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Khan MF, Alanazi RF, Baabbad AA, Almoutiri ND, Wadaan MA. Angiogenic protein profiling, phytochemical screening and in silico anti-cancer targets validation of stem, leaves, fruit, and seeds of Calotropis procera in human liver and breast cancer cell lines. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119180. [PMID: 38795948 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The main focus of anticancer drug discovery is on developing medications that are gentle on normal cells and should have the ability to target multiple anti-cancer pathways. Liver cancer is becoming a worldwide epidemic due to the highest occurring and reoccurring rate in some countries. Calotropis procera is a xerophytic herbal plant growing wildly in Saudi Arabia. Due to its anti-angiogenic and anticancer capabilities, "C. procera" is a viable option for developing innovative anticancer medicines. However, no study has been done previously, to discover angiogenic and anti-cancer targets which are regulated by C. procera in liver cancer. In this study, leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of C. procera were used to prepare crude extracts and were fractionated into four solvents of diverse polarities. These bioactivity-guided solvent fractions helped to identify useful compounds with minimal side effects. The phytoconstituents present in the leaves and stem were identified by GC-MS. In silico studies were done to predict the anti-cancer targets by major bioactive constituents present in leaves and stem extracts. A human angiogenesis antibody array was performed to profile novel angiogenic targets. The results from this study showed that C. procera extracts are an ideal anti-cancer remedy with minimum toxicity to normal cells as revealed by zebrafish in vivo toxicity screening assays. The novel antiangiogenic and anticancer targets identified in this study could be explored to design medication against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farooq Khan
- Bioproducts Research chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rawan Frhan Alanazi
- Bioproducts Research chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Almohannad A Baabbad
- Bioproducts Research chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nawaf D Almoutiri
- Bioproducts Research chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan
- Bioproducts Research chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Yan Z, Liu Y, Wang M, Wang L, Chen Z, Liu X. A novel signature constructed by mitochondrial function and cell death-related gene for the prediction of prognosis in bladder cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14667. [PMID: 38918587 PMCID: PMC11199696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65594-0] [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: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) presents a persistent challenge in clinical management. Despite recent advancements demonstrating the BLCA efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in BLCA patients, there remains a critical need to identify and expand the subset of individuals who benefit from this treatment. Mitochondria, as pivotal regulators of various cell death pathways in eukaryotic cells, exert significant influence over tumor cell fate and survival. In this study, our objective was to investigate biomarkers centered around mitochondrial function and cell death mechanisms to facilitate prognostic prediction and guide therapeutic decision-making in BLCA. Utilizing ssGSEA and LASSO regression, we developed a prognostic signature termed mitochondrial function and cell death (mtPCD). Subsequently, we evaluated the associations between mtPCD score and diverse clinical outcomes, including prognosis, functional pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response analysis and drug sensitivity, within high- and low-risk subgroups. Additionally, we employed single-cell level functional assays, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to validate the differential expression of genes comprising the mtPCD signature. The mtPCD signature comprises a panel of 10 highly influential genes, strongly correlated with survival outcomes in BLCA patients and exhibiting robust predictive capabilities. Importantly, individuals classified as high-risk according to mtPCD score displayed a subdued overall immune response, characterized by diminished immunotherapeutic efficacy. In summary, our findings highlight the development of a novel prognostic signature, which not only holds promise as a biomarker for BLCA prognosis but also offers insights into the immune landscape of BLCA. This paradigm may pave the way for personalized treatment strategies in BLCA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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3
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Kim G, Chen Z, Li J, Luo J, Castro-Martinez F, Wisniewski J, Cui K, Wang Y, Sun J, Ren X, Crawford SE, Becerra SP, Zhu J, Liu T, Wang S, Zhao K, Wu C. Gut-liver axis calibrates intestinal stem cell fitness. Cell 2024; 187:914-930.e20. [PMID: 38280375 PMCID: PMC10923069 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The gut and liver are recognized to mutually communicate through the biliary tract, portal vein, and systemic circulation. However, it remains unclear how this gut-liver axis regulates intestinal physiology. Through hepatectomy and transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, we identified pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a liver-derived soluble Wnt inhibitor, which restrains intestinal stem cell (ISC) hyperproliferation to maintain gut homeostasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that microbial danger signals resulting from intestinal inflammation can be sensed by the liver, leading to the repression of PEDF production through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα). This repression liberates ISC proliferation to accelerate tissue repair in the gut. Additionally, treating mice with fenofibrate, a clinical PPARα agonist used for hypolipidemia, enhances colitis susceptibility due to PEDF activity. Therefore, we have identified a distinct role for PEDF in calibrating ISC expansion for intestinal homeostasis through reciprocal interactions between the gut and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girak Kim
