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Zhang J, Yang Y, Wu Z, Zhang S, Lin Z, Liu H, Hu J, Zhang T, Tang J, Xue J. Efficacy and safety of SBRT combined with sintilimab and IBI305 in patients with advanced HCC and previously failed immunotherapy: study protocol of a phase 2 clinical trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077903. [PMID: 38858156 PMCID: PMC11168160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in China. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antiangiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has been recommended as first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, two-thirds of patients did not benefit from this form of immunotherapy. Currently, data on the subsequent regimen for patients previously treated with ICIs are lacking. Studies have shown that the combination of radiotherapy (RT) and ICIs is a potentially effective second-line therapy for HCC. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of combined therapy with stereotactic body RT (SBRT), sintilimab and IBI305 (a biosimilar of bevacizumab) in patients with HCC following the progression of first-line ICI therapy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is an open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase 2 trial of 21 patients with advanced HCC in whom previous ICI therapy has failed. Participants will receive approximately 30-40 Gy/5-8F SBRT, followed by 200 mg sintilimab and 15 mg/kg IBI305 intravenously every 3 weeks. Treatment will continue until the development of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. We will use Simon's two-stage design, with the objective response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include ORR of lesions without RT, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival and safety. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was authorised by the Medical Ethics Committee. Dissemination of results will occur via a peer-reviewed publication and other relevant media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200056068.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongqiang Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilong Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyu Lin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongli Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianli Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Xue
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cancer Center, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
All cancers arise from normal cells whose progeny acquire the cancer-initiating mutations and epigenetic modifications leading to frank tumorigenesis. The identity of those "cells-of-origin" has historically been a source of controversy across tumor types, as it has not been possible to witness the dynamic events giving rise to human tumors. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer provide an invaluable substitute, enabling researchers to interrogate the competence of various naive cellular compartments to initiate tumors in vivo. Researchers using these models have relied on lineage-specific promoters, knowledge of preneoplastic disease states in humans, and technical advances allowing more precise manipulations of the mouse germline. These approaches have given rise to the emerging view that multiple lineages within a given organ may generate tumors with similar histopathology. Here, we review some of the key studies leading to this conclusion in solid tumors and highlight the biological and clinical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Potapova EV, Zherebtsov EA, Shupletsov VV, Dremin VV, Kandurova KY, Mamoshin AV, Abramov AY, Dunaev AV. Detection of NADH and NADPH levels in vivo identifies shift of glucose metabolism in cancer to energy production. FEBS J 2024; 291:2674-2682. [PMID: 38311986 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17067] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Profound changes in the metabolism of cancer cells have been known for almost 100 years, and many aspects of these changes have continued to be actively studied and discussed. Differences in the results of various studies can be explained by the diversity of tumours, which have differing processes of energy metabolism, and by limitations in the methods used. Here, using fluorescence lifetime needle optical biopsy in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model and patients with HCC, we measured reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in control liver, and in HCC tumours and their adjacent regions. We found that NADH level (mostly responsible for energy metabolism) is increased in tumours but also in adjacent regions of the same liver. NADPH level is significantly decreased in the tumours of patients but increased in the HCC mouse model. However, in the ex vivo tumour slices of mouse HCC, reactive oxygen species production and glutathione level (both dependent on NADPH) were significantly suppressed. Thus, glucose-dependent NADH and NADPH production in tumours changed but with a more pronounced shift to energy production (NADH), rather than NADPH synthesis for redox balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Potapova
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
| | | | - Valery V Shupletsov
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
| | - Viktor V Dremin
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ksenia Y Kandurova
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
| | - Andrian V Mamoshin
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
- Orel Regional Clinical Hospital, Russia
| | - Andrey Y Abramov
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Andrey V Dunaev
- Research and Development Center of Biomedical Photonics, Orel State University, Russia
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4
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Li CC, Liu M, Lee HP, Wu W, Ma L. Heterogeneity in Liver Cancer Immune Microenvironment: Emerging Single-Cell and Spatial Perspectives. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38788780 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a solid malignancy with a high mortality rate. The success of immunotherapy has shown great promise in improving patient care and highlights a crucial need to understand the complexity of the liver tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Recent advances in single-cell and spatial omics technologies, coupled with the development of systems biology approaches, are rapidly transforming the landscape of tumor immunology. Here we review the cellular landscape of liver TIME from single-cell and spatial perspectives. We also discuss the cellular interaction networks within the tumor cell community in regulating immune responses. We further highlight the challenges and opportunities with implications for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and combination immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyi Cherry Li
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Meng Liu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hsin-Pei Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lichun Ma
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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Huang X, Nepovimova E, Adam V, Sivak L, Heger Z, Valko M, Wu Q, Kuca K. Neutrophils in Cancer immunotherapy: friends or foes? Mol Cancer 2024; 23:107. [PMID: 38760815 PMCID: PMC11102125 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils play a Janus-faced role in the complex landscape of cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapy. As immune defense cells, neutrophils release toxic substances, including reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase 9, within the tumor microenvironment. They also modulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and Fas ligand, augmenting their capacity to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Their involvement in antitumor immune regulation synergistically activates a network of immune cells, bolstering anticancer effects. Paradoxically, neutrophils can succumb to the influence of tumors, triggering signaling cascades such as JAK/STAT, which deactivate the immune system network, thereby promoting immune evasion by malignant cells. Additionally, neutrophil granular constituents, such as neutrophil elastase and vascular endothelial growth factor, intricately fuel tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms that guide neutrophils to collaborate with other immune cells for comprehensive tumor eradication is crucial to enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we illuminate the underlying mechanisms governing neutrophil-mediated support or inhibition of tumor progression, with a particular focus on elucidating the internal and external factors that influence neutrophil polarization. We provide an overview of recent advances in clinical research regarding the involvement of neutrophils in cancer therapy. Moreover, the future prospects and limitations of neutrophil research are discussed, aiming to provide fresh insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies targeting neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Huang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Sivak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Valko
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
- Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Yang X, She X, Zhao Z, Ren J, Wang P, Dong H, Zhao QS, Liu J. In vitro and vivo anti-tumor activity and mechanisms of the new cryptotanshinone derivative 11 against hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176522. [PMID: 38522640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176522] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the prevailing options for therapy. Developing new therapeutic strategies for HCC patients is still highly desirable. Recent studies demonstrate that cryptotanshinone is capable of inhibiting tumor growth in HCC and induces antitumor immunity in vitro. In our previous research, we discovered a new cryptotanshinone derivative 11 as an effective immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor. This study aims to evaluate its in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma. 11 displayed robust anti-proliferative activity against HCC cell lines and promoted apoptosis of HCC cell line through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. In H22 tumor-bearing mice models, 11 exhibited significant in vivo anti-tumor activity with different administration routes. And no obvious toxicity was observed. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated the differential expressed genes and alteration of key pathways associated with immune responses after administration of 11. Up-regulation of anti-tumor cytokines and down-regulation of cytokines that promote tumor growth were indicated and further validated. Our study demonstrates that 11 exhibits promising anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo against hepatocellular carcinoma cancer. It is a lead compound for HCC immunotherapy and is worthy for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinni Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xianlan She
