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Cai MN, Chen DM, Chen XR, Gu YR, Liao CH, Xiao LX, Wang JL, Lin BL, Huang YH, Lian YF. COLEC10 inhibits the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing the activity of β-catenin signaling. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1897-1910. [PMID: 39080215 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00972-4] [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: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a crucial role in liver cancer stemness, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, but no clinically approved drugs have targeted this pathway efficiently so far. We aimed to elucidate the role of COLEC10 in HCC stemness. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) databases were employed to search for the association between COLEC10 expression and HCC stemness. Colony formation, sphere formation, side population, and limiting dilution tumor initiation assays were used to identify the regulatory role of COLEC10 overexpression in the stemness of HCC cell lines. Wnt/β-catenin reporter assay and immunoprecipitation were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. RESULTS COLEC10 level was negatively correlated with HCC stemness. Elevated COLEC10 led to decreased expressions of EpCAM and AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), two common markers of liver CSCs. Overexpression of COLEC10 inhibited HCC cells from forming colonies and spheres, and reduced the side population numbers in vitro, as well as the tumorigenic capacity in vivo. Mechanically, we demonstrated that overexpression of COLEC10 suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by upregulating Wnt inhibitory factor WIF1 and reducing the level of cytoplasmic β-catenin. COLEC10 overexpression promoted the interaction of β-catenin with the component of destruction complex CK1α. In addition, KLHL22 (Kelch Like Family Member 22), a reported E3 ligase adaptor predicted to interact with CK1α, could facilitate COLEC10 monoubiquitination and degradation. CONCLUSION COLEC10 inhibits HCC stemness by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is a promising target for liver CSC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Na Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Ru Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Rong Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Le-Xin Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Liang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Liang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yue-Hua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yi-Fan Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Di Capua DM, Shanahan W, Bourke M, Ramlaul N, Appel J, Canney A, Docherty NG, McGrath E, Ring E, Jones F, Boyle M, McCormack J, Gallagher T, Hoti E, Nolan N, Ryan JD, Houlihan DD, Fabre A. Tumour stemness and poor clinical outcomes in haemochromatosis patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:669-675. [PMID: 37253536 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208679] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with haemochromatosis (HFE) are known to have an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Available data are conflicting on whether such patients have poorer prognosis, and there is lack of data regarding the biology of HFE-HCC. We compared the course of HFE-HCC with a matched non-HFE-HCC control group and examined tumour characteristics using immunohistochemistry. METHODS In this tertiary care-based retrospective analysis, 12 patients with HFE and 34 patients with alcohol/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis who underwent initially successful curative HCC therapy with ablation or resection were identified from our registry. Time to tumour progression was compared. Resected liver tissue from a separate cohort of 11 matched patients with HFE-HCC and without HFE-HCC was assessed for the expression of progenitor and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The median follow-up was 24.39 and 24.28 months for patients with HFE-HCC and those without HFE-HCC, respectively (p>0.05). The mean time to progression was shorter in the HFE group compared with the non-HFE group (12.87 months vs 17.78 months; HR 3.322, p<0.05). Patients with HFE-HCC also progressed to more advanced disease by the end of follow-up (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of matched HFE-HCC and non-HFE-HCC explants demonstrated increased expression of the cancer stem cell markers EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) and EpCAM/SALL4 (spalt-like transcription factor 4) coexpression in HFE-HCC specimens (p<0.05). There was a high frequency of combined tumour subtypes within the HFE cohort. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the clinical course of patients with HFE-HCC is more aggressive and provides the first data indicating that their tumours have increased expression of progenitor markers. These findings suggest patients with HFE-HCC may need to be considered for transplant at an earlier stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Bourke
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Navneet Ramlaul
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Josh Appel
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Canney
- Histopathology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Neil G Docherty
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erinn McGrath
- HIstopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eabha Ring
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Jones
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marie Boyle
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janet McCormack
- Reseach Pathology Core, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tom Gallagher
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
- Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emir Hoti
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
- Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Nolan
- HIstopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John D Ryan
- Hepatology Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, ireland
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Aurelie Fabre
- HIstopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
- Reseach Pathology Core, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Kassem PH, Montasser IF, Mahmoud RM, Ghorab RA, AbdelHakam DA, Fathi MESA, Wahed MAA, Mohey K, Ibrahim M, Hadidi ME, Masssoud YM, Salah M, Abugable A, Bahaa M, Khamisy SE, Meteini ME. Genomic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients by whole exome sequencing. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:202. [PMID: 39123171 PMCID: PMC11311965 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01965-w] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis lead to accumulation of genetic alterations driving HCC pathogenesis. This study is designed to explore genomic landscape of HCC in Egyptian patients by whole exome sequencing. METHODS Whole exome sequencing using Ion Torrent was done on 13 HCC patients, who underwent surgical intervention (7 patients underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 6 patients had surgical resection}. RESULTS Mutational signature was mostly S1, S5, S6, and S12 in HCC. Analysis of highly mutated genes in both HCC and Non-HCC revealed the presence of highly mutated genes in HCC (AHNAK2, MUC6, MUC16, TTN, ZNF17, FLG, MUC12, OBSCN, PDE4DIP, MUC5b, and HYDIN). Among the 26 significantly mutated HCC genes-identified across 10 genome sequencing studies-in addition to TCGA, APOB and RP1L1 showed the highest number of mutations in both HCC and Non-HCC tissues. Tier 1, Tier 2 variants in TCGA SMGs in HCC and Non-HCC (TP53, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, and BAP1). Cancer Genome Landscape analysis revealed Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants in HCC (MSH2) and in Non-HCC (KMT2D and ATM). For KEGG analysis, the significantly annotated clusters in HCC were Notch signaling, Wnt signaling, PI3K-AKT pathway, Hippo signaling, Apelin signaling, Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, and MAPK signaling, in addition to ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and calcium signaling. Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants KIT, KMT2D, NOTCH1, KMT2C, PIK3CA, KIT, SMARCA4, ATM, PTEN, MSH2, and PTCH1 were low frequency variants in both HCC and Non-HCC. CONCLUSION Our results are in accordance with previous studies in HCC regarding highly mutated genes, TCGA and specifically enriched pathways in HCC. Analysis for clinical interpretation of variants revealed the presence of Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants that represent potential clinically actionable targets. The use of sequencing techniques to detect structural variants and novel techniques as single cell sequencing together with multiomics transcriptomics, metagenomics will integrate the molecular pathogenesis of HCC in Egyptian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perihan Hamdy Kassem
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman Fawzy Montasser
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ramy Mohamed Mahmoud
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Ahmed Ghorab
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina A AbdelHakam
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa A Abdel Wahed
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Mohey
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam Ibrahim
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Hadidi
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Dubai Campus, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Science(CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science(ITCS), Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasmine M Masssoud
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manar Salah
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Arwa Abugable
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mohamad Bahaa
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department and liver Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud El Meteini
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department and liver Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Gu Y, Yi Z, Zhou Z, Wang J, Li S, Zhu P, Liu N, Xu Y, He L, Wang Y, Fan Z. SNORD88B-mediated WRN nucleolar trafficking drives self-renewal in liver cancer initiating cells and hepatocarcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6730. [PMID: 39112443 PMCID: PMC11306581 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50987-6] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in the regulation of liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal and serve as therapeutic targets remains largely unclear. Here we show that a functional snoRNA (SNORD88B) is robustly expressed in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors and liver CSCs. SNORD88B deficiency abolishes the self-renewal of liver CSCs and hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, SNORD88B anchors WRN in the nucleolus, promoting XRCC5 interacts with STK4 promoter to suppress its transcription, leading to inactivation of Hippo signaling. Moreover, low expression of STK4 and high expression of XRCC5 are positively correlated with HCC poor prognosis. Additionally, snord88b knockout suppresses mouse liver tumorigenesis. Notably, co-administration of SNORD88B antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with MST1 agonist adapalene (ADA) exert synergistic antitumor effects and increase overall murine survival. Our findings delineate that SNORD88B drives self-renewal of liver CSCs and accelerates HCC tumorigenesis via non-canonical mechanism, providing potential targets for liver cancer therapy by eliminating liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibin Yi
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanying Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zusen Fan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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5
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Jang B, Kwon SM, Kim JH, Kim JM, Chung T, Yoo JE, Kim H, Calderaro J, Woo HG, Park YN. Transcriptomic profiling of intermediate cell carcinoma of the liver. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0505. [PMID: 39101773 PMCID: PMC11299988 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000505] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermediate cell carcinoma (Int-CA) is a rare and enigmatic primary liver cancer characterized by uniform tumor cells exhibiting mixed features of both HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Despite the unique pathological features of int-CA, its molecular characteristics remain unclear yet. METHODS RNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing profiling were performed on int-CA tumors and compared with those of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. RESULTS Int-CAs unveiled a distinct and intermediate transcriptomic feature that is strikingly different from both HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The marked abundance of splicing events leading to intron retention emerged as a signature feature of int-CA, along with a prominent expression of Notch signaling. Further exploration revealed that METTL16 was suppressed within int-CA, showing a DNA copy number-dependent transcriptional deregulation. Notably, experimental investigations confirmed that METTL16 suppression facilitated invasive tumor characteristics through the activation of the Notch signaling cascade. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a molecular landscape of int-CA featured by METTL16 suppression and frequent intron retention events, which may play pivotal roles in the acquisition of the aggressive phenotype of Int-CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungchan Jang
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Mee Kwon
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Hyun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Mo Kim
- Ajou Translational Omics Center (ATOC), Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taek Chung
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Department of Pathology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Ajou Translational Omics Center (ATOC), Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ye Z, Xiao M, Zhang Y, Zheng A, Zhang D, Chen J, Du F, Zhao Y, Wu X, Li M, Chen Y, Deng S, Shen J, Zhang X, Wen Q, Zhang J, Xiao Z. Identification of tumor stemness and immunity related prognostic factors and sensitive drugs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15962. [PMID: 38987626 PMCID: PMC11236973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66196-6] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes significantly to treatment resistance in various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite this, the relationship between cancer stemness and immunity remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify potential immunotherapeutic targets and sensitive drugs for CSCs in HNSCC. Using data from public databases, we analyzed expression patterns and prognostic values in HNSCC. The stemness index was calculated using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssgsea) algorithm, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to screen for key stemness-related modules. Consensus clustering was then used to group samples for further analysis, and prognosis-related key genes were identified through regression analysis. Our results showed that tumor samples from HNSCC exhibited higher stemness indices compared to normal samples. WGCNA identified a module highly correlated with stemness, comprising 187 genes, which were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption pathways. Furthermore, we identified sensitive drugs targeting prognostic genes associated with tumor stemness. Notably, two genes, HLF and CCL11, were found to be highly associated with both stemness and immunity. In conclusion, our study identifies a stemness-related gene signature and promising drug candidates for CSCs of HNSCC. Additionally, HLF and CCL11, which are associated with both stemness and immunity, represent potential targets for immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Mintao Xiao
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Anfu Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Duoli Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- School of Data Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junkai Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China.
