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Liu R, Liu Y, Zhang W, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Huang L, Tang N, Wang K. PCK1 attenuates tumor stemness via activating the Hippo signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101114. [PMID: 38560500 PMCID: PMC10978540 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells were found to rely on glycolysis as the preferred metabolic program. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 1 (PCK1), a gluconeogenic metabolic enzyme, is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and is closely related to poor prognosis. The oncogenesis and progression of tumors are closely related to cancer stem cells. It is not completely clear whether the PCK1 deficiency increases the stemness of hepatoma cells and promotes the oncogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, the results showed that PCK1 inhibited the self-renewal property of hepatoma cells, reduced the mRNA level of cancer stem cell markers, and inhibited tumorigenesis. Moreover, PCK1 increased the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib. Furthermore, we found that PCK1 activated the Hippo pathway by enhancing the phosphorylation of YAP and inhibiting its nuclear translocation. Verteporfin reduced the stemness of hepatoma cells and promoted the pro-apoptotic effect of sorafenib. Thus, combined treatment with verteporfin and sorafenib may be a potential anti-tumor strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guiji Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Yin X, Rong J, Shao M, Zhang S, Yin L, He Z, Wang X. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs) for therapeutic management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:243. [PMID: 38735927 PMCID: PMC11089756 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the deadliest cancers globally, making the search for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches particularly crucial. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs), an innovative nanotechnology, have paved new pathways for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Initially, we outline the epidemiological background of HCC and the current therapeutic challenges. Subsequently, we explore in detail how AFNs enhance diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects through the specific targeting of HCC cells and the optimization of drug delivery. Furthermore, we address the challenges faced by AFNs in clinical applications and future research directions, with a particular focus on enhancing their biocompatibility and assessing long-term effects. In summary, AFNs represent an avant-garde therapeutic approach, opening new avenues and possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Yin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Rong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Saisai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Likang Yin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenqiang He
- Clinical Medical College, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
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3
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Ali FEM, Ibrahim IM, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Role of immunotherapies and stem cell therapy in the management of liver cancer: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112011. [PMID: 38581991 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common disease and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The WHO predicts that more than 1 million deaths will occur from LC by 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of primary LC. Today, the management of LC involves multiple disciplines, and multimodal therapy is typically selected on an individual basis, considering the intricate interactions between the patient's overall health, the stage of the tumor, and the degree of underlying liver disease. Currently, the treatment of cancers, including LC, has undergone a paradigm shift in the last ten years because of immuno-oncology. To treat HCC, immune therapy approaches have been developed to enhance or cause the body's natural immune response to specifically target tumor cells. In this context, immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, engineered cytokines, adoptive cell therapy, immune cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and therapeutic cancer vaccines have advanced to clinical trials and offered new hope to cancer patients. The outcomes of these treatments are encouraging. Additionally, treatment using stem cells is a new approach for restoring deteriorated tissues because of their strong differentiation potential and capacity to release cytokines that encourage cell division and the formation of blood vessels. Although there is no proof that stem cell therapy works for many types of cancer, preclinical research on stem cells has shown promise in treating HCC. This review provides a recent update regarding the impact of immunotherapy and stem cells in HCC and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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4
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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5
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Yang Q, Liang Y, Shi Y, Shang J, Huang X. The ALKBH5/SOX4 axis promotes liver cancer stem cell properties via activating the SHH signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15499-15510. [PMID: 37646828 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), featured with high prevalence and poor prognosis, is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As a subgroup of liver cancer cells capable of differentiation, tumorigenesis and self-renewal, liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) serve as one of the reasons leading to HCC progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, in-depth exploration of novel molecular biomarkers related to LSCSs is of great necessity. In our study, we found that human AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5) expression was enriched in LCSCs, which could foster proliferation, invasion and migration of the HCC cells. Mechanically, ALKBH5 positively mediated the expression of SOX4 via demethylation, and SOX4 promoted SHH expression at the transcriptional level to activate sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway. Furthermore, exosomes derived from CD133+ HCC cells could transmit ALKBH5 into THP-1 cells, which might be associated with M2 polarization of macrophages. In summary, the ALKBH5/SOX4 axis plays a significant role in exacerbating LCSC properties via activating SHH signaling pathway, and ALKBH5 could be a critical effector related to macrophage M2 polarization. These findings might provide a promising new biomarker for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyan Yang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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6