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zhishuang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Peiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Haoqi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qin-Shi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Jiangxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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Zhu CX, Yan K, Chen L, Huang RR, Bian ZH, Wei HR, Gu XM, Zhao YY, Liu MC, Suo CX, Li ZK, Yang ZY, Lu MQ, Hua XF, Li L, Zhao ZB, Sun LC, Zhang HF, Gao P, Lian ZX. Targeting OXCT1-mediated ketone metabolism reprograms macrophages to promote antitumor immunity via CD8 + T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00342-8. [PMID: 38759889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.007] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver is the main organ of ketogenesis, while ketones are mainly metabolized in peripheral tissues via the critical enzyme OXCT1. We previously found that ketolysis is reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through OXCT1 expression to promote tumor progression; however, whether OXCT1 regulates antitumor immunity remains unclear. METHODS To investigate the expression pattern of OXCT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo, we conducted multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) experiments on human HCC specimens. To explore the role of OXCT1 in mouse hepatocellular carcinoma tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), we generated LysMcreOXCT1f/f (OXCT1 conditional knockout in macrophages) mice. RESULTS Here, we found that inhibiting OXCT1 expression in tumor-associated macrophages reduced CD8+ T-cell exhaustion through the succinate-H3K4me3-Arg1 axis. Initially, we found that OXCT1 was highly expressed in liver macrophages under steady state and that OXCT expression was further increased in TAMs. OXCT1 deficiency in macrophages suppressed tumor growth by reprogramming TAMs toward an antitumor phenotype, reducing CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and increasing CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, high OXCT1 expression induced the accumulation of succinate, a byproduct of ketolysis, in TAMs, which promoted Arg1 transcription by increasing the H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) level in the Arg1 promoter. In addition, Pimozide, an inhibitor of OXCT1, suppressed Arg1 expression as well as TAM polarization toward the protumor phenotype, leading to decreasing CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and deceleration of tumor growth. Finally, high expression of OXCT1 in macrophages was positively associated with poor survival in HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OXCT1 epigenetically suppresses antitumor immunity, suggesting that suppressing OXCT1 activity in TAMs is an effective approach for treating liver cancer. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The intricate metabolism of liver macrophages plays a critical role in shaping HCC progression and immune modulation. Targeting macrophage metabolism to counteract immune suppression presents a promising avenue for HCC. Here, we found that ketogenesis gene OXCT1 was highly expressed in tumor-associated macrophages and promoted tumor growth by reprogramming TAMs toward a protumor phenotype. And the strategic pharmacological intervention or genetic downregulation of OXCT1 in TAMs enhances the antitumor immunity and decelerated tumor growth. Our results suggest that suppressing OXCT1 activity in TAMs is an effective approach for treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Xu Zhu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Rong Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Ran Wei
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Mei Gu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Meng-Chu Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cai-Xia Suo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Kun Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Qiang Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Feng Hua
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Chong Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Feng Zhang
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhu L, Yu X, Tang X, Hu C, Wu L, Liu Y, Zhou Q. Evolving landscape of treatments targeting the microenvironment of liver metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1019-1032. [PMID: 38251678 PMCID: PMC11062672 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Liver metastases (LMs) are common in lung cancer. Despite substantial advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with LM remains low as the immune-suppressive microenvironment of the liver allows tumor cells to evade the immune system. The impact of LMs on the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumors has been the main focus of recent translational and clinical research. Growing evidence indicates that the hepatic microenvironment delivers paracrine and autocrine signals from non-parenchymal and parenchymal cells. Overall, these microenvironments create pre- and post-metastatic conditions for the progression of LMs. Herein, we reviewed the epidemiology, physiology, pathology and immunology, of LMs associated with non-small cell lung cancer and the role and potential targets of the liver microenvironment in LM in each phase of metastasis. Additionally, we reviewed the current treatment strategies and challenges that should be overcome in preclinical and clinical investigations. These approaches target liver elements as the basis for future clinical trials, including combinatorial interventions reported to resolve hepatic immune suppression, such as immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, immunotherapy plus radiotherapy, immunotherapy plus anti-angiogenesis therapy, and surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xianzhe Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaojun Tang
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chenggong Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yanyang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Ao F, Li X, Tan Y, Jiang Z, Yang F, Guo J, Zhu Q, Chen Z, Zhou B, Zhang K, Li D. STING agonist-based hydrogel enhances immune activation in synergy with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:296-308. [PMID: 38301925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.048] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppression caused by incomplete radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) is a crucial factor affecting the effectiveness of RFA for solid tumors. However, little is known about the changes iRFA induces in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary application area for RFA. In this study, we found iRFA promotes a suppressive TIME in residual HCC tumors, characterized by M2 macrophage polarization, inhibited antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), and reduced infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Interestingly, the STING agonist MSA-2 was able to reorganize M2-like tumor-promoting macrophages into M1-like anti-tumor states and enhance antigen presentation by DCs. To optimize the therapeutic effect of MSA-2, we used a calcium ion (Ca2+) responsive sodium alginate (ALG) as a carrier, forming an injectable hydrogel named ALG@MSA-2. This hydrogel can change from liquid to gel, maintaining continuous drug release in situ. Our results suggested that ALG@MSA-2 effectively activated anti-tumor immunity, as manifested by increased M1-like macrophage polarization, enhanced antigen presentation by DCs, increased CTL infiltration, and inhibited residual tumor growth. ALG@MSA-2 also resulted in a complete regression of contralateral tumors and widespread liver metastases in vivo. In addition, the excellent biosafety of ALG@MSA-2 was also proved by blood biochemical analysis and body weight changes in mice. In summary, this study demonstrated that the immune cascade of ALG@MSA-2 mediated the STING pathway activation and promoted a favorable TIME which might provide novel insights for the RFA treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ao
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xi Li
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zebo Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingpei Guo
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zhongguo Chen
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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10
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Kirsch-Volders M, Mišík M, de Gerlache J. Tetraploidy as a metastable state towards malignant cell transformation within a systemic approach of cancer development. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503764. [PMID: 38821671 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Tetraploidy, a condition in which a cell has four homologous sets of chromosomes, may be a natural physiological condition or pathophysiological such as in cancer cells or stress induced tetraploidisation. Its contribution to cancer development is well known. However, among the many models proposed to explain the causes, mechanisms and steps of malignant cell transformation, only few integrate tetraploidization into a systemic multistep approach of carcinogenesis. Therefore, we will i) describe the molecular and cellular characteristics of tetraploidy; ii) assess the contribution of stress-induced tetraploidy in cancer development; iii) situate tetraploidy as a metastable state leading to cancer development in a systemic cell-centered approach; iiii) consider knowledge gaps and future perspectives. The available data shows that stress-induced tetraploidisation/polyploidisation leads to p53 stabilisation, cell cycle arrest, followed by cellular senescence or apoptosis, suppressing the proliferation of tetraploid cells. However, if tetraploid cells escape the G1-tetraploidy checkpoint, it may lead to uncontrolled proliferation of tetraploid cells, micronuclei induction, aneuploidy and deploidisation. In addition, tetraploidization favors 3D-chromatin changes and epigenetic effects. The combined effects of genetic and epigenetic changes allow the expression of oncogenic gene expression and cancer progression. Moreover, since micronuclei are inducing inflammation, which in turn may induce additional tetraploidization, tetraploidy-derived genetic instability leads to a carcinogenic vicious cycle. The concept that polyploid cells are metastable intermediates between diploidy and aneuploidy is not new. Metastability denotes an intermediate energetic state within a dynamic system other than the system's state at least energy. Considering in parallel the genetic/epigenetic changes and the probable entropy levels induced by stress-induced tetraploidisation provides a new systemic approach to describe cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheline Kirsch-Volders
- Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Department Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Miroslav Mišík
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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11
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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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12
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Peleman C, Francque S, Berghe TV. Emerging role of ferroptosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: revisiting hepatic lipid peroxidation. EBioMedicine 2024; 102:105088. [PMID: 38537604 PMCID: PMC11026979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is characterised by cell death of parenchymal liver cells which interact with their microenvironment to drive disease activity and liver fibrosis. The identification of the major death type could pave the way towards pharmacotherapy for MASH. To date, increasing evidence suggest a type of regulated cell death, named ferroptosis, which occurs through iron-catalysed peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in membrane phospholipids. Lipid peroxidation enjoys renewed interest in the light of ferroptosis, as druggable target in MASH. This review recapitulates the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in liver physiology, evidence for ferroptosis in human MASH and critically appraises the results of ferroptosis targeting in preclinical MASH models. Rewiring of redox, iron and PUFA metabolism in MASH creates a proferroptotic environment involved in MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Ferroptosis induction might be a promising novel approach to eradicate HCC, while its inhibition might ameliorate MASH disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Peleman
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Sven Francque
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Tom Vanden Berghe
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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13