- Gulin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Luzhou, China.
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7
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Su X, Li Y, Ren Y, Cao M, Yang G, Luo J, Hu Z, Deng H, Deng M, Liu B, Yao Z. A new strategy for overcoming drug resistance in liver cancer: Epigenetic regulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116902. [PMID: 38870626 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116902] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma has posed significant obstacles to effective treatment. Recent evidence indicates that, in addition to traditional gene mutations, epigenetic recoding plays a crucial role in HCC drug resistance. Unlike irreversible gene mutations, epigenetic changes are reversible, offering a promising avenue for preventing and overcoming drug resistance in liver cancer. This review focuses on various epigenetic modifications relevant to drug resistance in HCC and their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we introduce current clinical epigenetic drugs and clinical trials of these drugs as regulators of drug resistance in other solid tumors. Although there is no clinical study to prevent the occurrence of drug resistance in liver cancer, the development of liquid biopsy and other technologies has provided a bridge to achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yupeng Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Mingbo Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Gaoyuan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ziyi Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Haixia Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Meihai Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhicheng Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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8
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He P, Liu X, Yu G, Wang Y, Wang S, Liu J, An Y. METTL3 facilitates prostate cancer progression via inducing HOXC6 m6A modification and stabilizing its expression through IGF2BP2-dependent mechanisms. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1707-1720. [PMID: 38822192 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
HOXC6 (Homeobox C6) and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) have been shown to be involved in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). However, whether HOXC6 performs oncogenic effects in PCa via METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is not yet reported. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, scratch, sphere formation assays were applied for cell growth, invasion, migration and stemness analyses. Glycolysis was evaluated by measuring glucose consumption, lactate generation and ATP/ADP ratio. The N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification profile was determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) assay. The proteins that interact with PGK1 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1) were confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation assay. Tumor formation experiments in mice were conducted for in vivo assay. PCa tissues and cells showed highly expressed HOXC6 and METTL3. Functionally, the silencing of HOXC6 or METTL3 suppresses PCa cell proliferation, invasion, migration, stemness, and glycolysis. Moreover, METTL3-induced HOXC6 m6A modification to stabilize its expression. In addition, the m6A reader IGF2BP2 directly recognized and bound to HOXC6 mRNA, and maintained its stability, and was involved in the regulation of HOXC6 expression by METTL3. Furthermore, IGF2BP2 knockdown impaired PCa cell proliferation, invasion, migration, stemness, and glycolysis by regulating HOXC6. Besides that HOXC6 interacted with the glycoytic enzyme PGK1 in PCa cells. In vivo assays further showed that METTL3 silencing reduced the expression of HOXC6 and PGK1, and impeded PCa growth. METTL3 promoted PCa progression by maintaining HOXC6 expression in an m6A-IGF2BP2-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng He
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Department of Geratology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Gui Yu
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shize Wang
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu An
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Section 2, 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China.
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9
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Guo J, Zhang J, Xiang Y, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zheng J. Long noncoding RNA SNHG3 interacts with microRNA-502-3p to mediate ITGA6 expression in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2286-2300. [PMID: 38680094 PMCID: PMC11247603 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16190] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SNHG3, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). In this study, we found that SNHG3 was overexpressed in LIHC and associated with poor outcomes in patients with LIHC. Functional assays, including colony formation, spheroid formation, and in vivo assays showed that SNHG3 promoted stemness of cancer stem cells (CSC) and tumor growth in vivo by interacting with microRNA-502-3p (miR-502-3p). miR-502-3p inhibitor repressed the tumor-suppressing effects of SNHG3 depletion. Finally, by RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assay, m6A methylation level detection, and m6A-IP-qPCR assays, we found that miR-502-3p targeted YTHDF3 to regulate the translation of integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) and targeted HBXIP to inhibit the m6A modification of ITGA6 through methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Our study revealed that SNHG3 controls the YTHDF3/ITGA6 and HBXIP/METTL3/ITGA6 pathways by repressing miR-502-3p expression to sustain the self-renewal properties of CSC in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Guo
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jianquan Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yijun Yang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinfang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
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10
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Moore LL, Qu D, Sureban S, Mitchell S, Pitts K, Cooper N, Fazili J, Harty R, Oseini A, Ding K, Bronze M, Houchen CW. From Inflammation to Oncogenesis: Tracing Serum DCLK1 and miRNA Signatures in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6481. [PMID: 38928187 PMCID: PMC11203803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126481] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC are often a consequence of persistent inflammation. However, the transition mechanisms from a normal liver to fibrosis, then cirrhosis, and further to HCC are not well understood. This study focused on the role of the tumor stem cell protein doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in the modulation of molecular factors in fibrosis, cirrhosis, or HCC. Serum samples from patients with hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC were analyzed via ELISA or NextGen sequencing and were compared with control samples. Differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNA) identified from these patient sera were correlated with DCLK1 expression. We observed elevated serum DCLK1 levels in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC patients; however, TGF-β levels were only elevated in fibrosis and cirrhosis. While DE miRNAs were identified for all three disease states, miR-12136 was elevated in fibrosis but was significantly increased further in cirrhosis. Additionally, miR-1246 and miR-184 were upregulated when DCLK1 was high, while miR-206 was downregulated. This work distinguishes DCLK1 and miRNAs' potential role in different axes promoting inflammation to tumor progression and may serve to identify biomarkers for tracking the progression from pre-neoplastic states to HCC in chronic liver disease patients as well as provide targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Sripathi Sureban
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nasya Cooper
- Department of Natural Sciences, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA;
| | - Javid Fazili
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Richard Harty
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Abdul Oseini
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Michael Bronze
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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11
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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12
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Shaban NZ, Hegazy WA, Abu-Serie MM, Talaat IM, Awad OM, Habashy NH. Seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and proliferation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116638. [PMID: 38688169 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116638] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo ameliorating impacts of seedless black Vitis vinifera (VV) polyphenols on HCC. Following the preparation of the VV crude extract (VVCE) from seedless VV (pulp and skin), three fractions (VVF1, VVF2, and VVF3) were prepared. The anticancer potencies of the prepared fractions, compared to 5-FU, were assessed against HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In addition, the effects of these fractions on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced HCC in mice were evaluated. The predicted impacts of selected phenolic constituents of VV fractions on the activity of essential HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase "NADPH-NOX2", histone deacetylase 1 "HDAC1", and sepiapterin reductase "SepR") were analyzed using molecular docking. The results showed that VVCE and its fractions induced apoptosis and collapsed CD133+ stem cells in the studied cancer cell lines with an efficiency greater than 5-FU. VVF1 and VVF2 exhibited the most effective anticancer fractions in vitro; therefore, we evaluated their influences in mice. VVF1 and VVF2 improved liver morphology and function, induced apoptosis, and lowered the fold expression of various crucial genes that regulate cancer stem cells and other vital pathways for HCC progression. For most of the examined parameters, VVF1 and VVF2 had higher potency than 5-FU, and VVF1 showed more efficiency than VVF2. The selected phenolic compounds displayed competitive inhibitory action on NADPH-NOX2, HDAC1, and SepR. In conclusion, these findings declare that VV polyphenolic fractions, particularly VVF1, could be promising safe anti-HCC agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Z Shaban
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Walaa A Hegazy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Abu-Serie
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Olfat M Awad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Noha H Habashy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
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13
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Min K, Karuppannan SK, Tae G. The impact of matrix stiffness on hepatic cell function, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma-Based on quantitative data. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021306. [PMID: 38846007 PMCID: PMC11151446 DOI: 10.1063/5.0197875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, extensive research has explored the development of supportive scaffold materials for in vitro hepatic cell culture, to effectively mimic in vivo microenvironments. It is crucial for hepatic disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic evaluations, considering the ethical concerns and practical challenges associated with in vivo experiments. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on hepatic cell culture using bioscaffolds by encompassing all stages of hepatic diseases-from a healthy liver to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-with a specific focus on matrix stiffness. This review begins by providing physiological and functional overviews of the liver. Subsequently, it explores hepatic cellular behaviors dependent on matrix stiffness from previous reports. For hepatic cell activities, softer matrices showed significant advantages over stiffer ones in terms of cell proliferation, migration, and hepatic functions. Conversely, stiffer matrices induced myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells, contributing to the further progression of fibrosis. Elevated matrix stiffness also correlates with HCC by increasing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance of HCC cells. In addition, we provide quantitative information on available data to offer valuable perspectives for refining the preparation and development of matrices for hepatic tissue engineering. We also suggest directions for further research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Min
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Kumar Karuppannan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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14