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Meng Z, Liu Q, Liu Y, Yang Y, Shao C, Zhang S. Frizzled-3 suppression overcomes multidrug chemoresistance by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Chemother 2023; 35:653-661. [PMID: 36843499 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2182573] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle to the efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy. Previous studies have identified that low FZD3 predicted decreased survival after intraperitoneal versus intravenous-only chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. This study aimed to identify a potential target in HCC chemotherapy. The FZD3 expression variant in HCC cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The FZD3 expression in the early recurrent HCC group (RE group) and the non-early recurrent HCC group (non-RE group) was measured by RT-qPCR. Then, the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in HCC cell lines were studied by MTT assay. TOP/FOP FLASH luciferase assay was performed to measure TCF-binding activities. We found that FZD3 was upregulated in three HCC cell lines, and the FZD3 expression was significantly higher in the RE group than in the non-RE group (P = 0.0344). A positive correlation between FZD3 and MDR1 was observed in HCC tissues (R2 = 0.6368, P = 0.0001). Then, we found that FZD3 knockdown significantly altered Huh-7 cell chemotherapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin [50.43 µM in the FZD3 siRNA (siFZD3) group vs 98.59 µM in the siRNA negative control (siNC) group; P = 0.007] or doxorubicin (7.43 µM in the siFZD3 group vs 14.93 µM in the siNC group; P = 0.017). TOP/FOP FLASH luciferase assay showed FZD3 could inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells. Moreover, FZD3 expression knockdown in SNU-449 and Huh-7 cells markedly reduced β-catenin and phosho-β-catenin (S37) protein expression, and Cyclin D1, c-myc and MDR1 were significantly decreased. This is the first study to describe the significantly increased FZD3 expression in patients with early recurrent HCC. FZD3 knockdown led to increased sensitivity to chemotherapy by Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition in HCC cell lines. Our study suggests FZD3 as a potential target for reversing chemoresistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Meng
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanming Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changfeng Shao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shaoqiang Zhang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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7
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Yu J, Li W, Hou GJ, Sun DP, Yang Y, Yuan SX, Dai ZH, Yin HZ, Sun SH, Huang G, Zhou WP, Yang F. Circular RNA cFAM210A, degradable by HBx, inhibits HCC tumorigenesis by suppressing YBX1 transactivation. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2390-2401. [PMID: 37907737 PMCID: PMC10689457 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B protein x (HBx) has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism awaits further investigation. In this study, we found that cFAM210A (a circular RNA derived from the third exon of transcript NM_001098801 of the FAM210A gene; CircBase ID: hsa_circ_0003979) can be silenced by HBx. cFAM210A expression was downregulated and negatively correlated with tumorigenesis in patients with HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, cFAM210A reduced the proliferation, stemness, and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Mechanistically, HBx increased the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of cFAM210A by promoting the expression of RBM15 (an m6A methyltransferase), thus inducing the degradation of cFAM210A via the YTHDF2-HRSP12-RNase P/MRP pathway. cFAM210A bound to YBX1 and inhibited its phosphorylation, suppressing its transactivation function toward MET. These findings suggest the important role of circular RNAs in HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and identify cFAM210A a potential target in the prevention and treatment of HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yu
- The Department of General Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Li
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Jun Hou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Peng Sun
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Xian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Dai
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Zan Yin
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Han Sun
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- The Department of General Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu Yang
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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8
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Gao T, Yang X, Fujisawa M, Ohara T, Wang T, Tomonobu N, Sakaguchi M, Yoshimura T, Matsukawa A. SPRED2: A Novel Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Stemness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054996. [PMID: 36902429 PMCID: PMC10003366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The downregulation of SPRED2, a negative regulator of the ERK1/2 pathway, was previously detected in human cancers; however, the biological consequence remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SPRED2 loss on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell function. Human HCC cell lines, expressing various levels of SPRED2 and SPRED2 knockdown, increased ERK1/2 activation. SPRED2-knockout (KO)-HepG2 cells displayed an elongated spindle shape with increased cell migration/invasion and cadherin switching, with features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). SPRED2-KO cells demonstrated a higher ability to form spheres and colonies, expressed higher levels of stemness markers and were more resistant to cisplatin. Interestingly, SPRED2-KO cells also expressed higher levels of the stem cell surface markers CD44 and CD90. When CD44+CD90+ and CD44-CD90- populations from WT cells were analyzed, a lower level of SPRED2 and higher levels of stem cell markers were detected in CD44+CD90+ cells. Further, endogenous SPRED2 expression decreased when WT cells were cultured in 3D, but was restored in 2D culture. Finally, the levels of SPRED2 in clinical HCC tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent non-HCC tissues and were negatively associated with progression-free survival. Thus, the downregulation of SPRED2 in HCC promotes EMT and stemness through the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, and leads to more malignant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Gao
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fujisawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Nahoko Tomonobu
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masakiyo Sakaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Teizo Yoshimura
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsukawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-235-7141
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9