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Wang J, Yang L, Wang HX, Cui SP, Gao Y, Hu B, Zhou L, Lang R. Anti-PD-1 therapy reverses TIGIT +CD226 +NK depletion in immunotherapy resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through PVR/TIGIT pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111681. [PMID: 38368771 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy resistance conducts the main reason for failure of PD-1-based immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to clarify the mechanism of nature kill cells (NK) depletion in immunotherapy resistance of HCC. Cancerous /paracancerous tissues and peripheral blood (PB) of 55 HCC patients were collected and grouped according to differentiation degree, FCM, IHC and lymphocyte culture drug intervention experiments were used to determine NK cell depletion degree. Furthermore, a mouse model of HCC in situ was constructed and divided into different groups according to intervention measures of ICIs. Immunofluorescence thermography was used to observe changes in tumor burden. NK cells in cancerous tissues significantly up-regulated TIGIT expression (P < 0.001). Intervention experiments revealed that TIGIT and PD-1 expression decreased gradually with increased PD-1 inhibitor dose in moderately-highly differentiated patients (P < 0.05). Animal experiment showed that tumors proliferation in experimental group was inhibited after PD-1 blockage, WB indicated that ICIs decreased TIGIT and PVRL1 protein expression while increased CD226 and PVRL3 protein expression. We concluded that TIGIT+NK cells competitively bind to PVR with CD226 and promote NK cell depletion. Anti-PD-1 decreases PVRL1 expression through PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, reducing the PVR/TIGIT inhibitory signal pathway, and enhancing function of PVR/CD226 activation signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Xuan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Ping Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ren Lang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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14
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D’Ambrosio A, Bressan D, Ferracci E, Carbone F, Mulè P, Rossi F, Barbieri C, Sorrenti E, Fiaccadori G, Detone T, Vezzoli E, Bianchi S, Sartori C, Corso S, Fukuda A, Bertalot G, Falqui A, Barbareschi M, Romanel A, Pasini D, Chiacchiera F. Increased genomic instability and reshaping of tissue microenvironment underlie oncogenic properties of Arid1a mutations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh4435. [PMID: 38489371 PMCID: PMC10942108 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations accumulating in many chromatin-associated proteins have been identified in different tumor types. With a mutation rate from 10 to 57%, ARID1A has been widely considered a tumor suppressor gene. However, whether this role is mainly due to its transcriptional-related activities or its ability to preserve genome integrity is still a matter of intense debate. Here, we show that ARID1A is largely dispensable for preserving enhancer-dependent transcriptional regulation, being ARID1B sufficient and required to compensate for ARID1A loss. We provide in vivo evidence that ARID1A is mainly required to preserve genomic integrity in adult tissues. ARID1A loss primarily results in DNA damage accumulation, interferon type I response activation, and chronic inflammation leading to tumor formation. Our data suggest that in healthy tissues, the increased genomic instability that follows ARID1A mutations and the selective pressure imposed by the microenvironment might result in the emergence of aggressive, possibly immune-resistant, tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- SEMM, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Bressan
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferracci
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Francesco Carbone
- Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, APSS, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Patrizia Mulè
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Barbieri
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Sorrenti
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Gaia Fiaccadori
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Thomas Detone
- Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, APSS, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Vezzoli
- Department of Biomedical sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Bianchi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, APSS, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Akihisa Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, APSS, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences–CISMed, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Falqui
- Department of Physics, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbareschi
- Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, APSS, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences–CISMed, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Romanel
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Diego Pasini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Chiacchiera
- Laboratory of stem cells and cancer genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
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15
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Ma Z, Chen W, Liu Y, Yu L, Mao X, Guo X, Jiang F, Guo Q, Lin N, Zhang Y. Artesunate Sensitizes human hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib via exacerbating AFAP1L2-SRC-FUNDC1 axis-dependent mitophagy. Autophagy 2024; 20:541-556. [PMID: 37733919 PMCID: PMC10936616 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2261758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the most widely used first-line drug for the treatment of the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, sorafenib resistance often limits its therapeutic efficacy. To evaluate the efficacy of artesunate against sorafenib-resistant HCC and to investigate its underlying pharmacological mechanisms, a "sorafenib resistance related gene-ART candidate target" interaction network was constructed, and a signaling axis consisting with artesunate candidate target AFAP1L2 and sorafenib target SRC, and the downstream FUNDC1-dependent mitophagy was identified as a major contributor to the sorafenib resistance and a potential way of artesunate to mitigate resistance. Notably, our clinical data demonstrated that AFAP1L2 expression in HCC tissues was markedly higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues (P < 0.05), and high AFAP1L2 expression was also significantly associated with an unfavorable overall survival of HCC patients (P < 0.05). Experimentally, AFAP1L2 was overexpressed in sorafenib resistant cells, leading to the activation of downstream SRC-FUNDC1 signaling axis, further blocking the FUNDC1 recruitment of LC3B to mitochondria and inhibiting the activation of mitophagy, based on both in vitro and in vivo systems. Moreover, artesunate significantly enhanced the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on resistant cells and tumors by inducing excessive mitophagy. Mechanically, artesunate reduced the expression of AFAP1L2 protein, suppressed the phosphorylation levels of SRC and FUNDC1 proteins, promoted the FUNDC1 recruitment of massive LC3B to mitochondria, and further overactivated the mitophagy and subsequent cell apoptosis of sorafenib resistant cells. In conclusion, artesunate may be a promising strategy to mitigate sorafenib resistance in HCC via exacerbating AFAP1L2-SRC-FUNDC1 axis-dependent mitophagy.Abbreviations: AFAP1L2, actin filament associated protein 1 like 2; ANOVA, analysis of variance; ANXA5, annexin V; ART: artesunate; CETSA, cellular thermal shift assay; CI: combination index; CO-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CQ: chloroquine; CT, computed tomography; [18F]-FDG, fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose F18; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; H&E Staining: hematoxylin - eosin staining; HepG2R, sorafenib resistant HepG2; IF, immunofluorescence; IHC, immunohistochemistry; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; miR, microRNA; mRNA: messenger RNA; OE, overexpression; OS, overall survival; PET, positron emission tomography; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time PCR; sh, short hairpin; shNC: negative control shRNA; shAFAP1L2: short hairpin AFAP1L2; SORA, sorafenib; SPR, surface plasmon resonance; SRC, SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase; SUV, standardized uptake value; TEM, transmission electron microscopy; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Ma
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxiang Yu
- The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Mao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Guo
- The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Funeng Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Shimada S, Tanaka S. The chronicles of hepatocellular carcinoma classification: Subtyping, modeling, and treatment. Hepatology 2024; 79:261-263. [PMID: 37651225 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Shimada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Hu Q, Su Y, Ma S, Wei P, He C, Yang D, Qian Y, Shen Y, Zhou X, Zhou Z, Hu H. Integrin-Targeted Theranostic Nanoparticles for Clinical MRI-Traceable Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:2012-2026. [PMID: 38165274 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the critical stage in the development of chronic liver disease (CLD), from simple injury to irreversible cirrhosis. Timely detection and intervention of liver fibrosis are crucial for preventing CLD from progressing into a fatal condition. Herein, we developed iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (IONPs) and ferulic acid (FA) coencapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), followed by surface modification with cRGD peptides (cRGD-PLGA/IOFA) for integrin-targeted clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-traceable treatment of liver fibrosis. The cRGD peptide linked on the surface of the PLGA/IOFA NPs could specifically bind to the overexpressed integrin αvβ3 on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the fibrotic liver, enabling the high-sensitive clinical MR imaging (3 T) and precise staging of liver fibrosis. The FA encapsulated in cRGD-PLGA/IOFA showed excellent efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the activation of HSCs through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway. Notably, the IONPs encapsulated in cRGD-PLGA/IOFA NPs could alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating hepatic macrophages through the NF-κB pathway, lowering the proportion of Ly6Chigh/CD86+, and degrading collagen fibers. The FA and IONPs in the cRGD-PLGA/IOFA produced a synergistic enhancement effect on collagen degradation, which was more effective than the IONPs treatment alone. This study demonstrates that cRGD-PLGA/IOFA NPs could effectively relieve liver fibrosis by acting on macrophages and HSCs and provide a new strategy for the clinical MRI-traceable treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Hu
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongzhao Su
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Siying Ma
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiying Wei
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chengbin He
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Yue Qian
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuxian Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hongjie Hu
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
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Khalil H, Nada AH, Mahrous H, Hassan A, Rijo P, Ibrahim IA, Mohamed DD, AL-Salmi FA, Mohamed DD, Elmaksoud AIA. Amelioration effect of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid on methylation inhibitors in hepatocarcinogenesis -induced by diethylnitrosamine. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1206990. [PMID: 38322013 PMCID: PMC10844948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim suppression of methylation inhibitors (epigenetic genes) in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine using glycyrrhetinic acid. Method In the current work, we investigated the effect of sole GA combined with different agents such as doxorubicin (DOX) or probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamanosus) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine to improve efficiency. The genomic DNA was isolated from rats' liver tissues to evaluate either methylation-sensitive or methylation-dependent resection enzymes. The methylation activity of the targeting genes DLC-1, TET-1, NF-kB, and STAT-3 was examined using specific primers and cleaved DNA products. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to determine the protein expression profiles of DLC-1 and TET-1 in treated rats' liver tissue. Results Our results demonstrated the activity of GA to reduce the methylation activity in TET-1 and DLC-1 by 33.6% and 78%, respectively. As compared with the positive control. Furthermore, the association of GA with DOX avoided the methylation activity by 88% and 91% for TET-1 and DLC-1, respectively, as compared with the positive control. Similarly, the combined use of GA with probiotics suppressed the methylation activity in the TET-1 and DLC-1 genes by 75% and 81% for TET-1 and DLC-1, respectively. Also, GA and its combination with bacteria attenuated the adverse effect in hepatocarcinogenesis rats by altering potential methylomic genes such as NF-kb and STAT3 genes by 76% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion GA has an ameliorative effect against methylation inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by decreasing the methylation activity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Khalil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Alaa H. Nada
