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Li L, Zeng J, He S, Yang Y, Wang C. METTL14 decreases FTH1 mRNA stability via m6A methylation to promote sorafenib-induced ferroptosis of cervical cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2349429. [PMID: 38738555 PMCID: PMC11093024 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2349429] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. This study was designed to investigate the role of METTL14 in sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in CC. METTL14 expression and m6A methylation were determined in CC tissues, followed by analyzes correlating these factors with clinical features. Subsequently, METTL14 was knocked down in CC cell lines, and the effects on cell proliferation, mitochondrial morphology and ferroptosis were assessed using CCK-8, microscopy, and markers associated with ferroptosis, respectively. The regulatory relationship between METTL14 and FTH1 was verified using qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assays. The functional significance of this interaction was further investigated both in vitro and in vivo by co-transfecting cells with overexpression vectors or shRNAs targeting METTL14 and FTH1 after sorafenib treatment. METTL14 expression and m6A methylation were significantly reduced in CC tissues, and lower METTL14 expression levels were associated with a poorer CC patients' prognosis. Notably, METTL14 expression increased during sorafenib-induced ferroptosis, and METTL14 knockdown attenuated the ferroptotic response induced by sorafenib in CC cells. FTH1 was identified as a direct target of METTL14, with METTL14 overexpression leading to increased m6A methylation of FTH1 mRNA, resulting in reduced stability and expression of FTH1 in CC. Furthermore, FTH1 overexpression or treatment with LY294002 partially counteracted the promotion of sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by METTL14. In vivo xenograft experiments demonstrated that inhibiting METTL14 reduced the anticancer effects of sorafenib, whereas suppression of FTH1 significantly enhanced sorafenib-induced ferroptosis and increased its anticancer efficacy. METTL14 reduces FTH1 mRNA stability through m6A methylation, thereby enhancing sorafenib-induced ferroptosis, which contributes to suppressing CC progression via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Sili He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yanfei Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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Giordo R, Ahmadi FAM, Husaini NA, Al-Nuaimi NRA, Ahmad SM, Pintus G, Zayed H. microRNA 21 and long non-coding RNAs interplays underlie cancer pathophysiology: A narrative review. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:831-852. [PMID: 38586315 PMCID: PMC10995982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.013] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of functional RNA molecules that lack the ability to code for proteins. Despite missing this traditional role, ncRNAs have emerged as crucial regulators of various biological processes and have been implicated in the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two prominent classes of ncRNAs that have emerged as key players in cancer pathophysiology. In particular, miR-21 has been reported to exhibit oncogenic roles in various forms of human cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In this context, miR-21 overexpression is closely associated with tumor proliferation, growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance, whereas miR-21 inactivation is linked to the regression of most tumor-related processes. Accordingly, miR-21 is a crucial modulator of various canonical oncogenic pathways such as PTEN/PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT, p53, MMP2, and MMP9. Moreover, interplays between lncRNA and miRNA further complicate the regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression. In this regard, several lncRNAs have been found to interact with miR-21 and, by functioning as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) or miRNA sponges, can modulate cancer tumorigenesis. This work presents and discusses recent findings highlighting the roles and pathophysiological implications of the miR-21-lncRNA regulatory axis in cancer occurrence, development, and progression. The data collected indicate that specific lncRNAs, such as MEG3, CASC2, and GAS5, are strongly associated with miR-21 in various types of cancer, including gastric, cervical, lung, and glioma. Indeed, these lncRNAs are well-known tumor suppressors and are commonly downregulated in different types of tumors. Conversely, by modulating various mechanisms and oncogenic signaling pathways, their overexpression has been linked with preventing tumor formation and development. This review highlights the significance of these regulatory pathways in cancer and their potential for use in cancer therapy as diagnostic and prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Abdullah M. Ahmadi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nedal Al Husaini
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Rashid A.M. Al-Nuaimi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salma M.S. Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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3
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Hasan AM, Cavalu S, Saber S, Doghish AS, Hamad RS, Abdel-Reheim MA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alqarni AA, Rezigalla AA, Negm S, El-Kott AF, Alshehri AS, BinAfeef SF, Abdel-Ghany S, Attia MA, Mohammed OA. Hedgehog signaling mastery: R51211's promise in augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib. Life Sci 2024; 351:122791. [PMID: 38848936 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor employed for managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The emergence of sorafenib resistance presents an obstacle to its therapeutic efficacy. One notable approach to overcoming sorafenib resistance is the exploration of combination therapies. The role of hedgehog signaling in sorafenib resistance has been also examined in HCC. R51211, known as itraconazole, has been safely employed in clinical practice. Through in vitro and in vivo investigations, we assessed the potential of R51211 to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib by inhibiting the hedgehog signaling. The zero-interaction potency synergy model demonstrated a synergistic interaction between R51211 and sorafenib, a phenomenon reversed by the action of a smoothened receptor agonist. This dual therapy exhibited an increased capacity to induce apoptosis, as evidenced by alterations in the Bax/BCL-2 ratio and caspase-3, along with a propensity to promote autophagy, as indicated by changes in BECN1, p62, and the LC3I/LC3II ratio. Furthermore, the combination therapy resulted in significant reductions in biomarkers associated with liver preneoplastic alterations, improved liver microstructure, and mitigated changes in liver function enzymes. The substantial decrease in hedgehog components (Shh, SMO, GLI1, and GLI2) following R51211 treatment appears to be a key factor contributing to the increased efficacy of sorafenib. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of R51211 as an adjunct to sorafenib, introducing a new dimension to this combination therapy through the modulation of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Further investigations are essential to validate the therapeutic efficacy of this combined approach in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Madalin Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Rabab S Hamad
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; Central Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Aldawadmi 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Ali Alqarni
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sally Negm
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Art Mahyel Aseer, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61421 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
| | - Ali S Alshehri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61421 Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahad Fuad BinAfeef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sameh Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ibn Sina University for Medical Sciences, Amman 16197, Jordan.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyiah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
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Bhattacharjee A, Bagchi A, Sarkar S, Bawali S, Bhattacharya A, Biswas A. Repurposing approved protein kinase inhibitors as potent anti-leishmanials targeting Leishmania MAP kinases. Life Sci 2024; 351:122844. [PMID: 38897344 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite poses a significant health burden globally. With a very few specific drugs, increased drug resistance it is important to look for drug repurposing along with the identification of pre-clinical candidates against visceral leishmaniasis. This study aims to identify potential drug candidates against visceral leishmaniasis by targeting leishmanial MAP kinases and screening FDA approved protein kinase inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS MAP kinases were identified from the Leishmania genome. 12 FDA approved protein kinase inhibitors were screened against Leishmania MAP kinases. Binding affinity, ADME and toxicity of identified drug candidates were profiled. The anti-proliferative effects and mechanism of action were assessed in Leishmania, including changes in cell morphology, flagellar length, cell cycle progression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and intra-macrophage parasitic burden. KEY FINDINGS 23 MAP kinases were identified from the Leishmania genome. Sorafenib and imatinib emerged as repurposable drug candidates and demonstrated excellent anti-proliferative effects in Leishmania. Treatment with these inhibitors resulted in significant changes in cell morphology, flagellar length, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, sorafenib and imatinib promoted ROS generation and reduced intra-macrophage parasitic burden, and elicited anti-leishmanial activity in in vivo experimental VL models. SIGNIFICANCE Collectively, these results imply involvement of MAP kinases in infectivity and survival of the parasite and can pave the avenue for repurposing sorafenib and imatinib as anti-leishmanial agents. These findings contribute to the exploration of new treatment options for visceral leishmaniasis, particularly in the context of emerging drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Bhattacharjee
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India
| | - Arka Bagchi
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India
| | - Solanki Sarkar
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India
| | - Sriparna Bawali
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India
| | - Arijit Bhattacharya
- AMR Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India.
| | - Arunima Biswas
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India.