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Ranjbar-Niavol F, Rezaei N, Zhao Y, Mirzaei H, Hassan M, Vosough M. P53/NANOG balance; the leading switch between poorly to well differentiated status in liver cancer cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1377761. [PMID: 38846985 PMCID: PMC11153735 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1377761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Enforcing a well-differentiated state on cells requires tumor suppressor p53 activation as a key player in apoptosis induction and well differentiation. In addition, recent investigations showed a significant correlation between poorly differentiated status and higher expression of NANOG. Inducing the expression of NANOG and decreasing p53 level switch the status of liver cancer cells from well differentiated to poorly status. In this review, we highlighted p53 and NANOG cross-talk in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is regulated through mitophagy and makes it a novel molecular target to attenuate cancerous phenotype in the management of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazeleh Ranjbar-Niavol
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rezaei
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ying Zhao
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
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15
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FENG KUN, PENG HAO, LV QINGPENG, ZHANG YEWEI. PHLDA2 reshapes the immune microenvironment and induces drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1063-1078. [PMID: 38827322 PMCID: PMC11136693 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047078] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy known for its unfavorable prognosis. The dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the sensitivity to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure. The elucidation of PHLDA2's involvement in HCC is imperative, and the clinical value of PHLDA2 is also underestimated. Here, bioinformatics analysis was performed in multiple cohorts to explore the phenotype and mechanism through which PHLDA2 may affect the progression of HCC. Then, the expression and function of PHLDA2 were examined via the qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and MTT assays. Our findings indicate a substantial upregulation of PHLDA2 in HCC, correlated with a poorer prognosis. The methylation levels of PHLDA2 were found to be lower in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Besides, noteworthy associations were observed between PHLDA2 expression and immune infiltration in HCC. In addition, PHLDA2 upregulation is closely associated with stemness features and immunotherapy or chemotherapy resistance in HCC. In vitro experiments showed that sorafenib or cisplatin significantly up-regulated PHLDA2 mRNA levels, and PHLDA2 knockdown markedly decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Meanwhile, we found that TGF-β induced the expression of PHLDA2 in vitro. The GSEA and in vitro experiment indicated that PHLDA2 may promote the HCC progression via activating the AKT signaling pathway. Our study revealed the novel role of PHLDA2 as an independent prognostic factor, which plays an essential role in TME remodeling and treatment resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- KUN FENG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - HAO PENG
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - QINGPENG LV
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - YEWEI ZHANG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
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16
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Zuo A, Li J, Weng S, Xu H, Zhang Y, Wang L, Xing Z, Luo P, Cheng Q, Li J, Han X, Liu Z. Integrated Exploration of Epigenetic Dysregulation Reveals a Stemness/EMT Subtype and MMP12 Linked to the Progression and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1821-1833. [PMID: 38652053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation drives aberrant transcriptional programs playing a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may provide novel insights into the heterogeneity of HCC. This study performed an integrated exploration on the epigenetic dysregulation of miRNA and methylation. We discovered and validated three patterns endowed with gene-related transcriptional traits and clinical outcomes. Specially, a stemness/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) subtype was featured by immune exhaustion and the worst prognosis. Besides, MMP12, a characteristic gene, was highly expressed in the stemness/EMT subtype, which was verified as a pivotal regulator linked to the unfavorable prognosis and further proven to promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro experiments. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry sequencing also indicated that the overexpression of MMP12 was significantly associated with cell proliferation and adhesion. Taken together, this study unveils innovative insights into epigenetic dysregulation and identifies a stemness/EMT subtype-specific gene, MMP12, correlated with the progression and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhe Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Chen E, Zou Z, Wang R, Liu J, Peng Z, Gan Z, Lin Z, Liu J. Predictive value of a stemness-based classifier for prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics and machine-learning strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1244392. [PMID: 38694506 PMCID: PMC11061862 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1244392] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Significant advancements have been made in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapeutics, such as immunotherapy for treating patients with HCC. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting the response of patients to therapy, which continues to be challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the oncogenesis, drug resistance, and invasion, as well as metastasis of HCC cells. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to create an mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) model to predict the response of patients with HCC to immunotherapy. Methods We retrieved gene expression and clinical data of patients with HCC from the GSE14520 dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we used the "one-class logistic regression (OCLR)" algorithm to obtain the mRNAsi of patients with HCC. We performed "unsupervised consensus clustering" to classify patients with HCC based on the mRNAsi scores and stemness subtypes. The relationships between the mRNAsi model, clinicopathological features, and genetic profiles of patients were compared using various bioinformatic methods. We screened for differentially expressed genes to establish a stemness-based classifier for predicting the patient's prognosis. Next, we determined the effect of risk scores on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the response of patients to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Finally, we used qRT-PCR to investigate gene expression in patients with HCC. Results We screened CSC-related genes using various bioinformatics tools in patients from the TCGA-LIHC cohort. We constructed a stemness classifier based on a nine-gene (PPARGC1A, FTCD, CFHR3, MAGEA6, CXCL8, CABYR, EPO, HMMR, and UCK2) signature for predicting the patient's prognosis and response to ICBs. Further, the model was validated in an independent GSE14520 dataset and performed well. Our model could predict the status of TIME, immunogenomic expressions, congenic pathway, and response to chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of infiltrating macrophages, Treg cells, and immune checkpoints was observed in patients in the high-risk group. In addition, tumor cells in patients with high mRNAsi scores could escape immune surveillance. Finally, we observed that the constructed model had a good expression in the clinical samples. The HCC tumor size and UCK2 genes expression were significantly alleviated and decreased, respectively, by treatments of anti-PD1 antibody. We also found knockdown UCK2 changed expressions of immune genes in HCC cell lines. Conclusion The novel stemness-related model could predict the prognosis of patients and aid in creating personalized immuno- and targeted therapy for patients in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhilin Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rongyue Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe Gan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zewei Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Qin S, Jin H, Li Y, Chen X, He J, Xiao J, Qin Y, Liu C, Mao Y, Zhao L. Comprehensive analysis of IGF2BP3 with expression features, prognosis, immune modulation and stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma and pan-cancer. J Cancer 2024; 15:2845-2865. [PMID: 38577615 PMCID: PMC10988304 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92768] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is a critical m6A reader. It encodes proteins that contain several KH domains, which are important in RNA binding, RNA synthesis and metabolism. Lots of researches have studied the malignant potential of m6A readers in tumors. However, the biological functional analysis of IGF2BP3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pan-cancer is not comprehensive. In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to comprehensively analyze the significance of IGF2BP3 in HCC through analyzing its expression, mutation, prognosis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, functional enrichment, and the correlation with ferroptosis, stemness as well as immune modulation in HCC. IGF2BP3 presented a negative correlation with the ferroptosis molecule NFE2L2, and a positive correlation with the ferroptosis molecule SLC1A5 as well as the immune checkpoint HAVCR2. In addition, we also analyzed IGF2BP3 expression, prognosis and immune modulation in pan-cancer, revealing the prognostic value of IGF2BP3 in a variety of tumors. Finally, we verified the biological functions of IGF2BP3 in HCC through various experiments. The data showed that IGF2BP3 may enhance the proliferation, colony formation and invasion capacities of HCC cells, and IGF2BP3 is mainly positively correlated with the expression level of stemness marker SOX2. In conclusion, IGF2BP3 had a potential to be a new perspective biomarker in forecasting the immune response, ferroptosis, stemness and prognosis of HCC or even pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoer Jin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Early Clinical Trial Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiang He
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juxiong Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chuyi Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Fan G, Xie T, Li L, Tang L, Han X, Shi Y. Single-cell and spatial analyses revealed the co-location of cancer stem cells and SPP1+ macrophage in hypoxic region that determines the poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:75. [PMID: 38521868 PMCID: PMC10960828 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00564-3] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), classical cancer stem cells (CSC) markers were shared by normal stem cells, targeting which may hinder hepatic regeneration and cause liver failure. Additionally, the spatial structure of CSC still remained elusive. To address these limitations, we undertook a comprehensive study combining single-cell data (56,022 cells from 20 samples) and spatial data (38,191 spots from eight samples) to obtain CSC signature and uncover its spatial structure. Utilizing the CytoTRACE algorithm, we discretely identified CSC, which displayed upregulated proliferation pathways regulated by HIF1A. A CSC signature of 107 genes was then developed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Notably, HCC patients with high CSC levels exhibited an accumulation of SPP1+ macrophages (Macro_SPP1) expressing metalloproteinases (MMP9, MMP12, and MMP7) regulated by HIF1A, suggesting a hypoxic tumor region connecting Macro_SPP1 and CSC. Both CSC and Macro_SPP1 correlated with worse prognosis and undesirable immunotherapy response. Spatial analysis revealed the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1, with CD8 T cells excluded from the tumor region. The co-location area and non-tumor area of boundary exhibited a high level of hypoxia, with the HAVRC2 checkpoint highly expressed. Within the co-location area, the SPP1 signaling pathway was most active in cell-cell communication, with SPP1-CD44 and SPP1-ITGA/ITGB identified as the main ligand-receptor pairs. This study successfully constructed a CSC signature and demonstrated the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1 in a hypoxic region that exacerbates the tumor microenvironment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs; No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tongji Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs; No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Le Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs; No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; No.1, Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs; No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Huang