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Hoda Mahrous
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Amr Hassan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Patricia Rijo
- Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ibrahim A. Ibrahim
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Dalia D. Mohamed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Fawziah A. AL-Salmi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa D. Mohamed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I. Abd Elmaksoud
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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20
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Lambertucci F, Li S, Motiño O, Montégut L, Nogueira-Recalde U, Chen H, Anagnostopoulos G, Maiuri MC, Kroemer G, Martins I. Orthotopic Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2769:1-13. [PMID: 38315385 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3694-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Orthotopic models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consist in the implantation of tumor cells into the liver by direct intrahepatic injection. In this model, tumorigenesis is triggered within the hepatic microenvironment, thus mimicking the metastatic behavior of HCC. Herein, we detail a surgically mediated methodology that allows the reproducible and effective induction of liver-sessile tumors in mice. We enumerate the steps to be followed before and after the surgical procedure, including HCC cell preparation, the quantity of cancer cells to be injected, presurgical preparation of the mice, and finally, postoperative care. The surgical procedure involves laparotomy to expose the liver, injection of cells into the left-lateral hepatic lobe, and closure of the incision with sutures followed by wound clips. We also provide information concerning the subsequent tumor growth follow-up, as well as the application of bioluminescence imaging to monitor tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Lambertucci
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Sijing Li
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Omar Motiño
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Léa Montégut
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Uxía Nogueira-Recalde
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Rheumatology Research Group (GIR), Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), Professor Novoa Santos Foundation, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Hui Chen
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Gerasimos Anagnostopoulos
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Maria Chiara Maiuri
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Biology, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Martins
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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Motiño O, Li S, Lambertucci F, Anagnostopoulos G, Montégut L, Nogueira-Recalde U, Chen H, Maiuri MC, Kroemer G, Martins I. A Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced by Streptozotocin and High-Fat Diet. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2769:67-75. [PMID: 38315389 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3694-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. HCC is associated to chronic diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes mellitus, and obesity, among others. Although pre-clinical models have been investigated to mimic the transition from NAFLD to HCC, they do not accurately reproduce the phenotypic evolution from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and HCC. Hence, these models have failed to demonstrate the influence of diabetes on hepatic carcinogenesis. Here, we report a novel mouse model of HCC triggered by fast-developing diabetes and NAFLD. The first step consists in a single intraperitoneal injection of a low dose of streptozotocin into neonatal C57BL/6J mice to induce type 2 diabetes. In a second step, mice are fed with high-fat diet to accelerate the development of simple steatosis. Continuous high-fat diet exacerbates hepatic fat deposition with increased lobular inflammation (by activation of foam cell-like macrophages) and fibrosis (by activating hepatic stellate cells), two representative pathological traits of steatohepatitis/fibrosis. After 20 weeks, all mice developed multiple HCCs. This model of hepatic carcinogenesis triggered by diabetes mellitus and NAFLD offers the advantage of being rapid and accurately recapitulates the pathogenesis of human HCC without the need of administering hepatic carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Motiño
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Sijing Li
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Flavia Lambertucci
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Gerasimos Anagnostopoulos
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Léa Montégut
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Uxía Nogueira-Recalde
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Rheumatology Research Group (GIR), Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), Professor Novoa Santos Foundation, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Hui Chen
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Maria Chiara Maiuri
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Biology, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Martins
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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Myojin Y, McCallen JD, Ma C, Bauer KC, Ruf B, Benmebarek MR, Green BL, Wabitsch S, McVey JC, Fu C, Xie C, Greten TF. Adenosine A2a receptor inhibition increases the anti-tumor efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment in murine hepatobiliary cancers. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100959. [PMID: 38192537 PMCID: PMC10772255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds & Aims The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for liver cancer remains limited. As the hypoxic liver environment regulates adenosine signaling, we tested the efficacy of adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) inhibition in combination with ICI treatment in murine models of liver cancer. Methods RNA expression related to the adenosine pathway was analyzed from public databases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were examined by flow cytometry. The following murine cell lines were used: SB-1, RIL175, and Hep55.1c (liver cancer), CT26 (colon cancer), and B16-F10 (melanoma). C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were used for orthotopic tumor models and were treated with SCH58261, an A2aR inhibitor, in combination with anti-PD1 therapy. Results RNA expression of ADORA2A in tumor tissues derived from patients with HCC was higher than in tissues from other cancer types. A2aR+ T cells in peripheral blood from patients with HCC were highly proliferative after immunotherapy. Likewise, in an orthotopic murine model, A2aR expression on T cells increased following anti-PD1 treatment, and the expression of A2aR on T cells increased more in tumor-bearing mice compared with tumor-free mice. The combination of SCH58261 and anti-PD1 led to activation of T cells and reductions in tumor size in orthotopic liver cancer models. In contrast, SCH58261 monotherapy was ineffective in orthotopic liver cancer models and the combination was ineffective in the subcutaneous tumor models tested. CD4+ T-cell depletion attenuated the efficacy of the combination therapy. Conclusion A2aR inhibition and anti-PD1 therapy had a synergistic anti-tumor effect in murine liver cancer models. Impact and implications Adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR)-expressing T cells in the liver increased in tumor-bearing mice and after anti-PD1 treatment. The combination of an A2aR inhibitor and anti-PD1 treatment had potent anti-tumor effects in two murine models of orthotopic liver cancer. Adenosine A2a receptor blockade promotes immunotherapy efficacy in murine models, highlighting putative clinical benefits for advanced stage liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Myojin
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Justin D. McCallen
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Chi Ma
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Kylynda C. Bauer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Green
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Simon Wabitsch
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - John C. McVey
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Claude Fu
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Changqing Xie
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Tim F. Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA
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23
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Song F, Chen Z. Preclinical liver cancer models in the context of immunoprecision therapy: Application and perspectives. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:989-1000. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i24.989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, continues to pose challenges in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. The complex nature of HCC, characterized by high spatiotemporal heterogeneity, invasive potential, and drug resistance, presents difficulties in its research. Consequently, an in-depth understanding and accurate simulation of the immune microenvironment of HCC are of paramount importance. This article comprehensively explores the application of preclinical models in HCC research, encompassing cell line models, patient-derived xenograft mouse models, genetically engineered mouse models, chemically induced models, humanized mouse models, organoid models, and microfluidic chip-based patient derived organotypic spheroids models. Each model possesses its distinct advantages and limitations in replicating the biological behavior and immune microenvironment of HCC. By scrutinizing the limitations of existing models, this paper aims to propel the development of next-generation cancer models, enabling more precise emulation of HCC characteristics. This will, in turn, facilitate the optimization of treatment strategies, drug efficacy prediction, and safety assessments, ultimately contributing to the realization of personalized and precision therapies. Additionally, this article also provides insights into future trends and challenges in the fields of tumor biology and preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Zhu L, Cheng C, Liu S, Yang L, Han P, Cui T, Zhang Y. Advancements and application prospects of three-dimensional models for primary liver cancer: a comprehensive review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1343177. [PMID: 38188493 PMCID: PMC10771299 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1343177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, traditional liver cancer models fail to replicate tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment, limiting the study and personalized treatment of liver cancer. To overcome these limitations, scientists have introduced three-dimensional (3D) culture models as an emerging research tool. These 3D models, utilizing biofabrication technologies such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics, enable more accurate simulation of the in vivo tumor microenvironment, replicating cell morphology, tissue stiffness, and cell-cell interactions. Compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models, 3D culture models better mimic tumor heterogeneity, revealing differential sensitivity of tumor cell subpopulations to targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Additionally, these models can be used to assess the efficacy of potential treatments, providing guidance for personalized therapy. 3D liver cancer models hold significant value in tumor biology, understanding the mechanisms of disease progression, and drug screening. Researchers can gain deeper insights into the impact of the tumor microenvironment on tumor cells and their interactions with the surrounding milieu. Furthermore, these models allow for the evaluation of treatment responses, offering more accurate guidance for clinical interventions. In summary, 3D models provide a realistic and reliable tool for advancing PLC research. By simulating tumor heterogeneity and the microenvironment, these models contribute to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and offer new strategies for personalized treatment. Therefore, 3D models hold promising prospects for future PLC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyang Zhu
