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Duan Y, Deng M, Liu B, Meng X, Liao J, Qiu Y, Wu Z, Lin J, Dong Y, Duan Y, Sun Y. Mitochondria targeted drug delivery system overcoming drug resistance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by reprogramming lipid metabolism. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122609. [PMID: 38754290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The challenge of drug resistance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is intricately linked with lipid metabolism reprogramming. The hepatic lipase (HL) and the membrane receptor CD36 are overexpressed in BGJ398-resistant ICC cells, while they are essential for lipid uptake, further enhancing lipid utilization in ICC. Herein, a metal-organic framework-based drug delivery system (OB@D-pMOF/CaP-AC, DDS), has been developed. The specifically designed DDS exhibits a successive targeting property, enabling it to precisely target ICC cells and their mitochondria. By specifically targeting the mitochondria, DDS produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its sonodynamic therapy effect, achieving a more potent reduction in ATP levels compared to non-targeted approaches, through the impairment of mitochondrial function. Additionally, the DDS strategically minimizes lipid uptake through the incorporation of the anti-HL drug, Orlistat, and anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody, reducing lipid-derived energy production. This dual-action strategy on both mitochondria and lipids can hinder energy utilization to restore drug sensitivity to BGJ398 in ICC. Moreover, an orthotopic mice model of drug-resistant ICC was developed, which serves as an exacting platform for evaluating the multifunction of designed DDS. Upon in vivo experiments with this model, the DDS demonstrated exceptional capabilities in suppressing tumor growth, reprogramming lipid metabolism and improving immune response, thereby overcoming drug resistance. These findings underscore the mitochondria-targeted DDS as a promising and innovative solution in ICC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengqiong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xianwei Meng
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jinghan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yourong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Hassan M, Tutar L, Sari-Ak D, Rasul A, Basheer E, Tutar Y. Non-genetic heterogeneity and immune subtyping in breast cancer: Implications for immunotherapy and targeted therapeutics. Transl Oncol 2024; 47:102055. [PMID: 39002207 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102055] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a complex and multifactorial disease, driven by genetic alterations that promote tumor growth and progression. However, recent research has highlighted the importance of non-genetic factors in shaping cancer evolution and influencing therapeutic outcomes. Non-genetic heterogeneity refers to diverse subpopulations of cancer cells within breast tumors, exhibiting distinct phenotypic and functional properties. These subpopulations can arise through various mechanisms, including clonal evolution, genetic changes, epigenetic changes, and reversible phenotypic transitions. Although genetic and epigenetic changes are important points of the pathology of breast cancer yet, the immune system also plays a crucial role in its progression. In clinical management, histologic and molecular classification of BC are used. Immunological subtyping of BC has gained attention in recent years as compared to traditional techniques. Intratumoral heterogeneity revealed by immunological microenvironment (IME) has opened novel opportunities for immunotherapy research. This systematic review is focused on non-genetic variability to identify and interlink immunological subgroups in breast cancer. This review provides a deep understanding of adaptive methods adopted by tumor cells to withstand changes in the tumor microenvironment and selective pressure imposed by medications. These adaptive methods include alterations in drug targets, immune system evasion, activation of survival pathways, and alterations in metabolism. Understanding non-genetic heterogeneity is essential for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassir Hassan
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Punjab 38000, Pakistan
| | - Lütfi Tutar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kırsehir Ahi Evran University, Kırsehir, Turkey
| | - Duygu Sari-Ak
- Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34668, Turkey
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Punjab 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ejaz Basheer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Sciences Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Yusuf Tutar
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.
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3
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He ZJ, He K, Cai SW, Zhang R, Shao ZB, Wang ST, Li XP, Li YC, Liu WJ, Zhu YQ, Zeng SJ, Su YB, Shi Z. Phase separation of RNF214 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:483. [PMID: 38969650 PMCID: PMC11226663 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and the expression and function of an uncharacterized protein RNF214 in HCC are still unknown. Phase separation has recently been observed to participate in the progression of HCC. In this study, we investigated the expression, function, and phase separation of RNF214 in HCC. We found that RNF214 was highly expressed in HCC and associated with poor prognosis. RNF214 functioned as an oncogene to promote the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of HCC. Mechanically, RNF214 underwent phase separation, and the coiled-coil (CC) domain of RNF214 mediated its phase separation. Furthermore, the CC domain was necessary for the oncogenic function of RNF214 in HCC. Taken together, our data favored that phase separation of RNF214 promoted the progression of HCC. RNF214 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie He
- Cancer Minimally Invasive Therapies Centre, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Ke He
- Cancer Minimally Invasive Therapies Centre, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Song-Wang Cai
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Zhong-Bao Shao
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Sheng-Te Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Yan-Chi Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Wei-Jing Liu
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - You-Qing Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Shi-Jie Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Yu-Bin Su
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Cancer Minimally Invasive Therapies Centre, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Genomic Medicine Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
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4
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Said YA, Hammad SF, Halim MI, El-Moneim AA, Osman A. Assessment of the therapeutic potential of a novel phosphoramidate acyclic nucleoside on induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rat model. Life Sci 2024:122669. [PMID: 38677390 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is renowned as a deadly primary cancer of hepatic origin. Sorafenib is the drug-of-choice for targeted treatment of unresectable end-stage HCC. Unfortunately, great proportion of HCC patients showed intolerance or unresponsiveness to treatment. This study assesses potency of novel ProTide; SH-PAN-19 against N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced HCC in male Wistar rats, compared to Sorafenib. MAIN METHODS Structural entity of the synthesized compound was substantiated via FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis. In vitro, SH-PAN-19 cytotoxicity was tested against 3 human cell lines; hepatocellular carcinoma; HepG-2, colorectal carcinoma; HCT-116 and normal fibroblasts; MRC-5. In vivo, therapeutic efficacy of SH-PAN-19 (300 mg/kg b.w./day) against HCC could be revealed and compared to that of Sorafenib (15 mg/kg b.w./day) by evaluating the morphometric, biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular key markers. KEY FINDINGS SH-PAN-19 was relatively safe toward MRC-5 cells (IC50 = 307.6 μg/mL), highly cytotoxic to HepG-2 cells (IC50 = 24.9 μg/mL) and prominently hepato-selective (TSI = 12.35). Oral LD50 of SH-PAN-19 was >3000 mg/kg b.w. DEN-injected rats suffered hepatomegaly, oxidative stress, elevated liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia, bilirubinemia and skyrocketed AFP plasma titre. SH-PAN-19 alleviated the DEN-induced alterations in apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory markers. SH-PAN-19 produced a 2.5-folds increase in Caspase-9 and downregulated VEGFR-2, IL-6, TNF-α, TGFβ-1, MMP-9 and CcnD-1 to levels comparable to that elicited by Sorafenib. SH-PAN-19 resulted in near-complete pathological response versus partial response achieved by Sorafenib. SIGNIFICANCE This research illustrated that SH-PAN-19 is a promising chemotherapeutic agent capable of restoring cellular plasticity and could stop HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef A Said
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sherif F Hammad
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, PharmD Program, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, 11795 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam I Halim
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abd El-Moneim
- Graphene Center of Excellence, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Physical Chemistry Department, National Research Centre (NRC), 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Osman
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Xu Y, Xing Z, Abdalla Ibrahim Suliman R, Liu Z, Tang F. Ferroptosis in liver cancer: a key role of post-translational modifications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375589. [PMID: 38650929 PMCID: PMC11033738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an emerging form of regulated cell death in an oxidative stress- and iron-dependent manner, primarily induced by the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Manipulation of ferroptosis has been considered a promising therapeutic approach to inhibit liver tumor growth. Nevertheless, the development of resistance to ferroptosis in liver cancer poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial enzymatic catalytic reactions that covalently regulate protein conformation, stability and cellular activities. Additionally, PTMs play pivotal roles in various biological processes and divergent programmed cell death, including ferroptosis. Importantly, key PTMs regulators involved in ferroptosis have been identified as potential targets for cancer therapy. PTMs function of two proteins, SLC7A11, GPX4 involved in ferroptosis resistance have been extensively investigated in recent years. This review will summarize the roles of PTMs in ferroptosis-related proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyao Xing
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Zichuan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengyuan Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Thinking Biomed (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Beijing, China
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Tavakoli Pirzaman A, Alishah A, Babajani B, Ebrahimi P, Sheikhi SA, Moosaei F, Salarfar A, Doostmohamadian S, Kazemi S. The Role of microRNAs in Hepatocellular Cancer: A Narrative Review Focused on Tumor Microenvironment and Drug Resistance. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241239188. [PMID: 38634139 PMCID: PMC11025440 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241239188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatic cancer ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related mortality and is the sixth most frequent kind of cancer. Around 80% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which are the leading cause of cancer death. It is well known that HCC may develop resistance to the available chemotherapy treatments very fast. One of the biggest obstacles in providing cancer patients with appropriate care is drug resistance. According to reports, more than 90% of cancer-specific fatalities are caused by treatment resistance. By binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding RNAs which are around 17 to 25 nucleotides long, regulate target gene expression. Moreover, they play role in the control of signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and cell death. As a result, miRNAs play an important role in the microenvironment of HCC by changing immune phenotypes, hypoxic conditions, and acidification, as well as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, changes in miRNA levels in HCC can effectively resist cancer cells to chemotherapy by affecting various cellular processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and membrane transporter activity. In the current work, we narratively reviewed the role of miRNAs in HCC, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Alishah
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Bahareh Babajani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Pouyan Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Sheikhi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Farhad Moosaei
