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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Moreno-Londoño AP, Robles-Flores M. Functional Roles of CD133: More than Stemness Associated Factor Regulated by the Microenvironment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:25-51. [PMID: 37922108 PMCID: PMC10799829 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
CD133 protein has been one of the most used surface markers to select and identify cancer cells with stem-like features. However, its expression is not restricted to tumoral cells; it is also expressed in differentiated cells and stem/progenitor cells in various normal tissues. CD133 participates in several cellular processes, in part orchestrating signal transduction of essential pathways that frequently are dysregulated in cancer, such as PI3K/Akt signaling and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. CD133 expression correlates with enhanced cell self-renewal, migration, invasion, and survival under stress conditions in cancer. Aside from the intrinsic cell mechanisms that regulate CD133 expression in each cellular type, extrinsic factors from the surrounding niche can also impact CD33 levels. The enhanced CD133 expression in cells can confer adaptive advantages by amplifying the activation of a specific signaling pathway in a context-dependent manner. In this review, we do not only describe the CD133 physiological functions known so far, but importantly, we analyze how the microenvironment changes impact the regulation of CD133 functions emphasizing its value as a marker of cell adaptability beyond a cancer-stem cell marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Moreno-Londoño
- Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Robles-Flores
- Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Chen M, Peng Q, Tan Z, Xu S, Wang Y, Wu A, Xiao W, Wang Q, Xie H, Li J, Shi W, Deng Z. Targeting Aquaporin-3 Attenuates Skin Inflammation in Rosacea. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:5160-5173. [PMID: 37928265 PMCID: PMC10620828 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disorder mediated by the dysregulation of both keratinocytes and T cells. Here, we report that aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a channel protein that mediates the transport of water/glycerol, was highly expressed in the epidermis and CD4+ T cells of both rosacea patients and experimental mice. Specifically, AQP3 deletion blocked the development of rosacea-like skin inflammation in model mice with LL37-induced rosacea-like disease. We also present mechanistic evidence showing that AQP3 was essential to the activation of NF-κB signaling and subsequent production of disease-characteristic chemokines in keratinocytes. Moreover, we show that AQP3 was upregulated during T cell differentiation and promotes helper T (Th) 17 differentiation possibly via the activation of STAT3 signaling. Our findings reveal that AQP3-mediated activation of NF-κB in keratinocytes and activation of STAT3 in CD4+ T cells acted synergistically and contributed to the inflammation in rosacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinqin Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zixin Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - San Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunying Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aike Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenqin Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Hunan Binsis Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Changsha, China
| | - Hongfu Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhili Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Lou J, Geng S, He W, Liu S, Shi X, Chang Y, Han S, Qian P, Amin HM, Song Y, Li Y, Zhou J. Zyxin inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in gastric cancer by upregulating SIRT1. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e357. [PMID: 37667739 PMCID: PMC10475219 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.357] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor development relies on the stemness of cancer stem cells, which is regulated by environmental cues. Previous studies have shown that zyxin can inhibit the expression of genes for embryonic stem cell status. In the present study, the expression levels of zyxin protein in cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues from 73 gastric cancer patients with different clinical stages were analyzed by Western blot. We showed that the relative expression levels of zyxin in gastric cancer tissues (cancer tissues/adjacent tissues) were significantly downregulated in advanced clinical stages. Overexpression of zyxin inhibited the stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in gastric cancer cells. Zyxin also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion but increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to drugs. Overexpression of zyxin in MKN45 cells inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. We show that the interactions between zyxin and SIRT1 led to the upregulation of SIRT1, reduced acetylation levels of histone H3 K9 and K23, decreased transcription levels of SNAI 1/2, and inhibition of the EMT process. This study demonstrated that zyxin negatively regulates the progression of gastric cancer by inhibiting the stemness of cancer stem cells and EMT. Our findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lou
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Sha Geng
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei He
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Song‐Bai Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical BiotechnologySuzhou Vocational Health CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Xinghong Shi
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ying Chang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Shiyuan Han
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Panting Qian
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hesham M Amin
- Department of HematopathologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yao‐Hua Song
- Cyrus Tang Hematology CenterCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yangxin Li