- First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Sen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Long Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pinsheng Han
- Nankai University of Medicine College, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Druggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, China
- Research Unit for Drug Metabolism, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Guo T, Chen GQ, Li XF, Wang M, Liu KM, Yang XY, Liu SC, Feng YL, Liu PY, Lin H, Xie AY. Small extrachromosomal circular DNA harboring targeted tumor suppressor gene mutations supports intratumor heterogeneity in mouse liver cancer induced by multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9. Genome Med 2023; 15:80. [PMID: 37803452 PMCID: PMC10557318 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary liver cancer has significant intratumor genetic heterogeneity (IGH), which drives cancer evolution and prevents effective cancer treatment. CRISPR/Cas9-induced mouse liver cancer models can be used to elucidate how IGH is developed. However, as CRISPR/Cas9 could induce chromothripsis and extrachromosomal DNA in cells in addition to targeted mutations, we wondered whether this effect contributes to the development of IGH in CRISPR/Cas9-induced mouse liver cancer. METHODS CRISPR/Cas9-based targeted somatic multiplex-mutagenesis was used to target 34 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) for induction of primary liver tumors in mice. Target site mutations in tumor cells were analyzed and compared between single-cell clones and their subclones, between different time points of cell proliferation, and between parental clones and single-cell clones derived from mouse subcutaneous allografts. Genomic instability and generation of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) was explored as a potential mechanism underlying the oscillation of target site mutations in these liver tumor cells. RESULTS After efficiently inducing autochthonous liver tumors in mice within 30-60 days, analyses of CRISPR/Cas9-induced tumors and single-cell clones derived from tumor nodules revealed multiplexed and heterogeneous mutations at target sites. Many target sites frequently displayed more than two types of allelic variations with varying frequencies in single-cell clones, indicating increased copy number of these target sites. The types and frequencies of targeted TSG mutations continued to change at some target sites between single-cell clones and their subclones. Even the proliferation of a subclone in cell culture and in mouse subcutaneous graft altered the types and frequencies of targeted TSG mutations in the absence of continuing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, indicating a new source outside primary chromosomes for the development of IGH in these liver tumors. Karyotyping of tumor cells revealed genomic instability in these cells manifested by high levels of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations including chromosomal fragments and chromosomal breaks. Sequencing analysis further demonstrated the generation of eccDNA harboring targeted TSG mutations in these tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Small eccDNAs carrying TSG mutations may serve as an important source supporting intratumor heterogeneity and tumor evolution in mouse liver cancer induced by multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Guo
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Qiao Chen
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Xu-Fan Li
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Kun-Ming Liu
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ying Yang
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Si-Cheng Liu
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Li Feng
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Yuan Liu
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China.
| | - Hui Lin
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China.
| | - An-Yong Xie
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310019, P. R. China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, 268 Kai Xuan Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310029, P. R. China.
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Kronenberg K, Werner J, Bohrer P, Steiger K, Buchholz R, von Bremen-Kühne M, Elinkmann M, Paprottka PM, Braren RF, Lohöfer FK, Karst U. Simultaneous quantification of Gadoxetic acid and Cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinomas using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Metallomics 2023; 15:mfad052. [PMID: 37715341 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad052] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The gadolinium-based contrast agent Gadoxetic acid and the platinum-based antitumor agent Cisplatin were quantitatively imaged in liver and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) tissue of rats by means of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. HCC bearing rats simultaneously received a tail vein injection of the hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent Gadoxetic acid and a transarterial injection of Cisplatin 15 min before sacrifice and liver removal. Resecting HCC with adjacent liver tissue allows the comparison of Gd, Pt, and endogenous elements like Fe, Cu, and Zn in the various tissue types. Region of interest analysis reveals lower concentrations of Gd in HCC and higher Gd content in the adjacent liver, fitting the selective uptake of Gadoxetic acid into hepatocytes. Furthermore, two malignancy grades and their possible impact on the Gadoxetic acid and Cisplatin uptake are compared. For this, four high grade (G3) and two moderate grade (G2) HCCs were analysed, including a control sample each. Gd concentrations were lower in HCC irrespective of the grade of dedifferentiation (G2, G3) compared to adjacent liver. Despite local arterial Cisplatin injection, concentrations of Pt were similar or also reduced in HCC compared to liver tissue. In addition, endogenous Fe, Cu, and Zn were quantified. While Zn was homogenously distributed, higher Fe concentrations were determined in liver tissue compared to HCC. Hotspots of Cu suggest a deregulated copper homeostasis in certain liver lesions. The Gd and Fe distributions are compared in detail with cellular alterations examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kronenberg
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Julia Werner
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bohrer
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Buchholz
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Elinkmann
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp M Paprottka
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Rickmer F Braren
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian K Lohöfer
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Zhou K, Jiang Y, Feng S, Mo W, Nie J, Cao J, Jiao Y. Establishment of image-guided radiotherapy of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:419-426. [PMID: 37365733 PMCID: PMC10614124 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Recently, developments in radiotherapy technology have led to radiotherapy becoming one of the main therapeutics of HCC. Therefore, a suitable animal model for radiotherapy of the orthotopic HCC mouse model is urgently needed. METHODS In the present study, Hepa1-6 cells were injected into the liver of C57BL/6 mice in situ to mimic the pathological characteristics of the original HCC. Tumor formation was monitored by applying magnetic resonance imaging techniques and verified by H&E histopathological staining, AFP staining, and Ki67 staining. A single dose of 10 Gy X-ray was applied to simulate clinical radiotherapy plans using image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) equipment. The efficiency of radiotherapy was then assessed by examining tumor size and weight one week after radiation. Cleaved-caspase3 staining and TUNEL were used to assess apoptosis in tumor tissues. RESULTS Intrahepatic tumor development was detected in the liver according using MRI. A high-density shadow could be seen 10 days after cell injection, which indicated the formation of HCC in vivo. The tumors grew steadily bigger, and underwent precision radiotherapy 20 days after injection. The typical pathological characteristics of HCC, such as large, deeply stained nuclei and irregular cell size, were visible with H&E staining. After radiotherapy, significantly higher expression of the immunohistochemical markers Ki67 and AFP were detected in tumor tissue than in the nearby normal tissue. Compared with the control group, the tumor volume (p = 0.05) and weight (p < 0.05) of the irradiated group were significantly reduced. In addition, a higher frequency of apoptosis was identified in irradiated HCC tumor tissue using the TUNEL and cleaved-caspase3 staining assay. CONCLUSIONS In a well-established orthotopic HCC model, MRI was utilized to monitor the formation of tumors, and IGRT was used to simulate clinical radiotherapy. The present study could provide a suitable preclinical system for HCC radiotherapy-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixiao Zhou
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yabo Jiang
- The Six Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalNavy Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuang Feng
- Department of RadiotherapyEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Mo
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jing Nie
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jianping Cao
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yang Jiao
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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29
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Park H, Lee S, Lee J, Moon H, Ro SW. Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13764. [PMID: 37762066 PMCID: PMC10531214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial global health challenge due to its high incidence and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has emerged as a critical signaling cascade in HCC pathogenesis. The review commences with an overview of the JAK/STAT pathway, delving into the dynamic interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and its numerous upstream activators, such as cytokines and growth factors enriched in pathogenic livers afflicted with chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. This paper also elucidates how the persistent activation of JAK/STAT signaling leads to diverse oncogenic processes during hepatocarcinogenesis, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and immune escape. In the context of therapeutic implications, this review summarizes recent advancements in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for HCC treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors and modulators of JAK/STAT signaling are discussed, highlighting their potential in suppressing the deadly disease. The insights presented herein underscore the necessity for continued research into targeting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea; (H.P.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (H.M.)