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Dai Q, Wei X, Zhao J, Zhang D, Luo Y, Yang Y, Xiang Y, Liu X. Inhibition of FSP1: A new strategy for the treatment of tumors (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:105. [PMID: 38940330 PMCID: PMC11228423 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, is intricately linked to iron‑dependent lipid peroxidation. Recent evidence strongly supports the induction of ferroptosis as a promising strategy for treating cancers resistant to conventional therapies. A key player in ferroptosis regulation is ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), which promotes cancer cell resistance by promoting the production of the antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10. Of note, FSP1 confers resistance to ferroptosis independently of the glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase‑4 pathway. Therefore, targeting FSP1 to weaken its inhibition of ferroptosis may be a viable strategy for treating refractory cancer. This review aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, the specific pathway by which FSP1 suppresses ferroptosis and the effect of FSP1 inhibitors on cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangfang Dai
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Jumei Zhao
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Die Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Luo
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
- College of Physical Education, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, P.R. China
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6
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Chen P, Dong Z, Zhu W, Chen J, Zhou Y, Ye Q, Liao X, Tan Y, Li C, Wang Y, Pang H, Wen C, Jiang Y, Li X, Li B, Aimaier A, Lin L, Sun J, Hou J, Tang L, Hou J, Li Y. Noncanonical regulation of HOIL-1 on cancer stemness and sorafenib resistance identifies pixantrone as a novel therapeutic agent for HCC. Hepatology 2024; 80:330-345. [PMID: 37820061 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000623] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to therapy resistance in HCC. Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) has been reported to accelerate the progression of cancers, yet its role in the sorafenib response of HCC is poorly defined. Herein, we investigated the impact of LUBAC on sorafenib resistance and the CSC properties of HCC, and explored the potential targeted drugs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We found that HOIL-1, but not the other components of LUBAC, played a contributing role in LUBAC-mediated HCC sorafenib resistance, independent of its ubiquitin ligase activity. Both in vitro and in vivo assays revealed that the upregulated HOIL-1 expression enhanced the CSC properties of HCC. Mechanistically, HOIL-1 promoted sorafenib resistance and the CSC properties of HCC through Notch1 signaling. Mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to determine that the A64/Q65 residues of HOIL-1 bound with the K78 residue of Numb, resulting in impaired Numb-mediated Notch1 lysosomal degradation. Notably, pixantrone was screened out by Autodock Vina, which was validated to disrupt HOIL-1/Numb interaction to inhibit Notch1 signaling and CSC properties by targeting the Q65 residue of HOIL-1. Moreover, pixantrone exerted synergistic effects with sorafenib for the treatment of HCC in different HCC mouse models. CONCLUSIONS HOIL-1 is critical in promoting sorafenib resistance and CSC properties of HCC through Notch1 signaling. Pixantrone targeting HOIL-1 restrains the sorafenib resistance and provides a potential therapeutic intervention for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheyu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyue Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongfa Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanjiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huajin Pang
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchuan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Aihetaimu Aimaier
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Hou
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontier Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Sui Y, Geng X, Wang Z, Zhang J, Yang Y, Meng Z. Targeting the regulation of iron homeostasis as a potential therapeutic strategy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2024; 157:155953. [PMID: 38885833 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
With aging and the increasing incidence of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD mainly includes simple hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An imbalance in hepatic iron homeostasis is usually associated with the progression of NAFLD and induces iron overload, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxide accumulation, which leads to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a unique type of programmed cell death (PCD) that is characterized by iron dependence, ROS production and lipid peroxidation. The ferroptosis inhibition systems involved in NAFLD include the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)/coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) regulatory axes. The main promotion system involved is the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family (ACSL4)/arachidonic lipoxygenase 15 (ALOX15) axis. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the multiple roles of iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis in the progression of NAFLD. This review highlights the latest studies about iron homeostasis imbalance- and ferroptosis-associated NAFLD, mainly including the physiology and pathophysiology of hepatic iron metabolism, hepatic iron homeostasis imbalance during the development of NAFLD, and key regulatory molecules and roles of hepatic ferroptosis in NAFLD. This review aims to provide innovative therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Sui
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue Geng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanqun Yang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ziyu Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300134, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300134, China.
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8
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Dong L, Luo L, Wang Z, Lian S, Wang M, Wu X, Fan J, Zeng Y, Li S, Lv S, Yang Y, Chen R, Shen E, Yang W, Li C, Wang K. Targeted degradation of NDUFS1 by agrimol B promotes mitochondrial ROS accumulation and cytotoxic autophagy arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:111-124. [PMID: 38697493 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global public health problem with increased morbidity and mortality. Agrimol B, a natural polyphenol, has been proved to be a potential anticancer drug. Our recent report showed a favorable anticancer effect of agrimol B in HCC, however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we found agrimol B inhibits the growth and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro as well as in an HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Notably, agrimol B drives autophagy initiation and blocks autophagosome-lysosome fusion, resulting in autophagosome accumulation and autophagy arrest in HCC cells. Mechanistically, agrimol B downregulates the protein level of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1 (NDUFS1) through caspase 3-mediated degradation, leading to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) accumulation and autophagy arrest. NDUFS1 overexpression partially restores mROS overproduction, autophagosome accumulation, and growth inhibition induced by agrimol B, suggesting a cytotoxic role of agrimol B-induced autophagy arrest in HCC cells. Notably, agrimol B significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our study uncovers the anticancer mechanism of agrimol B in HCC involving the regulation of oxidative stress and autophagy, and suggests agrimol B as a potential therapeutic drug for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Dong
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, PR China
| | - Shan Lian
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Mao Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xingyun Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Jiawu Fan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Zeng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Sijia Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Sinan Lv
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yurong Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Enhao Shen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, the Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Changlong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Kui Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
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9
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Wang W, Lin H, Liu D, Wang T, Zhu Z, Yu P, Zhang J. Ropivacaine synergizes with sorafenib to induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39014520 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16261] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells limits the effectiveness of sorafenib, but combination therapy with other drugs may have a positive effect. However, the effect of ropivacaine combined with sorafenib on the treatment of HCC cells and its potential regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells treated with ropivacaine, sorafenib, and ropivacaine plus sorafenib were analyzed by cell-counting kit 8 and flow cytometry. The protein levels were measured by Western blot. The antitumor effect of ropivacaine, sorafenib, and their combination was verified by a tumor xenograft model. Ropivacaine and sorafenib markedly impeded the viability of HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with ropivacaine or sorafenib treatment alone, ropivacaine and sorafenib combination treatment impeded HCC cell proliferation, facilitated apoptosis, enhanced cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cyclin D1 protein expression, while it reduced IL-6 and p-STAT3 expression and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Importantly, the activation of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway could reverse the repressive or stimulative effects of ropivacaine and sorafenib on the proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells. In summary, ropivacaine synergistically induces sorafenib-stimulated apoptosis of HCC cells via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Ropivacaine is a potential drug for the treatment of HCC when combined with sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hongyun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Desheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zicheng Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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10
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Dai H, Wu B, Ge Y, Hao Y, Zhou L, Hong R, Zhang J, Jiang W, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang L. Deubiquitylase OTUD3 regulates integrated stress response to suppress progression and sorafenib resistance of liver cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114487. [PMID: 38996071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, playing a role in tumor progression and drug resistance. The regulatory role and mechanism of ISR in liver cancer, however, remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that OTU domain-containing protein 3 (OTUD3) is a deubiquitylase of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), antagonizing ISR and suppressing liver cancer. OTUD3 decreases interactions between eIF2α and the kinase EIF2ΑK3 by removing K27-linked polyubiquitylation on eIF2α. OTUD3 deficiency in mice leads to enhanced ISR and accelerated progression of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, decreased OTUD3 expression associated with elevated eIF2α phosphorylation correlates with the progression of human liver cancer. Moreover, ISR activation due to decreased OTUD3 expression renders liver cancer cells resistant to sorafenib, while the combined use of the ISR inhibitor ISRIB significantly improves their sensitivity to sorafenib. Collectively, these findings illuminate the regulatory mechanism of ISR in liver cancer and provide a potential strategy to counteract sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmiao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yingwei Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruolin Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wenli Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Hongchang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
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11
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Yin H, Zhang M, Gu C, Li Z, Hao C, Wang J, Tian L, Xu K, Hu X, Ming L, Zhang M, Wang Z, Yang Y, Zhang D, Dai B. Discovery of Novel 2-Oxoacetamide Derivatives as B3GAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10743-10773. [PMID: 38919032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Beta-1,3-glucuronosyltransferase (B3GAT3), overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and negatively correlated to prognosis, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Currently, no studies have reported small molecule inhibitors of B3GAT3. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of small-molecule inhibitors of B3GAT3 through virtual screening and structure optimization. The lead compound TMLB-C16 exhibited potent B3GAT3 inhibitory activity (KD = 3.962 μM) by effectively suppressing proliferation and migration, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MHCC-97H (IC50= 6.53 ± 0.18 μM) and HCCLM3 (IC50= 6.22 ± 0.23 μM) cells. Furthermore, compound TMLB-C16 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties with a relatively high bioavailability of 68.37%. It significantly inhibited tumor growth in both MHCC-97H and HCCLM3 xenograft tumor models without causing obvious toxicity. These results indicate that compound TMLB-C16 is an effective small molecule inhibitor of B3GAT3, providing a basis for the future development of B3GAT3-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Menghan Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Congying Gu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chenyan Hao
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Junhui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lulu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kang Xu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiangyu Hu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liqin Ming
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhanbo Wang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yong Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dayong Zhang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Beiying Dai
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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12
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López-Cánovas JL, Naranjo-Martínez B, Diaz-Ruiz A. Fasting in combination with the cocktail Sorafenib:Metformin blunts cellular plasticity and promotes liver cancer cell death via poly-metabolic exhaustion. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00966-2. [PMID: 38990489 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00966-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Dual-Interventions targeting glucose and oxidative metabolism are receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. Sorafenib (S) and Metformin (M), two gold-standards in liver cancer, are known for their mitochondrial inhibitory capacity. Fasting, a glucose-limiting strategy, is also emerging as chemotherapy adjuvant. Herein, we explore the anti-carcinogenic response of nutrient restriction in combination with sorafenib:metformin (NR-S:M). RESULTS Our data demonstrates that, independently of liver cancer aggressiveness, fasting synergistically boosts the anti-proliferative effects of S:M co-treatment. Metabolic and Cellular plasticity was determined by the examination of mitochondrial and glycolytic activity, cell cycle modulation, activation of cellular apoptosis, and regulation of key signaling and metabolic enzymes. Under NR-S:M conditions, early apoptotic events and the pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS/Bcl-xL ratio were found increased. NR-S:M induced the highest retention in cellular SubG1 phase, consistent with the presence of DNA fragments from cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial functionality, Mitochondrial ATP-linked respiration, Maximal respiration and Spare respiratory capacity, were all found blunted under NR-S:M conditions. Basal Glycolysis, Glycolytic reserve, and glycolytic capacity, together with the expression of glycogenic (PKM), gluconeogenic (PCK1 and G6PC3), and glycogenolytic enzymes (PYGL, PGM1, and G6PC3), were also negatively impacted by NR-S:M. Lastly, a TMT-proteomic approach corroborated the synchronization of liver cancer metabolic reprogramming with the activation of molecular pathways to drive a quiescent-like status of energetic-collapse and cellular death. CONCLUSION Altogether, we show that the energy-based polytherapy NR-S:M blunts cellular, metabolic and molecular plasticity of liver cancer. Notwithstanding the in vitro design of this study, it holds a promising therapeutic tool worthy of exploration for this tumor pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan L López-Cánovas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Gerontology, Precision Nutrition and Aging Program, Institute IMDEA Food (CEI UAM+CSIC), Crta. de Canto Blanco nº 8, Madrid, E-28049, Spain
| | - Beatriz Naranjo-Martínez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Gerontology, Precision Nutrition and Aging Program, Institute IMDEA Food (CEI UAM+CSIC), Crta. de Canto Blanco nº 8, Madrid, E-28049, Spain
| | - Alberto Diaz-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Gerontology, Precision Nutrition and Aging Program, Institute IMDEA Food (CEI UAM+CSIC), Crta. de Canto Blanco nº 8, Madrid, E-28049, Spain.
