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Gu Y, Ma E, Jiang S, Shan Z, Xia G, Ma R, Fu J, Wang Z. Immune- and metabolism-related gene signature analysis uncovers the prognostic and immune microenvironments of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:311. [PMID: 38896142 PMCID: PMC11186947 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05849-5] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark that influences the tumour microenvironment (TME) by regulating the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells. The relationship between metabolism and immunity remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of immune- and metabolism-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their intricate interplay with TME. METHODS We established the immune- and metabolism-related signature (IMRPS) based on the LIHC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Cox regression analysis confirmed the prognostic value of IMRPS. We investigated differences in immune cell infiltration, clinical features, and therapeutic response between risk groups. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to confirm the expression of signature genes. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate immune infiltration features in HCC tissue samples. We conducted cell experiments including gene knockout, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and flow cytometry to explore the role of the IMRPS key gene UCK2 in HCC. RNA-seq was used to further investigate the potential underlying mechanism involved. RESULTS The IMRPS, composed of four genes, SMS, UCK2, PFKFB4 and MAPT, exhibited significant correlations with survival, immune cell infiltration, clinical features, immune checkpoints and therapeutic response. The IMRPS was shown to be an excellent predictor of HCC prognosis. It could stratify patients appropriately and characterize the TME accurately. The high-risk HCC group exhibited an immunosuppressive microenvironment with abundant M2-like macrophage infiltration, which was confirmed by the immunohistochemistry results. The results of qPCR revealed that the expression of signature genes in 20 HCC tissues was significantly greater than that in adjacent normal tissues. After the key gene UCK2 was knocked out, the proliferation of the Huh7 cell line was significantly inhibited, and monocyte-derived macrophages polarized towards an M1-like phenotype in the coculture system. RNA-seq and GSEA suggested that the phenotypes were closely related to the negative regulation of growth and regulation of macrophage chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS This study established a new IMRS for the accurate prediction of patient prognosis and the TME, which is also helpful for identifying new targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yange Gu
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ensi Ma
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengran Jiang
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Guixi Xia
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jiaqi Fu
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Shi Y, Ye R, Gao Y, Xia F, Yu XF. A prognostic and immune related risk model based on zinc homeostasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2024; 27:109389. [PMID: 38510110 PMCID: PMC10951649 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109389] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The dysfunction of zinc homeostasis participates in the early and advancing malignancy of HCC. However, the prognostic ability of zinc homeostasis in HCC has not been clarified yet. Here, we showed a zinc-homeostasis related risk model in HCC. Five signature genes including ADAMTS5, PLOD2, PTDSS2, KLRB1, and UCK2 were screened out via survival analyses and regression algorithms to construct the nomogram with clinical characteristics. Experimental researches indicated that UCK2 participated in the progression of HCC. Patients with higher risk scores always had worse outcomes and were more associated with immune suppression according to the analyses of immune related-pathway activation, cell infiltration, and gene expression. Moreover, these patients were likely to exhibit more sensitivity to sorafenib and other antitumor drugs. This study highlights the significant prognostic role of zinc homeostasis and suggests potential treatment strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Shi
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Runxin Ye
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312035, P.R. China
| | - Fengyan Xia
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCER, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
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Watanabe T, Yamamoto Y, Kurahashi Y, Kawasoe K, Kidoguchi K, Ureshino H, Kamachi K, Yoshida-Sakai N, Fukuda-Kurahashi Y, Nakamura H, Okada S, Sueoka E, Kimura S. Reprogramming of pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism supports vigorous cell proliferation of normal and malignant T cells. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1345-1358. [PMID: 38190613 PMCID: PMC10945144 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is triggered by infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1). Here, we describe the reprogramming of pyrimidine biosynthesis in both normal T cells and ATL cells through regulation of uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2), which supports vigorous proliferation. UCK2 catalyzes the monophosphorylation of cytidine/uridine and their analogues during pyrimidine biosynthesis and drug metabolism. We found that UCK2 was overexpressed aberrantly in HTLV-1-infected T cells but not in normal T cells. T-cell activation via T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling induced expression of UCK2 in normal T cells. Somatic alterations and epigenetic modifications in ATL cells activate TCR signaling. Therefore, we believe that expression of UCK2 in HTLV-1-infected cells is induced by dysregulated TCR signaling. Recently, we established azacitidine-resistant (AZA-R) cells showing absent expression of UCK2. AZA-R cells proliferated normally in vitro, whereas UCK2 knockdown inhibited ATL cell growth. Although uridine and cytidine accumulated in AZA-R cells, possibly because of dysfunction of pyrimidine salvage biosynthesis induced by loss of UCK2 expression, the amount of UTP and CTP was almost the same as in parental cells. Furthermore, AZA-R cells were more susceptible to an inhibitor of dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase, which performs the rate-limiting enzyme of de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis, and more resistant to dipyridamole, an inhibitor of pyrimidine salvage biosynthesis, suggesting that AZA-R cells adapt to UCK2 loss by increasing de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis. Taken together, the data suggest that fine-tuning pyrimidine biosynthesis supports vigorous cell proliferation of both normal T cells and ATL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuro Watanabe
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuta Yamamoto
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuki Kurahashi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- OHARA Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawasoe
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kidoguchi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ureshino
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Kamachi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Nao Yoshida-Sakai
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuki Fukuda-Kurahashi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- OHARA Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nakamura
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Eisaburo Sueoka
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Shinya Kimura
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Li Y, Jiang M, Wei Y, He X, Li G, Lu C, Ge D. Integrative Analyses of Pyrimidine Salvage Pathway-Related Genes Revealing the Associations Between UPP1 and Tumor Microenvironment. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:101-119. [PMID: 38204987 PMCID: PMC10777732 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s440295] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The pyrimidine salvage pathway plays a critical role in tumor progression and patient outcomes. The roles of pyrimidine salvage pathway-related genes (PSPGs) in cancer, however, are not fully understood. This study aims to depict the characteristics of PSPGs across various cancers. Methods An integrative pan-cancer analysis of six PSPGs (CDA, UCK1, UCK2, UCKL1, UPP1, and UPP2) was conducted using TCGA data, single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, and patient samples. Single-cell transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR were used to validate the relation between UPP1 and cytokines. Flow cytometry was performed to validate the role of UPP1 in immune checkpoint regulation. The correlation between UPP1 and tumor associated neutrophils (TAN) were investigated and validated by single-cell transcriptome analysis and tissue microarrays (TMAs). Results PSPGs showed low mutation rates but significant copy number variations, particularly amplifications in UCKL1, UPP1, and UCK2 across various cancers. DNA methylation patterns varied, with notable negative correlations between methylation and gene expression in UPP1. PSPGs were broadly up-regulated in multiple cancers, with correlations to clinical staging and prognosis. Proteomic data further confirmed these findings. Functional analysis revealed PSPGs' associations with tumor proliferation, metastasis, and various signaling pathways. UPP1 showed strong correlations with the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly with cytokines, immune checkpoints, and various immune cells. Single-cell transcriptome analysis confirmed these associations, highlighting UPP1's influence on cytokine expression and immune checkpoint regulation. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), UPP1-high tumor cells were significantly associated with immunosuppressive cells in the TME. Spatial analysis using TMAs revealed that UPP1+ tumor cells were predominantly located at the invasive margin and closely associated with neutrophils, correlating with poorer patient prognosis. Conclusion Our study depicted the multi-dimensional view of PSPGs in cancer, with a particular focus on UPP1's role in the TME. Targeting UPP1 holds promise as a potential strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Manling Jiang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yongqi Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang He
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoping Li
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunlai Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Wang H, Hu S, Nie J, Qin X, Zhang X, Wang Q, Li JZ. Comprehensive Analysis of METTLs (METTL1/13/18/21A/23/25/2A/2B/5/6/9) and Associated mRNA Risk Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2023; 2023:6007431. [PMID: 38130905 PMCID: PMC10735724 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6007431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, 80%-90% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). HCC patients develop insidiously and have an inferior prognosis. The methyltransferase-like (METTL) family principal members are strongly associated with epigenetic and tumor progression. The present study mainly analyzed the value of METTLs (METTL1/13/18/21A/23/25/2A/2B/5/6/9) and associated mRNA risk signature for HCC. METTLs expression is upregulated in HCC and is a poor prognostic factor in HCC. METTLs were upregulated in