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | | | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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7
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Mo Z, Wang Z. Deciphering Role of lncRNA 91H in Liver Cancer: Impact on Tumorigenesis. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:829-838. [PMID: 38192253 PMCID: PMC10777316 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.2010456.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate functional role of long ncRNA (lncRNA) 91H in liver cancer tumorigenesis, focusing on its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and In vivo tumor growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, liver cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed for lncRNA 91H expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). By employing si-RNA to silence 91H, we aimed to gain a more in-depth understanding of its specific contributions and effects within these cells. Cell proliferation was assessed through the CCK-8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle progression were quantified using Annexin V-FITC staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Migration and invasion capabilities of liver cancer cells were assessed through transwell assay. EMT was assessed by analyzing protein expression levels of EMT-associated markers through western blotting. In vivo effect of 91H was assessed through xenograft experiments. RESULTS Significantly higher levels of lncRNA 91H were observed in the liver cancer tissues and cell lines, than the normal cells. Silencing 91H in liver cancer cells led to a notable reduction of cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle. Liver cancer cells with decreased 91H expression exhibited diminished migration and invasion abilities, suggesting a role for 91H in promoting these processes. Furthermore, 91H knockdown weakened EMT in liver cancer cells, indicating its involvement in modulating this critical cellular transition. Furthermore, growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors and weight was effectively suppressed by sh-lncRNA 91H. CONCLUSION Our study strongly supports lncRNA 91H's role in liver cancer progression by enhancing proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Targeting 91H reduced in vivo tumor growth, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic liver cancer target. These findings suggest 91H's pivotal role in liver cancer aggressiveness, opening doors for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhuangqiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
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Wang Q, Liang N, Liu C, Li J, Bai Y, Lei S, Huang Q, Sun L, Tang L, Zeng C, Tang Y, He X, Yang T, Wang G. BEX1 supports the stemness of hepatoblastoma by facilitating Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1477-1489. [PMID: 37715024 PMCID: PMC10628275 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a highly aggressive paediatric malignancy that exhibits a high presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which related to tumour recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Brain expressed X-linked protein 1 (BEX1) plays a pivotal role in ciliogenesis, axon regeneration and differentiation of neural stem cells. However, the role of BEX1 in metabolic and stemness programs in HB remains unclear. METHODS BEX1 expression in human and mouse HB was analyzed using gene expression profile data from NCBI GEO and immunohistochemical validation. Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, sphere formation assay, and diluted xenograft tumour formation assay were used to analyze metabolic and stemness features. RESULTS Our results indicated that overexpression of BEX1 significantly enhanced the Warburg effect in HB cells. Furthermore, glycolysis inhibition largely attenuated the effects of BEX1 on HB cell growth and self-renewal, suggesting that BEX1 promotes stemness maintenance of HB cells by regulating the Warburg effect. Mechanistically, BEX1 enhances Warburg effect through the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Furthermore, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) is required for PPARγ-induced inhibition of Warburg effect in HB. In addition, BEX1 supports the stemness of HB by enhancing Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS HB patients with high BEX1 and PDK1 expression had a poor prognosis. BEX1 promotes the stemness maintenance of HB cells via modulating the Warburg effect, which depends on PPARγ/PDK1 axis. Pioglitazone could be used to target BEX1-mediated stemness properties in HB by upregulating PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Province People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yaxing Bai
- Department of Dermatology, XiJing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuanghong Lei
- Anorectal Department, The First People's Hospital of Longnan, Longnan, 742500, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Ligang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Liangke Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Yuqun Tang
- Minimally Invasive tumour Comprehensive Therapy Center, Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Jiangmen, 529000, China.
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9
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Domènech Omella J, Cortesi EE, Verbinnen I, Remmerie M, Wu H, Cubero FJ, Roskams T, Janssens V. A Novel Mouse Model of Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma Induced by Diethylnitrosamine and Loss of Ppp2r5d. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4193. [PMID: 37627221 PMCID: PMC10453342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164193] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) can be classified in hepatocellular (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). The molecular mechanisms involved in PLC development and phenotype decision are still not well understood. Complete deletion of Ppp2r5d, encoding the B56δ subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), results in spontaneous HCC development in mice via a c-MYC-dependent mechanism. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of Ppp2r5d in an independent mouse model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Ppp2r5d deletion (heterozygous and homozygous) accelerated HCC development, corroborating its tumor-suppressive function in liver and suggesting Ppp2r5d may be haploinsufficient. Ppp2r5d-deficient HCCs stained positively for c-MYC, consistent with increased AKT activation in pre-malignant and tumor tissues of Ppp2r5d-deficient mice. We also found increased YAP activation in Ppp2r5d-deficient tumors. Remarkably, in older mice, Ppp2r5d deletion resulted in cHCC-CCA development in this model, with the CCA component showing increased expression of progenitor markers (SOX9 and EpCAM). Finally, we observed an upregulation of Ppp2r5d in tumors from wildtype and heterozygous mice, revealing a tumor-specific control mechanism of Ppp2r5d expression, and suggestive of the involvement of Ppp2r5d in a negative feedback regulation restricting tumor growth. Our study highlights the tumor-suppressive role of mouse PP2A-B56δ in both HCC and cHCC-CCA, which may have important implications for human PLC development and targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Domènech Omella
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Emanuela E. Cortesi
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.E.C.); (T.R.)
| | - Iris Verbinnen
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Michiel Remmerie
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Hanghang Wu
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (F.J.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (F.J.C.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Network on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Roskams
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.E.C.); (T.R.)
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Janssens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Sun M, Gao M, Luo M, Wang T, Zhong T, Qin J. Association between air pollution and primary liver cancer in European and east Asian populations: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1212301. [PMID: 37575092 PMCID: PMC10415013 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1212301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The incidence of primary liver cancer is increasing year by year, with environmental factors playing a non-negligible role. At present, many studies are still disputing whether air pollution is associated with primary liver cancer incidence, and it is difficult to draw causal inferences. Therefore, in this study, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between air pollution (including PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and primary liver cancer risk and its related biomarkers (Alpha-fetoprotein, Osteopontin, Glypican-3 and Arginase-1). Patients and methods We used large-scale publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data to conduct MR analyses of European and East Asian populations. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, and weighted median model, MR-Egger, simple model and weighted model methods were selected for quality control. Heterogeneity was checked by the Cochran's Q test. The MR-Egger regression and the MR-PRESSO global test detect pleiotropy. The sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. Results Between air pollution and primary liver cancer in either European (PM2.5: p = 0.993; PM2.5-10: p = 0.833; PM10: p = 0.257; nitrogen dioxide: p = 0.215; nitrogen oxides: p = 0.614) or East Asian (PM2.5: p = 0.718; PM2.5-10: p = 0.362; PM10: p = 0.720; nitrogen dioxide: p = 0.101; nitrogen oxides: p = 0.760) populations were found no statistical association. Notably, there was a causal relationship between nitrogen oxides and Arginase-1, a biomarker associated with hepatocellular differentiation, statistically significant associations remained after deletion for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with alcohol intake frequency, Body mass index (BMI) and cancers (Beta: 4.46; 95%CI: 0.83-8.08; p = 0.015). There was no heterogeneity or pleiotropy in the results. Conclusion This MR study found no evidence to support a causality between air pollution and primary liver cancer in European and East Asian populations, but nitrogen oxides may affect hepatocellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Center of Coronary Circulation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Manjun Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Health Committee (NHC) Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Taowei Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiabi Qin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Health Committee (NHC) Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Changsha, Hunan, China
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11
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D'Artista L, Moschopoulou AA, Barozzi I, Craig AJ, Seehawer M, Herrmann L, Minnich M, Kang TW, Rist E, Henning M, Klotz S, Heinzmann F, Harbig J, Sipos B, Longerich T, Eilers M, Dauch D, Zuber J, Wang XW, Zender L. MYC determines lineage commitment in KRAS-driven primary liver cancer development. J Hepatol 2023; 79:141-149. [PMID: 36906109 PMCID: PMC10330789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary liver cancer (PLC) comprises hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), two frequent and lethal tumour types that differ regarding their tumour biology and responses to cancer therapies. Liver cells harbour a high degree of cellular plasticity and can give rise to either HCC or iCCA. However, little is known about the cell-intrinsic mechanisms directing an oncogenically transformed liver cell to either HCC or iCCA. The scope of this study was to identify cell-intrinsic factors determining lineage commitment in PLC. METHODS Cross-species transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling was applied to murine HCCs and iCCAs and to two human PLC cohorts. Integrative data analysis comprised epigenetic Landscape In Silico deletion Analysis (LISA) of transcriptomic data and Hypergeometric Optimization of Motif EnRichment (HOMER) analysis of chromatin accessibility data. Identified candidate genes were subjected to functional genetic testing in non-germline genetically engineered PLC mouse models (shRNAmir knockdown or overexpression of full-length cDNAs). RESULTS Integrative bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic and epigenetic data pinpointed the Forkhead-family transcription factors FOXA1 and FOXA2 as MYC-dependent determination factors of the HCC lineage. Conversely, the ETS family transcription factor ETS1 was identified as a determinant of the iCCA lineage, which was found to be suppressed by MYC during HCC development. Strikingly, shRNA-mediated suppression of FOXA1 and FOXA2 with concomitant ETS1 expression fully switched HCC to iCCA development in PLC mouse models. CONCLUSIONS The herein reported data establish MYC as a key determinant of lineage commitment in PLC and provide a molecular explanation why common liver-damaging risk factors such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to either HCC or iCCA. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Liver cancer is a major health problem and comprises hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), two frequent and lethal tumour types that differ regarding their morphology, tumour biology, and responses to cancer therapies. We identified the transcription factor and oncogenic master regulator MYC as a switch between HCC and iCCA development. When MYC levels are high at the time point when a hepatocyte becomes a tumour cell, an HCC is growing out. Conversely, if MYC levels are low at this time point, the result is the outgrowth of an iCCA. Our study provides a molecular explanation why common liver-damaging risk factors such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to either HCC or iCCA. Furthermore, our data harbour potential for the development of better PLC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana D'Artista