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.
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13
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Jin X, Huang CX, Tian Y. The multifaceted perspectives on the regulation of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis: from bench-to-bedside. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38960924 PMCID: PMC11222271 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite being characterized by high malignancy, high morbidity, and low survival rates, the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, possesses distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics compared to other types of cell death. Dysregulated actions within the molecular network that regulates ferroptosis have been identified as significant contributors to the progression of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, regulating gene function and expression through multiple mechanistic pathways. An increasing body of evidence indicates that deregulated lncRNAs are implicated in regulating malignant events such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism by influencing ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the inherent role of ferroptosis and the modulatory functions of lncRNAs on ferroptosis in HCC might promote the development of novel therapeutic interventions for this disease. This review provides a succinct overview of the roles of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC progression and treatment, aiming to drive the development of promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Chun Xia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China.
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14
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Liu J, Xia S, Zhang B, Mohammed DM, Yang X, Zhu Y, Jiang X. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved for systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: recent advances and future perspectives. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:259. [PMID: 38960980 PMCID: PMC11222362 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. More than half of the HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and often require systemic therapy. Dysregulation of the activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is involved in the development and progress of HCC, RTKs are therefore the potential targets for systemic therapy of advanced HCC (aHCC). Currently, a total of six small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for aHCC, including first-line sorafenib, lenvatinib, and donafenib, and second-line regorafenib, cabozantinib, and apatinib. These TKIs improved patients survival, which are associated with disease stage, etiology, liver function, tumor burden, baseline levels of alpha-fetoprotein, and treatment history. This review focuses on the clinical outcomes of these TKIs in key clinical trials, retrospective and real-world studies and discusses the future perspectives of TKIs for aHCC, with an aim to provide up-to-date evidence for decision-making in the treatment of aHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan No.7 Hospital, Zhong Nan 2nd Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
| | - Baoyi Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Dina Mostafa Mohammed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yanhong Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xinnong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
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15
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Gao W, Wang J, Xu Y, Yu H, Yi S, Bai C, Cong Q, Zhu Y. Research progress in the metabolic reprogramming of hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:131. [PMID: 38818815 PMCID: PMC11148525 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13255] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and its morbidity is increasing worldwide due to increasing prevalence. Metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and serves a role in cancer progression. Glucose, lipids and amino acids are three major components whose altered metabolism can directly affect the energy production of cells, including liver cancer cells. Nutrients and energy are indispensable for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, thus altering the metabolism of hepatoma cells can inhibit the progression of HCC. The present review summarizes recent studies on tumour regulatory molecules, including numerous noncoding RNAs, oncogenes and tumour suppressors, which regulate the metabolic activities of glucose, lipids and amino acids by targeting key enzymes, signalling pathways or interactions between the two. These regulatory molecules can regulate the rapid proliferation of cancer cells, tumour progression and treatment resistance. It is thought that these tumour regulatory factors may serve as therapeutic targets or valuable biomarkers for HCC, with the potential to mitigate HCC drug resistance. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of metabolic inhibitors as a treatment approach for HCC, as well as possible solutions are discussed, providing insights for developing more effective treatment strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Hongbo Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Sitong Yi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Changchuan Bai
- Internal Department of Chinese Medicine, Dalian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Qingwei Cong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R China
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16
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Zhu X, Sha X, Zang Y, Ren Q, Zhang S, Ma D, Wang L, Yao J, Zhou X, Yu L, Li T. Current Progress of Ferroptosis Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3621-3637. [PMID: 38993573 PMCID: PMC11234204 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.96014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, an emerging type of programmed cell death, is initiated by iron-dependent and excessive ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation, which eventually leads to plasma membrane rupture and cell death. Many canonical signalling pathways and biological processes are involved in ferroptosis. Furthermore, cancer cells are more susceptible to ferroptosis due to the high load of ROS and unique metabolic characteristics, including iron requirements. Recent investigations have revealed that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of tumours, especially HCC. Specifically, the induction of ferroptosis can not only inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells, thereby reversing tumorigenesis, but also improves the efficacy of immunotherapy and enhances the antitumour immune response. Therefore, triggering ferroptosis has become a new therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ferroptosis based on its underlying mechanism and role in HCC and provide possible therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xudong Sha
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Zang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiaohui Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dongyue Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lianzi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Junxiao Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Li Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan District, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
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17
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Thangaraj JL, Coffey M, Lopez E, Kaufman DS. Disruption of TGF-β signaling pathway is required to mediate effective killing of hepatocellular carcinoma by human iPSC-derived NK cells. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00217-0. [PMID: 38986609 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is highly expressed in the liver tumor microenvironment and is known to inhibit immune cell activity. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to produce natural killer (NK) cells engineered to mediate improved anti-HCC activity. Specifically, we produced iPSC-NK cells with either knockout TGF-β receptor 2 (TGFBR2-KO) or expression of a dominant negative (DN) form of the TGF-β receptor 2 (TGFBR2-DN) combined with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target either GPC3 or AFP. The TGFBR2-KO and TGFBR2-DN iPSC-NK cells are resistant to TGF-β inhibition and improved anti-HCC activity. However, expression of anti-HCC CARs on iPSC-NK cells did not lead to effective anti-HCC activity unless there was also inhibition of TGF-β activity. Our findings demonstrate that TGF-β signaling blockade is required for effective NK cell function against HCC and potentially other malignancies that express high levels of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Lakshmi Thangaraj
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Coffey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Edith Lopez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dan S Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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18
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Qiang Z, Wan J, Chen X, Wang H. Mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ErbB family receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:3156-3178. [PMID: 38988928 PMCID: PMC11231811 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-837] [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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive tumor. In recent years, the incidence of HCC has been increasing worldwide. Despite notable advancements in treatment methodologies, the prognosis of HCC patients remains unsatisfactory. ErbB family proteins play important roles in the occurrence, progression, and metastasis of HCC, and their abnormal expression is often closely associated with poor patient prognosis. This article sought to investigate the current status and research progress of ErbB family protein targeted therapy in HCC in recent years to provide a reference for basic research and clinical treatment. Methods We performed a comprehensive, narrative review of the latest literature to define the current progress of ErbB family receptors in HCC in both the pre-clinical and clinical arenas. Key Content and Findings The ErbB family belongs to the tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor family that comprises four members. These members are closely associated with proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and migration during HCC development through multiple signaling pathways. ErbB-targeted therapy has shown tremendous potential and prospects in the treatment of HCC. Conclusions Through in-depth research and the application of ErbB-targeted therapy, broader avenues will be opened for the treatment of HCC and other tumors, leading to more personalized and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Qiang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Wan