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryFirst Affiliated Hospital and Medical College of Soochow UniversityCollaborative Innovation Center of HematologySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Tang C, Ke M, Yu X, Sun S, Luo X, Liu X, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Cui X, Gu C, Yang Y. GART Functions as a Novel Methyltransferase in the RUVBL1/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway to Promote Tumor Stemness in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301264. [PMID: 37439412 PMCID: PMC10477903 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor stemness is associated with the recurrence and incurability of colorectal cancer (CRC), which lacks effective therapeutic targets and drugs. Glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GART) fulfills an important role in numerous types of malignancies. The present study aims to identify the underlying mechanism through which GART may promote CRC stemness, as to developing novel therapeutic methods. An elevated level of GART is associated with poor outcomes in CRC patients and promotes the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. CD133+ cells with increased GART expression possess higher tumorigenic and proliferative capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. GART is identified to have a novel methyltransferase function, whose enzymatic activity center is located at the E948 site. GART also enhances the stability of RuvB-like AAA ATPase 1 (RUVBL1) through methylating its K7 site, which consequently aberrantly activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to induce tumor stemness. Pemetrexed (PEM), a compound targeting GART, combined with other chemotherapy drugs greatly suppresses tumor growth both in a PDX model and in CRC patients. The present study demonstrates a novel methyltransferase function of GART and the role of the GART/RUVBL1/β-catenin signaling axis in promoting CRC stemness. PEM may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210008China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Mengying Ke
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Xichao Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Shanliang Sun
- School of PharmacyNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Xian Luo
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Ze Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Xing Cui
- Department of Hematology and OncologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan250001China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210008China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
| | - Ye Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210046China
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Accurate determination for lipidomics based on LC-tandem-MS parameters modeling, prediction, and database: Monitoring the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 223:115126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Li L, Xun C, Yu CH. Role of microRNA-regulated cancer stem cells in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1985-1996. [PMID: 36618329 PMCID: PMC9813843 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i12.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most common cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of tumor recurrence, tumor dormancy, and drug resistance after initial successful chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A small subset of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stem cell characteristics and are present in various cancers, including HCC. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) often accompanies the occurrence and development of HCC. miRNAs can influence tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance by regulating CSCs properties, which supports their clinical utility in managing and treating HCC. This review summarizes the regulatory effects of miRNAs on CSCs in HCC with a special focus on their impact on HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chen Xun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou 412000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Yu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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Wang H, Zhang W, Ding Z, Xu T, Zhang X, Xu K. Comprehensive exploration of the expression and prognostic value of AQPs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29344. [PMID: 36254092 PMCID: PMC9575724 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane water channels that facilitate the passive transport of water across the plasma membrane of cells in response to osmotic gradients created by the active transport of solutes. Water-selective AQPs are involved in tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and growth. However, the polytype expression patterns and prognostic values of eleven AQPs in clear cell Renal Cell Cancer (ccRCC) have yet to be filled. We preliminarily investigated the transcriptional expression, survival data and immune infiltration of AQPs in patients with renal cell cancer via the Oncomine database, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, UALCAN cancer database, and cBioPortal databases. The ethical approval was waived by the local ethics committee of Peking University People's Hospital for the natural feature of mine into databases. The mRNA expression of AQP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/11 was significantly decreased in ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, MIP and AQP1/2/4/6/7/8/9/11 are notably related to the clinical stage or pathological grade of ccRCC. Lower levels of AQP1/3/4/5/7/10 expression were related to worse overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with ccRCC. The AQP mutation rate was 25% in ccRCC patients, but genetic alterations in AQPs were unlikely to be associated with OS and disease free survival in ccRCC patients. In addition, the expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP10 was positively correlated with immune cells, and the expression of AQP6, AQP7 and AQP11 was negatively correlated with immune cells. AQP9 had a strong and significantly positive correlation with multiple immune cells. Abnormal expression of AQPs in ccRCC indicated the prognosis and immunomodulatory state of ccRCC. Further study needs to be performed to explore AQPs as new biomarkers for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrui Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University Applied Lithotripsy Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Urology and Lithotripsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zehua Ding