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Athina Anastasia Moschopoulou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Craig
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lea Herrmann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martina Minnich
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tae-Won Kang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Elke Rist
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Henning
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Klotz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian Heinzmann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jule Harbig
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bence Sipos
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Dauch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Guo L, Li X, Zhang C, Xu Y, Han L, Zhang L. Radiomics Based on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preoperative Differentiation of Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma from Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Center Study. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:795-806. [PMID: 37288140 PMCID: PMC10243611 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s406648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore whether texture features based on magnetic resonance can distinguish diseases combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before operation. Methods The clinical baseline data and MRI information of 342 patients with pathologically diagnosed cHCC-CC and HCC in two medical centers were collected. The data were divided into the training set and the test set at a ratio of 7:3. MRI images of tumors were segmented with ITK-SNAP software, and python open-source platform was used for texture analysis. Logistic regression as the base model, mutual information (MI) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were used to select the most favorable features. The clinical, radiomics, and clinic-radiomics model were constructed based on logistic regression. The model's effectiveness was comprehensively evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index which is the main, and the model results were exported by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results A total of 23 features were included. Among all models, the arterial phase-based clinic-radiomics model showed the best performance in differentiating cHCC-CC from HCC before an operation, with the AUC of the test set being 0.863 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.923), the specificity and sensitivity being 0.918 (95% CI: 0.819 to 0.973) and 0.738 (95% CI: 0.580 to 0.861), respectively. SHAP value results showed that the RMS was the most important feature affecting the model. Conclusion Clinic-radiomics model based on DCE-MRI may be useful to distinguish cHCC-CC from HCC in a preoperative setting, especially in the arterial phase, and RMS has the greatest impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Guo
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xijun Li
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Internet of Things and Information Security, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Interventional, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lujun Han
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Gerardo-Ramírez M, Giam V, Becker D, Groth M, Hartmann N, Morrison H, May-Simera HL, Radsak MP, Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Herrlich P, Straub BK, Hartmann M. Deletion of Cd44 Inhibits Metastasis Formation of Liver Cancer in Nf2-Mutant Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091257. [PMID: 37174657 PMCID: PMC10177437 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway plays a critical role in restricting cell proliferation and determining cell fate during physiological and pathological processes in the liver. Merlin (Moesin-Ezrin-Radixin-like protein) encoded by the NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 2) gene is an upstream regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway. Targeting of Merlin to the plasma membrane seems to be crucial for its major tumor-suppressive functions; this is facilitated by interactions with membrane-associated proteins, including CD44 (cluster of differentiation 44). Mutations within the CD44-binding domain of Merlin have been reported in many human cancers. This study evaluated the relative contribution of CD44- and Merlin-dependent processes to the development and progression of liver tumors. To this end, mice with a liver-specific deletion of the Nf2 gene were crossed with Cd44-knockout mice and subjected to extensive histological, biochemical and molecular analyses. In addition, cells were isolated from mutant livers and analyzed by in vitro assays. Deletion of Nf2 in the liver led to substantial liver enlargement and generation of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs), as well as mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinomas. Whilst deletion of Cd44 had no influence on liver size or primary liver tumor development, it significantly inhibited metastasis formation in Nf2-mutant mice. CD44 upregulates expression of integrin β2 and promotes transendothelial migration of liver cancer cells, which may facilitate metastatic spreading. Overall, our results suggest that CD44 may be a promising target for intervening with metastatic spreading of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Gerardo-Ramírez
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Giam
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Groth
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Helen L May-Simera
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus P Radsak
- Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23558 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Herrlich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Beate K Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Hartmann
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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14
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Dong ZR, Cai JB, Shi GM, Yang YF, Huang XY, Zhang C, Dong RZ, Wei CY, Li T, Ke AW, Fan J. Oncogenic miR-93-5p/Gal-9 axis drives CD8 (+) T-cell inactivation and is a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 564:216186. [PMID: 37105392 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Evading immune destruction is an emerging hallmark of cancer and a potential key step in tumorigenesis. Immune checkpoint blocker (ICB)-based combination therapies revolutionize the landscape of systemic therapy for HCC. However, the molecular underpinnings governing immune evasion and responses remain unclear. Our study aims to find new regulatory molecules that drive HCC immune escape and tumorigenesis and find new promising immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC. In our study, laser capture microdissection (LCM) and miRNA sequencing combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments identified miR-93-5p as a crucial initiating oncogene during liver progenitor cell (LPC) malignant transformation and immune escape. Mechanistically, miR-93-5p could directly target canonical tumour suppressors such as APC to promote LPC malignant transformation and hepatocarcinogenesis. More importantly, miR-93-5p could induce deviant GAL-9 augmentation to inactivate infiltrated CD8(+) T cells and induce immune evasion by targeting several epigenetic regulators, such as AEBP2, and then regulating H3K4me3/H3K27me3 bivalency. Experiments in C57BL/6 mice demonstrated that blockade of Gal-9 abrogated miR-93-5p-induced HCC progression and improved their prognosis. Clinically, we identified a unique subtype of HCC closely associated with high GAL-9 expression and anti-PD1 treatment resistance. Our study highlights the pivotal role of the miR-93-5p/Gal-9 axis in driving HCC immune escape and tumorigenesis. Blocking GAL-9 is an effective and promising immunotherapeutic approach for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Ru Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jia-Bin Cai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Ming Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Huang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rui-Zhao Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chuan-Yuan Wei
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Ai-Wu Ke
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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15
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Asombang AW, Chishinga N, Mohamed MF, Nkhoma A, Chipaila J, Nsokolo B, Manda-Mapalo M, Montiero JFG, Banda L, Dua KS. Systematic review of cholangiocarcinoma in Africa: epidemiology, management, and clinical outcomes. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:66. [PMID: 36906562 PMCID: PMC10007746 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence, management, and clinical outcomes of cholangiocarcinoma in Africa are unknown. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive systematic review on the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of cholangiocarcinoma in Africa. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINHAL from inception up to November 2019 for studies on cholangiocarcinoma in Africa. The results reported follow PRISMA guidelines. Quality of studies and risk of bias were adapted from a standard quality assessment tool. Descriptive data were expressed as numbers with proportions and Chi-squared test was used to compare proportions. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS A total of 201 citations were identified from the four databases. After excluding duplicates, 133 full texts were reviewed for eligibility, and 11 studies were included. The 11 studies are reported from 4 countries only: 8 are from North Africa (Egypt 6 and Tunisia 2), and 3 in Sub-Saharan Africa (2 in South Africa, 1 in Nigeria). Ten studies reported management and outcomes, while one study reported epidemiology and risk factors. Median age for cholangiocarcinoma ranged between 52 and 61 years. Despite the proportion with cholangiocarcinoma being higher among males than females in Egypt, this gender disparity could not be demonstrated in other African countries. Chemotherapy is mainly used for palliative care. Surgical interventions are curative and prevent cancer progression. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata 15.1. CONCLUSION The known global major risk factors such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini infestation are rare. Chemotherapy treatment was mainly used for palliative treatment and was reported in three studies. Surgical intervention was described in at least 6 studies as a curative modality of treatment. Diagnostic capabilities such as radiographic imaging and endoscopic are lacking across the continent which most likely plays a role in accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akwi W Asombang
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Wang 5, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Nathaniel Chishinga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, 1270 Prince Avenue, Suite 102, Athens, GA, 30606, USA
| | - Mouhand F Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Alick Nkhoma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG, UK
| | - Jackson Chipaila
- Department of Surgery, University Teaching Hospital-Adult Hospital, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Bright Nsokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Martha Manda-Mapalo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | | | - Lewis Banda
- Hematology/Oncology, Cancer Disease Hospital, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Kulwinder S Dua
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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16
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Liver Organoids as an In Vitro Model to Study Primary Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054529. [PMID: 36901961 PMCID: PMC10003131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancers (PLC), including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), are among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Bi-dimensional in vitro models are unable to recapitulate the key features of PLC; consequently, recent advancements in three-dimensional in vitro systems, such as organoids, opened up new avenues for the development of innovative models for studying tumour's pathological mechanisms. Liver organoids show self-assembly and self-renewal capabilities, retaining essential aspects of their respective in vivo tissue and allowing modelling diseases and personalized treatment development. In this review, we will discuss the current advances in the field of liver organoids focusing on existing development protocols and possible applications in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.