- West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangzheng Chen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zeng CM, Shao B, Chen YP, Ding GS. Silencing MFN2 Drives WNT/β-catenin Nucleation to Reduce Sorafenib Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Curr Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11596-024-2879-x. [PMID: 38926329 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) is a mitochondrial membrane protein that plays a critical role in regulating mitochondrial fusion and cellular metabolism. To further elucidate the impact of MFN2, this study aimed to investigate its significance on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell function and its potential role in mediating chemosensitivity. METHODS This study investigated the effects of silencing and overexpressing MFN2 on the survival, proliferation, invasion and migration abilities, and sorafenib resistance of MHCC97-L HCC cells. Additional experiments were conducted using XAV939 (a β-catenin inhibitor) and HLY78 (a β-catenin activator) to further validate these findings. RESULTS Silencing MFN2 significantly promoted the survival and proliferation of MHCC97-L cells, enhanced their invasion and migration capacities, increased the IC50 of sorafenib, reduced the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells, and decreased the expression of proapoptotic proteins. Additionally, silencing MFN2 markedly induced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, increased β-catenin acetylation levels and enhanced the expression of the downstream regulatory proteins Snail1 and Vimentin while inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Conversely, overexpressing MFN2 reversed the effects observed in MHCC97-L cells mentioned above. The results confirmed that silencing MFN2 activated the β-catenin/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and reduced the sensitivity of cells to sorafenib, which could be reversed by XAV939 treatment. Conversely, overexpression of MFN2 inhibited the β-catenin/EMT pathway and increased the sensitivity of cells to sorafenib, which could be altered by HLY78. CONCLUSION Low expression of MFN2 in HCC cells promotes the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, thereby activating the EMT pathway and mediating resistance to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai-Ming Zeng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Geriatrics Diseases, Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Bin Shao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yan-Ping Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Gui-Sheng Ding
- Department of Ultrasonography, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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20
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Gong L, Wang W, Yu F, Deng Z, Luo N, Zhang X, Chen J, Peng J. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester derivative exerts remarkable anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect, non-inferior to sorafenib, in vivo analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14546. [PMID: 38914695 PMCID: PMC11196574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65496-1] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its derivatives exhibit considerable effects against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with unquestioned safety. Here we investigated CAPE derivative 1' (CAPE 1') monotherapy to HCC, compared with sorafenib. HCC Bel-7402 cells were treated with CAPE 1', the IC50 was detected using CCK-8 analysis, and acute toxicity testing (5 g/kg) was performed to evaluate safety. In vivo, tumor growth after CAPE 1' treatment was evaluated using an subcutaneous tumor xenograft model. Five groups were examined, with group 1 given vehicle solution, groups 2, 3, and 4 given CAPE 1' (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively), and group 5 given sorafenib (30 mg/kg/day). Tumor volume growth and tumor volume-to-weight ratio were calculated and statistically analyzed. An estimated IC50 was 5.6 µM. Acute toxicity tests revealed no animal death or visible adverse effects with dosage up to 5 g/kg. Compared to negative controls, CAPE 1' treatment led to significantly slower increases of tumor volume and tumor volume-to-weight. CAPE 1' and sorafenib exerted similar inhibitory effects on HCC tumors. CAPE 1' was non-inferior to sorafenib for HCC treatment, both in vitro and in vivo. It has great potential as a promising drug for HCC, based on effectiveness and safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gong
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhen Wang
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yu
- Center of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, People's Republic of China
| | - Zenghua Deng
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Luo
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinjing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfen Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jirun Peng
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Zhang R, Dai J, Yao F, Zhou S, Huang W, Xu J, Yu K, Chen Y, Fan B, Zhang L, Xu J, Li Q. Hypomethylation-enhanced CRTC2 expression drives malignant phenotypes and primary resistance to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2024; 27:109821. [PMID: 38770131 PMCID: PMC11103543 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109821] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) is a crucial regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis and correlates with tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism through which CRTC2 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is largely unknown. Here, we found that increased CRTC2 expression predicted advanced tumor grade and stage, as well as worse prognosis in patients with HCC. DNA promoter hypomethylation led to higher CRTC2 expression in HCC. Functionally, CRTC2 contributed to HCC malignant phenotypes through the activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which could be abrogated by the small-molecular inhibitor XAV-939. Moreover, Crtc2 facilitated tumor growth while concurrently downregulating the PD-L1/PD-1 axis, resulting in primary resistance to immunotherapy. In immunocompetent mice models of HCC, targeting Crtc2 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy prominently suppressed tumor growth by synergistically enhancing responsiveness to immunotherapy. Collectively, targeting CRTC2 might be a promising therapeutic strategy to sensitize immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Feifan Yao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Suiqing Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili 835000, China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Kai Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Yining Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Boqiang Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Liren Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
| | - Qing Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000, China
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Cai X, Yin G, Chen S, Tacke F, Guillot A, Liu H. CDK4/6 inhibition enhances T-cell immunotherapy on hepatocellular carcinoma cells by rejuvenating immunogenicity. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:215. [PMID: 38902716 PMCID: PMC11188513 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03351-z] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the integration of immunotherapeutic approaches. Palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, has demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical HCC models and is being evaluated as a novel therapeutic option in clinical trials. Additionally, CDK4/6 inhibition induces cellular senescence, potentially influencing the tumor microenvironment and immunogenicity of cancer cells. In this study, we conducted comprehensive bioinformatic analyses using diverse HCC transcriptome datasets, including bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data from public databases. We also utilized human and mouse HCC cells to investigate functional aspects. Primary T cells isolated from mouse blood were employed to assess T cell immunity against HCC cells. Results revealed that CD8+ T-cell infiltration correlates with improved outcomes in HCC patients with suppressed CDK4/6 expression. Moreover, CDK4/6 expression was associated with alterations in the immune landscape and immune checkpoint expression within the liver tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we found that treatment with Palbociclib and Doxorubicin induces cellular senescence and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype in HCC cells. Notably, pretreatment with Palbociclib augmented T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HCC cells, despite upregulation of PD-L1, surpassing the effects of Doxorubicin pretreatment. In conclusion, our study elucidates a novel mechanism by which CDK4/6 inhibition enhances T-cell-associated cancer elimination and proposes a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance T-cell immunotherapy on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurong Cai
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Guo Yin
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow- Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Augustenburger Platz. 1,, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou Medical Center, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow- Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Augustenburger Platz. 1,, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrien Guillot
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow- Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Augustenburger Platz. 1,, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanyang Liu
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow- Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Augustenburger Platz. 1,, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou Medical Center, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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23
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Wei J, Zhao X, Long F, Tian K, Wu L. Lianhua Qingwen exerts anti-liver cancer effects and synergistic efficacy with sorafenib through PI3K/AKT pathway: Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Gene 2024; 912:148383. [PMID: 38493972 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148383] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies and sorafenib resistance is the main treatment obstacle for patients with advanced liver cancer. Developing drugs that sensitize liver cancer patients to sorafenib is of great importance. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW), a sort of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), is reported to exert synergistic effects with oseltamivir against Influenza virus. However, whether LHQW could exhibit anti-liver cancer effects and enhance the efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer have not been reported. In the present study, the potential anti-liver cancer effects of LHQW and its synergistic effects with sorafenib were investigated via applying network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. An "ingredient-compound- target-liver cancer" network was constructed which included 12 ingredients, 164 compounds, and 402 targets. AKT1 was identified as the most hub gene and the PI3K/AKT pathway was revealed as the most enriched pathway. Subsequently, the molecular docking results showed that kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin were screened as the top 3 compounds which showed the tightest binding to AKT1. Further, the in vitro experiments verified that LHQW significantly inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Western blot assays confirmed that LHQW could attenuate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Interestingly, LHQW showed a synergistic effect with sorafenib against liver cancer via reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and down- regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. This study broadens the potential application of LHQW and provides insights for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Wei
- Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuqi Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Fuli Long
- Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Kunpeng Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China; Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China.
| | - Lichuan Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China.