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30
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Zheng HC, Xue H, Yun WJ. An overview of mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37670307 PMCID: PMC10481604 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00524-9] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a severe burden on global health due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. However, effective treatments for HCC are limited. The lack of suitable preclinical models may contribute to a major failure of drug development for HCC. Here, we overview several well-established mouse models of HCC, including genetically engineered mice, chemically-induced models, implantation models, and humanized mice. Immunotherapy studies of HCC have been a hot topic. Therefore, we will introduce the application of mouse models of HCC in immunotherapy. This is followed by a discussion of some other models of HCC-related liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infection, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Together these provide researchers with a current overview of the mouse models of HCC and assist in the application of appropriate models for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China.
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yun
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
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31
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Desert R, Chen W, Ge X, Viel R, Han H, Athavale D, Das S, Song Z, Lantvit D, Cano L, Naba A, Musso O, Nieto N. Hepatocellular carcinomas, exhibiting intratumor fibrosis, express cancer-specific extracellular matrix remodeling and WNT/TGFB signatures, associated with poor outcome. Hepatology 2023; 78:741-757. [PMID: 36999534 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC, the third leading cause of cancer-related death, arises in the context of liver fibrosis. Although HCC is generally poorly fibrogenic, some tumors harbor focal intratumor extracellular matrix (ECM) deposits called "fibrous nests." To date, the molecular composition and clinical relevance of these ECM deposits have not been fully defined. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed quantitative matrisome analysis by tandem mass tags mass spectrometry in 20 human cancer specific matrisome (HCCs) with high or low-grade intratumor fibrosis and matched nontumor tissues, as well as in 12 livers from mice treated with vehicle, carbon tetrachloride, or diethylnitrosamine. We found 94 ECM proteins differentially abundant between high and low-grade fibrous nests, including interstitial and basement membrane components, such as several collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, enzymes involved in ECM stabilization and degradation, and growth factors. Pathway analysis revealed a metabolic switch in high-grade fibrosis, with enhanced glycolysis and decreased oxidative phosphorylation. Integrating the quantitative proteomics with transcriptomics from HCCs and nontumor livers (n = 2,285 samples), we identified a subgroup of fibrous nest HCCs, characterized by cancer-specific ECM remodeling, expression of the WNT/TGFB (S1) subclass signature, and poor patient outcome. Fibrous nest HCCs abundantly expressed an 11-fibrous-nest - protein signature, associated with poor patient outcome, by multivariate Cox analysis, and validated by multiplex immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS Matrisome analysis highlighted cancer-specific ECM deposits, typical of the WNT/TGFB HCC subclass, associated with poor patient outcomes. Hence, histologic reporting of intratumor fibrosis in HCC is of clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Roselyne Viel
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, UMS Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel Lantvit
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Luis Cano
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer (NuMeCan), 2 Rue Henri le Guilloux, Rennes, France
| | - Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Orlando Musso
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer (NuMeCan), 2 Rue Henri le Guilloux, Rennes, France
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Xu Z, Lin X, Zeng H, Ma X, Nabi G, Abidin ZU, Wang L, Wang L. Immune regulation in gastric adenocarcinoma is linked with therapeutic efficacy and improved recovery. Front Genet 2023; 14:1238248. [PMID: 37636266 PMCID: PMC10450621 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1238248] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenocarcinomas are one of the most common histological types of gastric cancer. It has been ranked fifth among common cancers and is the third among death causing cancers worldwide. The high mortality rate among patients with gastric cancer is because of its silent evolution, genetic heterogeneity, high resistance to chemotherapy as well as unavailability of highly effective therapeutic strategy. Until now a number of several treatment strategies have been developed and are being practiced such as surgery, chemotherapy, radio therapy, and immunotherapy, however, further developments are required to improve the treatment responses and reduce the side effects. Therefore, novel personal therapeutic strategies based on immunological responses should be developed by targeting different check points and key immune players. Targeting macrophages and related molecular elements can be useful to achieve these goals. In this minireview, we discuss the available treatment options, molecular underpinnings and immunological regulations associated with gastric adenocarcinoma. We further describe the possible check points and immunological targets that can be used to develop novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ximin Lin
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haotian Zeng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxin Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zain Ul Abidin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Kabir Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Luolin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Chen VCH, Huang SL, Huang JY, Hsu TC, Tzang BS, McIntyre RS. Combined Administration of Escitalopram Oxalate and Nivolumab Exhibits Synergistic Growth-Inhibitory Effects on Liver Cancer Cells through Inducing Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12630. [PMID: 37628813 PMCID: PMC10454364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612630] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignant cancers worldwide. However, the therapeutic options for advanced liver cancers are limited and reveal scant efficacy. The current study investigated the effects of nivolumab (Niv) and escitalopram oxalate (Esc) in combination on proliferation of liver cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Significantly decreased viability of HepG2 cells that were treated with Esc or Niv was observed in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Administration of Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), Esc (75 μM) + Niv (5 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) over 24 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting the survival of HepG2 cells. Additionally, treatment with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (1 μM), Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) over 48 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting the survival of HepG2 cells. Finally, treatment with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (1 μM), Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) for 72 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting HepG2 survival. Com-pared with controls, HepG2 cells treated with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM) exhibited significantly increased sub-G1 portion and annexin-V signals. In a xenograft animal study, Niv (6.66 mg/kg) + Esc (2.5 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft HepG2 tumors in nude mice. This study reports for the first time the synergistic effects of combined administration of Niv and Esc for inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation, which may provide an alternative option for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Shao-Lan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Jing-Yu Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Tsai-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Immunology Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Immunology Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T2S8, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T1R8, Canada
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Zhu Y, Mei Y, Baby N, Teo HY, Binte Hanafi Z, Mohd Salleh SN, Sajikumar S, Liu H. Tumor-mediated microbiota alteration impairs synaptic tagging/capture in the hippocampal CA1 area via IL-1β production. Commun Biol 2023; 6:685. [PMID: 37400621 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients often experience impairments in cognitive function. However, the evidence for tumor-mediated neurological impairment and detailed mechanisms are still lacking. Gut microbiota has been demonstrated to be involved in the immune system homeostasis and brain functions. Here we find that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth alters the gut microbiota and impedes the cognitive functions. The synaptic tagging and capture (STC), an associative cellular mechanism for the formation of associative memory, is impaired in the tumor-bearing mice. STC expression is rescued after microbiota sterilization. Transplantation of microbiota from HCC tumor-bearing mice induces similar STC impairment in wide type mice. Mechanistic study reveals that HCC growth significantly elevates the serum and hippocampus IL-1β levels. IL-1β depletion in the HCC tumor-bearing mice restores the STC. Taken together, these results demonstrate that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in mediating the tumor-induced impairment of the cognitive function via upregulating IL-1β production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology of Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Yu Mei
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology of Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Nimmi Baby
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Huey Yee Teo
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology of Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Zuhairah Binte Hanafi
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology of Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Siti Nazihah Mohd Salleh
- Human Monoclonal Antibody Platform, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Life Sciences Institute Neurobiology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology of Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
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Zhang W, Wang MK, Yao D, Zhao HJ, Zhang XY. Letter to the Editor: Hepatic interferon regulatory factor 8 expression suppresses HCC progression and enhances the response to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 therapy. Hepatology 2023; 78:E9-E10. [PMID: 36932706 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Huai'an Second People's Hospital and the Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu Province, China
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Li J, Wang X, Ren M, He S, Zhao Y. Advances in experimental animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15261-15276. [PMID: 37248746 PMCID: PMC10417182 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6163] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious early symptoms, easy metastasis, postoperative recurrence, poor drug efficacy, and a high drug resistance rate when surgery is missed, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Research on the pathogenesis and drugs is particularly important for clinical treatment. Animal models are crucial for basic research, which is conducive to studying pathogenesis and drug screening more conveniently and effectively. An appropriate animal model can better reflect disease occurrence and development, and the process of anti-tumor immune response in the human body. This review summarizes the classification, characteristics, and advances in experimental animal models of HCC to provide a reference for researchers on model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
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Karaś K, Karwaciak I, Chałaśkiewicz K, Sałkowska A, Pastwińska J, Bachorz RA, Ratajewski M. Anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor AT7519. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:115002. [PMID: 37311277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancerous tumors and one of the leading causes of death among cancer-related disorders. Chemotherapy is ineffective in HCC patients, and the number of drugs that are in use is limited. Thus, new molecules are needed that could increase the effectiveness of anti-HCC regimens. Here, we show that AT7519, a CDK inhibitor, exerts positive effects on HCC cells: it inhibits proliferation, migration and clonogenicity. Detailed analysis of the transcriptomes of cells treated with this compound indicated that AT7519 affects a substantial portion of genes that are associated with HCC development and progression. Moreover, we showed that the concomitant use of AT7519 with gefitinib or cabozantinib sensitized HCC cells to these drugs. Thus, our research indicates that AT7519 is worth considering in monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients or in combination with other drugs, e.g., gefitinib or cabozantinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Karaś
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Karwaciak
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chałaśkiewicz
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Sałkowska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Pastwińska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafał A Bachorz
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Ratajewski
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland.