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kexin Xu, Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China (e-mail: )
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Critical Role of Aquaporins in Cancer: Focus on Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174182. [PMID: 36077720 PMCID: PMC9455074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aquaporins are proteins able to regulate the transfer of water and other small substances such as ions, glycerol, urea, and hydrogen peroxide across cellular membranes. AQPs provide for a huge variety of physiological phenomena; their alteration provokes several types of pathologies including cancer and hematological malignancies. Our review presents data revealing the possibility of employing aquaporins as biomarkers in patients with hematological malignancies and evaluates the possibility that interfering with the expression of aquaporins could represent an effective treatment for hematological malignancies. Abstract Aquaporins are transmembrane molecules regulating the transfer of water and other compounds such as ions, glycerol, urea, and hydrogen peroxide. Their alteration has been reported in several conditions such as cancer. Tumor progression might be enhanced by aquaporins in modifying tumor angiogenesis, cell volume adaptation, proteases activity, cell–matrix adhesions, actin cytoskeleton, epithelial–mesenchymal transitions, and acting on several signaling pathways facilitating cancer progression. Close connections have also been identified between the aquaporins and hematological malignancies. However, it is difficult to identify a unique action exerted by aquaporins in different hemopathies, and each aquaporin has specific effects that vary according to the class of aquaporin examined and to the different neoplastic cells. However, the expression of aquaporins is altered in cell cultures and in patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, in lymphoproliferative diseases and in multiple myeloma, and the different expression of aquaporins seems to be able to influence the efficacy of treatment and could have a prognostic significance, as greater expression of aquaporins is correlated to improved overall survival in leukemia patients. Finally, we assessed the possibility that modifying the aquaporin expression using aquaporin-targeting regulators, specific monoclonal antibodies, and even aquaporin gene transfer could represent an effective therapy of hematological malignancies.
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Clinical value and molecular mechanism of AQGPs in different tumors. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:174. [PMID: 35972604 PMCID: PMC9381609 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs), including AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, and AQP10, are transmembrane channels that allow small solutes across biological membranes, such as water, glycerol, H2O2, and so on. Increasing evidence suggests that they play critical roles in cancer. Overexpression or knockdown of AQGPs can promote or inhibit cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis, and the expression levels of AQGPs are closely linked to the prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we provide a comprehensive and detailed review to discuss the expression patterns of AQGPs in different cancers as well as the relationship between the expression patterns and prognosis. Then, we elaborate the relevance between AQGPs and malignant behaviors in cancer as well as the latent upstream regulators and downstream targets or signaling pathways of AQGPs. Finally, we summarize the potential clinical value in cancer treatment. This review will provide us with new ideas and thoughts for subsequent cancer therapy specifically targeting AQGPs.
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11
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Li D, Zhang Q, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Li T, Du F. A novel nitidine chloride nanoparticle overcomes the stemness of CD133 +EPCAM + Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells for liver cancer therapy. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:48. [PMID: 35820920 PMCID: PMC9277916 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00589-z] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stemness of CD133+EPCAM+ hepatocellular carcinoma cells ensures cancer resistance to apoptosis,which is a challenge to current liver cancer treatments. In this study, we evaluated the tumorcidal activity of a novel nanoparticle of nitidine chloride (TPGS-FA/NC, TPGS-FA: folic acid modified D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, NC: nitidine chloride), against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line Huh7 growth in vitro and in vivo. Methods Huh7 cells were treated with TPGS-FA/NC. Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT and colony assays. The expression of cell markers and signaling proteins was detected using western blot analyses. A sphere culture technique was used to enrich cancer stem cells (CSC) in Huh7 cells. TPGS-FA/NC (7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120 μg/mL) dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells, which associated with a reduction in AQP3 and STAT3 expression. Importantly,TPGS-FA/NC (10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) significantly reduced the EpCAM+/CD133+cell numbers, suppressed the sphere formation. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of TPGS-FA/NC was proved in Huh7 cell xenograft model in BALB/c nude mice, which were administered TPGS-FA/NC(4 mg· kg − 1· d − 1, ig) for 2 weeks. Results TPGS-FA/NC dose-dependently suppressed the AQP3/STAT3/CD133 axis in Huh7 cells. In Huh7 xenograft bearing nude mice, TPGS-FA/NC administration markedly inhibited Huh7 xenograft tumor growth . Conclusions TPGS-FA/NC inhibit HCC tumor growth through multiple mechanisms, and it may be a promising candidate drug for the clinical therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-022-00589-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Eengineering, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi Province, China.