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Du YN, Zhao JW. GDF15: Immunomodulatory Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1171-1183. [PMID: 38911292 PMCID: PMC11193986 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s471239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Evidence shows that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis through various mechanisms. This paper reviews the latest insights into the role of GDF15 in the development of HCC, its role in the immune microenvironment of HCC, and its molecular mechanisms in metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC. Additionally, as a serum biomarker for HCC, diagnostic and prognostic value of GDF15 for HCC is summarized. The article elaborates on the immunological effects of GDF15, elucidating its effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver fibrosis, as well as its role in HCC metastasis and tumor angiogenesis, and its interactions with anticancer drugs. Based on the impact of GDF15 on the immune response in HCC, future research should identify its signaling pathways, affected immune cells, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Clinical studies correlating GDF15 levels with patient outcomes can aid personalized treatment. Additionally, exploring GDF15-targeted therapies with immunotherapies could improve anti-tumor responses and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ning Du
- Department of Medical Sciences, Li Ka-shing School of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Wei Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Sun B, Chen L, Lei Y, Zhang L, Sun T, Liu Y, Zheng C. Sorafenib plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with or without camrelizumab for the treatment of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1320-1327. [PMID: 38711192 PMCID: PMC11186562 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae087] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib and camrelizumab or with sorafenib alone in patients with intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We retrospectively analysed 78 patients with intermediate or advanced HCC who were treated at our centres between January 2018 and December 2021. Twenty-six of them received sorafenib and camrelizumab plus TACE (the TACE + Sor + C group), while 52 received TACE and sorafenib (the TACE + Sor group). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the factors affecting survival. RESULTS The median OS (22 vs 10 months, P < .001) and median PFS (11 vs 6 months, P = .008) of the TACE + Sor + C group were significantly higher than those of the TACE + Sor group. Multivariate analysis showed that compared with TACE + Sor + C, TACE + Sor increased the risk of all-cause mortality and tumour progression. For grade I and II AEs, the incidence of skin capillary hyperplasia and hypothyroidism in the TACE + Sor + C group was significantly higher than that in the TACE + Sor group. For serious AEs (grade III or IV), there was no significant difference in any adverse reaction between the 2 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION Patients with intermediate or advanced HCC appeared to benefit more in terms of survival from TACE + Sor + C than from TACE + Sor, and the AEs were tolerable. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE (1) Subgroup analysis demonstrated that TACE + sorafenib + camrelizumab could benefit HCC patients regardless of whether they had portal vein tumour thrombosis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B or C, or CHILD A or B; (2) We reported the immunotherapy-related AEs occurred with a significantly higher incidence in triple treatment, but all the AEs are tolerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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26
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Dong L, Wang P, Pan Y, Sun N, Yin G. Efficacy and safety analysis of PD-1 combined with regorafenib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2024; 16:2554-2562. [PMID: 39006269 PMCID: PMC11236643 DOI: 10.62347/iihg2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with regorafenib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 82 patients diagnosed with advanced HCC at Lanzhou Petrochemical General Hospital and the Second People's Hospital of Lanzhou City from October 2021 to October 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: the observation group (42 patients) received combined therapy with regorafenib and a PD-1 inhibitor, while the control group (40 patients) received only regorafenib monotherapy. Treatment efficacy, changes in serum tumor markers pre- and post-treatment, incidence of adverse reactions, progression-free survival (PFS), 1-year survival rate, and independent prognostic factors were evaluated for both groups. RESULTS The treatment efficacy in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Post-treatment levels of VEGF, sIL-2R, and CEA were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was similar between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the observation group demonstrated a significantly higher median PFS and 1-year survival rate than the control group (both P<0.05). Vascular invasion, degree of differentiation, and treatment regimen were identified as independent prognostic factors affecting outcomes (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with advanced HCC, integrating PD-1 inhibitors with regorafenib treatment not only enhances clinical efficacy but also maintains safety. This combination therapy significantly improves progression-free survival and 1-year survival rates, supporting its further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dong
- Gastroenterology Department, Lanzhou Petrochemical General Hospital (The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)No. 733 Fuli West Road, Xigu District, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Pengbin Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second People’s Hospital of Lanzhou CityNo. 388 Jingyuan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Radiology Department, Lanzhou Petrochemical General Hospital (The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)No. 733 Fuli West Road, Xigu District, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Naiying Sun
- Gastroenterology Department, Lanzhou Petrochemical General Hospital (The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)No. 733 Fuli West Road, Xigu District, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Gastroenterology Department, Lanzhou Petrochemical General Hospital (The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)No. 733 Fuli West Road, Xigu District, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
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Xiao T, Hu S, Dong S, Cai Q, Gong W, Zhang Y, Long C, Li X. A study on combination of non-ablative local RFA with PD-1 and angiogenesis blocking to prolong survival through improvement of immune microenvironment in advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112144. [PMID: 38733820 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), an effective local treatment method for early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), combined with PD-1 blocking and anti-angiogenic therapy is being extensively explored in advanced HCC, however, the definite results and underlying mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. Therefore, whether non-ablative RFA-based combined therapy can play a synergistic anti-tumor effect through improving tumor immune microenvironment was investigated by us in HCC mouse models. Our results showed that non-ablative RFA could regulate multilayered immunity, such as inducing immunogenic death of tumor cells, upregulating the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, mainly IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and subsequently promoting the infiltration of CD8 + T cells. As a result, a significant synergistic anti-tumor effect was demonstrated in the combination therapy group. Similarly, in the real-world setting, non-curative RFA combined with PD-1 blocking and Lenvatinib for 12 patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C achieve promising results, with 6.9 months (95 % CI: 3.23-15.73) median progression-free survival (mPFS) and 12.7 months (95 % CI: 7.40-19.73) median overall survival (mOS). The common treatment-related adverse reactions were pneumonia and thyroiditis with low prevalence, both less than grade 3 and manageable by symptomatic treatment. Summarily, local non-ablative RFA should be a clinically preferred strategy in combination with PD-1 blocking and anti-angiogenic therapy, because this more flexible scheme abandons its historical concept of tumor eradication, but fully utilizes the immune regulatory function by inducing immunogenic tumor death and has higher-level of safety. Therefore, this is a two-pronged and highly balanced approach to achieved favorable treatment outcomes, while conclusive evidence is still pending, it can be attempted in the real world anyway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlin Xiao
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Cheng Long
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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28
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Hansen FJ, David P, Weber GF. The Multifaceted Functionality of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Potential Therapeutic Target? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2216. [PMID: 38927922 PMCID: PMC11201847 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a crucial role in tumor immunity, exhibiting both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. This review aims to summarize the role of pDCs in different types of GI tumors and assess their potential as therapeutic targets. In gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, increased infiltration of pDCs was associated with a worse outcome, whereas in esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, pDC infiltration improved the outcome. Initial animal studies of gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma showed that pDCs could be a successful therapeutic target. In conclusion, pDCs play a multifaceted role in GI tumors, influencing both anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression. Further research is needed to optimize their clinical application and explore combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul David
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Faculty of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Georg F. Weber
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Faculty of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
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29
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Chu J, Jiang J, Fan X, Liu J, Gao K, Jiang Y, Li M, Xi W, Zhang L, Bian K, Yang A, Zhang R. A novel MYC-ZNF706-SLC7A11 regulatory circuit contributes to cancer progression and redox balance in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01324-3. [PMID: 38862581 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01324-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic potential of chromosome 8q22 copy number gain in liver cancer remains to be depicted. Here, we report that ZNF706, encoded by a gene mapped to chromosome 8q22, is a C2H2-type zinc finger protein. However, the biological function and mechanism of ZNF706 have been poorly investigated. Clinically, ZNF706 expression was elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and high ZNF706 expression was associated with unfavorable survival in HCC patients. Functional experiments revealed that ZNF706 knockdown inhibited HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation-based deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) revealed that mechanistically, ZNF706 is a crucial ferroptosis regulator and that SLC7A11 is a critical target of ZNF706. In addition, ZNF706 knockdown inhibited SLC7A11 expression, increased lipid peroxidation, and promoted ferroptosis. Further analysis revealed that ZNF706 is a novel direct target transcriptionally activated by MYC in HCC cells. Importantly, MYC depletion reduced SLC7A11-mediated redox homeostasis, and this effect was reversed by ZNF706 reexpression. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ZNF706 is a potential oncogene in liver cancer and functions as a ferroptosis regulator by modulating SLC7A11 expression, constituting a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Health Service, Base of Health Service, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Xin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Ke Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710199, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Mengxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Wenjin Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Ka Bian
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China.
| | - Angang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
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30
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Wang H, Bo W, Feng X, Zhang J, Li G, Chen Y. Strategies and Recent Advances on Improving Efficient Antitumor of Lenvatinib Based on Nanoparticle Delivery System. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5581-5603. [PMID: 38882543 PMCID: PMC11177867 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s460844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib (LVN) is a potentially effective multiple-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma and thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, poor pharmacokinetic properties including poor water solubility and rapid metabolic, complex tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance have impeded its satisfactory therapeutic efficacy. This article comprehensively reviews the uses of nanotechnology in LVN to improve antitumor effects. With the characteristic of high modifiability and loading capacity of the nano-drug delivery system, an active targeting approach, controllable drug release, and biomimetic strategies have been devised to deliver LVN to target tumors in sequence, compensating for the lack of passive targeting. The existing applications and advances of LVN in improving therapeutic efficacy include improving longer-term efficiency, achieving higher efficiency, combination therapy, tracking and diagnosing application and reducing toxicity. Therefore, using multiple strategies combined with photothermal, photodynamic, and immunoregulatory therapies potentially overcomes multi-drug resistance, regulates unfavorable tumor microenvironment, and yields higher synergistic antitumor effects. In brief, the nano-LVN delivery system has brought light to the war against cancer while at the same time improving the antitumor effect. More intelligent and multifunctional nanoparticles should be investigated and further converted into clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wentao Bo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xielin Feng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinliang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Emergency, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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31
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Yuan L, Meng Y, Xiang J. SNX16 is required for hepatocellular carcinoma survival via modulating the EGFR-AKT signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13093. [PMID: 38849490 PMCID: PMC11161632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sorting nexin 16 (SNX16), a pivotal sorting nexin, emerges in tumor progression complexity, fueling research interest. However, SNX16's biological impact and molecular underpinnings in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. This study probes SNX16's function, clinical relevance via mRNA, and protein expression in HCC. Overexpression/knockdown assays of SNX16 were employed to elucidate impacts on HCC cell invasion, proliferation, and EMT. Additionally, the study delved into SNX16's regulation of the EGFR-AKT signaling cascade mechanism. SNX16 overexpression in HCC correlates with poor patient survival; enhancing proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity, while SNX16 knockdown suppresses these processes. SNX16 downregulation curbs phospho-EGFR, dampening AKT signaling. EGFR suppression counters SNX16-overexpression-induced HCC proliferation, motility, and invasiveness. Our findings delineate SNX16's regulatory role in HCC, implicating it as a prospective therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Medical College, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yanqiu Meng
- Oncology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiajia Xiang
- Molecular Centre Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical College, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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32
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Jiang Y, Glandorff C, Sun M. GSH and Ferroptosis: Side-by-Side Partners in the Fight against Tumors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:697. [PMID: 38929136 PMCID: PMC11201279 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060697] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH), a prominent antioxidant in organisms, exhibits diverse biological functions and is crucial in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and upholding a stable redox milieu. The metabolism of GSH is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly in the progression of malignant tumors. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of GSH synthesis and metabolism to modulate GSH levels represent a promising avenue for future research. This study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between GSH metabolism and ferroptosis, highlighting how modulation of GSH metabolism can impact cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis and consequently influence the development of tumors and other diseases. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of GSH, including its structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, sources, and metabolic pathways, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying GSH regulation of ferroptosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Unraveling the biological role of GSH holds promise for individuals afflicted with tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulang Jiang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.J.); (C.G.)