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Sun H, Yang H, Mao Y. Personalized treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of targeted medicine and bioengineering. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1150151. [PMID: 37214451 PMCID: PMC10198383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1150151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health burden, causing approximately 8.3 million deaths each year, and it is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a relative 5-year survival rate of around 18%. Due to the advanced stage of diagnosis in most patients, systemic treatment based on targeted therapy has become the only feasible option. Genomic studies have established a profile of molecular alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma with potentially actionable mutations, but these mutations have yet to be translated into clinical practice. The first targeted drug approved for systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma was Sorafenib, which was a milestone. Subsequent clinical trials have identified multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as Lenvatinib, Cabozantinib, and Regorafenib, for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, with survival benefits for the patient. Ongoing systemic therapy studies and trials include various immune-based combination therapies, with some early results showing promise and potential for new therapy plans. Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma is complicated by the significant heterogeneity of the disease and its propensity for developing drug resistance. Therefore, it is essential to choose a better, individualized treatment plan to benefit patients. Preclinical models capable of preserving in vivo tumor characteristics are urgently needed to circumvent heterogeneity and overcome drug resistance. In this review, we summarize current approaches to targeted therapy for HCC patients and the establishment of several patient-derived preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and how to achieve personalized treatment with the continuous development of targeted therapies and bioengineering technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huayu Yang
- *Correspondence: Huayu Yang, ; Yilei Mao,
| | - Yilei Mao
- *Correspondence: Huayu Yang, ; Yilei Mao,
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Chen K, Li Y, Wang B, Yan X, Tao Y, Song W, Xi Z, He K, Xia Q. Patient-derived models facilitate precision medicine in liver cancer by remodeling cell-matrix interaction. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101324. [PMID: 37215109 PMCID: PMC10192760 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is an aggressive tumor originating in the liver with a dismal prognosis. Current evidence suggests that liver cancer is the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide and the second most deadly type of malignancy. Tumor heterogeneity accounts for the differences in drug responses among patients, emphasizing the importance of precision medicine. Patient-derived models of cancer are widely used preclinical models to study precision medicine since they preserve tumor heterogeneity ex vivo in the study of many cancers. Patient-derived models preserving cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions better recapitulate in vivo conditions, including patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs), patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived tumor spheroids (PDTSs). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different modalities used to establish preclinical models for precision medicine in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanran Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingran Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehan Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiying Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weizhou Song
- Ottawa-Shanghai Joint School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhifeng Xi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang He
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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Zabransky DJ, Danilova L, Leatherman JM, Lopez-Vidal TY, Sanchez J, Charmsaz S, Gross NE, Shin S, Yuan X, Hernandez A, Yang H, Xavier S, Shu D, Saeed A, Munjal K, Kamdar Z, Kagohara LT, Jaffee EM, Yarchoan M, Ho WJ. Profiling of syngeneic mouse HCC tumor models as a framework to understand anti-PD-1 sensitive tumor microenvironments. Hepatology 2023; 77:1566-1579. [PMID: 35941803 PMCID: PMC9905363 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been transformed by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, most patients with HCC do not benefit from treatment with immunotherapy. There is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms that underlie response or resistance to immunotherapy for patients with HCC. The use of syngeneic mouse models that closely recapitulate the heterogeneity of human HCC will provide opportunities to examine the complex interactions between cancer cells and nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment. APPROACH AND RESULTS We leverage a multifaceted approach that includes imaging mass cytometry and suspension cytometry by time of flight to profile the tumor microenvironments of the Hep53.4, Hepa 1-6, RIL-175, and TIBx (derivative of TIB-75) syngeneic mouse HCC models. The immune tumor microenvironments vary across these four models, and various immunosuppressive pathways exist at baseline in orthotopic liver tumors derived from these models. For instance, TIBx, which is resistant to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy, contains a high proportion of "M2-like" tumor-associated macrophages with the potential to diminish antitumor immunity. Investigation of The Cancer Genome Atlas reveals that the baseline immunologic profiles of Hep53.4, RIL-175, and TIBx are broadly representative of human HCCs; however, Hepa 1-6 does not recapitulate the immune tumor microenvironment of the vast majority of human HCCs. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide diversity in the immune tumor microenvironments in preclinical models and in human HCC, highlighting the need to use multiple syngeneic HCC models to improve the understanding of how to treat HCC through immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James M. Leatherman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tamara Y. Lopez-Vidal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica Sanchez
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Soren Charmsaz
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole E. Gross
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah Shin
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xuan Yuan
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexei Hernandez
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongqui Yang
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Xavier
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Shu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Saeed
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kabeer Munjal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zeal Kamdar
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luciane T. Kagohara
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Cancer Convergence Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Liu Y, Xun Z, Ma K, Liang S, Li X, Zhou S, Sun L, Liu Y, Du Y, Guo X, Cui T, Zhou H, Wang J, Yin D, Song R, Zhang S, Cai W, Meng F, Guo H, Zhang B, Yang D, Bao R, Hu Q, Wang J, Ye Y, Liu L. Identification of a tumour immune barrier in the HCC microenvironment that determines the efficacy of immunotherapy. J Hepatol 2023; 78:770-782. [PMID: 36708811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a crucial mediator of cancer progression and therapeutic outcome. The TME subtype correlates with patient response to immunotherapy in multiple cancers. Most previous studies have focused on the role of different cellular components in the TME associated with immunotherapy efficacy. However, the specific structure of the TME and its role in immunotherapy efficacy remain largely unknown. METHODS We combined spatial transcriptomics with single-cell RNA-sequencing and multiplexed immunofluorescence to identify the specific spatial structures in the TME that determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving anti-PD-1 treatment. RESULTS We identified a tumour immune barrier (TIB) structure, a spatial niche composed of SPP1+ macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) located near the tumour boundary, which is associated with the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Furthermore, we dissected ligand‒receptor networks among malignant cells, SPP1+ macrophages, and CAFs; that is, the hypoxic microenvironment promotes SPP1 expression, and SPP1+ macrophages interact with CAFs to stimulate extracellular matrix remodelling and promote TIB structure formation, thereby limiting immune infiltration in the tumour core. Preclinically, the blockade of SPP1 or macrophage-specific deletion of Spp1 in mice led to enhanced efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in mouse liver cancer, accompanied by reduced CAF infiltration and increased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS We identified that the TIB structure formed by the interaction of SPP1+ macrophages and CAFs is related to immunotherapy efficacy. Therefore, disruption of the TIB structure by blocking SPP1 may be considered a relevant therapeutic approach to enhance the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint blockade in HCC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Only a limited number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) benefit from tumour immunotherapy, which significantly hinders its application. Herein, we used multiomics to identify the spatial structure of the tumour immune barrier (TIB), which is formed by the interaction of SPP1+ macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the HCC microenvironment. This structure constrains immunotherapy efficacy by limiting immune cell infiltration into malignant regions. Preclinically, we revealed that blocking SPP1 or macrophage-specific deletion of Spp1 in mice could destroy the TIB structure and sensitize HCC cells to immunotherapy. These results provide the first key steps towards finding more effective therapies for HCC and have implications for physicians, scientists, and drug developers in the field of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xun
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Kun Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xianying Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Linmao Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yanhua Du
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Tianming Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Huanran Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jizhou Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Ruipeng Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Shugeng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Fanzheng Meng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Hongrui Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Di Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Rujuan Bao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qingsong Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Youqiong Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei 230001, China.