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Chiang CC, Yeh H, Lim SN, Lin WR. Transcriptome analysis creates a new era of precision medicine for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:780-799. [PMID: 36816628 PMCID: PMC9932421 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i5.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence negatively impacts outcomes of patients treated with curative intent despite advances in surgical techniques and other locoregional liver-targeting therapies. Over the past few decades, the emergence of transcriptome analysis tools, including real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, microarrays, and RNA sequencing, has not only largely contributed to our knowledge about the pathogenesis of recurrent HCC but also led to the development of outcome prediction models based on differentially expressed gene signatures. In recent years, the single-cell RNA sequencing technique has revolutionized our ability to study the complicated crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune environment, which may benefit further investigations on the role of different immune cells in HCC recurrence and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. In the present article, we summarized the major findings yielded with these transcriptome methods within the framework of a causal model consisting of three domains: primary cancer cells; carcinogenic stimuli; and tumor microenvironment. We provided a comprehensive review of the insights that transcriptome analyses have provided into diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment of HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Cheng Chiang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Hsuan Yeh
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Siew-Na Lim
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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18
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Identification of a Five Immune Term Signature for Prognosis and Therapy Options (Immunotherapy versus Targeted Therapy) for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2023; 2023:8958962. [PMID: 36785674 PMCID: PMC9918845 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8958962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Immune microenvironment implicated in liver cancer development. Nevertheless, previous studies have not fully investigated the immune microenvironment in liver cancer. Methods The open-access data used for analysis were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium databases (ICGC-JP and ICGC-FR). R program was employed to analyze all the data statistically. Results First, the TCGA-LIHC, ICGC-FR, and ICGC-JP cohorts were selected for our analysis, which were merged into a combined cohort. Then, we quantified 53 immune terms in this combined cohort with large populations using the ssGSEA algorithm. Next, a prognostic approach was established based on five immune principles (CORE.SERUM.RESPONSE.UP, angiogenesis, CD8.T.cells, Th2.cells, and B.cells) was established, which showed great prognostic prediction efficiency. Clinical correlation analysis demonstrated that high-risk patients could reveal higher progressive clinical features. Next, to examine the inherent biological variations in high- and low-risk patients, pathway enrichment tests were conducted. DNA repair, E2F targets, G2M checkpoints, HEDGEHOG signaling, mTORC1 signaling, and MYC target were positively correlated with the risk score. Examination of genomic instability revealed that high-risk patients may exhibit a higher tumor mutation burden score. Meanwhile, the risk score showed a strong positive correlation with the tumor stemness index. In addition, the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion outcome indicated that high-risk patients could be higher responsive to immunotherapy, whereas low-risk patients may be higher responsive to Erlotinib. Finally, six characteristic genes DEPDC1, DEPDC1B, NGFR, CALCRL, PRR11, and TRIP13 were identified for risk group prediction. Conclusions In summary, our study identified a signature as a useful tool to indicate prognosis and therapy options for liver cancer patients.
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Huang H, Tsui YM, Ng IOL. Fueling HCC Dynamics: Interplay Between Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor Initiating Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 36736664 PMCID: PMC10036749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a common cancer worldwide. It is an aggressive cancer, with high rates of tumor relapse and metastasis, high chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Liver tumor-initiating cells (LTICs) are a distinctive subset of liver cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities that contribute to intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemo-drug resistance. LTICs, marked by different TIC markers, have high plasticity and use diverse signaling pathways to promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LTICs are nurtured in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where noncellular and cellular components participate to build an immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting niche. As a result, the TME has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic target, as exemplified by some successful applications of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the plasticity of LTICs in terms of cellular differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. We also discuss the various components of the TME, including its noncellular and cellular components. Thereafter, we discuss the mutual interactions between TME and LTICs, including recently reported molecular mechanisms. Lastly, we summarize and describe new ideas concerning novel approaches and strategies for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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20
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SMARCA4: Current status and future perspectives in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216022. [PMID: 36450331 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
SMARCA4, also known as transcription activator, is an ATP-dependent catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable) chromatin-remodeling complexes that participates in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression by supplying energy. As a tumor suppressor that has aberrant expression in ∼10% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), SMARCA4 possesses many biological functions, including regulating gene expression, differentiation and transcription. Furthermore, NSCLC patients with SMARCA4 alterations have a weak response to conventional chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Therefore, the mechanisms of SMARCA4 in NSCLC development urgently need to be explored to identify novel biomarkers and precise therapeutic strategies for this subtype. This review systematically describes the biological functions of SMARCA4 and its role in NSCLC development, metastasis, functional epigenetics and potential therapeutic approaches for NSCLCs with SMARCA4 alterations. Additionally, this paper explores the relationship and regulatory mechanisms shared by SMARCA4 and its mutually exclusive catalytic subunit SMARCA2. We aim to provide innovative treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes for NSCLC patients with SMARCA4 alterations.
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21
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Jianpiyiqi decoction inhibits proliferation and invasion by suppressing the Caspase-1/IRAKs/NF-κB signalling pathway in hepatoma Huh-7 cells. Eur J Integr Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2023.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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22
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Meng SS, Gu HW, Zhang T, Li YS, Tang HB. Gradual deterioration of fatty liver disease to liver cancer via inhibition of AMPK signaling pathways involved in energy-dependent disorders, cellular aging, and chronic inflammation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1099624. [PMID: 36937390 PMCID: PMC10018212 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1099624] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer kind. According to recent research, a fatty liver increases the risk of hepatocellular cancer. Nevertheless, the AMPK signaling pathway is crucial. In addition, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is strongly linked to alterations in the tumor microenvironment, such as inflammation, hypoxia, and aging. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the AMPK signaling pathway on the progression of fatty liver to HCC. Methods In this study, we established a mouse liver cancer model using high-fat diets and nano-nitrosamines (nano-DEN). In addition, we employed a transcriptomic technique to identify all mRNAs detected in liver samples at the 25th weekexpression of proteins linked with the LKB1-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, inflammation, aging, and hypoxia was studied in microarrays of liver cancer tissues from mice and humans. These proteins included p-AMPK, LKB1, mTOR, COX-2, β-catenin, HMGB1, p16, and HIF-1α. Results Data were collected at different times in the liver as well as in cancerous and paracancerous regions and analyzed by a multispectral imaging system. The results showed that most of the genes in the AMPK signaling pathway were downregulated. Prakk1 expression was upregulated compared to control group but downregulated in the cancerous regions compared to the paracancerous regions. Stk11 expression was downregulated in the cancerous regions. Mtor expression was upregulated in the cancerous regions. During liver cancer formation, deletion of LKB1 in the LKB1-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway reduces phosphorylation of AMPK. It contributed to the upregulation of mTOR, which further led to the upregulation of HIF1α. In addition, the expression of β-catenin, COX-2, and HMGB1 were upregulated, as well as the expression of p16 was downregulated. Discussion These findings suggest that changes in the AMPK signaling pathway exacerbate the deterioration of disrupted energy metabolism, chronic inflammation, hypoxia, and cellular aging in the tumor microenvironment, promoting the development of fatty liver into liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Meng
- Laboratory of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Wei Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Laboratory of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Laboratory of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Sang Li, ; He-Bin Tang,
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Laboratory of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Sang Li, ; He-Bin Tang,
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23
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Xu RC, Wang F, Sun JL, Abuduwaili W, Zhang GC, Liu ZY, Liu TT, Dong L, Shen XZ, Zhu JM. A novel murine model of combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:579. [PMID: 36494846 PMCID: PMC9733131 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide. While hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are two major pathologic types of PLC, combined HCC and ICC (cHCC-ICC) is a relatively rare subtype that shares both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte differentiation. However, the molecular feature of this unique tumor remains elusive because of its low incidence and lack of a suitable animal model. Herein, we generated a novel spontaneous cHCC-ICC model using a Sleeping Beauty-dependent transposon plasmid co-expressing oncogenic Myc and AKT1 and a CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid expressing single-guide RNA targeting p53 into mouse hepatocytes via in situ electroporation. The histological and transcriptional analysis confirmed that this model exhibits cHCC-ICC features and activates pathways committing cHCC-ICC formation, such as TGF-β, WNT, and NF-κB. Using this model, we further screened and identified LAMB1, a protein involved in cell adhesion and migration, as a potential therapeutic target for cHCC-ICC. In conclusion, our work presents a novel genetic cHCC-ICC model and provides new insights into cHCC-ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Chen Xu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Wang
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Lei Sun
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Weinire Abuduwaili
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Cong Zhang
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Liu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Dong
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China ,grid.11841.3d0000 0004 0619 8943Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Min Zhu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd., Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Cordycepin Inhibits the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the Pathway of Aerobic Glycolysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6454482. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/6454482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China, with a high incidence and mortality rate. Glucose metabolism reprogramming is a major characteristic of tumor cells. Increasing evidence indicates that aerobic glycolysis is associated with tumor growth and insensitivity to chemotherapy. Cordycepin inhibits the growth of HCC cells, but the mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Herein, in vitro and in vivo methods were utilized to investigate the cordycepin-inhibited growth of HCC by regulating the metabolic pathway of aerobic glycolysis. In vitro analyses using colony formation and flow cytometry revealed that cordycepin inhibits HCC cells’ proliferation and promotes apoptosis. In addition, cordycepin reduced the production of lactic acid and pyruvate, reduced the uptake of glucose, and decreased the extracellular acidification in HCC cells. Specifically, cordycepin inhibited the expression of HK2, LDHA, and PKM2 in aerobic glycolysis via the AMPK-Akt pathway. Taken together, these findings revealed that cordycepin reduces the tumor energy supply and decreases lactic acid production, thereby inhibiting the growth of HCC cells by regulating the metabolic pathway of aerobic glycolysis. These findings might provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying cordycepin-mediated inhibition of tumor growth as well as a new treatment for HCC.