- Internal Medicine in Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Christian Glandorff
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.J.); (C.G.)
- Internal Medicine in Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- University Clinic of Hamburg at the HanseMerkur Center of TCM, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.J.); (C.G.)
- Internal Medicine in Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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33
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Tian Y, An N, Li W, Tang S, Li J, Wang H, Su R, Cai D. Discovery of Ureido-Substituted 4-Phenylthiazole Derivatives as IGF1R Inhibitors with Potent Antiproliferative Properties. Molecules 2024; 29:2653. [PMID: 38893528 PMCID: PMC11173463 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112653] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The existing kinase inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have conferred survival benefits but are hampered by adverse effects and drug resistance, necessitating the development of novel agents targeting distinct pathways. To discover potent new anti-HCC compounds, we leveraged scaffold hopping from Sorafenib and introduced morpholine/piperidine moieties to develop ureido-substituted 4-phenylthiazole analogs with optimized physicochemical properties and binding interactions. Notably, compound 27 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (IC50 = 0.62 ± 0.34 μM), significantly exceeding Sorafenib (IC50 = 1.62 ± 0.27 μM). Mechanistic investigations revealed that compound 27 potently inhibited HCC cell migration and colony formation, and it induced G2/M arrest and early-stage apoptosis. Kinase profiling revealed IGF1R as a key target, which compound 27 potently inhibited (76.84% at 10 μM). Molecular modeling substantiated compound 27's strong binding to IGF1R via multiple hydrogen bonds. Computational predictions indicate favorable drug-like properties for compound 27. These findings provide a promising drug candidate for the treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Ni An
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Drug Development in Universities of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Wenru Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Shixin Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Jiqi Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - He Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Rongjian Su
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Drug Development in Universities of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Dong Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
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34
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Cantile M, Belli V, Scognamiglio G, Martorana A, De Pietro G, Tracey M, Budillon A. The role of HOTAIR in the modulation of resistance to anticancer therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1414651. [PMID: 38887279 PMCID: PMC11181001 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1414651] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Leading anti-tumour therapeutic strategies typically involve surgery and radiotherapy for locally advanced (non-metastatic) cancers, while hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy are the current treatment options for metastatic cancer. Despite the initially high sensitivity rate to anticancer therapies, a large number of patients develop resistance, leading to a poor prognosis. The mechanisms related to drug resistance are highly complex, and long non-coding RNAs appear to play a crucial role in these processes. Among these, the lncRNA homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), widely implicated in cancer initiation and progression, likewise plays a significant role in anticancer drug resistance. It can modulate cell activities such as proliferation, apoptosis, hypoxia, autophagy, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thereby contributing to the development of resistant tumour cells. In this manuscript, we describe different mechanisms of antitumor drug resistance in which HOTAIR is involved and suggest its potential as a therapeutic predictive biomarker for the management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cantile
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Belli
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giosuè Scognamiglio
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Martorana
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Pietro
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Maura Tracey
- Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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35
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Hou X, Xu Q, Liu R. CREB3 facilitates Donafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the LSD1/CoREST/p65 axis by transcriptionally activating long noncoding RNA ZFAS1. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101684. [PMID: 38641372 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug resistance greatly limits the therapeutic effect of a drug. This study aimed to explore the role of long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 in Donafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS The expression of CREB3, ZFAS1, and p65 in HCC cell lines was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. After transfection with sh-ZFAS1, sh-CREB3, or sh-CREB3 + oe-p65 in Donafenib-resistent (DR) HCC cell lines, the transfection efficiency was evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The proliferation and IC50 to Donafenib of HCC cell lines was examined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by colony formation and flow cytometry assays. Then, the correlation amongst CREB3, ZFAS1, LSD1/CoREST, and p65 was analysed by ChIP, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and RIP assays. RESULTS ZFAS1, CREB3, and p65 were upregulated in HepG2-DR and Huh7-DR cells. Silencing of ZFAS1 or CREB3 enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to Donafenib, inhibited cell proliferation and IC50, and increased cell apoptosis, which were reversed by p65 overexpression. Mechanistically, CREB3 bound to ZFAS1 promoter to augment ZFAS1 transcriptional expression, and ZFAS1 recruited LSD1/CoREST to the p65 promoter region to decrease H3K4 methylation and elevate p65 transcriptional expression. CONCLUSION CREB3 overexpression contributed to Donafenib resistance in HCC cells by activating the ZFAS1/p65 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunbo Hou
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Rd, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China
| | - Qiannan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, PR China
| | - Ruibao Liu
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Rd, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
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36
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Zhou Y, Zhao H, Ren R, Zhou M, Zhang J, Wu Z, Chen Y, Lei J, Chen Y, Yu Y, Li Y. GPAT3 is a potential therapeutic target to overcome sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2024; 14:3470-3485. [PMID: 38948063 PMCID: PMC11209725 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Sorafenib is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but acquired resistance during the treatment greatly limits its clinical efficiency. Lipid metabolic disorder plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, whether and how lipid metabolic reprogramming regulates sorafenib resistance of HCC cells remains vague. Methods: Sorafenib resistant HCC cells were established by continuous induction. UHPLC-MS/MS, proteomics, and flow cytometry were used to assess the lipid metabolism. ChIP and western blot were used to reflect the interaction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) with glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 (GPAT3). Gain- and loss-of function studies were applied to explore the mechanism driving sorafenib resistance of HCC. Flow cytometry and CCK8 in vitro, and tumor size in vivo were used to evaluate the sorafenib sensitivity of HCC cells. Results: Our metabolome data revealed a significant enrichment of triglycerides in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Further analysis using proteomics and genomics techniques demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of GPAT3 in the sorafenib-resistant groups, which was found to be dependent on the activation of STAT3. The restoration of GPAT3 resensitized HCC cells to sorafenib, while overexpression of GPAT3 led to insensitivity to sorafenib. Mechanistically, GPAT3 upregulation increased triglyceride synthesis, which in turn stimulated the NF-κB/Bcl2 signaling pathway, resulting in apoptosis tolerance upon sorafenib treatment. Furthermore, our in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that pan-GPAT inhibitors effectively reversed sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that GPAT3 elevation in HCC cells reprograms triglyceride metabolism which contributes to acquired resistance to sorafenib, which suggests GPAT3 as a potential target for enhancing the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Huakan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ran Ren
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Mingyue Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiangang Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juan Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
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Ma D, Yang M, Sun C, Cui X, Xiong G, Wang Q, Jing W, Chen H, Lv X, Liu S, Li T, Zhao Y, Han L. cGAS suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma independent of its cGAMP synthase activity. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:722-737. [PMID: 38594443 PMCID: PMC11164996 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01291-9] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key innate immune sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA to induce immune responses against invading pathogens. The role of cGAS is conventionally recognized as a nucleotidyltransferase to catalyze the synthesis of cGAMP upon recognition of cytosolic DNA, which leads to the activation of STING and production of type I/III interferon to fight against the pathogen. However, given that hepatocytes are lack of functional STING expression, it is intriguing to define the role of cGAS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the liver parenchymal cells derived malignancy. In this study, we revealed that cGAS was significantly downregulated in clinical HCC tissues, and its dysregulation contributed to the progression of HCC. We further identified cGAS as an immune tyrosine inhibitory motif (ITIM) containing protein, and demonstrated that cGAS inhibited the progression of HCC and increased the response of HCC to sorafenib treatment by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in cellular and animal models. Mechanistically, cGAS recruits SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) via ITIM, and dephosphorylates p85 in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which leads to the suppression of AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Thus, cGAS is identified as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC via its function independent of its conventional role as cGAMP synthase, which indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC by modulating cGAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caiyu Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuling Cui
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaozhong Xiong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiushi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lihui Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Zhang S, Guo H, Wang H, Liu X, Wang M, Liu X, Fan Y, Tan K. A novel mitochondrial unfolded protein response-related risk signature to predict prognosis, immunotherapy and sorafenib sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Apoptosis 2024; 29:768-784. [PMID: 38493408 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01945-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) not only maintains mitochondrial integrity but also regulates cancer progression and drug resistance. However, no study has used the UPRmt to construct a prognostic signature for HCC. This work aimed to establish a novel signature for predicting patient prognosis, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy response based on UPRmt-related genes (MRGs). Transcriptional profiles and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were applied to select prognostic genes and develop a risk model. The TIMER algorithm was used to investigate immunocytic infiltration in the high- and low-risk subgroups. Here, two distinct clusters were identified with different prognoses, immune cell infiltration statuses, drug sensitivities, and response to immunotherapy. A risk score consisting of seven MRGs (HSPD1, LONP1, SSBP1, MRPS5, YME1L1, HDAC1 and HDAC2) was developed to accurately and independently predict the prognosis of HCC patients. Additionally, the expression of core MRGs was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptome analyses. Notably, the expression of prognostic MRGs was significantly correlated with sorafenib sensitivity in HCC and markedly downregulated in sorafenib-treated HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of LONP1 decreased the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HepG2 cells, suggesting that upregulated LONP1 expression contributed to the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the consensus clustering algorithm, prognostic potential, immune microenvironment infiltration and drug sensitivity based on the expression of MRGs in HCC. In summary, the UPRmt-related classification and prognostic signature could assist in determining the prognosis and personalized therapy of HCC patients from the perspectives of predictive, preventative and personalized medicine.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects