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Huang H, Tsui YM, Ng IOL. Fueling HCC Dynamics: Interplay Between Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor Initiating Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 36736664 PMCID: PMC10036749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a common cancer worldwide. It is an aggressive cancer, with high rates of tumor relapse and metastasis, high chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Liver tumor-initiating cells (LTICs) are a distinctive subset of liver cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities that contribute to intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemo-drug resistance. LTICs, marked by different TIC markers, have high plasticity and use diverse signaling pathways to promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LTICs are nurtured in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where noncellular and cellular components participate to build an immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting niche. As a result, the TME has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic target, as exemplified by some successful applications of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the plasticity of LTICs in terms of cellular differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. We also discuss the various components of the TME, including its noncellular and cellular components. Thereafter, we discuss the mutual interactions between TME and LTICs, including recently reported molecular mechanisms. Lastly, we summarize and describe new ideas concerning novel approaches and strategies for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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10
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Targeting TRMT5 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression via inhibiting the HIF-1α pathways. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2023; 24:50-63. [PMID: 36632750 PMCID: PMC9837375 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has confirmed the links between transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications and tumor progression. The present study is the first to explore the role of tRNA methyltransferase 5 (TRMT5), which catalyzes the m1G37 modification of mitochondrial tRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Here, based on bioinformatics and clinical analyses, we identified that TRMT5 expression was upregulated in HCC, which correlated with poor prognosis. Silencing TRMT5 attenuated HCC proliferation and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro, which may be partially explained by declined extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Mechanistically, we discovered that knockdown of TRMT5 inactivated the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway by preventing HIF-1α stability through the enhancement of cellular oxygen content. Moreover, our data indicated that inhibition of TRMT5 sensitized HCC to doxorubicin by adjusting HIF-1α. In conclusion, our study revealed that targeting TRMT5 could inhibit HCC progression and increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs. Thus, TRMT5 might be a carcinogenesis candidate gene that could serve as a potential target for HCC therapy.
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11
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Bo W, Chen Y. Lenvatinib resistance mechanism and potential ways to conquer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1153991. [PMID: 37153782 PMCID: PMC10157404 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1153991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib (LVN) has been appoved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, differentiated thyroid carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma. Further other cancer types also have been tried in pre-clinic and clinic without approvation by FDA. The extensive use of lenvastinib in clinical practice is sufficient to illustrate its important therapeutic role. Although the drug resistance has not arised largely in clinical, the studies focusing on the resistance of LVN increasingly. In order to keep up with the latest progress of resistance caused by LVN, we summerized the latest studies from identify published reports. In this review, we found the latest report about resistance caused by lenvatinib, which were contained the hotspot mechanism such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis, RNA modification and so on. The potential ways to conquer the resistance of LVN were embraced by nanotechnology, CRISPR technology and traditional combined strategy. The latest literature review of LVN caused resistance would bring some ways for further study of LVN. We call for more attention to the pharmacological parameters of LVN in clinic, which was rarely and would supply key elements for drug itself in human beings and help to find the resistance target or idea for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Bo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen,
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12
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Ke S, Lu S, Wang C, Xu Y, Bai M, Yu H, Feng Z, Yin B, Li Z, Huang J, Li X, Qian B, Hua Y, Pan S, Wu Y, Ma Y. Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value and functions of prefoldins in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:957001. [DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.957001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prefoldins (PFDNs), a group of proteins known to be associated with cytoskeletal rearrangement, are involved in tumor progression in various cancer types. However, little is known about the roles of PFDNs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we investigated the transcriptional and survival data of PFDNs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Ontology (GO), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used to evaluate the potential functions of PFDN1/2/3/4. We also detected the expression of PFDN1/2/3/4 via immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and real-time PCR in our clinical samples. We found that the PFDN family showed elevated expression in HCC tissues, while only PFDN1/2/3/4 were found to be significantly correlated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC in the TCGA database. Further investigation was associated with PFDN1–4. We found that the expression of PFDN1/2/3/4 was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathologic features. Apart from the TCGA database, IHC, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting identified the overexpression of PFDN1/2/3/4 in HCC tissues and HCC cell lines. Taken together, these results indicated that PFDN1/2/3/4 might be novel prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets for patients with HCC.
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Zhao J, Li R, Li J, Chen Z, Lin Z, Zhang B, Deng L, Chen G, Wang Y. CAFs-derived SCUBE1 promotes malignancy and stemness through the Shh/Gli1 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:520. [DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03689-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The tumour microenvironment and cirrhotic liver are excellent sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which participate in carcinogenesis. Thus, it is important to clarify the crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells and the related mechanism in regulating carcinogenesis.
Methods
Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues were obtained from HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting (WB) and RT–qPCR were performed to detect the expression of SCUBE1. The roles of SCUBE1 in inducing stemness features in HCC cells were explored and investigated in vitro and in vivo. Student’s t tests or Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare continuous variables, while chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical variables between two groups.