H, Tsui YM, Ho DWH, Chung CYS, Sze KMF, Lee E, Cheung GCH, Zhang VX, Wang X, Lyu X, Ng IOL. LANCL1, a cell surface protein, promotes liver tumor initiation through FAM49B-Rac1 axis to suppress oxidative stress. Hepatology 2024; 79:323-340. [PMID: 37540188 PMCID: PMC10789379 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000523] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC is an aggressive cancer with a poor clinical outcome. Understanding the mechanisms that drive tumor initiation is important for improving treatment strategy. This study aimed to identify functional cell membrane proteins that promote HCC tumor initiation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Tailor-made siRNA library screening was performed for all membrane protein-encoding genes that are upregulated in human HCC (n = 134), with sphere formation as a surrogate readout for tumor initiation. Upon confirmation of membranous localization by immunofluorescence and tumor initiation ability by limiting dilution assay in vivo, LanC-like protein-1 (LANCL1) was selected for further characterization. LANCL1 suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, with mass spectrometry, FAM49B was identified as a downstream binding partner of LANCL1. LANCL1 stabilized FAM49B by blocking the interaction of FAM49B with the specific E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21, thus protecting FAM49B from ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. The LANCL1-FAM49B axis suppressed the Rac1-NADPH oxidase-driven ROS production, but this suppression of ROS was independent of the glutathione transferase function of LANCL1. Clinically, HCCs with high co-expression of LANCL1 and FAM49B were associated with more advanced tumor stage, poorer overall survival, and disease-free survival. In addition, anti-LANCL1 antibodies targeting the extracellular N-terminal domain were able to suppress the self-renewal ability, as demonstrated by the sphere formation ability of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that LANCL1 is a cell surface protein and a key contributor to HCC initiation. Targeting the LANCL1-FAM49B-Rac1-NADPH oxidase-ROS signaling axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Clive Yik-Sham Chung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eva Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Cheuk-Hang Cheung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vanilla Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xueying Lyu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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22
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Fu X, Zhang Y, Luo Q, Ju Y, Song G. Targeting the mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells: a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229. [PMID: 38009775 PMCID: PMC10690881 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the root cause of cancer occurrence, progression, chemoradioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs is a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management and treatment. Liver cancer (LC) is a malignant disease that can endanger human health. Studies are increasingly suggesting that changes in the liver mechanical microenvironment are a primary driver triggering the occurrence and development of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the roles of the liver mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in liver cancer progression. We also discuss the relationship between the mechanical heterogeneity of liver cancer tissues and LCSC recruitment and metastasis. Finally, we highlight potential mechanosensitive molecules in LCSCs and mechanotherapy in liver cancer. Understanding the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the mechano-microenvironment and LCSCs may provide fundamental insights into liver cancer progression and aid in further development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Fu
- School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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23
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Song F, Zhang Q, Lu X, Xu T, Hu Q, Hu X, Fan W, Zhang Y, Huang P. Rab11-FIP4 interacts with ARF5 to promote cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:757-770. [PMID: 37458957 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-023-00972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that Rab11-family interacting proteins (Rab11-FIPs) play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. Among the Rab11-FIPs, Rab11-FIP4 has been reported to be significantly upregulated in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the possible effect on HCC stemness and the underlying mechanism has never been characterized. Here, we found that Rab11-FIP4 was dramatically increased in HCC cell lines and tissues, and had a positive correlation with cancer stemness. Functional studies revealed that elevated expression of Rab11-FIP4 in HCC cells significantly promoted sphere formation, and enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of stemness-associated markers, ALDH1A1, CD133, NANOG, and OCT4. Conversely, the knockdown of Rab11-FIP4 suppressed the cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics of HCC cells. Moreover, silencing of Rab11-FIP4 obviously increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Mechanistically, Rab11-FIP4 was shown to interact with ADP-ribosylation factor 5 (ARF5) to influence cell cycle-related proteins, CDK1/cyclin B, thereby promoting HCC stemness. Taken together, our results uncovered an essential role for Rab11-FIP4 in regulating CSC-like features of HCC cells and identified Rab11-FIP4 as a potential target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixuan Lu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijiao Fan
- Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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25
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Dai J, Hao Y, Chen X, Yu Q, Wang B. miR‑122/SENP1 axis confers stemness and chemoresistance to liver cancer through Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:390. [PMID: 37559577 PMCID: PMC10407855 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The property of inherent stemness of tumor cells coupled with the development of chemoresistance results in a poor prognosis for patients with liver cancer. Therefore, the present study focused on microRNA (miR)-122, a potential tumor suppressor, the expression of which has been previously shown to be significantly decreased and negatively associated with cancer cell stemness in liver cancer. The present study aimed to identify the molecular targets of miR-122 whilst uncovering the mechanism underlying chemoresistance and stemness of HepG2 cells in liver cancer. Bioinformatics online tools, such as ENCORI, coupled with dual-luciferase reporter assays in HepG2 cells, were used to identify and validate small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) specific peptidase 1 (SENP1) as a potential target of miR-122 in liver cancer. The liver cancer stem cell population was determined using sphere formation assays and flow cytometry, whilst stem cell markers (Oct3/4, Nanog, B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog and Notch1) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Chemoresistance, cell proliferation and migratory ability of HepG2 cells were monitored using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Transwell assays, respectively. The overexpression of miR-122 by mimic transfection led to a significant decrease in the number spheres, downregulation of stem cell marker expression, the number of CD24+ cells, drug-resistance protein levels (P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance protein), impaired chemoresistance, proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. The transfection of SENP1 overexpression vector resulted in contrasting functions to miR-122 mimics, by partially reversing the effects induced by miR-122 mimic transfection in HepG2 cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been proven to be involved in cancer stemness and malignant behavior. Western blotting analysis in HepG2 cells showed that the expression levels of both Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly reduced after overexpressing miR-122, but increased after overexpressing SENP1. Co-transfection with the SENP1 overexpression vector reversed the suppression induced by the miR-122 mimics on Wnt1 and β-catenin expression. Co-immunoprecipitation, SUMOylation and half-life assays showed SENP1 interacted with β-catenin and decreased the SUMOylation of β-catenin, thereby enhancing its stability. Finally, tumor xenograft analyses revealed that HepG2 cells transfected with Agomir-122 exerted significantly lower tumor initiation frequency and growth rate, and a superior response to DOX in vivo, compared with those transfected with Agomir NC. Taken together, data from the present study miR-122/SENP1 axis can regulate β-catenin stability through de-SUMOylation, thereby promoting stemness and chemoresistance in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, Nan'an District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
| | - Yaqin Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nan'an District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
| | - Qingsan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Nan'an District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, Chongqing Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing 400060, P.R. China
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26
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Pospieszna J, Dams-Kozlowska H, Udomsak W, Murias M, Kucinska M. Unmasking the Deceptive Nature of Cancer Stem Cells: The Role of CD133 in Revealing Their Secrets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10910. [PMID: 37446085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and its complexity poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. Cancer stem cells and their markers have become key players in tumor growth and progression. CD133, a marker in various cancer types, is an active research area as a potential therapeutic target. This article explores the role of CD133 in cancer treatment, beginning with an overview of cancer statistics and an explanation of cancer stem cells and their markers. The rise of CD133 is discussed, including its structure, functions, and occurrence in different cancer types. Furthermore, the article covers CD133 as a therapeutic target, focusing on gene therapy, immunotherapy, and approaches to affect CD133 expression. Nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles and nanoliposomes are also discussed in the context of CD133-targeted therapy. In conclusion, CD133 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. As research in this area progresses, it is hoped that CD133-targeted therapies will offer new and effective treatment options for cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pospieszna
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Dams-Kozlowska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wachirawit Udomsak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10 Street, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kucinska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
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Li Z, Bao H. Comparative transcriptome and proteome analysis explores the antitumor key regulators of ergosterone in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175831. [PMID: 37290681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ergosterone has been proved to have potential antitumor effect on H22 tumor-bearing mice, but the antitumor mechanism and key regulators are still unclear. The current study was aimed to explore the key regulators responsible for antitumor of ergosterone using whole transcriptome and proteome analysis in H22 tumor-bearing mice model. The model of H22 tumor-bearing mice was constructed according to the histopathological data and biochemical parameters. The isolated tumor tissues of different treatment groups were subjected to transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Our findings demonstrated that 472 differentially expressed genes and 658 proteins were identified in the tumor tissue of different treatment groups through RNA-Seq and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis, respectively. The combined omics analysis revealed three critical genes/proteins, including Lars2, Sirpα and Hcls1 that could play a role in antitumor pathways. Furthermore, Lars2, Sirpα and Hcls1 genes/proteins, as key regulators of the antitumor effect of ergosterone, were verified by qRT-PCR and western blotting methods, respectively. In summary, our study provides new insights into analysing the antitumor mechanism of ergosterone from the point of view of gene and protein expression and will encourage further development of the antitumor pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica & Key Research Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Fungi Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China.