patients older than 60 and associated with grade. Except for METTL25, the remaining 10 genes were associated with the HCC stage, invasion depth (T). In addition, METTLs showed an overall alteration rate of 50%. Except for METTL13/2A/25/9, the expression of the other seven genes was significantly associated with overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Multivariate studies have shown that METTL21A/6 can be an independent prognostic marker in HCC. A total of 664 mRNAs were selected based on Pearson correlation coefficient (R > 0.5), unsupervised consensus clustering, weighted coexpression network analysis, and univariate Cox analysis. These mRNAs were significantly associated with METTLs and were poor prognostic factors in HCC patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) was used to construct the best METTLs associated with mRNA risk signature. The mRNA risk signature was significantly associated with age, stage, and t grade. The mRNA high-risk group had higher TP53 and RB1 mutations. This study constructed a nomogram with the mRNA risk profile and clinicopathological features, which could better predict the OS of individuals with HCC. We also analyzed associations between METTLs and mRNA risk signatures in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, cancer stem cells, tumor pathways, and drug sensitivity. In addition, this study constructed a protein interaction network network including METTLs and mRNA risk signature genes related to tumor microenvironment remodeling based on single-cell sequencing. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism, biomarker screening, and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Disease, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shangshang Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Junjie Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Xiaodan Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Disease, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Disease, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - John Zhong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Disease, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Wang HH, Chen WL, Cui YY, Gong HH, Li H. Cellular senescence throws new insights into patient classification and pharmacological interventions for clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1567-1594. [PMID: 37746655 PMCID: PMC10514726 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i9.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence, a state of stable growth arrest, is intertwined with human cancers. However, characterization of cellular senescence-associated phenotypes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unexplored. AIM To address this issue, we delineated cellular senescence landscape across HCC. METHODS We enrolled two HCC datasets, TCGA-LIHC and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Unsupervised clustering was executed to probe tumor heterogeneity based upon cellular senescence genes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were utilized to define a cellular senescence-relevant scoring system. TRNP1 expression was measured in HCCs and normal tissues through immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The influence of TMF-regulated nuclear protein (TRNP)1 on HCC senescence and growth was proven via a series of experiments. RESULTS TCGA-LIHC patients were classified as three cellular senescence subtypes, named C1-3. The robustness and reproducibility of these subtypes were proven in the ICGC cohort. C2 had the worst overall survival, C1 the next, and C3 the best. C2 presented the highest levels of immune checkpoints, abundance of immune cells, and immunogenetic indicators. Thus, C2 might possibly respond to immunotherapy. C2 had the lowest somatic mutation rate, while C1 presented the highest copy number variations. A cellular senescence-relevant gene signature was generated, which can predict patient survival, and chemo- or immunotherapeutic response. Experimentally, it was proven that TRNP1 presented the remarkable upregulation in HCCs. TRNP1 knockdown induced apoptosis and senescence of HCC cells and attenuated tumor growth. CONCLUSION These findings provide a systematic framework for assessing cellular senescence in HCC, which decode the tumor heterogeneity and tailor the pharmacological interventions to improve clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Hong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Bozhou 236800, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Bozhou 236800, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ya-Yun Cui
- Department of Cancer Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital), Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hui-Hui Gong
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Comprehensive Surgery, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, West District of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
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Li R, Liu X, Deng K, Wang X. M7G methylated core genes (METTL1 and WDR4) and associated RNA risk signatures are associated with prognosis and immune escape in HCC. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:179. [PMID: 37528384 PMCID: PMC10394781 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