Results
SCUBE1 was confirmed to be highly expressed in CAFs in HCC and had a strong connection with stemness and a poor prognosis. In addition, CAFs were found to secrete SCUBE1 to enhance the malignancy of HCC cells and increase the proportion of CD133-positive cells. Silencing SCUBE1 expression had the opposite effect. The Shh pathway was activated by SCUBE1 stimulation. Inhibition of cyclopamine partially reversed the stimulating effect of SCUBE1 both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, based on the RT–qPCR, ELISA and WB results, a high SCUBE1 expression level was found in HCC tissue and serum.
Conclusion
This study revealed that CAFs-derived SCUBE1 can enhance the malignancy and stemness of HCC cells through the Shh pathway. This study aims to provide new perspectives for future HCC studies and provide new strategies for HCC treatment.
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Li Y, Hu J, Guo D, Ma W, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Lu G, He S. LncRNA SNHG5 promotes the proliferation and cancer stem cell-like properties of HCC by regulating UPF1 and Wnt-signaling pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1373-1383. [PMID: 35338348 PMCID: PMC9576592 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) had been demonstrated in different types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was intended to investigate the role of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) in HCC proliferation and the liver CSC-like properties. Through functional experiments, we determined that knockdown of SNHG5 repressed HCC cell proliferation and CSC-like properties, while over-expression of SNHG5 promoted cell growth. At the same time, CSC markers (CD44, CD133, and ALDH1) and related transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) were downregulated when SNHG5 was knocked down. Mechanically, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pulldown assay showed that SNHG5 regulated the proliferation and CSC-like properties of HCC by binding UPF1. Further investigations showed that expression of critical components of Wnt/β-catenin pathway (β-catenin, TCF4, c-myc, cyclinD1, and c-Jun) were upregulated with depletion of UPF1 in liver CSCs, which were downregulated with depletion of SNHG5. After use of the inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the formation of liver CSCs sphere decreased. Taken together, SNHG5 plays a critical role to promote HCC cell proliferation and cancer stem cell-like properties via UPF1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Junbi Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Dan Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Guifang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China.
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15
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Park M, Moon B, Kim JH, Park SJ, Kim SK, Park K, Kim J, Kim SY, Kim JH, Kim JA. Downregulation of SETD5 Suppresses the Tumorigenicity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Mol Cells 2022; 45:550-563. [PMID: 35950456 PMCID: PMC9385566 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and incurable cancer. Although understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC has greatly advanced, therapeutic options for the disease remain limited. In this study, we demonstrated that SETD5 expression is positively associated with poor prognosis of HCC and that SETD5 depletion decreased HCC cell proliferation and invasion while inducing cell death. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SETD5 loss downregulated the interferon-mediated inflammatory response in HCC cells. In addition, SETD5 depletion downregulated the expression of a critical glycolysis gene, PKM (pyruvate kinase M1/2), and decreased glycolysis activity in HCC cells. Finally, SETD5 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. These results collectively suggest that SETD5 is involved in the tumorigenic features of HCC cells and that targeting SETD5 may suppress HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijin Park
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Byul Moon
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Kim
- Korea Bioinformation Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Park
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Kihyun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Korea Bioinformation Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jung-Ae Kim
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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16
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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CHRIST: CD44-Incorporated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Index Scoring Tool—A Novel Prognostic Scoring System for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development and Aggressiveness. MEDICINES 2022; 9:medicines9020014. [PMID: 35200757 PMCID: PMC8876239 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
CD44 has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in regulating tumor cell progression, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Here, we aimed to establish a scoring system to evaluate the risk of developing HCC utilizing CD44-rs187115 SNP polymorphism. A prospective cohort of 120 individuals was enrolled in four groups: 19 non-metastatic HCC patients, 21 metastatic, 40 patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis, and 40 controls. Allelic discrimination of the CD44-rs187115 gene polymorphism was assessed using TaqMan genotyping assay. HCC patients with CT/CC genotypes were more likely to have aggressive malignancy compared to TT carriers. A significant correlation was noted between the existence of CT/CC genotypes and tumor size, multicentricity, infiltration, portal vein thrombosis, and metastasis. A CD44-incorporated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Index Scoring Tool (CHRIST) was formulated utilizing clinical and genetic variables. A score > 3 for HCC development demonstrated 87.5% sensitivity, 72.5% specificity, and a 76% positive predictive value (PPV) and 85% negative predictive value (NPV). Furthermore, a score > 5 for HCC metastasis demonstrated 90.4% sensitivity, 68.4% specificity, a 76% PPV and 86% NPV. A similarly significant score was noted following a six-month re-evaluation. We conclude that CD44-rs187115 may serve as a reliable prognostic biomarker for HCC and that the CHRIST prognostic model is highly predictive of the development of HCC and metastatic HCC.