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Kasprzak A, Adamek A. Role of the Ghrelin System in Colitis and Hepatitis as Risk Factors for Inflammatory-Related Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911188. [PMID: 36232490 PMCID: PMC9569806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is not known exactly what leads to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there are specific risk factors that increase the probability of their occurrence. The unclear pathogenesis, too-late diagnosis, poor prognosis as a result of high recurrence and metastasis rates, and repeatedly ineffective therapy of both cancers continue to challenge both basic science and practical medicine. The ghrelin system, which is comprised of ghrelin and alternative peptides (e.g., obestatin), growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), and ghrelin-O-acyl-transferase (GOAT), plays an important role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It promotes various physiological effects, including energy metabolism and amelioration of inflammation. The ghrelin system plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are well known risk factors for the development of CRC, as well as inflammatory liver diseases which can trigger the development of HCC. Colitis-associated cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers. Little is known about the role of the ghrelin system in the mechanisms of transformation of chronic inflammation to low- and high-grade dysplasia, and, finally, to CRC. HCC is also associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis arising from different etiologies, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and/or hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. However, the exact role of ghrelin in the progression of the chronic inflammatory lesions into HCC is still unknown. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the role of the ghrelin system in inflammatory bowel and liver diseases in order to better understand the impact of this system on the development of inflammatory-related cancers, namely CRC and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Święcicki Street 6, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-8546441; Fax: +48-61-8546440
| | - Agnieszka Adamek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, University of Medical Sciences, Szwajcarska Street 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland
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Analysis of viral integration reveals new insights of oncogenic mechanism in HBV-infected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:1339-1352. [PMID: 36123506 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of HBV DNA into the human genome could progressively contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Both intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) are known to be associated with HBV infection. However, the integration of HBV and mechanism of HBV-induced carcinogenesis in ICC and CHC remains unclear. METHODS 41 patients with ICC and 20 patients with CHC were recruited in the study. We conducted HIVID analysis on these 61 samples to identify HBV integration sites in both the tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. To further explore the effect of HBV integration on gene alteration, we selected paired tumors and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues from 3 ICC and 4 CHC patients for RNA-seq and WGS. RESULTS We detected 493 HBV integration sites in ICC patients, of which 417 were from tumor samples and 76 were from non-tumor samples. And 246 HBV integration sites were detected in CHC patients, of which 156 were located in the genome of tumor samples and 90 were in non-tumor samples. Recurrent HBV integration events were detected in ICC including TERT, ZMAT4, MET, ANKFN1, PLXNB2, and in CHC like TERT, ALKBH5. Together with our established data of HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma, we found that HBV preferentially integrates into the specific regions which may affect the gene expression and regulation in cells and involved in carcinogenesis. We further performed genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of three ICC and four CHC patients, and found that HBV fragments could integrate near some important oncogene like TERT, causing large-scale genome variations on nearby genomic sequences, and at the same time changing the expression level of the oncogenes. CONCLUSION Comparative analysis demonstrates numerous newly discovered mutational events in ICC and CHC resulting from HBV insertions in the host genome. Our study provides an in-depth biological and clinical insights into HBV-induced ICC and CHC.
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Wang Q, Yu P, Liu C, He X, Wang G. Mitochondrial fragmentation in liver cancer: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 549:215912. [PMID: 36103914 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation (MF) is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. However, its molecular mechanism in HCC remains elusive. Although enhanced MF activates effector T cells and dendritic cells, it induces immunoescape by decreasing the number and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in the HCC immune microenvironment. Therefore, the influence of MF on the activity of different immune cells is a great challenge. Enhanced MF contributes to maintaining stemness by promoting the asymmetric division of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), suggesting that MF may become a potential target for HCC recurrence, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, mechanistic studies suggest that MF may promote tumour progression through autophagy, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming. Human-induced hepatocyte organoids are a recently developed system that can be genetically manipulated to mimic cancer initiation and identify potential preventive treatments. We can use it to screen MF-related candidate inhibitors of HCC progression and further explore the role of MF in hepatocarcinogenesis. We herein describe the mechanisms by which MF contributes to HCC development, discuss potential therapeutic approaches, and highlight the possibility that MF modulation has a synergistic effect with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Pengfei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China.
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Xu J, Li S, Feng Y, Zhang J, Peng Y, Wang X, Wang H. The Fibrinogen/Albumin Ratio Index as an Independent Prognostic Biomarker for Patients with Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma After Surgery. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1795-1806. [PMID: 35637941 PMCID: PMC9143788 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s361462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) is increasingly considered as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis in various malignant tumors, whereas the value of the FAR in predicting the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) after surgery has not been studied. Patients and Methods A total of 104 patients with surgical-pathologically proved cHCC-CCA were retrospectively analyzed. The best cut-off value of the FAR was calculated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the cohort was then divided into two groups as high-FAR (H-FAR) group and low-FAR (L-FAR) group. The correlation between the preoperative FAR and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Uni- and multi-variable analyses for RFS were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model to verify the predictive value of FAR on the RFS of cHCC-CCA. Additionally, a novel clinical nomogram based on FAR was developed to preoperatively predict the RFS of HCC-CCA. The C-index and calibration were conducted to evaluate the performance of the developed nomogram. Results According to the cut-off value of the FAR, the patients were grouped into the H-FARI (>0.075) and L-FARI (≤0.075) groups. FAR was significantly correlated with several clinical-pathological features, including age, cirrhosis, AFP, CA19-9, BCLC staging, NLR, and PLR. In the multi-variate analysis, FAR, cirrhosis and tumor size were independent prognostic predictors for poor RFS in cHCC-CCA patients after surgery. Moreover, the clinical nomogram based on FAR was constructed, showing well-predictive accuracy. Conclusion The preoperative FAR is a convenient and feasible serum biomarker for predicting the RFS of cHCC-CCA after surgery. Such developed FAR-based nomogram integrating tumor size and cirrhosis could be served as a feasible and convenient tool to assist the decision-making of clinical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiake Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Second People’s Hospital, Kunshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaochun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Second People’s Hospital, Kunshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Second People’s Hospital, Kunshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youduo Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Hongwei Wang, Tel +86 15021133649, Email
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Mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance in human liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:394. [PMID: 35449193 PMCID: PMC9023565 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer mainly includes the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). Recent studies have indicated that there are differences in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties among different types of liver cancer. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also called liver tumor-initiating cells, have been viewed as drivers of tumor initiation and metastasis. Many mechanisms and factors, such as mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, epigenetic modifications, the tumor microenvironment, and tumor plasticity, are involved in the regulation of cancer stemness in liver cancer. In this review, we analyze cancer stemness in different liver cancer types. Moreover, we further evaluate the mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance of LCSCs and discuss promising treatments for eradicating LCSCs.
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Berk Ş, Kaya S, Akkol EK, Bardakçı H. A comprehensive and current review on the role of flavonoids in lung cancer-Experimental and theoretical approaches. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153938. [PMID: 35123170 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-known that flavonoids, which can be easily obtained from many fruits and vegetables are widely preferred in the treatment of some important diseases. Some researchers noted that these chemical compounds exhibit high inhibition effect against various cancer types. Many experimental studies proving this ability of the flavonoids with high antioxidant activity are available in the literature. PUROPOSE The main aim of this review is to summarize comprehensively anticancer properties of flavonoids against the lung cancer in the light of experimental studies and well-known theory and electronic structure principles. In this review article, more detailed and current information about the using of flavonoids in the treatment of lung cancer is presented considering theoretical and experimental approaches. STUDY DESIGN In addition to experimental studies including the anticancer effects of flavonoids, we emphasized the requirement of the well-known electronic structure principle in the development of anticancer drugs. For this aim, Conceptual Density Functional Theory should be considered as a powerful tool. Searching the databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science, the suitable reference papers for this project were selected. METHODS Theoretical tools like DFT and Molecular Docking provides important clues about anticancer behavior and drug properties of molecular systems. Conceptual Density Functional Theory and CDFT based electronic structure principles and rules like Hard and Soft Acid-Base Principle (HSAB), Maximum Hardness Principle, Minimum Polarizability, Minimum Electrophilicity Principles and Maximum Composite Hardness Rule introduced by one of the authors of this review are so useful to predict the mechanisms and powers of chemical systems. Especially, it cannot be ignored the success of HSAB Principle in the explanations and highlighting of biochemical interactions. RESULTS Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies confirmed that flavonoids have higher inhibition effect against lung cancer. In addition to many superior properties like anticancer activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic effect of flavonoids, their toxicities are also explained with the help of published popular papers. Action modes of the mentioned compounds are given in detail. CONCLUSION The review includes detailed information about the mentioned electronic structure principles and rules and their applications in the cancer research. In addition, the epidemiology and types of lung cancer anticancer activity of flavonoids in lung cancer are explained in details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyda Berk
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58140, Turkey
| | - Savaş Kaya
- Health Services Vocational School, Department of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58140, Turkey.
| | - Esra Küpeli Akkol
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Etiler, Ankara 06330, Turkey
| | - Hilal Bardakçı
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
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IL-2 Modulates TAMs Derived Exosomal MiRNAs to Ameliorate Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development and Progression. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3445350. [PMID: 36284632 PMCID: PMC9588329 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3445350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is proved to play an irreplaceable role in antitumor regulation in numerous experimental and clinical trials. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are able to release exosomes to promote the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as essential component of microenvironment. In this study, our intention is to explore the effects of the exosomes from TAMs with IL-2 treatment on HCC development. TAMs were collected and cultured from HCC tissues. The exosomes from the TAMs treated with IL-2 (ExoIL2-TAM) or not (ExoTAM) were identified and used to treat HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. The proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis of HCC cells were measured. The changes of miRNAs in exosomes were explored to clarify the possible mechanisms. Both decrease of cell proliferation and metastasis and increase of apoptosis were observed with ExoIL2-TAM treatment compared with ExoTAMin vivo and in vitro. miR-375 was obviously augmented in ExoIL2-TAM and HCC cells treated with ExoIL2-TAM. Taken together, IL-2 may modulate exosomal miRNAs from TAMs to ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma development. This study provides a new perspective to explain the mechanism by which IL-2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma and implies the potential clinical value of exosomal miRNAs released by TAMs.