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zuojia Chen
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jian Li
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jialie Luo
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Felipe Castro-Martinez
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jan Wisniewski
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kairong Cui
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jialei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaobai Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Susan E Crawford
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University Research Institute, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - S Patricia Becerra
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jimin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Taotao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chuan Wu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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4
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SERPINF1 Mediates Tumor Progression and Stemness in Glioma. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030580. [PMID: 36980858 PMCID: PMC10047918 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Serpin family F member 1 (SERPINF1) reportedly plays multiple roles in various tumors; however, its clinical significance and molecular functions in glioma have been largely understudied. In the present study, we analyzed the prognostic value of SERPINF1 in three independent glioma datasets. Next, we explored the molecular functions and transcriptional regulation of SERPINF1 at the single-cell level. Moreover, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the roles of SERPINF1 in the proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness of glioma cells. Our results showed that a higher expression of SERPINF1 correlated with a poor overall survival rate in glioma patients (hazard ratio: 4.061 in TCGA, 2.017 in CGGA, and 1.675 in GSE16011, p < 0.001). Besides, SERPINF1 knockdown could suppress the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells in vitro. In addition, SERPINF1 expression was significantly upregulated in glioma stem cells (GSCs) compared to parental glioma cells. Knocking down SERPINF1 impaired the sphere formation of GSC-A172 and GSC-LN18. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Notch signaling activation was closely associated with high SERPINF1 expression at the single-cell level. Furthermore, STAT1, CREM, and NR2F2 may participate in the transcriptional regulation of SERPINF1 in glioma. Overall, our results suggest that SERPINF1 may be a candidate prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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The Role of Selected Serpins in Gastrointestinal (GI) Malignancies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206225. [PMID: 36294546 PMCID: PMC9604722 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which are a diverse group of malignant diseases, represent a major healthcare problem around the world. Due to the lack of specific symptoms in the early stages as well as insufficient diagnostic possibilities, these malignancies occupy the leading position in the causes of death worldwide. The currently available tests have too many limitations to be part of routine diagnostics. Therefore, new potential biomarkers that could be used as diagnostic and prognostic factors for these cancers are still being sought. Among the proteins that might fit this role are serpins, which are serine protease inhibitors. Although the serpins themselves have been known for many years, they have recently become the centre of attention for many authors, especially due to the fact that a number of proteins in this family are involved in many stages of neoplasia formation, from angiogenesis through tumour growth to progression. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the significance of serpins in GI malignancies, especially their involvement in the development and progression of oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. This review summarises and confirms the important roles of selected serpins in the pathogenesis of various GI cancers and also points to their promising roles as therapeutic targets. However, due to the relatively nonspecific nature of serpins, future research should be carried out to elucidate the mechanisms involved in tumour pathogenesis in more detail.
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Zhu P, Zhang F, Deng W, Chen W. Integrative analysis of the characteristic of lipid metabolism-related genes for the prognostic prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30695. [PMID: 36181094 PMCID: PMC9524878 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is implicated in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We therefore investigated the molecular characteristics of lipid-metabolism-related genes in HCC. METHODS Multi-dimensional bioinformatics analysis was conducted to comprehensively identify the lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) from public databases, as well as the clinical information, immune features, and biological characteristics of HCC. The IMGR were then used to classify HCC into molecular phenotypes. Six lipid metabolism-related genes sets with the potential to predict the prognosis of HCC patients were identified. RESULTS A total of 770 HCC patients with complete clinical information and corresponding 776 LMRGs were downloaded from 3 databases. Univariate cox and non-negative matrix factorization analyses were used to classify HCC patients into 2 clusters. This molecular classification was associated with overall survival, clinical characteristics, and immune cells. The biological function of the differentially expressed LMRGs in the 2 clusters showed the genes associated with tumor-related metabolism pathways. A combination of multivariate/univariate cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses were conducted to build a 6 LMRGs signature (6-IS) to predict the prognosis of HCC. The 6-IS signature was found to be an independent prognostic factor. Performance of the 6-IS prognostic signature was verified in a validation set and compared with an external data set. Results revealed the 6-IS signature could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the role of LMRG in the pathogenesis of HCC and presents a novel prognostic signature 6-IS monitoring the clinical course of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Pingshan District People’s Hospital, Pingshan General Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Weijie Deng