- Prognosis
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- Sorafenib/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/drug effects
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Male
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Female
- Cell Line, Tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidi Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hanyao Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaopeng Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meixia Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Su F, Koeberle A. Regulation and targeting of SREBP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:673-708. [PMID: 38036934 PMCID: PMC11156753 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing burden on global public health and is associated with enhanced lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and lipid metabolic reprogramming. De novo lipogenesis is under the control of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and essentially contributes to HCC progression. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of SREBP-1 isoforms in HCC based on cellular, animal, and clinical data. Specifically, we (i) address the overarching mechanisms for regulating SREBP-1 transcription, proteolytic processing, nuclear stability, and transactivation and (ii) critically discuss their impact on HCC, taking into account (iii) insights from pharmacological approaches. Emphasis is placed on cross-talk with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase A (PKA), and other kinases that directly phosphorylate SREBP-1; transcription factors, such as liver X receptor (LXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1 (PGC-1), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), and Myc; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational modifications of SREBP-1; and SREBP-1-regulatory metabolites such as oxysterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. By carefully scrutinizing the role of SREBP-1 in HCC development, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, we shed light on the potential of SREBP-1-targeting strategies in HCC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Su
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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40
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Hu Y, Luo Z, Cai S, Xie Q, Zheng S. Glycyrrhizic acid attenuates sorafenib resistance by inducing ferroptosis via targeting mTOR signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:730-736. [PMID: 38426342 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2024.2315317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most malignant cancer worldwide. Sorafenib (SRF) is a common therapeutic drug used for patients with advanced HCC. Nevertheless, drug resistance frequently occurs in patients treated with sorafenib. Glycyrrhizic acid (GRA) is a natural compound that is identified to exhibit anti-cancer effects. In this work, we aimed to investigate the effects of GRA on SRF-resistant HCC cells and the potential regulatory mechanisms. METHODS We established SRF-resistant HCC cell lines and administrated GRA treatment. We performed CCK-8 and colony formation experiments to detect cell proliferation. The accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron levels were measured to evaluate ferroptosis. The protein levels of ferroptosis suppressor glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11, and the activation of AKT and mTOR were measured with western blotting assay. RESULTS GRA treatment notably suppressed the viability and proliferation of SRF-resistant HCC cells. SRF-resistant HCC cells exhibited repressed ferroptosis level activated AKT/mTOR cascade, and GRA treatment reversed these effects. Inhibition of ferroptosis and activation of mTOR reversed the anti-proliferation effects of GRA on SRF-resistant HCC cells. CONCLUSION Treatment with GRA could effectively reverse the SRF resistance of HCC cells via inducing ferroptosis and inactivating the AKT/mTOR cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Hu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University, Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Jinjiang Municipal Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhongfei Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Jinjiang Municipal Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Siyi Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Jinjiang Municipal Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qinfen Xie
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University, Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University, Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Lv T, Wang C, Zhou J, Feng X, Zhang L, Fan Z. Mechanism and role of nuclear laminin B1 in cell senescence and malignant tumors. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:269. [PMID: 38824174 PMCID: PMC11144256 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear lamin B1 (LMNB1) is a member of the nuclear lamin protein family. LMNB1 can maintain and ensure the stability of nuclear structure and influence the process of cell senescence by regulating chromatin distribution, DNA replication and transcription, gene expression, cell cycle, etc. In recent years, several studies have shown that the abnormal expression of LMNB1, a classical biomarker of cell senescence, is highly correlated with the progression of various malignant tumors; LMNB1 is therefore considered a new potential tumor marker and therapeutic target. However, the mechanism of action of LMNB1 is influenced by many factors, which are difficult to clarify at present. This article focuses on the recent progress in understanding the role of LMNB1 in cell senescence and malignant tumors and offers insights that could contribute to elucidating the mechanism of action of LMNB1 to provide a new direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingcong Lv
- Department of General Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jialin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases Research, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Zhe Fan
- Department of General Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases Research, the Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
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Jia J, Wang X, Lin X, Zhao Y. Engineered Microorganisms for Advancing Tumor Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313389. [PMID: 38485221 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms have attracted significant interest as a unique therapeutic platform in tumor treatment. Compared with conventional cancer treatment strategies, engineering microorganism-based systems provide various distinct advantages, such as the intrinsic capability in targeting tumors, their inherent immunogenicity, in situ production of antitumor agents, and multiple synergistic functions to fight against tumors. Herein, the design, preparation, and application of the engineered microorganisms for advanced tumor therapy are thoroughly reviewed. This review presents a comprehensive survey of innovative tumor therapeutic strategies based on a series of representative engineered microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, microalgae, and fungi. Specifically, it offers extensive analyses of the design principles, engineering strategies, and tumor therapeutic mechanisms, as well as the advantages and limitations of different engineered microorganism-based systems. Finally, the current challenges and future research prospects in this field, which can inspire new ideas for the design of creative tumor therapy paradigms utilizing engineered microorganisms and facilitate their clinical applications, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxuan Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaocheng Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
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Mir IH, Shyam KT, Balakrishnan SS, Kumar MS, Ramesh T, Thirunavukkarasu C. Elucidation of escitalopram oxalate and related antidepressants as putative inhibitors of PTP4A3/PRL-3 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi-computational investigation. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 110:108039. [PMID: 38471352 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108039] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) persists to be one of the most devastating and deadliest malignancies globally. Recent research into the molecular signaling networks entailed in many malignancies has given some prominent insights that can be leveraged to create molecular therapeutics for combating HCC. Therefore, in the current communication, an in-silico drug repurposing approach has been employed to target the function of PTP4A3/PRL-3 protein in HCC using antidepressants: Fluoxetine hydrochloride, Citalopram, Amitriptyline, Imipramine, and Escitalopram oxalate as the desired ligands. The density function theory (DFT) and chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters for the chosen ligands were evaluated to comprehend the pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness properties, and bioreactivity of the ligands. The precise interaction mechanism was explored using computational methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies to assess the inhibitory effect and the stability of the interactions against the protein of interest. Escitalopram oxalate exhibited a comparatively significant docking score (-7.4 kcal/mol) compared to the control JMS-053 (-6.8 kcal/mol) against the PRL-3 protein. The 2D interaction plots exhibited an array of hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions. The findings of the ADMET forecast confirmed that it adheres to Lipinski's rule of five with no violations, and DFT analysis revealed a HOMO-LUMO energy gap of -0.26778 ev, demonstrating better reactivity than the control molecule. The docked complexes were subjected to MD studies (100 ns) showing stable interactions. Considering all the findings, it can be concluded that Escitalopram oxalate and related therapeutics can act as potential pharmacological candidates for targeting the activity of PTP4A3/PRL-3 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishfaq Hassan Mir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605 014, India
| | - Kankipati Teja Shyam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605 014, India
| | | | | | - Thiyagarajan Ramesh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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Chen X, Zhu N, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Jin K, Zhou Z, Chen G, Wang J. Withaferin A, a natural thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, synergistically enhances the antitumor efficacy of sorafenib through ROS-mediated ER stress and DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155317. [PMID: 38537439 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155317] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib (Sora), a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely recognized as a standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance mechanisms hinder its anticancer efficacy. Derived from Withania somnifera, Withaferin A (WA) exhibits remarkable anti-tumor properties as a natural bioactive compound. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms that underlie the impacts of Sora and WA co-treatment on HCC. METHODS Cell proliferation was evaluated through colony formation and MTT assays. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cellular apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The evaluation of apoptosis-related protein levels, DNA damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was conducte utilizing IHC staining and western blotting. Moreover, the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, ATF4 siRNA, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and TrxR1 shRNA were used to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways. To validate the antitumor effects of Sora/WA co-treatment, in vivo experiments were ultimately executed using Huh7 xenografts. RESULTS Sora/WA co-treatment demonstrated significant synergistic antitumor impacts both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the enhanced antitumor impact of Sora by WA was achieved through the inhibition of TrxR1 activity, resulting in ROS accumulation. Moreover, ROS generation induced the activation of DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, eventually triggering cellular apoptosis. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant NAC significantly inhibited ROS generation, ER stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by Sora/WA co-treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of ATF4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated Sora/WA co-treatment-induced apoptosis. In vivo, Sora/WA co-treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in HCC xenograft models and decreased TrxR1 activity in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that WA synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of Sora, offering promising implications for evolving treatment approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiwen Jin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiabing Wang
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China.