| | - Haiying Bao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica & Key Research Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Fungi Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China.
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28
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Sun R, Zhou X, Wang T, Liu Y, Wei L, Qiu Z, Qiu C, Jiang J. Novel insights into tumorigenesis and prognosis of endometrial cancer through systematic investigation and validation on mitophagy-related signature. Hum Cell 2023:10.1007/s13577-023-00920-8. [PMID: 37266867 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In-depth studies on the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC) are critical because of the increasing global incidence of EC. Mitophagy, a mitochondrial quality control process, plays an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. This study aimed to develop a novel mitophagy-based signature to predict the tumorigenesis and prognosis of EC. Data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, and 29 mitophagy-related genes were downloaded from the Pathway Unification Database. EC patients were classified into two risk groups based on the two-key- gene signature, TOMM40 and MFN1, which were constructed using Cox regression analysis. A better prognosis was noted in the low-risk group. The model was validated for four aspects: clinical features, mutation status, clinical therapeutic response, and immune cell infiltration status. Moreover, according to the contribution to the risk model, TOMM40 was selected for further in vitro experiments. The silencing of TOMM40 inhibited mitochondrial degradation; suppressed cell proliferation; induced cell apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest; inhibited migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition; and suppressed cell stemness. In conclusion, the mitophagy-related risk score provides a novel perspective for survival and drug selection during the individual treatment of EC patients. TOMM40 serves as an oncogene in EC and promotes tumor progression via a mitophagy-related pathway. Thus, TOMM40 is a potential therapeutic target in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Lina Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ziyi Qiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Huang TY, Yang CK, Chen MY, Yadav VK, Fong IH, Yeh CT, Cherng YG. Furanocoumarin Notopterol: Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis through Suppression of Cancer Stemness Signaling and Induction of Oxidative Stress-Associated Cell Death. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112447. [PMID: 37299411 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Cumulative evidence suggests critical roles for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) in chronic liver diseases. However, the role of ER stress in HCC pathogenesis, aggressiveness and therapy response remains unclear and understudied. OBJECTIVES Against this background, the present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and feasibility of notopterol (NOT), a furanocoumarin and principal component of Notopterygium incisum, in the modulation of ER stress and cancer stemness, and the subsequent effect on liver oncogenicity. METHODS An array of biomolecular methods including Western blot, drug cytotoxicity, cell motility, immunofluorescence, colony and tumorsphere formation, flow-cytometric mitochondrial function, GSH/GSSG ratio, and tumor xenograft ex vivo assays were used in the study. RESULTS Herein, we demonstrated that NOT significantly suppresses the viability, migration, and invasion capacity of the human HCC HepJ5 and Mahlavu cell lines by disrupting ATF4 expression, inhibiting JAK2 activation, and downregulating the GPX1 and SOD1 expression in vitro. NOT also markedly suppressed the expression of vimentin (VIM), snail, b-catenin, and N-cadherin in the HCC cells, dose-dependently. Treatment with NOT significantly attenuated cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like phenotypes, namely colony and tumorsphere formation, with the concomitant downregulation of stemness markers OCT4, SOX2, CD133, and upregulated PARP-1 cleavage, dose-dependently. We also demonstrated that NOT anticancer activity was strongly associated with increased cellular reactive oxidative stress (ROS) but, conversely, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and function in the HepJ5 and Mahlavu cells in vitro. Our tumor xenograft studies showed that compared with sorafenib, NOT elicited greater tumor growth suppression without adverse changes in mice body weights. Compared with the untreated control and sorafenib-treated mice, NOT-treated mice exhibited markedly greater apoptosis ex vivo, and this was associated with the co-suppression of stemness and drug-resistance markers OCT4, SOX2, ALDH1, and the upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress factors PERK and CHOP. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that NOT exhibits strong anticancer activity via the suppression of cancer stemness, enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased oxidative stress thus projecting NOT as a potentially effective therapeutic agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yun Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Kuo Yang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yao Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 235041, Taiwan
| | - Vijesh Kumar Yadav
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 235041, Taiwan
| | - Iat-Hang Fong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 235041, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 235041, Taiwan
- Continuing Education Program of Food Biotechnology Applications, College of Science and Engineering, National Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Giun Cherng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
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30
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Ye ZH, Yu WB, Huang MY, Chen J, Lu JJ. Building on the backbone of CD47-based therapy in cancer: Combination strategies, mechanisms, and future perspectives. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1467-1487. [PMID: 37139405 PMCID: PMC10149906 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Described as a "don't eat me" signal, CD47 becomes a vital immune checkpoint in cancer. Its interaction with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) prevents macrophage phagocytosis. In recent years, a growing body of evidences have unveiled that CD47-based combination therapy exhibits a superior anti-cancer effect. Latest clinical trials about CD47 have adopted the regimen of collaborating with other therapies or developing CD47-directed bispecific antibodies, indicating the combination strategy as a general trend of the future. In this review, clinical and preclinical cases about the current combination strategies targeting CD47 are collected, their underlying mechanisms of action are discussed, and ideas from future perspectives are shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Han Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Wei-Bang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Mu-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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31
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Yu SJ. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances and future targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108387. [PMID: 36948423 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While single immunotherapy drugs show limited effectiveness on a small subset of patients, the combination of the anti PD-L1 atezolizumab and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab has shown significant improvement in survival compared to sorafenib as a first-line treatment. However, the current treatment options still have a low success rate of about 30%. Thus, more effective treatments for HCC are urgently required. Several novel immunotherapeutic methods, including the use of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, innovative immune cell therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), TCR gene-modified T cells and stem cells, as well as combination strategies are being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of HCC. However, some crucial issues still exist such as the presence of heterogeneous antigens in solid tumors, the immune-suppressive environment within tumors, the risk of on-target/off-tumor, infiltrating CAR-T cells, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules, and cytokines. Overall, immunotherapy is on the brink of major advancements in the fight against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Gao T, Yang X, Fujisawa M, Ohara T, Wang T, Tomonobu N, Sakaguchi M, Yoshimura T, Matsukawa A. SPRED2: A Novel Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Stemness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054996. [PMID: 36902429 PMCID: PMC10003366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054996] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The downregulation of SPRED2, a negative regulator of the ERK1/2 pathway, was previously detected in human cancers; however, the biological consequence remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SPRED2 loss on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell function. Human HCC cell lines, expressing various levels of SPRED2 and SPRED2 knockdown, increased ERK1/2 activation. SPRED2-knockout (KO)-HepG2 cells displayed an elongated spindle shape with increased cell migration/invasion and cadherin switching, with features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). SPRED2-KO cells demonstrated a higher ability to form spheres and colonies, expressed higher levels of stemness markers and were more resistant to cisplatin. Interestingly, SPRED2-KO cells also expressed higher levels of the stem cell surface markers CD44 and CD90. When CD44+CD90+ and CD44-CD90- populations from WT cells were analyzed, a lower level of SPRED2 and higher levels of stem cell markers were detected in CD44+CD90+ cells. Further, endogenous SPRED2 expression decreased when WT cells were cultured in 3D, but was restored in 2D culture. Finally, the levels of SPRED2 in clinical HCC tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent non-HCC tissues and were negatively associated with progression-free survival. Thus, the downregulation of SPRED2 in HCC promotes EMT and stemness through the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, and leads to more malignant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Gao