| | - Qiying Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Eengineering, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Eengineering, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University for Chinese Medicine, No.13 , Wu He street, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530200, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University for Chinese Medicine, No.13 , Wu He street, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530200, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Fangkai Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Eengineering, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi Province, China
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12
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Xia P, Liu DH. Cancer stem cell markers for liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102701. [PMID: 35149457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) theory has ushered in a new era of cancer research. Tumor recurrence, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance are all related to the existence of cancer stem cells. Further understanding of tumor heterogeneity will contribute to targeted treatment. Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer are common digestive gland tumors with high lethality. This article reviews the identification and isolation of CSC markers in hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. The markers related signal pathways are involved in the occurrence and development of tumors, and have a significant impact on the proliferation, metastasis and invasion of cancer cells, which can be used as potential molecular therapeutic targets. This study will be helpful to understand cancer stem cell like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Xia
- Biological Anthropology Institute, College of Basic Medical Science, Liaoning Medical University, China.
| | - Da-Hua Liu
- Biological Anthropology Institute, College of Basic Medical Science, Liaoning Medical University, China
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13
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Oberska P, Jedrzejczak-Silicka M, Michałek K, Grabowska M. Initial assessment of suitability of MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines for AQP3 research in cancer biology. Acta Histochem 2021; 123:151716. [PMID: 33933702 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell lines are widely used as in vitro models to elucidate biological processes in cancer, and as a tool to evaluate anticancer agents. In fact, the use of an appropriate cancer cell line in cancer research is crucial for investigating new, potential factors involved in carcinogenesis. One of them is aquaporin-3 (AQP3), which is a small, hydrophobic, integral membrane protein with a predominant role in water and glycerol transport. Recently, altered expression of AQP3 has been reported in many types of cancer. Increasing evidence strongly suggests that AQP3 plays a key role in cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In this study, we performed an insightful characteristic of AQP3 location and its protein expression in MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in the context of cancer biology using immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. AQP3 was found to be located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of MCF-7 cells, and in the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane of HepG2 cells. Immunoblotting of proteins derived from both cell lines revealed a clear band with a molecular weight of approx. 30 kDa representing an unglycosylated form of AQP3. However, the expression of this protein was higher in MCF-7 than in HepG2. Concluding, our results clearly indicated variability in both the expression levels and subcellular location of the AQP3 protein in MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. This leads to the possibility that the expression patterns and subcellular location of AQP3 in the tested cancer cell lines are tissue-of-origin specific, and may be related to the aggressiveness of cancer cells and their mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Oberska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jedrzejczak-Silicka
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
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14
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation of cells found within tumors that exhibit properties of self-renewal, like normal stem cells. CSCs have been defined as a crucial factor involved in driving cancer relapse, chemoresistance and metastasis. Prominin-1 (CD133) is one of the most well-characterized markers of CSCs in various tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CD133+ cells have been demonstrated to be involved in metastasis, tumorigenesis, tumor recurrence, and resistance to treatment in HCC. CD133-related clinical prognosis prediction, and targeted therapy have highlighted the clinical significance of CD133 in HCC. However, there remains controversy over the role of CD133 in experimental and clinical research involving HCC. In this article, we summarize the fundamental cell biology of CD133 in HCC cells and discuss the important characteristics of CD133+ in HCC cells. Furthermore, the prognostic value of CD133, and therapeutic strategies for its targeting in HCC, is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Aquaporins implicated in the cell proliferation and the signaling pathways of cell stemness. Biochimie 2021; 188:52-60. [PMID: 33894294 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins facilitating passive transport of water and other small molecules across biomembranes. Regulation of osmotic homeostasis via AQPs is accompanied by dynamic participation of various cellular signaling pathways. Recently emerging evidence reveals that functional roles of AQPs are further extended from the osmotic regulation via water permeation into the cell proliferation and differentiation. In particular, anomalous expression of AQPs has been demonstrated in various types of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells and it has been proposed as markers for proliferation and progression of cancer cells. Thus, a more comprehensive view on AQPs could bring a great interest in the cell stemness accompanied by the expression of AQPs. AQPs are broadly expressed across tissues and cells in a cell type- and lineage-specific manner during development via spatiotemporal transcriptional regulation. Moreover, AQPs are expressed in various adult stem cells and cells associated with a stem cell niche as well as cancer stem-like cells. However, the expression and regulatory mechanisms of AQP expression in stem cells have not been well understood. This review highlighted the AQPs expression in stem cell niches/stem cells and the involvement of AQPs in the cell proliferation and signaling pathways associated with cell stemness.