N7 methylguanosine (m7G) has a crucial role the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the m7G methylation core genes (METTL1 and WDR4) and associated RNA risk signatures on HCC. we found m7G methylation core genes (METTL1 and WDR4) were upregulated in four HCC cell lines, and downregulation of METTL1 and WDR4 attenuated HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, METTL1 and WDR4 are upregulated in HCC tissues, and that there is a significant positive correlation between them. METTL1 and WDR4 were identified as independent prognostic markers for HCC by employing overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), Progression Free Interval survival (PFI), and univariate/multivariate Cox analyses. We identified 1479 coding RNAs (mRNAs) and 232 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with METTL1 / WDR4 by using weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and co-clustering analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) were used to constructing mRNA and lncRNA risk signatures associated with the METTL1 / WDR4. These risk were independent poor prognostic factors in HCC. Furthermore, we found that METTL1 / WDR4 expression and mRNA / lncRNA risk scores were closely associated with TP53 mutations. Clinicopathological features correlation results showed that METTL1 / WDR4 expression and mRNA / lncRNA risk score were associated with the stage and invasion depth (T) of HCC. To predict the overall survival of HCC individuals, we constructed a nomogram with METTL1/WDR4 expression, mRNA/lncRNA risk score, and clinicopathological features. In addition, we combined single-cell sequencing datasets and immune escape-related checkpoints to construct an immune escape-related protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. In conclusion, M7G methylated core genes (METTL1 and WDR4) and associated RNA risk signatures are associated with prognosis and immune escape in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Jiangnan University Medical Center, WuXi, China
- Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital, WuXi, China
- The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Clinical College of Nantong University, WuXi, China
| | | | - Kaiyuan Deng
- Jiangnan University Medical Center, WuXi, China
- Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital, WuXi, China
- The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Clinical College of Nantong University, WuXi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Jiangnan University Medical Center, WuXi, China.
- Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital, WuXi, China.
- The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Clinical College of Nantong University, WuXi, China.
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8
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The Role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032652. [PMID: 36768977 PMCID: PMC9916527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Metabolic reprogramming is considered a new hallmark of cancer, but it remains unclearly described in HCC. The dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is common in HCC and is, therefore, a topic of further research and the concern of developing a novel target for liver cancer therapy. In this review, we illustrate mechanisms by which this signaling network is accountable for regulating HCC cellular metabolism, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and oxidative metabolism, and summarize the ongoing clinical trials based on the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HCC.
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9
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Wu D, Zhang C, Liao G, Leng K, Dong B, Yu Y, Tai H, Huang L, Luo F, Zhang B, Zhan T, Hu Q, Tai S. Targeting uridine-cytidine kinase 2 induced cell cycle arrest through dual mechanism and could improve the immune response of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:105. [PMID: 36447138 PMCID: PMC9707060 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00403-y] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrimidine metabolism is critical for tumour progression. Uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2), a key regulator of pyrimidine metabolism, is elevated during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and exhibits carcinogenic effects. However, the key mechanism of UCK2 promoting HCC and the therapeutic value of UCK2 are still undefined. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of UCK2 as a therapeutic target for HCC. METHODS Gene expression matrices were obtained from public databases. RNA-seq, co-immunoprecipitation and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation were used to determine the mechanism of UCK2 promoting HCC. Immune cell infiltration level and immune-related functional scores were evaluated to assess the link between tumour microenvironment and UCK2. RESULTS In HCC, the expression of UCK2 was upregulated in part by TGFβ1 stimulation. UCK2 promoted cell cycle progression of HCC by preventing the degradation of mTOR protein and maintaining the stability of PDPK1 mRNA. We also identified UCK2 as a novel RNA-binding protein. Downregulation of UCK2 induced cell cycle arrest and activated the TNFα/NFκB signalling pathway-related senescence-associated secretory phenotype to modify the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, UCK2 was a biomarker of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Downregulated UCK2 induced a secretory phenotype, which could improve the microenvironment, and decreased UCK2 remodelling metabolism could lower the resistance of tumour cells to T-cell-mediated killing. CONCLUSIONS Targeting UCK2 inhibits HCC progression and could improve the response to immunotherapy in patients with HCC. Our study suggests that UCK2 could be an ideal target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehai Wu
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
| | - Congyi Zhang
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
| | - Guanqun Liao
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Foshan Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000 China
| | - Kaiming Leng
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Bowen Dong
- grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Yang Yu
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
| | - Huilin Tai