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Li X, Zhou M, Chen W, Sun J, Zhao Y, Wang G, Wang B, Pan Y, Zhang J, Xu J. Integrating network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation to unveil the molecular targets and mechanisms of galangin for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:208. [PMID: 38816744 PMCID: PMC11137903 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04518-x] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galangin, a flavonoid compound, is derived from Alpinia officinarum Hance. Previous studies have shown that galangin can inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of galangin on HCC through network pharmacology, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental in vitro validation. METHODS In this study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the targets and mechanisms of galangin in the treatment of HCC. AutoDockTools software was used to simulate and calculate the binding of galangin to its core targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted in the DAVID database to explore the main biological functions and signaling pathways impacted by galangin intervention. In addition, bioinformatics was applied to examine the correlation between the differential expressions of the anti-HCC core targets of galangin and the survival of patients with HCC. Finally, the findings obtained from network pharmacology and bioinformatics were verified in cell experiments. RESULTS A total of 67 overlapping target genes of galangin and HCC were identified. Through the analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, 10 hub genes with the highest degree of freedom were identified, including SRC, ESR1, MMP9, CDK4, CCNB1, MMP2, CDK2, CDK1, CHK1, and PLK1. These genes were found to be closely related to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, signal transduction, and the cell cycle. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that galangin exerts an anti-HCC role by affecting various signaling pathways, including the cell cycle, pathways in cancer, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking indicated a significant interaction between galangin and CCNB1, CDK4, CDK1, and PLK1. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CCNB1, CDK4, CDK1, and PLK1 were upregulated in the liver of patients with HCC at both the mRNA and protein levels. Flow cytometry analysis showed that galangin induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Additionally, galangin suppressed the expression of key proteins and mRNAs involved in the cell cycle pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that galangin inhibits the growth of HCC cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Li
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation of Ministry of Education & International Joint Research Center of Human-Machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development on Tropical Herbs & Haikou Key Laboratory of Li Nationality Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, No. 3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyan Zhou
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Jiangbo Sun
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Yihang Zhao
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Gaoan Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Bingshu Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China
| | - Yipeng Pan
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China.
| | - Junqing Zhang
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation of Ministry of Education & International Joint Research Center of Human-Machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province & Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development on Tropical Herbs & Haikou Key Laboratory of Li Nationality Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, No. 3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Department of Hainan Digestive Disease Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No. 368 Yehai Road, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570311, China.
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Dong FL, Xu ZZ, Wang YQ, Li T, Wang X, Li J. Exosome-derived circUPF2 enhances resistance to targeted therapy by redeploying ferroptosis sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:298. [PMID: 38811968 PMCID: PMC11137910 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02582-6] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated with sorafenib, which is the primary choice for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of sorafenib is greatly restricted due to resistance. Research has shown that exosomes and circular RNAs play a vital role in the cancer's malignant advancement. However, the significance of exosomal circular RNAs in the development of resistance to sorafenib in HCC remains uncertain. METHODS Ultracentrifugation was utilized to isolate exosomes (Exo-SR) from the sorafenib-resistant HCC cells' culture medium. Transcriptome sequencing and differential expression gene analysis were used to identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells. To identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of differential expression genes were employed. To evaluate the impact of exosomal circUPF2 on resistance to sorafenib in HCC, experiments involving gain-of-function and loss-of-function were conducted. RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify the RNA-binding proteins interacting with circUPF2. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunofluorescence (IF) -fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and rescue assays were used to validate the interactions among circUPF2, IGF2BP2 and SLC7A11. Finally, a tumor xenograft assay was used to examine the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of Exo-SR and circUPF2 in vivo. RESULTS A novel exosomal circRNA, circUPF2, was identified and revealed to be significantly enriched in Exo-SR. Exosomes with enriched circUPF2 enhanced sorafenib resistance by promoting SLC7A11 expression and suppressing ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circUPF2 acts as a framework to enhance the creation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex contributing to the stabilization of SLC7A11 mRNA. Consequently, exosomal circUPF2 promotes SLC7A11 expression and enhances the function of system Xc- in HCC cells, leading to decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis and resistance to sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS The resistance to sorafenib in HCC is facilitated by the exosomal circUPF2, which promotes the formation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex and increases the stability of SLC7A11 mRNA. Focusing on exosomal circUPF2 could potentially be an innovative approach for HCC treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Humans
- Exosomes/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/metabolism
- Ferroptosis/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Animals
- Mice
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Mice, Nude
- Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism
- Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lin Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Zong-Zhen Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Ying-Qiao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Tao Li
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China.
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Muliawan GK, Lee TKW. The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400112. [PMID: 38868769 PMCID: PMC11167126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400112] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have entered a new era of HCC treatment, their response rates are modest, which can be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within HCC tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to therapeutic resistance to the above treatments. Given that CSCs can regulate cellular and physical factors within the tumor niche by secreting various soluble factors in a paracrine manner, there have been increasing efforts toward understanding the roles of CSC-derived secretory factors in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on how these secretory factors, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, contribute to the immunosuppressive TME, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-derived secretory factors and describe future perspectives. In summary, a better understanding of CSC biology in the TME provides a rational therapeutic basis for combination therapy with ICIs for effective HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kenneth Muliawan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li Y, Huang H, Wang Q, Zheng X, Zhou Y, Kong X, Huang T, Zhang J, Zhou Y. Identification of prognostic risk model based on plasma cell markers in hepatocellular carcinoma through single-cell sequencing analysis. Front Genet 2024; 15:1363197. [PMID: 38859937 PMCID: PMC11163121 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1363197] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a substantial global health burden. Tumorinfiltrating B lymphocytes (TIL-Bs) contribute to tumor progression and significantly impact the efficacy of tumor therapy. However, the characteristics of TIL-Bs in HCC and their effect on HCC therapy remain elusive. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was applied to investigate the heterogeneity, cellular differentiation and cell-cell communication of TIL-Bs in HCC. Further, the Cancer Genome Atlas-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) and liver cancer institutes (LCI) cohorts were applied to construct and validate the plasma cell marker-based prognostic risk model. The relationship between the prognostic risk model and the responsiveness of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with HCC were estimated by OncoPredict and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. Finally, we established nomogram and calibration curves to evaluate the precision of the risk score in predicating survival probability. Our data identified five subtypes of TIL-Bs in HCC, each exhibiting varying levels of infiltration in tumor tissues. The interactions between TIL-Bs and other cell types contributed to shaping distinct tumor microenvironments (TME). Moreover, we found that TIL-Bs subtypes had disparate prognostic values in HCC patients. The prognostic risk model demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy for overall survival and exhibited varying sensitivities to immunotherapy and chemotherapy among patients with HCC. Our data demonstrated that the risk score stood as an independent prognostic predictor and the nomogram results further affirmed its strong prognostic capability. This study reveals the heterogeneity of TIL-Bs and provides a prognostic risk model based on plasma cell markers in HCC, which could prove valuable in predicting prognosis and guiding the choice of suitable therapies for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqi Li
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiangyin Kong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - You Zhou
- Tumor Biological Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Chen H, Han Z, Su J, Song X, Ma Q, Lin Y, Ran Z, Li X, Mou R, Wang Y, Li D. Ferroptosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: the emerging role of lncRNAs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1424954. [PMID: 38846953 PMCID: PMC11153672 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of primary liver cancer and poses a significant challenge to the medical community because of its high mortality rate. In recent years, ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death, has garnered widespread attention. Ferroptosis, which is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial alterations, is closely associated with the pathological processes of various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are a type of functional RNA, and play crucial regulatory roles in a variety of biological processes. In this manuscript, we review the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the key aspects of ferroptosis, and summarize the research progress on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongyu Han
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyan Su
- The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuanliang Song
- The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingquan Ma
- The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Yumeng Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijin Ran
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueping Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongkun Mou
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongxuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to North Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China
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50
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Liu X, Bai Y, Zhou B, Yao W, Song S, Liu J, Zheng C. Recent advances in hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted nanoparticles. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:042004. [PMID: 38697209 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad46d3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
In the field of medicine, we often brave the unknown like interstellar explorers, especially when confronting the formidable opponent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The global burden of HCC remains significant, with suboptimal treatment outcomes necessitating the urgent development of novel drugs and treatments. While various treatments for liver cancer, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have emerged in recent years, improving their transport and therapeutic efficiency, controlling their targeting and release, and mitigating their adverse effects remains challenging. However, just as we grope through the darkness, a glimmer of light emerges-nanotechnology. Recently, nanotechnology has attracted attention because it can increase the local drug concentration in tumors, reduce systemic toxicity, and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of precision therapy for HCC. However, there are also some challenges hindering the clinical translation of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs). Just as interstellar explorers must overcome interstellar dust, we too must overcome various obstacles. In future researches, the design and development of nanodelivery systems for novel drugs treating HCC should be the first attention. Moreover, researchers should focus on the active targeting design of various NPs. The combination of the interventional therapies and drug-loaded NPs will greatly advance the process of precision HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaowei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Binqian Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Songlin Song
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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