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16
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Sun J, Cheng X, Pan S, Wang L, Dou W, Liu J, Shi X. Dichloroacetate attenuates the stemness of colorectal cancer cells via trigerring ferroptosis through sequestering iron in lysosomes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:520-529. [PMID: 33166055 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cell (CSC) has been regarded to be the root of colorectal cancer progression. However, there is still no effective therapeutic method targeting colorectal CSC in clinical application. Here, we investigated the effects of dichloroacetate (DCA) on colorectal cancer cell stemness. We showed that DCA could reduce colorectal cancer cell stemness in a dose-dependent manner, which is evident by the decreased expression of stemness markers, tumor cell sphere-formation and cell migration ability. In addition, it was found that DCA trigerred the ferroptosis of colorectal CSC, which is characterized as the upregulation of iron concentration, lipid peroxides, and glutathione level, and decreased cell viability. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that DCA could sequester iron in lysosome and thus trigger ferroptosis, which is necessary for DCA-mediated attenuation on colorectal cancer cell stemness. Taken together, this work suggests that DCA might be a colorectal CSC-killer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuqin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shubo Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhuan Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Zannetti A, Benga G, Brunetti A, Napolitano F, Avallone L, Pelagalli A. Role of Aquaporins in the Physiological Functions of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122678. [PMID: 33322145 PMCID: PMC7763964 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane water channel proteins that control osmotically-driven water transport across cell membranes. Recent studies have focused on the assessment of fluid flux regulation in relation to the biological processes that maintain mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) physiology. In particular, AQPs seem to regulate MSC proliferation through rapid regulation of the cell volume. Furthermore, several reports have shown that AQPs play a crucial role in modulating MSC attachment to the extracellular matrix, their spread, and migration. Shedding light on how AQPs are able to regulate MSC physiological functions can increase our knowledge of their biological behaviours and improve their application in regenerative and reparative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Via T. De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Gheorghe Benga
- Romanian Academy, Cluj-Napoca Branch, Strada Republicii 9, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, via Veterinaria 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, via Veterinaria 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Via T. De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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18
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Li L, Shen L, Ma J, Zhou Q, Li M, Wu H, Wei M, Zhang D, Wang T, Qin S, Xing T. Evaluating Distribution and Prognostic Value of New Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in HCC Based on a scRNA-Seq Study With CIBERSORTx. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:451. [PMID: 33043022 PMCID: PMC7527443 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a commonly diagnosed cancer with high mortality rates. The immune response plays an important role in the progression of HCC. Immunotherapies are becoming an increasingly promising tool for treating cancers. Advancements in scRNA-seq (single-cell RNA sequencing) have allowed us to identify new subsets in the immune microenvironment of HCC. Yet, distribution of these new cell types and their potential prognostic value in bulk samples from large cohorts remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the tumor-infiltration and prognostic value of new cell subsets identified by a previous scRNA-seq study in a TCGA HCC cohort using CIBERSORTx, a machine learning method to estimate cell proportion and infer cell-type-specific gene expression profiles. We observed different distributions of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes between tumor and normal cells. Among these, the CD4-GZMA cell subset showed association with prognosis (log-rank test, p < 0.05). We further analyzed CD4-GZMA cell specific gene expression with CIBERSORTx, and found 19 prognostic genes (univariable cox regression, p < 0.05). Finally, we applied Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression to construct an immune risk score model and performed a prognostic assessment of our model in TCGA and ICGC cohorts. Taken together, the immune landscape in HCC bulk samples may be more complex than assumed, with heterogeneity and different tumor-infiltration relative to scRNA-seq results. Additionally, CD4-GZMA cells and their characteristics may yield therapeutic benefits in the immune treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixing Li
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingsong Ma
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mo Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muyun Wei
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengying Qin
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tonghai Xing