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Møllerhøj MB, Veidal SS, Thrane KT, Oró D, Overgaard A, Salinas CG, Madsen MR, Pfisterer L, Vyberg M, Simon E, Broermann A, Vrang N, Jelsing J, Feigh M, Hansen HH. Hepatoprotective effects of semaglutide, lanifibranor and dietary intervention in the GAN diet‐induced obese and biopsy‐confirmed mouse model of NASH. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:1167-1186. [PMID: 35143711 PMCID: PMC9099137 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has emerged as a major challenge for public health because of high global prevalence and lack of evidence‐based therapies. Most animal models of NASH lack sufficient validation regarding disease progression and pharmacological treatment. The Gubra‐Amylin NASH (GAN) diet‐induced obese (DIO) mouse demonstrate clinical translatability with respect to disease etiology and hallmarks of NASH. This study aimed to evaluate disease progression and responsiveness to clinically effective interventions in GAN DIO‐NASH mice. Disease phenotyping was performed in male C57BL/6J mice fed the GAN diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol for 28–88 weeks. GAN DIO‐NASH mice with biopsy‐confirmed NASH and fibrosis received low‐caloric dietary intervention, semaglutide (30 nmol/kg/day, s.c.) or lanifibranor (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Within‐subject change in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Activity Score (NAS) and fibrosis stage was evaluated using automated deep learning‐based image analysis. GAN DIO‐NASH mice showed clear and reproducible progression in NASH, fibrosis stage, and tumor burden with high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Consistent with clinical trial outcomes, semaglutide and lanifibranor improved NAS, whereas only lanifibranor induced regression in the fibrosis stage. Dietary intervention also demonstrated substantial benefits on metabolic outcomes and liver histology. Differential therapeutic efficacy of semaglutide, lanifibranor, and dietary intervention was supported by quantitative histology, RNA sequencing, and blood/liver biochemistry. In conclusion, the GAN DIO‐NASH mouse model recapitulates various histological stages of NASH and faithfully reproduces histological efficacy profiles of compounds in advanced clinical development for NASH. Collectively, these features highlight the utility of GAN DIO‐NASH mice in preclinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Denise Oró
- Gubra, Hørsholm Kongevej 11B, DK‐2970 Hørsholm Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Larissa Pfisterer
- Boehringer‐Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss Germany
| | - Mogens Vyberg
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Eric Simon
- Boehringer‐Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss Germany
| | - Andre Broermann
- Boehringer‐Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss Germany
| | - Niels Vrang
- Gubra, Hørsholm Kongevej 11B, DK‐2970 Hørsholm Denmark
| | - Jacob Jelsing
- Gubra, Hørsholm Kongevej 11B, DK‐2970 Hørsholm Denmark
| | - Michael Feigh
- Gubra, Hørsholm Kongevej 11B, DK‐2970 Hørsholm Denmark
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Ding M, Zhang S, Guo Y, Yao J, Shen Q, Huang M, Chen W, Yu S, Zheng Y, Lin Y, Yan W, Liu Z, Su T, Lu L. Tumor Microenvironment Acidity Triggers Lipid Accumulation in Liver Cancer via SCD1 Activation. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:810-822. [PMID: 35046108 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Acidification is recognized as the predominant characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and contributes to tumor progression. However, the mechanism of extracellular acidic TME directly influences intercellular pathological responses remains unclear. Meanwhile, acidic TME is mainly ascribed to aberrant metabolism of lipids and glucose, but whether and how acidity affects metabolic reprogramming, especially for lipid metabolism, is still unknown. We found that lipid was significantly accumulated in liver cancer cells when exposed to acidic TME. Moreover, proteomic analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly clustered into fatty acid pathways. Subsequently, we found that acidification increased the expression of SCD1 by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Interestingly, we found that SCD1 directly bound to PPARα in the acidic TME, which vanished after 2-day reverse incubation in pH7.4 medium, implying extracellular acidosis might influence intercellular function by mediating the binding affinity between SCD1 and PPARα under different pH gradients. In summary, our data revealed that acidosis could significantly trigger fatty acid synthesis to promote liver tumorigenesis by upregulating SCD1 in a PI3K/AKT activation dependent manner and simultaneously promote SCD1 binding to PPARα. Our study not only provides direct mechanistic evidence to support the vital role of acidosis in lipid metabolic reprogramming, but also provides novel insights for determining the binding affinity of functional proteins as a molecular mechanism to better understand the role of the acidic TME in tumor development. Implications: The acidic TME contributes to lipid accumulation in liver cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promoting SCD1-PPARα binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ding
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Shuwei Zhang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yajuan Guo
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | | | - Qinghong Shen
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Min Huang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Wenbo Chen
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Shaofang Yu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yaqiu Zheng
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yuefang Lin
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Wenxin Yan
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Tao Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Linlin Lu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
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Tang W, Xue J, Luo L, Wang Y, Cai X, Liu Y, Huang D, Wang X, He T, Lu D, Yang F. Kangxianruangan granule‑containing serum mediated inhibition of hepatic oval cell differentiation into hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the Wnt‑1/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:55. [PMID: 34913065 PMCID: PMC8711029 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy with poor clinical prognosis. Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) tend to differentiate into cancerous hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs) in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of kangxianruangan granule (KXRG)-containing serum in inhibiting the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was applied to induce the transformation of the rat HOC cell line WB-F344 into HCCs. The overexpression plasmid, Wnt-1-up, was utilized to increase Wnt-1 expression. Subsequently, high, medium and low concentrations of KXRG were applied to MNNG-treated WB-F344 cells to assess the inhibitory effect of KXRG on cell differentiation. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell cycle distribution, apoptotic rate and expression of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) protein in cells. An immunofluorescence double staining protocol was used to detect the expression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin. ELISAs were performed to detect α fetoprotein in the cell supernatants. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), Axin2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cells. Compared with the normal group, the apoptotic rate, proportion of S phase cells, concentration of AFP in the cell supernatant, level of CK-19 protein, and mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, MMP-7, Axin2 and EpCAM were all significantly increased in the model group. Addition of KXRG significantly reduced the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group. Moreover, Wnt-1 overexpression further increased the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group, whereas KXRG significantly inhibited these effects. The results indicated that KXRG inhibited the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, which suggested the potential clinical application of KXRG for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Tang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Juan Xue
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Lei Luo
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xin Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The People's Hospital of Jiangshan, Jiangshan, Zhejiang 324100, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Tangqing He
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Dingbo Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
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Guo K, Xiao N, Liu Y, Wang Z, Tóth J, Gyenis J, Thakur VK, Oyane A, Shubhra QT. Engineering polymer nanoparticles using cell membrane coating technology and their application in cancer treatments: Opportunities and challenges. NANO MATERIALS SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoms.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Long non-coding RNA HOMER3-AS1 drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression via modulating the behaviors of both tumor cells and macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1103. [PMID: 34815380 PMCID: PMC8611033 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment plays critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) mediating the crosstalk might promote the development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC. Here, we identified a lncRNA, HOMER3-AS1, which is over-expressed in HCC and correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. HOMER3-AS1 promoted HCC cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, and reduced HCC cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, HOMER3-AS1 promoted macrophages recruitment and M2-like polarization. In vivo, HOMER3-AS1 significantly facilitated HCC progression. Mechanism investigations revealed that HOMER3-AS1 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling via upregulating HOMER3. Functional rescue experiments revealed that HOMER3/Wnt/β-catenin axis mediated the roles of HOMER3-AS1 in promoting HCC cellular malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) was also identified as a critical downstream target of HOMER3-AS1. HOMER3-AS1 increased CSF-1 expression and secretion. Blocking CSF-1 reversed the roles of HOMER3-AS1 in inducing macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization. Furthermore, positive correlations between HOMER3-AS1 and HOMER3 expression, HOMER3-AS1 and CSF-1 expression, and HOMER3-AS1 expression and M2-like macrophages infiltration were found in human HCC tissues. In summary, our findings demonstrated that HOMER3-AS1 drives HCC progression via modulating the behaviors of both tumor cells and macrophages, which are dependent on the activation of HOMER3/Wnt/β-catenin axis and CSF-1, respectively. HOMER3-AS1 might be a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
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DNMT1-mediated methylation of BEX1 regulates stemness and tumorigenicity in liver cancer. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1142-1153. [PMID: 34217777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both exhibit notable cancer stem cell (CSC) features. Moreover, the development of both diseases is closely associated with the presence of CSCs. We investigated the role of brain-expressed X-linked protein 1 (BEX1) in regulating the CSC properties of HB and a subtype of HCC with high CSC features (CSC-HCC). METHODS Stemness scores were analyzed in 5 murine HCC models. A subpopulation of BEX1-positive cells and BEX1-negative cells were sorted from HCC cell lines, and subjected to transcriptome analysis. The expression and function of BEX1 was examined via western blotting, sphere formation assays, and xenograft tumor models. RESULTS We identified BEX1 as a novel CSC marker that was required for the self-renewal of liver CSCs. Furthermore, zebularine, a potent DNMT1 inhibitor, can induce the reactivation of BEX1 by removing epigenetic inhibition. Notably, BEX1 was highly expressed in patients with HB and CSC-HCC, but not in patients with non-CSC HCC. Moreover, DNMT1-mediated methylation of the BEX1 promoter resulted in differential BEX1 expression patterns in patients with HB, CSC-HCC, and non-CSC-HCC. Mechanistically, BEX1 interacted with RUNX3 to block its inhibition of β-catenin transcription, which led to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and stemness maintenance in both HB and CSC-HCC. In contrast, downregulated BEX1 expression released RUNX3 and inhibited the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in non-CSC-HCC. CONCLUSION BEX1, under the regulation of DNMT1, is necessary for the self-renewal and maintenance of liver CSCs through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, rendering BEX1 a potentially valuable therapeutic target in both HB and CSC-HCC. LAY SUMMARY Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to a high rate of cancer recurrence, as well as resistance to conventional therapies. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying their self-renewal remains elusive. Herein, we have reported that BEX1 plays a key role in regulating CSC properties in different types of liver cancer. Targeting BEX1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling may help to address the high rate of recurrence, and heterogeneity of liver cancer.