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fujisawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Nahoko Tomonobu
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masakiyo Sakaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Teizo Yoshimura
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsukawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-235-7141
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Crosstalk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells Reveals a Novel Stemness-Related Signature to Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapy Responses for Bladder Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054760. [PMID: 36902193 PMCID: PMC10003512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) maintain bladder cancer (BCa) stemness and facilitate the progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to decipher the communication networks, develop a stemness-related signature (Stem. Sig.), and identify a potential therapeutic target. BCa single-cell RNA-seq datasets (GSE130001 and GSE146137) were used to identify MSCs and CSCs. Pseudotime analysis was performed by Monocle. Stem. Sig. was developed by analyzing the communication network and gene regulatory network (GRN) that were decoded by NicheNet and SCENIC, respectively. The molecular features of the Stem. Sig. were evaluated in TCGA-BLCA and two PD-(L)1 treated datasets (IMvigor210 and Rose2021UC). A prognostic model was constructed based on a 101 machine-learning framework. Functional assays were performed to evaluate the stem traits of the hub gene. Three subpopulations of MSCs and CSCs were first identified. Based on the communication network, the activated regulons were found by GRN and regarded as the Stem. Sig. Following unsupervised clustering, two molecular subclusters were identified and demonstrated distinct cancer stemness, prognosis, immunological TME, and response to immunotherapy. Two PD-(L)1 treated cohorts further validated the performance of Stem. Sig. in prognosis and immunotherapeutic response prediction. A prognostic model was then developed, and a high-risk score indicated a poor prognosis. Finally, the hub gene SLC2A3 was found exclusively upregulated in extracellular matrix-related CSCs, predicting prognosis, and shaping an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Functional assays uncovered the stem traits of SLC2A3 in BCa by tumorsphere formation and western blotting. The Stem. Sig. derived from MSCs and CSCs can predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy for BCa. Besides, SLC2A3 may serve as a promising stemness target facilitating cancer effective management.
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Curcumin-Mediated Resistance to Lenvatinib via EGFR Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040612. [PMID: 36831279 PMCID: PMC9954241 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor approved as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its response rate is unsatisfactory, primarily due to the acquisition of resistance, which limits its clinical significance for treating patients with HCC. Recent evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation can trigger Lenvatinib-resistance; and is considered an important therapeutic target in HCC. Curcumin, one of the most studied naturally occurring botanicals with robust anti-cancer activity, is also reported to be a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In this study, we hypothesized that the anti-EGFR potential of Curcumin might help overcome Lenvatinib resistance in HCC. We established two Lenvatinib-resistant cells and discovered that a combination of Curcumin and Lenvatinib exhibited a synergistic anti-tumor efficacy in the resistant HCC cell lines. In line with previous reports, Lenvatinib-resistant cell lines revealed significant activation of the EGFR, and genomewide transcriptomic profiling analysis identified that the PI3K-AKT pathway was associated with Lenvatinib resistance. The combination treatment with Curcumin and Lenvatinib dramatically suppressed gene and protein expression of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway, suggesting Curcumin overcomes Lenvatinib resistance via inhibition of EGFR. We further validated these findings in tumor spheroids derived from resistant cell lines. In conclusion, we, for the first time, report that Curcumin reverses Lenvatinib resistance in HCC, and that their combination has clinical application potential for adjunctive treatment in HCC.
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Wang X, Huang H, Sze KMF, Wang J, Tian L, Lu J, Tsui YM, Ma HT, Lee E, Chen A, Lee J, Wang Y, Yam JWP, Cheung TT, Guan X, Ng IOL. S100A10 promotes HCC development and progression via transfer in extracellular vesicles and regulating their protein cargos. Gut 2023:gutjnl-2022-327998. [PMID: 36631249 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growing evidence indicates that tumour cells exhibit characteristics similar to their lineage progenitor cells. We found that S100 calcium binding protein A10 (S100A10) exhibited an expression pattern similar to that of liver progenitor genes. However, the role of S100A10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is unclear. Furthermore, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical mediators of tumourigenesis and metastasis, but the extracellular functions of S100A10, particularly those related to EVs (EV-S100A10), are unknown. DESIGN The functions and mechanisms of S100A10 and EV-S100A10 in HCC progression were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Neutralising antibody (NA) to S100A10 was used to evaluate the significance of EV-S100A10. RESULTS Functionally, S100A10 promoted HCC initiation, self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Of significance, we found that S100A10 was secreted by HCC cells into EVs both in vitro and in the plasma of patients with HCC. S100A10-enriched EVs enhanced the stemness and metastatic ability of HCC cells, upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), AKT and ERK signalling, and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition. EV-S100A10 also functioned as a chemoattractant in HCC cell motility. Of significance, S100A10 governed the protein cargos in EVs and mediated the binding of MMP2, fibronectin and EGF to EV membranes through physical binding with integrin αⅤ. Importantly, blockage of EV-S100A10 with S100A10-NA significantly abrogated these enhancing effects. CONCLUSION Altogether, our results uncovered that S100A10 promotes HCC progression significantly via its transfer in EVs and regulating the protein cargoes of EVs. EV-S100A10 may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jin Wang
- Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hoi Tang Ma
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eva Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ao Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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36
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lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network in bladder cancer. Noncoding RNA Res 2022; 8:135-145. [PMID: 36605618 PMCID: PMC9792360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although immunotherapy approaches such as adoptive T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade have been investigated for the treatment of bladder cancer, their off-target effects and ability to affect only single targets have led to clinical outcomes that are far from satisfactory. Therefore, it is important to identify novel targets that can effectively control tumor growth and metastasis. It is well known that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression. Increasing evidence has shown that dysregulated lncRNAs in bladder cancer are involved in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this review, we focus on the roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks in the regulation of bladder cancer progression. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks to overcome cancer treatment resistance and its association with clinicopathological features and outcomes in bladder cancer patients. We hope this review will stimulate research to develop more effective therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer treatment.