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Li J, Zhu Y. Recent Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Non-coding RNAs, Oncogenes and Oncoproteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:548335. [PMID: 33117795 PMCID: PMC7575754 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.548335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with high morbidity, relapse, metastasis and mortality rates. Although liver surgical resection, transplantation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some molecular targeted therapeutics may prolong the survival of HCC patients to a certain degree, the curative effect is still poor, primarily because of tumor recurrence and the drug resistance of HCC cells. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also known as liver tumor-initiating cells, represent one small subset of cancer cells that are responsible for disease recurrence, drug resistance and death. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC is of vital importance. Thus, new studies that present gene regulation strategies to control LCSC differentiation and replication are under development. In this review, we provide an update on the latest advances in experimental studies on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), oncogenes and oncoproteins. All the articles addressed the crosstalk between different ncRNAs, oncogenes and oncoproteins, as well as their upstream and downstream products targeting LCSCs. In this review, we summarize three pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and interleukin 6/Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL6/JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway, and their targeting gene, c-Myc. Furthermore, we conclude that octamer 4 (OCT4) and Nanog are two important functional genes that play a pivotal role in LCSC regulation and HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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20
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Pan X, Huang L, Mo D, Liang Y, Huang Z, Zhu B, Fang M. SNP rs2240688 in CD133 gene on susceptibility and clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:5940-5948. [PMID: 35117206 PMCID: PMC8799249 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-19-2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background CD133 is one of the important cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between CD133 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk factors associated with HCC susceptibility and clinicopathological features in HCC cases and healthy controls from the Guangxi region of southern China. Methods A case control study was conducted, including 565 HCC patients and 561 control subjects. The genotyping of rs2240688 was performed using the SNaPshot method. Unconditional logistic regression was used to correct for gender, age, and other confounding factors. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to analyze the relationship between allele and genotype frequency and the risk of HCC. Results The distribution frequencies of CD133 alleles and genotypes in the HCC case group and the control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The CA heterozygous (P=0.003, OR =1.463, 95% CI: 1.134–1.887) and CC homozygous genotypes (P=0.036, OR =1.910, 95% CI: 1.044–3.493), as well as C carrier status (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889) and C alleles (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889), were associated with an increased risk of HCC. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis of CD133 rs2240688 polymorphism and clinical characteristics, the results showed that the genotype distribution of CD133 rs2240688 was significantly different in genotype distribution of metastasis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Conclusions the expression of miRNA binding site rs2240688 of tumor stem cell marker gene CD133 in HCC may be a promising marker for the prediction of HCC, but larger studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Lingsha Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Dan Mo
- Department of Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yihua Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Zhaodong Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning, China
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21
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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22
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Liu G, Luo Q, Li H, Liu Q, Ju Y, Song G. Increased Oxidative Phosphorylation Is Required for Stemness Maintenance in Liver Cancer Stem Cells from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HCCLM3 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155276. [PMID: 32722385 PMCID: PMC7432880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the main cause of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and an unfavorable prognosis. Energy metabolism is closely associated with cell stemness. However, how the stemness of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is regulated by metabolic/oxidative stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we compare the metabolic differences between LCSCs and the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM3, and explore the relationship between metabolism and LCSC stemness. We found that LCSCs from the hepatocellular carcinoma cell HCCLM3 exhibited more robust glucose metabolism than HCCLM3, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and pyruvate produced by glycolysis entering mitochondria for OXPHOS. Moreover, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) enhanced the LCSC stemness by upregulating OXPHOS. In contrast, Mdivi-1 reduced the levels of OXPHOS and weakened the stemness by inhibiting mitochondrial fission. Together, our findings clarify the relationship between energy metabolism and LCSC stemness and may provide theoretical guidance and potential therapeutic approaches for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; (G.L.); (Q.L.); (H.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; (G.L.); (Q.L.); (H.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; (G.L.); (Q.L.); (H.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qiuping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; (G.L.); (Q.L.); (H.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan;
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; (G.L.); (Q.L.); (H.L.); (Q.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-23-65102507
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23