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18
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Buyuk B, Jin S, Ye K. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Signaling Pathways Responsible for Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 35096183 PMCID: PMC8761190 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is highly metastatic and invasive. Tumor metastasis is a convoluted and multistep process involving tumor cell disseminating from their primary site and migrating to the secondary organ. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the crucial steps that initiate cell progression, invasion, and metastasis. During EMT, epithelial cells alter their molecular features and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. The regulation of EMT is centered by several signaling pathways, including primary mediators TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, TNF-α, Hedgehog, and RTKs. It is also affected by hypoxia and microRNAs (miRNAs). All these pathways are the convergence on the transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/2. In addition, a line of evidence suggested that EMT and cancer stem like cells (CSCs) are associated. EMT associated cancer stem cells display mesenchymal phenotypes and resist to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In this review, we highlighted recent discoveries in these signaling pathways and their regulation in breast cancer metastasis and invasion. While the clinical relevance of EMT and breast cancers remains controversial, we speculated a convergent signaling network pivotal to elucidating the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes and onset of metastasis of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Buyuk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Sha Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Kaiming Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
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19
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Xu J, Lin H, Wu G, Zhu M, Li M. IL-6/STAT3 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:760971. [PMID: 34976809 PMCID: PMC8714735 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of which the occurrence and development, the tumorigenicity of HCC is involving in multistep and multifactor interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional inflammatory cytokine, has increased expression in HCC patients and is closely related to the occurrence of HCC and prognosis. IL-6 plays a role by binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and then triggering the Janus kinase (JAK) associated with the receptor, stimulating phosphorylation and activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to initiate downstream signals, participating in the processes of anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. IL-6/STAT3 signal axes elicit an immunosuppressive in tumor microenvironment, it is important to therapy HCC by blocking the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Recent, some inhibitors of IL-6/STAT3 have been development, such as S31-201 or IL-6 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IL-6 mAb), Madindoline A (Inhibits the dimerization of IL-6/IL-6R/gpl30 trimeric complexes), C188-9 and Curcumin (Inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation), etc. for treatment of cancers. Overall, consideration of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and its role in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC will contribute to the development of potential drugs for targeting treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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20
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Cable J, Pei D, Reid LM, Wang XW, Bhatia S, Karras P, Melenhorst JJ, Grompe M, Lathia JD, Song E, Kuo CJ, Zhang N, White RM, Ma SK, Ma L, Chin YR, Shen MM, Ng IOL, Kaestner KH, Zhou L, Sikandar S, Schmitt CA, Guo W, Wong CCL, Ji J, Tang DG, Dubrovska A, Yang C, Wiedemeyer WR, Weissman IL. Cancer stem cells: advances in biology and clinical translation-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1506:142-163. [PMID: 34850398 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The test for the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis is to find a target expressed on all, and only CSCs in a patient tumor, then eliminate all cells with that target that eliminates the cancer. That test has not yet been achieved, but CSC diagnostics and targets found on CSCs and some other cells have resulted in a few clinically relevant therapies. However, it has become apparent that eliminating the subset of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal properties is essential for long-term tumor control. CSCs are able to regenerate and initiate tumor growth, recapitulating the heterogeneity present in the tumor before treatment. As great progress has been made in identifying and elucidating the biology of CSCs as well as their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, the time seems ripe for novel therapeutic strategies that target CSCs to find clinical applicability. On May 19-21, 2021, researchers in cancer stem cells met virtually for the Keystone eSymposium "Cancer Stem Cells: Advances in Biology and Clinical Translation" to discuss recent advances in the understanding of CSCs as well as clinical efforts to target these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duanqing Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, China
| | - Lola M Reid
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, and Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sonam Bhatia
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology and Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, The Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Markus Grompe
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center and Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory; Program of Molecular Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University; and Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ning Zhang
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Richard M White
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie Ky Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lichun Ma
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael M Shen
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Development, Urology, and Systems Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Irene Oi Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong
| | - Shaheen Sikandar
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Clemens A Schmitt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hematology/Oncology, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany, and Johannes Kepler University, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Hematology/Oncology, Linz, Austria
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junfang Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chunzhang Yang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Irving L Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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21