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Alhawsawi SM, Mohany M, Baabbad AA, Almoutiri ND, Maodaa SN, Al-Shaebi EM, Yaseen KN, Wadaan MAM, Hozzein WN. Streptomyces Bioactive Metabolites Prevent Liver Cancer through Apoptosis, Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041054. [PMID: 37189672 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041054] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A safe and effective treatment for liver cancer is still elusive despite all attempts. Biomolecules produced from natural products and their derivatives are potential sources of new anticancer medications. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of a Streptomyces sp. bacterial extract against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in Swiss albino mice and explore the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The ethyl acetate extract of a Streptomyces sp. was screened for its potential anticancer activities against HepG-2 using the MTT assay, and the IC50 was also determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis was used to identify the chemical constituents of the Streptomyces extract. Mice were administered DEN at the age of 2 weeks, and from week 32 until week 36 (4 weeks), they received two doses of Streptomyces extract (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) orally daily. The Streptomyces extract contains 29 different compounds, according to the GC-MS analysis. The rate of HepG-2 growth was dramatically reduced by the Streptomyces extract. In the mice model. Streptomyces extract considerably lessened the negative effects of DEN on liver functions at both doses. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased, and P53 mRNA expression was increased, both of which were signs that Streptomyces extract was suppressing carcinogenesis. This anticancer effect was also supported by histological analysis. Streptomyces extract therapy additionally stopped DEN-induced alterations in hepatic oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant activity. Additionally, Streptomyces extract reduced DEN-induced inflammation, as shown by the decline in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Additionally, the Streptomyces extract administration dramatically boosted Bax and caspase-3 levels while decreasing Bcl-2 expressions in the liver according to the Immunohistochemistry examination. In summary, Streptomyces extract is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana M Alhawsawi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Mohany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohannad A Baabbad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf D Almoutiri
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh N Maodaa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam M Al-Shaebi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khadijah N Yaseen
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A M Wadaan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael N Hozzein
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 55760, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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30-color full spectrum flow cytometry panel for deep immunophenotyping of T cell subsets in murine tumor tissue. J Immunol Methods 2023; 516:113459. [PMID: 36931458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
This 30-color full spectrum flow cytometry panel was developed and optimized for in-depth analysis T cells immunophenotype in tumor microenvironment and peripheral lymphoid organs. The panel presented here first identify the main cell subsets including myeloid cells, B cells, NKT cells, γδ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. For CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells, the panel includes markers for further characterization by including a selection of activation status(CD44, CD62L, CD69, Ki67, CD127, KLRG1 and CXCR3), costimulatory/co-inhibitory molecules (ICOS, OX-40, PD-1, LAG3, TIM-3, CTLA-4 and TIGIT), pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10) and cytotoxic molecules (Perforin, Granzymes B and CD107a). The panel has been tested on the tumor infiltrating T cells and corresponding spleen T cells in B16-F10 murine melanoma models.
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Eun JW, Yoon JH, Ahn HR, Kim S, Kim YB, Lim SB, Park W, Kang TW, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Son JA, Weon JH, Kim SS, Cho HJ, Cheong JY. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived secreted phosphoprotein 1 contributes to resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib and lenvatinib. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:455-479. [PMID: 36919193 PMCID: PMC10091107 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the induction of chemo-resistance. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying CAF-mediated resistance to two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), sorafenib and lenvatinib, and to identify a novel therapeutic target for overcoming TKI resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We performed a systematic integrative analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets and whole-transcriptome sequencing data from 9 pairs of CAFs and para-cancer fibroblasts isolated from human HCC and para-tumor tissues, respectively, to identify key molecules that might induce resistance to TKIs. We then performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate selected targets and related mechanisms. The associations of plasma secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression levels before sorafenib/lenvatinib treatment with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 54 patients with advanced HCC were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis identified CAF-derived SPP1 as a candidate molecule driving TKI resistance. SPP1 inhibitors reversed CAF-induced TKI resistance in vitro and in vivo. CAF-derived SPP1 activated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) through the integrin-protein kinase C-alpha (PKCα) signaling pathway and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A high plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment was identified as an independent predictor of poor PFS (P = 0.026) and OS (P = 0.047) in patients with advanced HCC after TKI treatment. CONCLUSIONS CAF-derived SPP1 enhances TKI resistance in HCC via bypass activation of oncogenic signals and EMT promotion. Its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy against TKI resistance in HCC. Moreover, plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment represents a potential biomarker for treatment response prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Woo Eun
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of PathologyCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hye Ri Ahn
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Seokhwi Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Young Bae Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Won Park
- The Moagen, IncDaejeonSouth Korea
| | | | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Moon Gyeong Yoon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ju A Son
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ji Hyang Weon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
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Yang CK, Huang CH, Hu CH, Fang JH, Chen TC, Lin YC, Lin CY. Immunophenotype and antitumor activity of cytokine-induced killer cells from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280023. [PMID: 36598909 PMCID: PMC9812323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are heterogeneous lymphocytes from human peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with several cytokines. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional characteristics and anticancer ability of CIK cells from hepatocarcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS CIK cells were activated ex-vivo and expanded from PBMCs from HCC patients. The immunophenotype and the ex-vivo killing ability of CIK cells were evaluated. Human CIK cells were intravenously injected into NOD/SCID mice to evaluate the in vivo anticancer ability. RESULTS More than 70% of CIK cells were CD3+CD8+, and 15%-30% were CD3+CD56+. These cells expressed an increased number of activated natural killer (NK) receptors, such as DNAM1 and NKG2D, and expressed low-immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3. Among the chemokine receptors expressed by CIKs, CXCR3 and CD62L were elevated in CD8+ T cells, representing the trafficking ability to inflamed tumor sites. CIK cells possess the ex-vivo anticancer activity to different cell lines. To demonstrate in vivo antitumor ability, human CIK cells could significantly suppress the tumor of J7 bearing NOD/SCID mice. Furthermore, human immune cells could be detected in the peripheral blood and on the tumors after CIK injection. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that CIK cells from HCC patients possess cytotoxic properties, and express increased levels of effector NK receptors and chemokine molecules and lower levels of suppressive checkpoint receptors. CIK cells can suppress human HCC ex-vivo and in vivo. Future clinical trials of human CIK cell therapy for HCC are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Keng Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsun Hu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jian-He Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Ching Chen
- Department of Pathology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chang Lin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Yang KS, Xu CQ, Lv J. Hyperbaric oxygen facilitates teniposide-induced cGAS-STING activation to enhance the antitumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody in HCC. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006329. [PMID: 36609488 PMCID: PMC9827253 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kui-Sheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan-Qi Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, China
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47
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Heinrich B. [Innate and adaptive immunity in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:76-82. [PMID: 36623545 DOI: 10.1055/a-1993-3519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health problem. Understanding the immunological processes in the liver during the development and progression of fatty liver disease to fatty liver inflammation (NASH), liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be used to better understand the disease, identify clinically relevant subgroups and therapeutic approaches. The interaction between innate and acquired immune systems seems to be of great importance. This review article highlights the various immunological processes in NAFLD leading up to progression to HCC, organized according to the major cell groups of the innate and acquired immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Heinrich
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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48
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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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Fornari F, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Animal Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Applications in Clinical Research. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1263-1278. [DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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50
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Recent advances in the development of transplanted colorectal cancer mouse models. Transl Res 2022; 249:128-143. [PMID: 35850446 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite progress in prevention and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death in 2020. To evaluate various characteristics of human CRC, a variety of mouse models have been established. Transplant mouse models have distinct advantages in studying the clinical behavior and therapeutic progress of CRC. Host, xenograft, and transplantation routes are the basis of transplant mouse models. As the effects of the tumor microenvironment and the systemic environment on cancer cells are gradually revealed, 3 key elements of transplanted CRC mouse models have been revolutionized. This has led to the development of humanized mice, patient-derived xenografts, and orthotopic transplants that reflect the human systemic environment, patient's tumor of origin, and tumor growth microenvironments in immunodeficient mice, respectively. These milestone events have allowed for great progress in tumor biology and the treatment of CRC. This article reviews the evolution of these events and points out their strengths and weaknesses as innovative and useful preclinical tools to study CRC progression and metastasis and to exploit novel treatment schedules by establishing a testing platform. This review article depicts the optimal transplanted CRC mouse models and emphasizes the significance of surgical models in the study of CRC behavior and treatment response.
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