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Abstract
Fibrosis is not a unidirectional, linear process, but a dynamic one resulting from an interplay of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis depending on the extent and severity of a biologic insult, or lack thereof. Regression of fibrosis has been documented best in patients treated with phlebotomies for hemochromatosis, and after successful suppression and eradication of chronic hepatitis B and C infections. This evidence mandates a reconsideration of the term "cirrhosis," which implies an inevitable progression towards liver failure. Furthermore, it also necessitates a staging system that acknowledges the bidirectional nature of evolution of fibrosis, and has the ability to predict if the disease process is progressing or regressing. The Beijing classification attempts to fill this gap in contemporary practice. It is based on microscopic features termed "the hepatic repair complex," defined originally by Wanless and colleagues. The elements of the hepatic repair complex represent the 3 processes of fragmentation and regression of scar, vascular remodeling (resolution), and parenchymal regeneration. However, regression of fibrosis does not imply resolution of cirrhosis, which is more than just a stage of fibrosis. So far, there is little to no evidence to suggest that large regions of parenchymal extinction can be repopulated by regenerating hepatocytes. Similarly, the vascular lesions of cirrhosis persist, and there is no evidence of complete return to normal microcirculation in cirrhotic livers. In addition, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is higher compared with the general population and these patients need continued screening and surveillance.
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Lawal G, Xiao Y, Rahnemai-Azar AA, Tsilimigras DI, Kuang M, Bakopoulos A, Pawlik TM. The Immunology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101184. [PMID: 34696292 PMCID: PMC8538643 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Liver resection or transplantation offer the only potentially curative options for HCC; however, many patients are not candidates for surgical resection, either due to presentation at advanced stages or poor liver function and portal hypertension. Liver transplantation is also limited to patients with certain characteristics, such as those that meet the Milan criteria (one tumor ≤ 5 cm, or up to three tumors no larger than 3 cm, along with the absence of gross vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread). Locoregional therapies, such as ablation (radiofrequency, ethanol, cryoablation, microwave), trans-arterial therapies like chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization (TARE), and external beam radiation therapy, have been used mainly as palliative measures with poor prognosis. Therefore, emerging novel systemic treatments, such as immunotherapy, have increasingly become popular. HCC is immunogenic, containing infiltrating tumor-specific T-cell lymphocytes and other immune cells. Immunotherapy may provide a more effective and discriminatory targeting of tumor cells through induction of a tumor-specific immune response in cancer cells and can improve post-surgical recurrence-free survival in HCC. We herein review evidence supporting different immunomodulating cell-based technology relative to cancer therapy in vaccines and targeted therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gbemisola Lawal
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (G.L.); (A.A.R.-A.)
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.X.); (M.K.)
| | - Amir A. Rahnemai-Azar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (G.L.); (A.A.R.-A.)
| | - Diamantis I. Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-987-9177
| | - Ming Kuang
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.X.); (M.K.)
| | - Anargyros Bakopoulos
- Department of Surgery, Attikon University Hospital, University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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Cui Y, Li H, Zhan H, Han T, Dong Y, Tian C, Guo Y, Yan F, Dai D, Liu P. Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Liver Cancer Through Gene Mutation and Clinical Characteristics. Front Oncol 2021; 11:733478. [PMID: 34604069 PMCID: PMC8484954 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.733478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor worldwide, which is a serious threat to the health of people. We try to investigate some mutations and clinical indicators as candidate markers for the development of liver cancer through targeted region capture technology combined with next-generation sequencing. We collected peripheral blood and liver cancer tissue samples from 32 liver patients concurrently. The SeqCap EZ Prime Choice Probe was used to perform the targeted enrichment; this probe captures 1,000 known cancer-associated genes. We calculated the tumor mutation burden (TMB) for each patient. The high-frequency mutations and these relative genes were identified. Eventually, survival analysis was performed based on the mutations and clinical indicators. In 32 liver patients, a total of 29 high-frequency mutations were investigated. They were located in 25 genes, which were enriched in 9 cellular components (CCs), 6 molecular functions (MFs), and 21 biological processes (BPs). Among them, EZH2 c.1544A>G and CCND1 c.839A>T had the highest mutation frequency (5/32). In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, EZH2-DNMT3A, NOTCH1-CCND1, and ABL1-CCND1 were the top three pairs. The survival analysis showed that there were significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between the Karnofsky performance score (KPS) groups. The PFS and OS in the TMB high group were higher than those in the TMB low group. OS and tumor stage had a remarkable relationship. In conclusion, EZH2 c.1544A>G and CCND1 c.839A>T might be potential biomarkers of liver cancer. TMB might be used as a prognosis and survival indicator of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Endoscopy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongjie Zhan
- Department of Gastric Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Han
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Dong
- Graduate School, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Caijuan Tian
- Tianjin Marvel Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Marvelbio Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Yixian Guo
- Tianjin Marvel Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Marvelbio Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Tianjin Marvel Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Marvelbio Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Dai
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Du XW, Li G, Liu J, Zhang CY, Liu Q, Wang H, Chen TS. Comprehensive analysis of the cancer driver genes in breast cancer demonstrates their roles in cancer prognosis and tumor microenvironment. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:273. [PMID: 34507558 PMCID: PMC8434726 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Cancer driver gene-mediated alterations in the tumor microenvironment are critical factors affecting the biological behavior of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify the expression characteristics and prognostic value of cancer driver genes in breast cancer. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets are used as the training and test sets. Classified according to cancer and paracancerous tissues, we identified differentially expressed cancer driver genes. We further screened prognosis-associated genes, and candidate genes were submitted for the construction of a risk signature. Functional enrichment analysis and transcriptional regulatory networks were performed to search for possible mechanisms by which cancer driver genes affect breast cancer prognosis. Results We identified more than 200 differentially expressed driver genes and 27 prognosis-related genes. High-risk group patients had a lower survival rate compared to the low-risk group (P<0.05), and risk signature showed high specificity and sensitivity in predicting the patient prognosis (AUC 0.790). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that risk scores can independently predict patient prognosis. Further, we found differences in PD-1 expression, immune score, and stromal score among different risk groups. Conclusion Our study confirms the critical prognosis role of cancer driver genes in breast cancer. The cancer driver gene risk signature may provide a novel biomarker for clinical treatment strategy and survival prediction of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gao Li
- Department of Oncology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Office of Academic Research, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Ting-Song Chen
- Department of Oncology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China.
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Bondoc A, Glaser K, Jin K, Lake C, Cairo S, Geller J, Tiao G, Aronow B. Identification of distinct tumor cell populations and key genetic mechanisms through single cell sequencing in hepatoblastoma. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1049. [PMID: 34497364 PMCID: PMC8426487 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver malignancy of childhood, and molecular investigations are limited and effective treatment options for chemoresistant disease are lacking. There is a knowledge gap in the investigation of key driver cells of HB in tumor. Here we show single cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis of human tumor, background liver, and patient derived xenograft (PDX) to demonstrate gene expression patterns within tumor and to identify intratumor cell subtype heterogeneity to define differing roles in pathogenesis based on intracellular signaling in pediatric HB. We have identified a driver tumor cell cluster in HB by genetic expression which can be examined to define disease mechanism and treatments. Identification of both critical mechanistic pathways combined with unique cell populations provide the basis for discovery and investigation of novel treatment strategies in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kang Jin
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Developmental Biology, and Pediatrics, Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Charissa Lake
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stefano Cairo
- Research and Development Unit, XenTech, Genopole-Campus 3, Fontaine, France
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Corso Stati Uniti, Padua, Italy
| | - James Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Tiao
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Developmental Biology, and Pediatrics, Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Lei J, Zhang D, Yao C, Ding S, Lu Z. Development of a Predictive Immune-Related Gene Signature Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient Prognosis. Cancer Control 2021; 27:1073274820977114. [PMID: 33269615 PMCID: PMC8480351 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820977114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the third leader cancer-associated cause of death globally, but the etiological basis for this complex disease remains poorly clarified. The present study was thus conceptualized to define a prognostic immune-related gene (IRG) signature capable of predicting immunotherapy responsiveness and overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC. Methods: Five differentially expressed IRG associated with HCC were established the immune-related risk model through univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. Patients were separated at random into training and testing cohorts, after which the association between the identified IRG signature and OS was evaluated using the “survival” R package. In addition, maftools was leveraged to assess mutational data, with tumor mutation burden (TMB) scores being calculated as follows: (total mutations/total bases) × 106. Immune-related risk term abundance was quantified via “ssGSEA” algorithm using the “gsva” R package. Results: HCC patients were successfully stratified into low-risk and high-risk groups based upon a signature composed of 5 differentially expressed IRGs, with overall survival being significantly different between these 2 groups in training cohort, testing cohort and overall patient cohort (P = 1.745e-06, P = 1.888e-02, P = 4.281e-07). No association was observed between TMB and this IRG risk score in the overall patient cohort (P = 0.461). Notably, 19 out of 29 immune-related risk terms differed substantially in the overall patient dataset. These risk terms mainly included checkpoints, human leukocyte antigens, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and major histocompatibility complex class I. Conclusion: In summary, an immune-related prognostic gene signature was successfully developed and used to predict survival outcomes and immune system status in patients with HCC. This signature has the potential to help guide immunotherapeutic treatment planning for patients affected by this deadly cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, BengBu Medical College, BengBu, China
| | - Dengyong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, BengBu Medical College, BengBu, China
| | - Chao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, BengBu Medical College, BengBu, China
| | - Sheng Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, BengBu Medical College, BengBu, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, BengBu Medical College, BengBu, China
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A scalable and reproducible preparation for the antitumor protein TLC, a human-derived telomerase inhibitor. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 187:105942. [PMID: 34284069 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase, which is overexpressed in approximately 90% of liver cancer cells, is an ideal target for anti-liver cancer therapy. LPTS, a putative liver tumor suppressor, is the only human-derived protein that can bind telomerase directly and inhibit the extension of telomere activity. Our previous studies demonstrated that TAT-LPTS-LC (TLC), a recombinant protein fused by the C-terminal 133-328 fragment of LPTS and TAT peptides, could be delivered into cells to inhibit telomerase-positive hepatoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo with very low toxicity. In the present study, E. coli strains which expressed TLC in abundance were screened and cultured in a laboratory bioreactor. A reproducible protein separation process was built, and this process was suitable for industrial amplification. The yields of TLC protein were up to 184 mg in one batch with a purity of approximately 95%. The purified TLC protein had a similar inhibitory effect on telomerase activity in vitro compared with those purified by Ni-affinity chromatography. Furthermore, TLC protein could be delivered into the cell nucleus to increase the doubling time of the cell and suppress cell growth in telomerase-positive liver cancer cell lines. Cell growth inhibition was negatively correlated with telomere length, suggesting that TLC is a highly targeted telomerase-telomere anticancer agent. These results will contribute to future preclinical studies of the TLC protein.