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Xu C, Sun W, Liu J, Pu H, Li Y. MiR-342-3p inhibits LCSC oncogenicity and cell stemness through HDAC7/PTEN axis. Inflamm Res 2021; 71:107-117. [PMID: 34842937 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-021-01521-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the effects of miR-342-3p on liver cancer stem cells (LCSC) and related mechanism. METHODS LCSC were sorted using immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometry was used to determine CD133+ and CD133- sorted cells. The self-renewal ability and growth ability of LCSC were measured by tumor spheroid formation assay and soft agar colony formation assay. Protein and mRNA expressions of CD44, ALDH1, Bmi1, Sox2 and Oct4 were detected by western blot and quantitative PCR. The relationship between miR-342-3p and HDAC7 was analyzed by dual-luciferase assay. The acetylation level of H3 protein was measured by acetyl Lysine antibody. RESULTS miR-342-3p overexpression in LCSC lead to lower tumor volume, reduced tumor spheroid formation and agar colony formation rates, as well as lower mRNA and protein expressions of CD44, ALDH1, Bmi1, Sox2, and Oct4. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed HDAC7 as a target gene of miR-342-3p. Inhibition of HDAC7 or overexpression of PTEN suppressed the carcinogenicity and stemness of LCSC. PTEN expression was increased in sh-HDAC7 group and decreased in pcDNA3.1-HDAC7 group. HDAC7 promoted H3 deacetylation and inhibited PTEN expression. Overexpression of HDAC7 or silencing of PTEN could reverse the inhibitory effect of overexpression of miR-342-3p on LCSC carcinogenicity and cell stemness. CONCLUSION MiR-342-3p inhibited LCSC oncogenicity and cell stemness by promoting PTEN and inhibiting HDAC7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease (No. 3), Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haihong Pu
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Nahm JH, Park YN. [Up-to-date Knowledge on the Pathological Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021; 78:268-283. [PMID: 34824185 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2021.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has heterogeneous molecular and pathological features and biological behavior. Large-scale genetic studies of HCC were accumulated, and a pathological-molecular classification of HCC was proposed. Approximately 35% of HCCs can be classified into distinct histopathological subtypes according to their molecular characteristics. Among recently identified subtypes, macrotrabecular massive HCC, neutrophil-rich HCC, vessels encapsulating tumor clusters HCC, and progenitor phenotype HCC (HCC with CK19 expression) are associated with a poor prognosis, whereas the lymphocyte-rich HCC subtype is related to a better prognosis. This review provides up-to-date knowledge on the pathological diagnosis of HCC according to the updated World Health Organization Classification of Digestive System Tumors 5th ed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hae Nahm
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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23
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Hwang HS, Yoo JE, Han DH, Choi JS, Lee JG, Joo DJ, Kim MS, Kim SI, Choi GH, Park YN. Circulating Cancer Stem Cells Expressing EpCAM/CD90 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study for Predicting Tumor Recurrence after Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Gut Liver 2021; 16:443-455. [PMID: 34737243 PMCID: PMC9099395 DOI: 10.5009/gnl210162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with cancer stemness have been demonstrated to be a direct cause of tumor recurrence, and only few studies have reported the role of CTCs in liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Epithelial cell adhesion molecule+ (EpCAM+), cluster of differentiation 90+ (CD90+) and EpCAM+/CD90+ CTCs were sorted via fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and transcripts level of EpCAM, K19 and CD90 in the peripheral blood were analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7 in 25 patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for HCC. EpCAM protein was assessed in HCC tissue using immunohistochemical staining. The median follow-up duration was 40 months. Results HCC after LDLT recurred in four out of 25 patients. Detection of EpCAM+ or CD90+ CTCs correlated well with their messenger RNA levels (p<0.05). EpCAM+ CTCs were readily detected in HCC tissue expressing EpCAM protein. The detection of EpCAM+ CTCs or EpCAM+/CD90+ CTCs before surgery and on postoperative day 1 was significantly associated with HCC recurrence after LT (all p<0.05). Pretransplant serum PIVKA-II >100 mAU/mL and postoperative day 1 EpCAM+/CD90+ CTCs were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, 14.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 198.20; p=0.043 and hazard ratio, 26.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.86 to 387.51; p=0.016, respectively). Conclusions EpCAM+/CD90+ CTCs can be used preoperatively and 1 day after LDLT as key biological markers in LT candidate selection and post-LDLT management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeo Seong Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Surgery, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dai Hoon Han
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Cancer Special Clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Cancer Special Clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myoung Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Il Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Hong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Cancer Special Clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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24
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Do HQ, Luong AB, Bonazza D, Bottin C, Doan TP, Tran LD, Truong NH, Tell G, Pham HL, Tiribelli C, Sukowati CH. Differential capacity of CD90+ cells in autophagy activation following chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:645-652. [PMID: 32745631 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Analysis of cancer biomarkers is an important tool in developing targeted-therapy and in modulating chemoresistance. Here, we analyze the relevance of CD90, a marker of cancer stem cells (CSC) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with autophagy. MATERIALS AND METHODS For in vivo study, 86 specimens were collected from 43 patients undergoing liver resections. In each patient, HCC nodule (HCC) and surrounding non-tumor (SNT) were collected. For in vitro study, HCC cells JHH6 subpopulations expressing CD90+ and CD90- were isolated using magnetic-sorter and confirmed by flow-cytometry. Upon doxorubicin treatment, autophagy turn-over was analyzed by RTqPCR for mRNA expression, Western blot for protein expression, and autophagosome staining for autophagy-flux. Cytotoxicity test was performed by MTT assay. Gene and protein analysis were performed in clinical samples together with immunohistostaining. RESULTS CD90 mRNA expression was higher in HCC than in SNT for 8-fold (p < 0.001). LC3-II protein was up-regulated in the HCC in comparison with the SNT (p < 0.05). In vitro model showed that CD90+ and CD90- cells had diverse expressions of autophagy-related genes. Upon doxorubicin treatment, autophagy was activated in both cells by increasing LC3-II protein expression, autophagic vacuoles, and dysregulation of autophagy-related mRNAs. A differential autophagic capacity was noticed between two subpopulations and it was correlated with cellular toxicity assay. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the relevance of differential autophagy capacity of CD90+ cells in HCC. Autophagy was involved in cancer-defense mechanism against doxorubicin. Cancer promoting function of autophagy in CD90+ cells was also related to cancer environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Q Do