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37
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Meng L, Lu H, Li Y, Zhao J, He S, Wang Z, Shen J, Huang H, Xiao J, Sooranna SR, Song J. Human papillomavirus infection can alter the level of tumour stemness and T cell infiltration in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1013542. [PMID: 36420261 PMCID: PMC9676257 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually has a poor prognosis and is associated with a high mortality rate. Its etiology is mainly the result from long-term exposure to either alcohol, tobacco or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or a combination of these insults. However, HNSCC patients with HPV have been found to show a survival advantage over those without the virus, but the mechanism that confers this advantage is unclear. Due to the large number of HPV-independent HNSCC cases, there is a possibility that the difference in prognosis between HPV-positive (HPV+) and negative (HPV-) patients is due to different carcinogens. To clarify this, we used scRNA data and viral tracking methods in order to identify HPV+ and HPV- cells in the tumour tissues of patients infected with HPV. By comparing HPV+ and HPV- malignant cells, we found a higher level of tumour stemness in HPV- tumour cells. Using tumour stemness-related genes, we established a six-gene prognostic signature that was used to divide the patients into low- and high-risk groups. It was found that HPV patients who were at low-risk of contracting HNSCC had a higher number of CD8+ T-cells as well as a higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Correspondingly, we found that HPV+ tumour cells expressed higher levels of CCL4, and these were highly correlated with CD8+ T cells infiltration and immune checkpoint molecules. These data suggest that the stemness features of tumour cells are not only associated with the prognostic risk, but that it could also affect the immune cell interactions and associated signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhang Meng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Heming Lu
- Second Division of Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
- Second Division of Department of Radiation Oncology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yueyong Li
- Department of Interventive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jingjie Zhao
- Life Science and Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Siyuan He
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zechen Wang
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jiajia Shen
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Huixian Huang
- Second Division of Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
- Second Division of Department of Radiation Oncology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jinru Xiao
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Suren Rao Sooranna
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Song
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
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38
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Sher G, Masoodi T, Patil K, Akhtar S, Kuttikrishnan S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. Dysregulated FOXM1 signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:107-121. [PMID: 35931301 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the introduction of the cancer stem cell (CSC) paradigm, significant advances have been made in understanding the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Endowed with self-renewing abilities and multilineage differentiation potential, CSCs have emerged as cellular drivers of virtually all facets of tumor biology, including metastasis, tumor recurrence/relapse, and drug resistance. The functional and biological characteristics of CSCs, such as self-renewal, cell fate decisions, survival, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by an array of extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and pluripotent transcriptional factors. Besides the well-characterized regulatory role of transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and MYC in CSCs, evidence for the central role of Forkhead box transcription factor FOXM1 in the establishment, maintenance, and functions of CSCs is accumulating. Conventionally identified as a master regulator of the cell cycle, a comprehensive understanding of this molecule has revealed its multifarious oncogenic potential and uncovered its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self-renewal, and drug resistance. This review compiles the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that provides evidence for the mechanisms by which FOXM1 expression promotes stemness in glioblastoma, breast, colon, ovarian, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic carcinomas. We have also compiled the data showing the association of stem cell mediators with FOXM1 using TCGA mRNA expression data. Further, the prognostic importance of FOXM1 and other stem cell markers is presented. The delineation of FOXM1-mediated regulation of CSCs can aid in the development of molecularly targeted pharmacological approaches directed at the selective eradication of CSCs in several human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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39
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Yang J, Xu H, Li C, Li Z, Hu Z. An explorative study for leveraging transcriptomic data of embryonic stem cells in mining cancer stemness genes, regulators, and networks. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:13949-13966. [PMID: 36654075 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to the exquisite ability of cancer stemness to facilitate tumor initiation, metastasis, and cancer therapy resistance, targeting cancer stemness is expected to have clinical implications for cancer treatment. Genes are fundamental for forming and maintaining stemness. Considering shared genetic programs and pathways between embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells, we conducted a study analyzing transcriptomic data of embryonic stem cells for mining potential cancer stemness genes. Firstly, we integrated co-expression and regression models and predicted 820 stemness genes. Results of gene enrichment analysis confirmed the good prediction performance for enriched signatures in cancer stem cells. Secondly, we provided an application case using the predicted stemness genes to construct a breast cancer stemness network. Mining on the network identified CD44, SOX2, TWIST1, and DLG4 as potential regulators of breast cancer stemness. Thirdly, using the signature of 31,028 chemical perturbations and their correlation with stemness marker genes, we predicted 67 stemness inhibitors with reasonable accuracy of 78%. Two drugs, namely Rigosertib and Proscillaridin A, were first identified as potential stemness inhibitors for melanoma and colon cancer, respectively. Overall, mining embryonic stem cell data provides a valuable way to identify cancer stemness regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Congshu Li
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhenhao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong 524001, China
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40
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Liang XY, Zhang Y, He YN, Liu XY, Ding ZH, Zhang XD, Dong MY, Du RL. A cancer stem cell associated gene signature for predicting overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:888601. [PMID: 36171884 PMCID: PMC9511042 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.888601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of primary liver cancer characterized by high mortality and morbidity rate. The lack of effective treatments and the high frequency of recurrence lead to poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Therefore, it is important to develop robust prediction tools for predicting the prognosis of HCC. Recent studies have shown that cancer stem cells (CSC) participate in HCC progression. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of CSC-related genes and establish a prediction model based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In this study, 475 CSC-related genes were obtained from the Molecular Signature Database and 160 differentially expressed CSC-related genes in HCC patients were identified using the limma R package in the TCGA database. A total of 79 CSC-related genes were found to be associated with overall survival (OS). Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regressions, a 3-gene signature (RAB10, TCOF1, and PSMD14) was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to test the prediction performance of the signature. Performance of the signature was validated using the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset. In addition, immune feature and functional enrichment analyses were carried out to explore the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, a co-expression network was constructed using the weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) method to select genes significantly associated with risk scores in HCC in the TCGA dataset. The SGO2 gene was found to be significantly associated with risk scores of HCC. In vitro experiments revealed that it can promote HCC cell proliferation. Therefore, SGO2 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment. The constructed nomogram can help clinicians make decisions about HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Nan He
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue-Yi Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming-You Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology (For Hepatobiliary Diseases) of Guangxi, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- *Correspondence: Ming-You Dong, ; Run-Lei Du,
| | - Run-Lei Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Ming-You Dong, ; Run-Lei Du,
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41
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Chen L, Zhang D, Zheng S, Li X, Gao P. Stemness analysis in hepatocellular carcinoma identifies an extracellular matrix gene–related signature associated with prognosis and therapy response. Front Genet 2022; 13:959834. [PMID: 36110210 PMCID: PMC9468756 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.959834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor stemness is the stem-like phenotype of cancer cells, as a hallmark for multiple processes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, comprehensive functions of the regulators of tumor cell’s stemness in HCC remain unclear.Methods: Gene expression data and clinical information of HCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset as the training set, and three validation datasets were derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Patients were dichotomized according to median mRNA expression–based stemness index (mRNAsi) scores, and differentially expressed genes were further screened out. Functional enrichment analysis of these DEGs was performed to identify candidate extracellular matrix (ECM)–related genes in key pathways. A prognostic signature was constructed by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to the candidate ECM genes. The Kaplan–Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the signature. Correlations between signatures and genomic profiles, tumor immune microenvironment, and treatment response were also explored using multiple bioinformatic methods.Results: A prognostic prediction signature was established based on 10 ECM genes, including TRAPPC4, RSU1, ILK, LAMA1, LAMB1, FLNC, ITGAV, AGRN, ARHGEF6, and LIMS2, which could effectively distinguish patients with different outcomes in the training and validation sets, showing a good prognostic prediction ability. Across different clinicopathological parameter stratifications, the ECMs signature still retains its robust efficacy in discriminating patient with different outcomes. Based on the risk score, vascular invasion, α-fetoprotein (AFP), T stage, and N stage, we further constructed a nomogram (C-index = 0.70; AUCs at 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival = 0.71, 0.75, and 0.78), which is more practical for clinical prognostic risk stratification. The infiltration abundance of macrophages M0, mast cells, and Treg cells was significantly higher in the high-risk group, which also had upregulated levels of immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4. More importantly, the ECMs signature was able to distinguish patients with superior responses to immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, and sorafenib.Conclusion: In this study, we constructed an ECM signature, which is an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and has a potential guiding role in treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dafang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengmin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengji Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Pengji Gao,
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Shen M, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huan L, Qiao Y, Wang L, Han L, Chen Z, He X. Hepatic ARID3A facilitates liver cancer malignancy by cooperating with CEP131 to regulate an embryonic stem cell-like gene signature. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:732. [PMID: 36008383 PMCID: PMC9411159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer stemness refers to the stem cell-like phenotype of hepatocarcinoma cells and is closely related to a high degree of tumour malignancy. Here, we identified AT-rich interacting domain 3A (ARID3A) as one of the most upregulated stemness-related transcription factors in liver cancer by an in vitro functional screen. ARID3A can promote liver cancer cell viability and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ARID3A interacts with CEP131 and transcriptionally activates KDM3A by co-occupying its promoter element, further upregulating the expression of downstream embryonic stem (ES) signature genes via demethylation of H3K9me2. ARID3A and CEP131 promote an ES cell gene signature through activation of KDM3A and contribute to the poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. Collectively, these results provide evidence highlighting a transcription-dependent mechanism of ARID3A in stemness regulation in liver cancer. The ARID3A/CEP131-KDM3A regulatory circuit could serve as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shengli Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620 China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yizhe Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lin Huan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yejun Qiao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Leng Han
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhiao Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xianghuo He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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43
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Effects and Mechanisms of Curcumin for the Prevention and Management of Cancers: An Updated Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081481. [PMID: 36009200 PMCID: PMC9405286 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and is widely used in the food industry. It shows anticancer properties on different types of cancers, and the underlying mechanisms of action include inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing invasion and migration, promoting cell apoptosis, inducing autophagy, decreasing cancer stemness, increasing reactive oxygen species production, reducing inflammation, triggering ferroptosis, regulating gut microbiota, and adjuvant therapy. In addition, the anticancer action of curcumin is demonstrated in clinical trials. Moreover, the poor water solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin can be improved by a variety of nanotechnologies, which will promote its clinical effects. Furthermore, although curcumin shows some adverse effects, such as diarrhea and nausea, it is generally safe and tolerable. This paper is an updated review of the prevention and management of cancers by curcumin with a special attention to its mechanisms of action.
