced in GC, which is associated with increased DNA methylation of its promoter. BARX2 inhibits GC cell proliferation, migration, and tumor formation, suggesting that BARX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ling Xia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Qing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Min Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shi Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Shu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Hong Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Song Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
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49
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Suryawanshi A, Hussein MS, Prasad PD, Manicassamy S. Wnt Signaling Cascade in Dendritic Cells and Regulation of Anti-tumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:122. [PMID: 32132993 PMCID: PMC7039855 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) control the strength and quality of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. This is critical for launching a robust immunity against invading pathogens while maintaining a state of tolerance to self-antigens. However, this also represents a fundamental barrier to anti-tumor immune responses and cancer immunotherapy. DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a key role in this process. The factors in the TME and signaling networks that program DCs to a regulatory state are not fully understood. Recent advances point to novel mechanisms by which the canonical Wnt signaling cascade in DCs regulates immune suppression, and the same pathway in tumors is associated with the evasion of anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the pleiotropic effects of the Wnts in shaping anti-tumor immune responses by modulating DC functions. In addition, we will discuss how Wnt/β-catenin pathway in DCs can be targeted for successful cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Mohamed S Hussein
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Puttur D Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Santhakumar Manicassamy
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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50
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Tu T, Chen J, Chen L, Stiles BL. Dual-Specific Protein and Lipid Phosphatase PTEN and Its Biological Functions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036301. [PMID: 31548229 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) encodes a 403-amino acid protein with an amino-terminal domain that shares sequence homology with the actin-binding protein tensin and the putative tyrosine-protein phosphatase auxilin. Crystal structure analysis of PTEN has revealed a C2 domain that binds to phospholipids in membranes and a phosphatase domain that displays dual-specific activity toward both tyrosine (Y), serine (S)/threonine (T), as well as lipid substrates in vitro. Characterized primarily as a lipid phosphatase, PTEN plays important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell growth/survival as well as metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taojian Tu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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