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato - ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy; Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, VNUHCM-University of Science, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - An B Luong
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato - ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Thao Pt Doan
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Long Dc Tran
- University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Nhung H Truong
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, VNUHCM-University of Science, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Gianluca Tell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and DNA repair, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Hoa Lt Pham
- University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato - ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Caecilia Hc Sukowati
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato - ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Biology and DNA repair, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
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25
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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26
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Soliman MH, Ragheb MA, Elzayat EM, Mohamed MS, El-Ekiaby N, Abdelaziz AI, Abdel-Wahab AHA. MicroRNA-372-3p Predicts Response of TACE Patients Treated with Doxorubicin and Enhances Chemosensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:246-253. [PMID: 32416702 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200516145830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of factors to detect and improve chemotherapy.response in cancer is the main concern. microRNA-372-3p (miR-372-3p) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of various cancers including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, its contribution towards Doxorubicin (Dox) chemosensitivity in HCC has never been studied. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the potential role of miR-372-3p in enhancing Dox effects on HCC cell line (HepG2). Additionally, the correlation between miR-372-3p and HCC patients who received Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) with Dox treatment has been analyzed. METHODS Different cell processes were elucidated by cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and wound healing assays after miR-372-3p transfection in HepG2 cells Furthermore, the miR-372-3p level has been estimated in the blood of primary HCC patients treated with TACE/Dox by quantitative real-time PCR assay. Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis for serum miR-372-3p was constructed for its prognostic significance. Finally, the protein level of Mcl-1, the anti-apoptotic player, has been evaluated using western blot. RESULTS We found a significantly higher level of miR-372-3p in the blood of the responder group of HCC patients who received TACE with Dox than of non-responders. Ectopic expression of miR-372-3p reduced cell proliferation, migration and significantly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells which was coupled with a decrease of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that miR-372-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC and can act as a predictor biomarker for drug response. Furthermore, the data referred for the first time its potential role in drug sensitivity that might be a therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa H Soliman
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ragheb
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Emad M Elzayat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mervat S Mohamed
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nada El-Ekiaby
- School of Medicine, New Giza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
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27
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Elevation of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 promotes differentiation of Cancer Stem-like Cell state by Hepatitis C Virus infection. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02057-20. [PMID: 33627392 PMCID: PMC8139667 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02057-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a critical factor that regulates protein synthesis and degradation. The increased PAI-1 levels are detectable in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease. The differentiation state and motility of HCV-induced cancer stem-like cells (CSC) play a major role in severe liver disease progression. However, the role of PAI-1 in the pathological process of chronic liver diseases remains unknown. In this study, we determined how PAI-1 affects the differentiation of CSC state in hepatocytes upon HCV infection. We found that HCV infection induced the expression of PAI-1 while decreasing miR-30c expression in Huh7.5.1 cells. Similar results were obtained from isolated hepatocytes from humanized liver mice after HCV infection. Moreover, decreased miR-30c expression in HCV-infected hepatocytes was associated with the increased levels of PAI-1 mRNA and protein. Notably, the increased PAI-1 levels resulted in the activation of Protein Kinase B/AKT, a major mediator of cell proliferation, in HCV-infected hepatocytes along with the increased expression of CSC markers such as Human Differentiated Protein (CD) 133, Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Octamer 4 (Oct4), Nanog, Cyclin D1, and MYC. Moreover, blockade of PAI-1 activity by miR-30c mimic and anti-PAI-1 mAb abrogated the AKT activation with decreased expression of CSC markers. Our findings suggest that HCV infection induces the CSC state via PAI-1-mediated AKT activation in hepatocytes. It implicates that the manipulation of PAI-1 activity could provide potential therapeutics to prevent the development of HCV-associated chronic liver diseases.IMPORTANCEThe progression of chronic liver disease by HCV infection is considered a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the major causes of death from cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that increased CSC properties in HCV-infected hepatocytes are associated with the progression of HCC. Since proteins and miRNAs production by HCV-infected hepatocytes can play various roles in physiological processes, investigating these factors can potentially lead to new therapeutic targets. However, the mechanism of HCV associated progression of hepatocytes to CSC remains unclear. Here we identify the roles of PAI-1 and miR-30c in the progression of CSC during HCV infection in hepatocytes. Our data shows that increased secretion of PAI-1 following HCV infection promotes this CSC state and activation of AKT. We report that the inhibition of PAI-1 by miR-30c mimic reduces HCV associated CSC properties in hepatocytes. Taken together, targeting this interaction of secreted PAI-1 and miR-30c in HCV-infected hepatocytes may provide a potential therapeutic intervention against the progression to chronic liver diseases and HCC.