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Gu Y, Zheng X, Ji J. Liver cancer stem cells as a hierarchical society: yes or no? Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:723-735. [PMID: 32490517 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells possessing abilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity in NOD/SCID mice. Based on this definition, multiple cell surface markers (such as CD24, CD133, CD90, and EpCAM) as well as chemical methods are discovered to enrich liver CSCs in the recent decade. Accumulated studies have revealed molecular signatures and signaling pathways involved in regulating different liver CSCs. Among liver CSCs positive for different markers, some molecular features and regulatory pathways are commonly shared, while some are only unique in certain CSC populations. These studies imply that liver CSCs exhibit diverse heterogeneity, while a functional relationship also exists. The aim of this review is to revisit the society of liver CSCs and summarize the common or unique molecular features of known liver CSCs. We hope to call for attention of researchers on the relationship of the liver CSC subgroups and to provide clues on the hierarchical structure of the liver CSC society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhuo Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junfang Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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24
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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Agha-Hosseini F, Barati H, Moosavi MS. Aquaporin3 (AQP3) expression in oral epithelium in oral lichen planus. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 115:104441. [PMID: 32289285 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Lichen Planus is an autoimmune disease of skin and mucous membranes, including oral mucosa and genital organs, with the potential to undergo a malignant transformation. Xerostomia and the salivary gland hypofunction are common manifestations and complications in oral lichen planus (OLP), whose exact cause has not been well defined yet. Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of membrane channel cell proteins which play an important role in the intercellular water permeability. This study for the first time compares the expression of the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) gene in oral tissues of a group of OLP patients and a control group. In this study, 30 OLP patients and 30 healthy individuals were selected. The expression of AQP3 gene was measured using Real-Time PCR method. The expression of the gene in the OLP patients was more than the control group. It could be argued that decreased salivation increases the level of expression of the AQP3 gene in an effort to compensate for this deficiency and prevent the onset of xerostomia (compensatory up-regulation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Agha-Hosseini
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; The Academy of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hoda Barati
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh-Sadat Moosavi
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zheng X, Li C, Yu K, Shi S, Chen H, Qian Y, Mei Z. Aquaporin-9, Mediated by IGF2, Suppresses Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties via Augmenting ROS/β-Catenin/FOXO3a Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:992-1003. [PMID: 32229502 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by virtue of their aggressive behavior and association with poor prognoses. Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is a transmembrane protein that transports water and reportedly transports H2O2. Recent studies have shown that AQP9 expression has a negative effect on HCC cell invasion by inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, the role of AQP9 in LCSCs remains obscure. We performed spheroid formation assay and flow cytometric analysis to investigate LCSCs stemness. CD133+ and CD133- cells were isolated by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence assay were used to estimate gene expression. The protein association of β-catenin with TCF4 and the interaction of β-catenin with FOXO3a were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP). Here, we found that AQP9 was preferentially decreased in LCSCs. Upregulated AQP9 significantly suppressed LCSCs stemness. In contrast, the inhibition of AQP9 had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, AQP9 was shown to be downregulated by insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), which was widely reported to contribute to maintaining CSCs stemness. Furthermore, AQP9 overexpression was found to result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which inhibited β-catenin activity by attenuating the interaction of β-catenin with TCF4 while concurrently enhancing the association of β-catenin with FOXO3a, ultimately inhibiting LCSCs stemness. Our study implies that stimulation of the AQP9 signaling axis may be a novel preventive and/or therapeutic approach for eliminating LCSCs. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings demonstrate that AQP9 signaling axis may be a novel preventive and/or therapeutic approach for eliminating LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences CGH, UCAS, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Keqi Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shasha Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhechuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Sang X, Wu F, Wu D, Lin S, Li J, Zhao N, Chen X, Xu A. Human Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells (HCSCs) Markers Correlated With Immune Infiltrates Reveal Prognostic Significance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:112. [PMID: 32184801 PMCID: PMC7058667 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several markers have been reported to be specific for hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs), which is usually