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45
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Jiang ZB, Wang WJ, Xu C, Xie YJ, Wang XR, Zhang YZ, Huang JM, Huang M, Xie C, Liu P, Fan XX, Ma YP, Yan PY, Liu L, Yao XJ, Wu QB, Lai-Han Leung E. Luteolin and its derivative apigenin suppress the inducible PD-L1 expression to improve anti-tumor immunity in KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 515:36-48. [PMID: 34052328 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Upregulated expression of immune checkpoint molecules correlates with exhausted phenotype and impaired function of cytotoxic T cells to evade host immunity. By disrupting the interaction of PD-L1 and PD1, immune checkpoint inhibitors can restore immune system function against cancer cells. Growing evidence have demonstrated apigenin and luteolin, which are flavonoids abundant in common fruits and vegetables, can suppress growth and induce apoptosis of multiple types of cancer cells with their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of luteolin, apigenin, and anti-PD-1 antibody combined with luteolin or apigenin on the PD-L1 expression and anti-tumorigenesis in KRAS-mutant lung cancer were investigated. Luteolin and apigenin significantly inhibited lung cancer cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, and down-regulated the IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3. Both luteolin and apigenin showed potent anti-cancer activities in the H358 xenograft and Lewis lung carcinoma model in vivo, and the treatment with monoclonal PD1 antibody enhanced the infiltration of T cells into tumor tissues. Apigenin exhibited anti-tumor activity in Genetically engineered KRASLA2 mice. In conclusion, both apigenin and luteolin significantly suppressed lung cancer with KRAS mutant proliferation, and down-regulated the IFN-γ induced PD-L1 expression. Treatment with the combination of PD-1 blockade and apigenin/luteolin has a synergistic effect and might be a prospective therapeutic strategy for NSCLC with KRAS-mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Bo Jiang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Ya-Jia Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Yi-Zhong Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Ju-Min Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Min Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Yu-Po Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; Research & Development Division, iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Liang Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China; Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai City, Guangdong, China.
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Huang HQ, Chen G, Xiong DD, Lai ZF, Liu LM, Fang YY, Shen JH, Gan XY, Liao LF, Dang YW. Down-regulation of microRNA-125b-2-3p is a risk factor for a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1627-1641. [PMID: 33949293 PMCID: PMC8806266 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1921549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients, but the association between miR-125b-2-3p and the onset and prognosis of HCC has not been reported in previous studies; thus, the clinicopathological implications of miR-125b-2-3p in HCC require elaboration. To examine the expression of miR-125b-2-3p in HCC, both in-house RT-qPCR and public datasets were used to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC). MiR-125b-2-3p was markedly lower in HCC than in non-tumor tissue as assessed by the in-house RT-qPCR which was confirmed by the integrative analysis showing the SMD being -0.69 and the area under the curve (AUC) being 0.84 based on 1,233 cases of HCC and 630 cases of non-HCC controls. To gain a overview of the clinical value of miR-125b-2-3p in HCC, all possible datasets were integrated, and lower miR-125b-2-3p levels could lead to poorer differentiation and a more advanced clinical stage of HCC. The hazard ratio (HR) of miR-125b-2-3p was also calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model, and the miR-125b-2-3p level could act as an protective indication for the survival with the HR being 0.74 based on 586 cases of HCC. Furthermore, the effect of nitidine chloride (NC), a natural bioactive phytochemical alkaloid, on the regulation of miR-125b-2-3p and its potential targets was also investigated. The miR-125b-2-3p level was increased after NC treatment, while the expression of its potential target PRKCA was reduced. Above all, a low-expressed level of miR-125b-2-3p plays a tumor suppressive role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Qing Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Feng Lai
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Li-Min Liu
- Department of Drug Toxicology, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Ye-Ying Fang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Hai Shen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Yu Gan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Liu-Feng Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
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Understanding breast cancer heterogeneity through non-genetic heterogeneity. Breast Cancer 2021; 28:777-791. [PMID: 33723745 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-021-01237-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Intricacy in treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer has been an obstacle due to genotype and phenotype heterogeneity. Understanding of non-genetic heterogeneity mechanisms along with considering role of genetic heterogeneity may fill the gaps in landscape painting of heterogeneity. The main factors contribute to non-genetic heterogeneity including: transcriptional pulsing/bursting or discontinuous transcriptions, stochastic partitioning of components at cell division and various signal transduction from tumor ecosystem. Throughout this review, we desired to provide a conceptual framework focused on non-genetic heterogeneity, which has been intended to offer insight into prediction, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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48
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Wang F, Malnassy G, Qiu W. The Epigenetic Regulation of Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653037. [PMID: 33791228 PMCID: PMC8005717 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal and complex malignancy strongly influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment. The HCC microenvironment comprises hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), stromal and endothelial cells, and the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Emerging evidence demonstrates that epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in altering numerous components of the HCC tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the microenvironment in HCC. We review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone regulation, and non-coding RNAs mediated regulation) in HSCs, TAMs, and ECM, and how they contribute to HCC development, so as to gain new insights into the treatment of HCC via regulating epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Greg Malnassy
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
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Zhu M, Wu M, Bian S, Song Q, Xiao M, Huang H, You L, Zhang J, Zhang J, Cheng C, Ni W, Zheng W. DNA primase subunit 1 deteriorated progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating AKT/mTOR signaling and UBE2C-mediated P53 ubiquitination. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:42. [PMID: 33622397 PMCID: PMC7903777 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA primase subunit 1 (PRIM1) has been reported as a novel oncogene in several cancer types. However, its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate underlying mechanisms of PRIM1 and identify it as a potential molecular target for HCC. Methods Hub genes were screened between HCC tissues and normal liver tissues in 3 gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The expression features and prognostic value of one of the hub genes PRIM1 were analyzed by bioinformatic analyses and immunohistochemistry. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies were used to investigate the regulatory role of PRIM1 in HCC cells. Real-time (RT)-qPCR, western blotting, and ubiquitin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The xenograft model was employed to detect the roles of PRIM1 in tumor growth in vivo. Finally, the 3D spheroid model was conducted to validate the role of PRIM1 in tumor growth and sorafenib resistance. Results The hub genes of HCC were screened in multiple bioinformatic datasets. PRIM1, as one of the hub genes, was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues in mRNA and protein levels. In addition, high expression of PRIM1 indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients in TCGA, ICGC, and Nantong cohorts. Overexpression of PRIM1 promoted the proliferation, migration/invasion, and sorafenib resistance of HCC cells, with the decrease in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanically, PRIM1 facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling of HCC cells. Additionally, PRIM1 could cause the ubiquitination and degradation of P53 by upregulating Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 C (UBE2C). Furthermore, knockdown of PRIM1 significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors and HCC cells-derived spheroids with enhanced sorafenib resistance. Conclusion This study implies that PRIM1 may play a key role in the progression of HCC and may serve as a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengna Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Saiyan Bian
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, 27157 NC, USA
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li You
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Cheng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkai Ni
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang Y, Chen S, Li J, Dai W, Qian Y. Immune infiltrating cells in cholangiocarcinoma may become clinical diagnostic markers: based on bioinformatics analysis. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33618734 PMCID: PMC7901112 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant tumor originating from the secondary bile duct and its branch epithelium. Among primary liver tumors, the incidence of ICC is second only to hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor microenvironment can regulate the occurrence and development of tumors. This study is dedicated to finding more markers that can diagnose ICC by finding the differential tumor microenvironment cells between ICC and normal tissues. METHODS We wanted to study the infiltration of immune cells between the cholangiocarcinoma of the same patient and its paired non-tumor tissues, to explore the difference of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and adjacent non-tumor tissues in the same organism. So, we searched the relevant data of patients with ICC from the GEO database and found that the GSE45001 data set meets our research needs. CIBERSORT database is used to calculate immune cell composition. Finally, perform visual analysis and data statistics to find out the differentially expressed immune cells. RESULTS We found that the expression levels of dendritic cells activated, macrophages M2, and T cells regulatory (Tregs) in ICC were higher than normal tissues, and the expression levels of macrophages M1, monocytes, and T cells follicular helper in ICC were lower than normal tissues. CONCLUSION These 6 types of immune cells are expected to become molecular markers for clinical diagnosis of ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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