- Clinical Skills Center, Shenzhen Pingshan District People’s Hospital, Pingshan General Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenbiao Chen
- Central Molecular Laboratory, People’s Hospital of Longhua, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, People’s Hospital of Longhua, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbiao Chen, Central Molecular Laboratory, People’s Hospital of Longhua, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China (e-mail: )
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7
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Denis M, Grasselly C, Choffour PA, Wierinckx A, Mathe D, Chettab K, Tourette A, Talhi N, Bourguignon A, Birzele F, Kress E, Jordheim LP, Klein C, Matera EL, Dumontet C. IN VIVO SYNGENEIC TUMOR MODELS WITH ACQUIRED RESISTANCE TO ANTI-PD-1/PD-L1 THERAPIES. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1013-1027. [PMID: 35679518 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have produced durable responses in a subset of cancer patients. However, a majority of these patients will ultimately relapse due to acquired resistance. To explore the underlying mechanisms of this secondary resistance, we developed five syngeneic murine tumor variants with acquired resistance to anti-PD-1 and/or PD-L1 antibodies in vivo. Resistant in vivo models were obtained by serial treatment/reimplantation cycles of the MC38 colorectal, MB49 and MBT2 bladder, TyrNras melanoma and RENCA kidney models. Tumor immune infiltrates were characterized for wild type and resistant tumors using spectral cytometry and their molecular alterations analyzed using RNA-seq analyses. Alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment were strongly heterogeneous amongst resistant models, involving select lymphoid and/or myeloid subpopulations. Molecular alterations in resistant models included previously identified pathways as well as novel candidate genes found to be deregulated in several resistant models. Among these, Serpinf1, coding for Pigment Epithelial Derived Factor was further explored in the MC38 and the MBT2 models. Overexpression of Serpinf1 induced resistance to anti-PD-1 antibodies in the MC38 model, whereas knock-down of Serpinf1 sensitized this model as well as the primarily resistant MBT2 model. Serpinf1 overexpression was associated with increased production of free fatty acids and reduced activation of CD8+ cells, while orlistat, a compound that reduces the production of free fatty acids, reversed resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy. Our results suggest that a panel of syngeneic resistant models constitutes a useful tool to model the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms encountered in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Denis
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Chloé Grasselly
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France
| | | | - Anne Wierinckx
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancerologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Kamel Chettab
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
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8
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Cheng G, Song C. Association of pigment epithelium derived factor expression with cancer progression and prognosis: a meta-analysis study. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:61. [PMID: 35201465 PMCID: PMC8777498 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a secreted protein that strongly suppresses angiogenesis and directly inhibits cancer cells proliferation. The differential expression of PEDF has been observed in multiple types of human tumors. However, it is unclear as to how PEDF expression is associated with cancer progression and if PEDF could serve as a prognostic marker for cancer patients. METHODS We performed a comprehensive search for the studies on PEDF expression in 14 top-ranked types of solid tumor cancer with the highest incidence. A systemic approach was used to screen for qualified studies and to extract data. Meta-analysis was performed to investigate if PEDF expression is associated with the TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node invasion, distal metastasis and pathological grade of tumor in a pan-cancer manner. A Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted with the digitally-reconstituted patient survival data to study the effect of PEDF expression on the prognosis of cancer patients. RESULTS A total of nine studies were selected, reviewed and analyzed. Meta-analysis suggested that decreased PEDF protein expression was associated with higher TNM staging (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.61-2.81), larger tumor size (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.1-1.84), larger possibility of lymph node invasion (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26-2.22) and higher pathological grade (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2-2.13). No correlation was found between PEDF expression and tumor distal metastasis, gender or age. In addition, low PEDF protein level in tumor tissue is correlated with shorter overall survival (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Low PEDF protein expression in cancer is significantly associated with more advanced cancer progression and significantly poorer survival. The differential clinical outcome among patients with various PEDF expression suggests its prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Cheng
- Department of Physiology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Crystal Song