- McGill Mathematics and Statistics Department, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lining Huang
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215008 China
| | - Feng Luo
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
| | - Bin Zhang
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
| | - Tiexiang Zhan
- grid.511083.e0000 0004 7671 2506Department of Intensive Care Unit, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 528406 China
| | - Qiuhui Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Cancer Hospital of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150088 China
| | - Sheng Tai
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Hepatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, #246Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086 Heilongjiang China
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10
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Comprehensive Analysis of Histone Modifications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Reveals Different Subtypes and Key Prognostic Models. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5961603. [PMID: 35957801 PMCID: PMC9359864 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5961603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Histone modification, an important epigenetic mechanism, is related to the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In three datasets, we screened 88 epigenetic-dysregulated PCGs (epi-PCGs) , which were significantly associated with HCC survival and could cluster HCC into three molecular subtypes. These subtypes were associated with prognosis, immunomodulatory alterations, and response to different treatment strategies. Based on 88 epi-PCGs in the TCGA training set, a risk prediction model composed of 4 epi-PCGs was established. The model was closely related to the clinicopathological features and showed a strong predictive ability in different clinical subgroups. In addition, the risk prediction model was an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC. The significance of epi-PCGs in HCC is revealed by our data analysis.
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Fu Y, Wei XD, Guo L, Wu K, Le J, Ma Y, Kong X, Tong Y, Wu H. The Metabolic and Non-Metabolic Roles of UCK2 in Tumor Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:904887. [PMID: 35669416 PMCID: PMC9163393 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.904887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced nucleoside metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2) is a rate-limiting enzyme of the pyrimidine salvage synthesis pathway to phosphorylate uridine and cytidine to uridine monophosphate (UMP) and cytidine monophosphate (CMP), respectively. Recent studies have shown that UCK2 is overexpressed in many types of solid and hematopoietic cancers, closely associates with poor prognosis, and promotes cell proliferation and migration in lung cancer and HCCs. Although UCK2 is thought to catalyze sufficient nucleotide building blocks to support the rapid proliferation of tumor cells, we and other groups have recently demonstrated that UCK2 may play a tumor-promoting role in a catalytic independent manner by activating oncogenic signaling pathways, such as STAT3 and EGFR-AKT. By harnessing the catalytic activity of UCK2, several cytotoxic ribonucleoside analogs, such as TAS-106 and RX-3117, have been developed for UCK2-mediated cancer chemotherapy. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the concurrent targeting of the catalytic dependent and independent features of UCK2 could synergistically inhibit tumor growth. These findings suggest that UCK2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this mini-review, we introduced the genomic localization and protein structure of UCK2, described the role of UCK2 in tumor development, discussed the application of UCK2 in anti-tumor treatment, and proposed concurrent targeting of the catalytic and non-catalytic roles of UCK2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fu
- Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-dong Wei
- Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Institute of Clinical Immunology, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luoting Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Le
- Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Ma
- Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Institute of Clinical Immunology, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hailong Wu, ; Ying Tong,
| | - Hailong Wu
- Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hailong Wu, ; Ying Tong,
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12
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Zhong X, Yu X, Chang H. Exploration of a Novel Prognostic Nomogram and Diagnostic Biomarkers Based on the Activity Variations of Hallmark Gene Sets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830362. [PMID: 35359370 PMCID: PMC8960170 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The initiation and progression of tumors were due to variations of gene sets rather than individual genes. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers based on gene set variation analysis (GSVA) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The activities of 50 hallmark pathways were scored in three microarray datasets with paired samples with GSVA, and differential analysis was performed with the limma R package. Unsupervised clustering was conducted to determine subtypes with the ConsensusClusterPlus R package in the TCGA-LIHC (n = 329) and LIRI-JP (n = 232) cohorts. Differentially expressed genes among subtypes were identified as initial variables. Then, we used TCGA-LIHC as the training set and LIRI-JP as the validation set. A six-gene model calculating the risk scores of patients was integrated with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise regression analyses. Kaplan–Meier (KM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to assess predictive performances. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were implemented to select independent prognostic factors, and a prognostic nomogram was integrated. Moreover, the diagnostic values of six genes were explored with the ROC curves and immunohistochemistry. Results Patients could be separated into two subtypes with different prognoses in both cohorts based on the identified differential hallmark pathways. Six prognostic genes (ASF1A, CENPA, LDHA, PSMB2, SRPRB, UCK2) were included in the risk score signature, which was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic factor. A nomogram including 540 patients was further integrated and well-calibrated. ROC analyses in the five cohorts and immunohistochemistry experiments in solid tissues indicated that CENPA and UCK2 exhibited high and robust diagnostic values. Conclusions Our study explored a promising prognostic nomogram and diagnostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongdong Zhong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xianchang Yu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Protein Modification and Cancer Research, Hanyu Biomed Center Beijing, Beijing, China
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13
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Yu Y, You S, Fan R, Shan X. UCK2 regulated by miR-139-3p regulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Future Oncol 2022; 18:979-990. [PMID: 35137600 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study mainly explores how UCK2 impacts the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Mature miRNA and mRNA expression data along with the clinical data of HCC were provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas to mine differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Expression levels of UCK2 and miR-139-3p in HCC were tested through quantitative real-time PCR. How UCK2 and miR-139-3p impacted HCC cell activities were detected by Transwell, wound healing and cell proliferation approaches. Whether miR-139-3p could bind to UCK2 was detected by dual-luciferase assay. Results: This investigation found evidently high levels of UCK2 in both HCC tissue and cells and its marked association with poor prognosis. Overexpression of UCK2 could significantly promote the behaviors of HCC cells. In addition, poorly expressed miR-139-3p was inversely associated with UCK2. Dual-luciferase method also proved the association. The rescue experiment showed that miR-139-3p regulated cell behaviors in HCC through targeting UCK2. Conclusion: Highly expressed UCK2 was mediated by miR-139-3p to modulate cell behaviors in HCC. It is assumed that UCK2 is a possible target of HCC for cancer therapy purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youlin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuqing You
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou First People's Hospital, Taizhou 318020, Zhejinag Province, China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School (The First people's Hospital of Yancheng), Yancheng 224006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geriatrics, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School (The First people's Hospital of Yancheng), Yancheng 224006, Jiangsu Province, China
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14
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Wu H, Xu H, Jia D, Li T, Xia L. METTL3-induced UCK2 m 6A hypermethylation promotes melanoma cancer cell metastasis via the WNT/β-catenin pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1155. [PMID: 34430596 PMCID: PMC8350655 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a highly aggressive, malignant skin tumor with a statistically high mortality rate. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. m6A modifications regulate the fate and functions of RNA, such as mRNA stability, nuclear processing, transport, localization, translation, primary microRNA (miRNA) processing, and RNA-protein interactions. Several members (including METTL3, METTL14, FTO, ALKBH5, and YTHDF2) are actively involved in a variety of human cancers. However, the basic mechanism of the involvement of uridine cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2) in melanoma metastasis has not been studied. UCK2 is upregulated in a variety of malignancies. However, the complex molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of UCK2 in melanoma remain unclear. Methods The expression of UCK2 was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The effects of UCK2 on the biological characteristics of PC cells were investigated on the basis of loss-of-function analyses. Immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was performed to identify the m6A targeted effect of UCK2 in melanoma cancer. Results Based on the bioinformatics analysis in this study, up-regulation of UCK2 could be essential in melanoma cancer, and associated with poor survival. Furthermore, the m6A modification regulated by METTL3 led to UCK2 increased messenger RNA (mRNA) stability in melanoma cancer. Functional and mechanistic experiments indicated that UCK2 enhanced the metastasis of melanoma cancer cells through the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Conclusion In this study, we found that m6A-METTL3 axis induced abnormal UCK2 expression plays a role in melanoma metastasis by enhancing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which may provide new clues for melanoma metastasis. It also provides a potential target for the prevention and treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haochao Xu
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongdong Jia
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liming Xia
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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