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Tian L, Zhao L, Sze KM, Kam CS, Ming VS, Wang X, Zhang VX, Ho DW, Cheung T, Chan L, Ng IO. Dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms exerts its oncogenic functions in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2022; 76:48-65. [PMID: 34767674 PMCID: PMC9299834 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ras-like (Ral) small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), RalA and RalB, are proto-oncogenes directly downstream of Ras and cycle between the active guanosine triphosphate-bound and inactive guanosine diphosphate-bound forms. RalGTPase-activating protein (RalGAP) complex exerts a negative regulation. Currently, the role of Ral up-regulation in cancers remains unclear. We aimed to examine the clinical significance, functional implications, and underlying mechanisms of RalA signaling in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Our in-house and The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA sequencing data and quantitative PCR data revealed significant up-regulation of RalA in patients' HCCs. Up-regulation of RalA was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis. Consistently, knockdown of RalA in HCC cells attenuated cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo. We found that RalA up-regulation was driven by copy number gain and uncovered that SP1 and ETS proto-oncogene 2 transcription factor cotranscriptionally drove RalA expression. On the other hand, RalGAPA2 knockdown increased the RalA activity and promoted intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis in vivo. Consistently, we observed significant RalGAPA2 down-regulation in patients' HCCs. Intriguingly, HCC tumors showing simultaneous down-regulation of RalGAPA2 and up-regulation of RalA displayed a significant association with more aggressive tumor behavior in terms of more frequent venous invasion, more advanced tumor stage, and poorer overall survival. Of note, Ral inhibition by a Ral-specific inhibitor RBC8 suppressed the oncogenic functions in a dose-dependent manner and sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib treatment, with an underlying enhanced inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide biological insight that dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms supports its oncogenic functions in HCC. Targeting RalA may serve as a potential alternative therapeutic approach alone or in combination with currently available therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tian
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,Present address:
Department of PathologyXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Karen Man‐Fong Sze
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Charles Shing Kam
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Vanessa Sheung‐In Ming
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Vanilla Xin Zhang
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai‐Hung Ho
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Tan‐To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Lo‐Kong Chan
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Irene Oi‐Lin Ng
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
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45
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Hwang JH, Lee J, Choi WY, Kim MJ, Lee J, Chu KHB, Kim LK, Kim YJ. ZNF204P is a stemness-associated oncogenic long non-coding RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 35168700 PMCID: PMC9252894 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.6.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Won-Young Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06230, Korea
| | - Khanh Hoang Bao Chu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Lark Kyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06230, Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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46
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MAEL Augments Cancer Stemness Properties and Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through the PTGS2/AKT/STAT3 Axis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122880. [PMID: 35740546 PMCID: PMC9221398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the most common and lethal subtype of liver cancer without effective therapeutics. Understanding and targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs), a stem-cell-like subpopulation, which are emerging as effective ways to decipher tumor biology and develop therapies, may help to revolutionize cancer management. Cancer/testis antigen Maelstrom (MAEL) has been implicated in the regulation of CSC phenotypes, while the role of CSCs remains unclear. We demonstrated that MAEL positively regulates cancer stem-cell-like properties in HCC, and MAEL silencing provokes tumor cells’ sensitivity to sorafenib. We further discovered that the MAEL-dependent stemness was operated via PGST2/IL8/AKT/STAT3 signaling. Collectively, our study suggests the MAEL/PGST2 axis as a potential therapeutic target against CSC and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Cancer/testis antigen Maelstrom (MAEL) is implicated in the formation of CSC phenotypes, while the exact role and underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we found the upregulation of MAEL in HCC, with its expression negatively correlated with survival outcome. Functionally, MAEL promoted tumor cell aggressiveness, tumor stem-like potentials, and resistance to sorafenib in HCC cell lines. Transcriptional profiling indicated the dysregulation of stemness in MAEL knockout cells and identified PTGS2 as a critical downstream target transactivated by MAEL. The suppression effect of MAEL knockout in tumor aggressiveness was rescued in PTGS2 overexpression HCC cells. A molecular mechanism study revealed that the upregulation of PTGS2 by MAEL subsequently resulted in IL-8 secretion and the activation of AKT/NF-κB/STAT3 signaling. Collectively, our work identifies MAEL as an important stemness regulation gene in HCC. Targeting MAEL or its downstream molecules may provide a novel possibility for the elimination of CSC to enhance therapeutic efficacy for HCC patients in the future.
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47
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Wu H, Liu Y, Liao Z, Mo J, Zhang Q, Zhang B, Zhang L. The role of YAP1 in liver cancer stem cells: proven and potential mechanisms. Biomark Res 2022; 10:42. [PMID: 35672802 PMCID: PMC9171972 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) is one of the principal factors that mediates oncogenesis by acting as a driver of gene expression. It has been confirmed to play an important role in organ volume control, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Recent research findings show that YAP1 is correlated with the stemness of liver cancer stem cells, and liver cancer stem cells are closely associated with YAP1-induced tumor initiation and progression. This article reviews the advancements made in research on the mechanisms by which YAP1 promotes liver cancer stem cells and discusses some potential mechanisms that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haofeng Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yachong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaofeng Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University; Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
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48
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Li M, He L, Zhu J, Zhang P, Liang S. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages for cancer treatment. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:85. [PMID: 35672862 PMCID: PMC9172100 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00823-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant, nearly accounting for 30–50% of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. TAMs exhibit an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype in advanced cancer, which plays a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Consequently, the TAM-targeting therapies are particularly of significance in anti-cancer strategies. The application of TAMs as anti-cancer targets is expected to break through traditional tumor-associated therapies and achieves favorable clinical effect. However, the heterogeneity of TAMs makes the strategy of targeting TAMs variable and uncertain. Discovering the subset specificity of TAMs might be a future option for targeting TAMs therapy. Herein, the review focuses on highlighting the different modalities to modulate TAM’s functions, including promoting the phagocytosis of TAMs, TAMs depletion, blocking TAMs recruitment, TAMs reprogramming and suppressing immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We also discuss about several ways to improve the efficacy of TAM-targeting therapy from the perspective of combination therapy and specificity of TAMs subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Linye He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China.,Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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49
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Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant, nearly accounting for 30-50% of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. TAMs exhibit an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype in advanced cancer, which plays a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Consequently, the TAM-targeting therapies are particularly of significance in anti-cancer strategies. The application of TAMs as anti-cancer targets is expected to break through traditional tumor-associated therapies and achieves favorable clinical effect. However, the heterogeneity of TAMs makes the strategy of targeting TAMs variable and uncertain. Discovering the subset specificity of TAMs might be a future option for targeting TAMs therapy. Herein, the review focuses on highlighting the different modalities to modulate TAM's functions, including promoting the phagocytosis of TAMs, TAMs depletion, blocking TAMs recruitment, TAMs reprogramming and suppressing immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We also discuss about several ways to improve the efficacy of TAM-targeting therapy from the perspective of combination therapy and specificity of TAMs subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Linye He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, 3rd Section of People's South Road, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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50
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Shigematsu Y, Amori G, Kanda H, Takahashi Y, Takazawa Y, Takeuchi K, Inamura K. Decreased ARG1 expression as an adverse prognostic phenotype in non-alcoholic non-virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:253-263. [PMID: 35459975 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03318-3] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of non-alcoholic non-virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (NANV-HCC) is increasing along with the growing prevalence of metabolic disorders. In this subset, few useful biomarkers are available to narrow down the high-risk group for recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of decreased ARG1 (arginase-1), which is pathologically known as a marker reflecting hepatocyte differentiation, in NANV-HCC. Besides, its relationship with biliary/progenitor cell markers, whose expressions are associated with poor prognosis, was also assessed. To reveal the clinicopathological association of decreased ARG1 expression in NANV-HCC, we investigated 99 patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for NANV-HCC. Tissue microarrays were employed for immunohistochemical analysis. A total of 21 NANV-HCC cases (21%; 21/99) showed decreased ARG1 expression. Decreased ARG1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both poor DFS (hazard ratio 2.17; 95% confidence interval 1.15-4.09; p = 0.02) and OS (hazard ratio 4.09; 95% confidence interval 1.71-9.80; p = 0.002). In addition, decreased ARG1 expression was significantly associated with expressions of biliary/progenitor cell markers, CK19 and CD56 (p < 0.01). As cytologic features of tumor cells, decreased ARG1 expression was significantly associated with lipid-less cytologic morphology (p = 0.045). These findings indicate that decreased ARG1 expression is a predictive phenotype of postoperative recurrence with poor prognosis in patients with NANV-HCC. Decreased ARG1 expression may be a precursor or overlapping feature with biliary/progenitor cell marker expressions in NANV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Shigematsu
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Gulanbar Amori
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kanda
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Cancer Center, 780 Omuro Kitaadachi-gun, Ina-machi, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Yu Takahashi
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takazawa
- Department of Pathology, Toranomon Hospital, 2-2-2 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8470, Japan
| | - Kengo Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Pathology Project for Molecular Targets, Cancer Institute, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kentaro Inamura
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan. .,Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute, JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
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