- Department of Physiology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Shi T, Iwama H, Fujita K, Kobara H, Nishiyama N, Fujihara S, Goda Y, Yoneyama H, Morishita A, Tani J, Yamada M, Nakahara M, Takuma K, Masaki T. Evaluating the Effect of Lenvatinib on Sorafenib-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13071. [PMID: 34884875 PMCID: PMC8657692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sorafenib has been used as a first-line systemic treatment for over a decade. However, resistance to sorafenib limits patient response and presents a major hurdle during HCC treatment. Lenvatinib has been approved as a first-line systemic treatment for advanced HCC and is the first agent to achieve non-inferiority against sorafenib. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the inhibition efficacy of lenvatinib in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Only a few studies have been conducted on this topic. Two human HCC cell lines, Huh-7 and Hep-3B, were used to establish sorafenib resistance, and in vitro and in vivo studies were employed. Lenvatinib suppressed sorafenib-resistant HCC cell proliferation mainly by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest through ERK signaling. Hep-3B sorafenib-resistant cells showed partial cross-resistance to lenvatinib, possibly due to the contribution of poor autophagic responsiveness. Overall, the findings suggest that the underlying mechanism of lenvatinib in overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC involves FGFR4-ERK signaling. Lenvatinib may be a suitable second-line therapy for unresectable HCC patients who have developed sorafenib resistance and express FGFR4.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/genetics
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/blood supply
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Phenylurea Compounds/pharmacology
- Quinolines/pharmacology
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Hisakazu Iwama
- Life Science Research Center, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan;
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Hideki Kobara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Noriko Nishiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Shintaro Fujihara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Yasuhiro Goda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Hirohito Yoneyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Mari Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki 761-0793, Japan; (K.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (S.F.); (Y.G.); (H.Y.); (A.M.); (J.T.); (M.Y.); (M.N.); (K.T.)
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Zheng J, Li Y, Sang Y, Xu L, Jin X, Tao Y, Li D, Du M. Pigment epithelium-derived factor, a novel decidual natural killer cells-derived factor, protects decidual stromal cells via anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1537-1552. [PMID: 32544239 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) from decidual natural killer (dNK) cells during early pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER PEDF from dNK cells limits the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and inflammation of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) to maintain DSCs homoeostasis and immune balance at the maternal-foetal interface during early pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY dNK cells, which secrete PEDF, play critical roles during pregnancy via a series of key regulators. PEDF, a multifunctional endogenous glycoprotein, exhibits a wide range of biological actions upon angiogenesis, inflammation, metabolic homoeostasis, immunomodulation etc., providing potential clinical applications. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Natural killer (NK) cells from decidua and peripheral blood as well as DSCs isolated from normal pregnancy (NP) during the first trimester (6-10 weeks) and the matched patients suffering recurrent miscarriage (RM) were studied. RNA-sequencing analysis of dNK cells was performed to screen for potential key genes involved in RM. The expression of PEDF in dNK cells in NP and RM was examined. A coculture system with LPS-stimulated DSCs and NK cell supernatants derived from NP or RM was established to explore the regulatory mechanisms of PEDF at the maternal-foetal interface. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Peripheral blood and decidual tissues were obtained from women with NP (n = 61) and RM (n = 21). The expression levels of PEDF in NK cells and its receptor (PEDFR) on DSCs were analysed using flow cytometry, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Purified peripheral natural killer (pNK) cells were cocultured with DSCs or trophoblast cells or a combination of both cell types, and PEDF expression in pNK cells was then examined by flow cytometry. DSCs were treated with LPS, an outer-membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria, thereby mimicking an enhanced inflammatory status within decidua, and were cocultured with dNK cell supernatants from NP or RM. In the coculture system, plasmids expressing short hairpin RNA were used to silence PEDFR on DSCs and block the PEDF/PEDFR interaction. Inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis of DSCs treated as described above were assessed by flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed, and the specific signal pathway inhibitors were used to determine downstream PEDF/PEDFR signalling in early decidua. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Markedly higher RNA (P < 0.001) and protein expression of PEDF (P < 0.01) was detected in normal dNK cells when compared with pNK cells. Compared with pNK cells cultured alone, PEDF expression in pNK cells was elevated after coculture with DSCs (P < 0.01) or trophoblast cells (P < 0.001). The increased pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor-α and apoptosis of DSCs following LPS stimulation were suppressed by recombinant human PEDF (P < 0.001) or the supernatant of dNK cells derived from NP (P < 0.001). However, these effects were somewhat abrogated when the PEDF/PEDFR interaction was blocked with PEDFR short hairpin sRNA (P < 0.01). Furthermore, dNK cell-derived PEDF protected DSCs from LPS-induced inflammation via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B activation, while also protecting DSCs from LPS-induced apoptosis via promotion of extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression. Compared with NP, both significantly decreased PEDF RNA (P < 0.001) and protein expression (P < 0.001) in dNK cells, but not in pNK cells (P > 0.05), were detected in women with RM. PEDFR on DSCs was also decreased within RM compared with that within NP (P < 0.001). As a result, dNK cell-mediated anti-inflammation (P < 0.01) and anti-apoptosis (P < 0.05) for protection of LPS-treated DSCs was attenuated in patients suffering from RM. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot exclude the possibility that the differences in amounts of PEDF and its receptor in tissue from NP versus RM women could be caused by the miscarriage event in women with RM. Our experiments only involved human samples investigated in vitro. Experiments in animal models and human study cohorts are still needed to confirm these findings and further clarify the role of PEDF-PEDFR in NP and/or RM. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate PEDF expression and function at the maternal-foetal interface in the first trimester, providing further evidence that PEDF exhibits functional diversity and has great potential for clinical application(s). The findings of selectively high expression of PEDF in normal dNK cells and the PEDF-mediated role of dNK cells during NP and RM help to further elucidate the immune mechanisms behind RM. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Basic Research Programme of China (2017YFC1001403 and 2015CB943300), Nature Science Foundation from National Nature Science Foundation of China (NSFC; 31970859, 81630036, 81501334, 91542116, 31570920, 81490744 and 31171437), the Innovation-oriented Science and Technology Grant from NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (CX2017-2), the Programme of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader (17XD1400900) and the Key Project of Shanghai Basic Research from Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (STCSM; 12JC1401600). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zheng
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Sang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueling Jin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Ovens AJ, Scott JW, Langendorf CG, Kemp BE, Oakhill JS, Smiles WJ. Post-Translational Modifications of the Energy Guardian AMP-Activated Protein Kinase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031229. [PMID: 33513781 PMCID: PMC7866021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise elicits physiological metabolic perturbations such as energetic and oxidative stress; however, a diverse range of cellular processes are stimulated in response to combat these challenges and maintain cellular energy homeostasis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved enzyme that acts as a metabolic fuel sensor and is central to this adaptive response to exercise. The complexity of AMPK’s role in modulating a range of cellular signalling cascades is well documented, yet aside from its well-characterised regulation by activation loop phosphorylation, AMPK is further subject to a multitude of additional regulatory stimuli. Therefore, in this review we comprehensively outline current knowledge around the post-translational modifications of AMPK, including novel phosphorylation sites, as well as underappreciated roles for ubiquitination, sumoylation, acetylation, methylation and oxidation. We provide insight into the physiological ramifications of these AMPK modifications, which not only affect its activity, but also subcellular localisation, nutrient interactions and protein stability. Lastly, we highlight the current knowledge gaps in this area of AMPK research and provide perspectives on how the field can apply greater rigour to the characterisation of novel AMPK regulatory modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J. Ovens
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (A.J.O.); (J.S.O.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.W.S.); (B.E.K.)
| | - John W. Scott
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.W.S.); (B.E.K.)
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher G. Langendorf
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
| | - Bruce E. Kemp
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.W.S.); (B.E.K.)
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
| | - Jonathan S. Oakhill
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (A.J.O.); (J.S.O.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.W.S.); (B.E.K.)
| | - William J. Smiles
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (A.J.O.); (J.S.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Tian H, Zhu X, Lv Y, Jiao Y, Wang G. Glucometabolic Reprogramming in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment: Cause and Effect. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:5957-5974. [PMID: 32765096 PMCID: PMC7381782 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s258196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor that exhibits glucometabolic reprogramming, with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Usually, HCC is not discovered until an advanced stage. Sorafenib is almost the only drug that is effective at treating advanced HCC, and promising metabolism-related therapeutic targets of HCC are urgently needed. The “Warburg effect” illustrates that tumor cells tend to choose aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is closely related to the features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The HCC microenvironment consists of hypoxia, acidosis and immune suppression, and contributes to tumor glycolysis. In turn, the glycolysis of the tumor aggravates hypoxia, acidosis and immune suppression, and leads to tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis. In 2017, a mechanism underlying the effects of gluconeogenesis on inhibiting glycolysis and blockading HCC progression was proposed. Treating HCC by increasing gluconeogenesis has attracted increasing attention from scientists, but few articles have summarized it. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms associated with the TME, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis and the current treatments for HCC. We believe that a treatment combination of sorafenib with TME improvement and/or anti-Warburg therapies will set the trend of advanced HCC therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huining Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - You Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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