thought to be highly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells act as an important factor for oncogenesis. Little is known about the correlation of HCSC markers to prognosis and immune infiltrates. Methods Expression of HCSC markers was analyzed through Oncomine database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCCDB), respectively. The prognostic effect of HCSC markers was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plotter in association with different tumor stages, risk factors, and gender. The correlation of HCSC markers to tumor-infiltrating immune cells was tested by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). HCSC markers related gene sets were investigated by GEPIA, with their biological functions being analyzed by Cytoscape software. Results The expression level of 10 HCSC markers in HCC was higher than that in normal tissues in at least one database. Among them, high expression of CD24, SOX9, and SOX12 was positively correlated with poor prognosis (CD24: OS P = 0.0012, PFS P = 7.9E–05. SOX9: OS P = 0.012. SOX12: OS P = 0.0004, PFS P = 0.0013, respectively). However, the expression of CD13, CD34 and ALDH1A1 was associated with prolonged OS and PFS. SOX12 was significantly upregulated in poor prognosis of HCC patients with different conditions. Besides, total nine HCSC markers were identified to be positively associated with immune infiltration, including SOX12. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was found to be one major pathway of these HCSC markers related gene networks. Conclusion Our results suggest that seven upregulated HCSC markers (CD90, EpCAM, CD133, CD24, SOX9, CK19, and SOX12) are related with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in HCC. In addition, we find that high SOX12 expression remarkably affect prognosis in male HCC patients but not in female. HCC patients under viral infection or alcohol intake with increased SOX12 expression had poorer prognosis. Therefore, HCSCs markers likely play an important role in tumor related immune infiltration and SOX12 might be a potential therapeutic target in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopu Sang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fenfang Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Lin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Anlong Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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Liu X, Huang J, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Wang R, Lou J. Napabucasin Attenuates Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells to Tamoxifen by Reducing Stem Cell-Like Properties. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:8905-8912. [PMID: 31760402 PMCID: PMC6886158 DOI: 10.12659/msm.918384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tamoxifen (TAM) is the first-line drug for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) treatment. However, its resistance is a main obstacle in clinical practice. Thus, new therapeutic agents are urgently needed to fight TAM resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS Here, we constructed TAM-resistant ER+BC cells with TAM resistance, named MCF-7-R. Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), ALDH1 activity analysis, and spheroid-forming detection were used to detect the stemness of cells and the effects of napabucasin (NP) on BC cell stemness. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to evaluate the effects of NP on cell viability. RESULTS MCF-7-R cells exhibited higher stemness compared with the parental MCF-7 cells, which was evident by the increased spheroid formation ability at diluted concentration, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, and expression of stemness critical biomarkers (Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2). Additionally, it was found that napabucasin (NP) specifically killed MCF-7-T cells, characterized by remarkably decreased IC₅₀ value. Notably, NP reduced MCF-7-R cell stemness, which was evident as the decreased stemness marker expression, spheroid-forming capacity, and ALDH1 activity. Importantly, NP attenuated TAM resistance of MCF-7-R cells and enhanced sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to TAM. Mechanistic study showed that NP inhibited STAT3 activation, and overexpression of STAT3 rescued NP-mediated inhibition of the stemness-like characteristics of MCF-7-R cells. CONCLUSIONS NP might be used as an adjuvant therapy for ER+ BC patients with TAM resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueni Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jianhui Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yanru Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yuefen Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Renyi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jian Lou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
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Hepatitis B Virus X Protein-Induced ROR γ Expression to Promote the Migration and Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5407126. [PMID: 31781621 PMCID: PMC6874968 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5407126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of RORγ is implicated in cancer development. A previous study identified that RORγ functions as a tumor promoter to drive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth. However, its expression and significance in HCC remain unclear. The central finding of this work is that RORγ was overexpressed in HCC due to its dysfunction of promoter methylation, and hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) can remarkably induce the expression of RORγ in hepatocellular carcinoma through enhancing the transcriptional function. Also, the HBx-induced RORγ could promote the migration and proliferation of hepatoma cells. Hence, these results suggest that RORγ was an important regulator in HCC, and our finding provides new insights into the significance of RORγ in HCC.
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