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28
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Interplay of autophagy and cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3695-3717. [PMID: 33893928 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The most common type of liver cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is the cellular digestion of harmful components by sequestering the waste products into autophagosomes followed by lysosomal degradation for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The impairment of autophagy is highly associated with the development and progression of HCC although autophagy may be involved in tumour-suppressing cellular events. In regards to its protecting role, autophagy also shelters the cells from anoikis- a programmed cell death in anchorage-dependent cells detached from the surrounding extracellular matrix which facilitates metastasis in HCC. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) have the ability for self-renewal and differentiation and are associated with the development and progression of HCC by regulating stemness, resistance and angiogenesis. Interestingly, autophagy is also known to regulate normal stem cells by promoting cellular survival and differentiation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the basal autophagic mechanisms and double-faceted roles of autophagy as both tumour suppressor and tumour promoter in HCC, as well as its association with and contribution to self-renewal and differentiation of LCSCs.
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29
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Wei X, Zhao L, Ren R, Ji F, Xue S, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ma Z, Wang XW, Wong L, Liu N, Shi J, Guo X, Roessler S, Zheng X, Ji J. MiR-125b Loss Activated HIF1α/pAKT Loop, Leading to Transarterial Chemoembolization Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2021; 73:1381-1398. [PMID: 32609900 PMCID: PMC9258000 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard locoregional therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with a variable overall response in efficacy. We aimed to identify key molecular signatures and related pathways leading to HCC resistance to TACE, with the hope of developing effective approaches in preselecting patients with survival benefit from TACE. APPROACH AND RESULTS Four independent HCC cohorts with 680 patients were used. MicroRNA (miRNA) transcriptome analysis in patients with HCC revealed a 41-miRNA signature related to HCC recurrence after adjuvant TACE, and miR-125b was the top reduced miRNA in patients with HCC recurrence. Consistently, patients with HCC with low miR-125b expression in tumor had significantly shorter time to recurrence following adjuvant TACE in two independent cohorts. Loss of miR-125b in HCC noticeably activated the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF1α)/pAKT loop in vitro and in vivo. miR-125b directly attenuated HIF1α translation through binding to HIF1A internal ribosome entry site region and targeting YB-1, and blocked an autocrine HIF1α/platelet-derived growth factor β (PDGFβ)/pAKT/HIF1α loop of HIF1α translation by targeting the PDGFβ receptor. The miR-125b-loss/HIF1α axis induced the expression of CD24 and erythropoietin (EPO) and enriched a TACE-resistant CD24-positive cancer stem cell population. Consistently, patients with high CD24 or EPO in HCC had poor prognosis following adjuvant TACE therapy. Additionally, in patients with HCC having TACE as their first-line therapy, high EPO in blood before TACE was also noticeably related to poor response to TACE. CONCLUSIONS MiR-125b loss activated the HIF1α/pAKT loop, contributing to HCC resistance to TACE and the key nodes in this axis hold the potential in assisting patients with HCC to choose TACE therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruizhe Ren
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fubo Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuting Xue
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianjuan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaogang Liu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin W. Wang
- Liver Cancer Program and Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Cancer for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Linda Wong
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Niya Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiong Shi
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Junfang Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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30
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Targeting Hedgehog signalling in CD133-positive hepatocellular carcinoma: improving Lenvatinib therapeutic efficiency. Med Oncol 2021; 38:41. [PMID: 33730237 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01487-w] [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: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lenvatinib has been approved as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. However, Lenvatinib resistance hinders its therapeutic effect, and the underlying mechanism of action of Lenvatinib needs to be better understood. Increasing studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are an important driving force. Hedgehog signalling is important for the maintenance of hepatocellular carcinoma stemness. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic role of the Hedgehog signalling inhibitor in reversing Lenvatinib resistance in CD133-positive HCC cells. First, we examined the inhibitory impact of Lenvatinib against CD133 expression in HCC cell lines through Western blot. The CCK8 assay showed that GANT61, a Hedgehog signalling inhibitor, has a suppression advantage over other CSCs-related signalling inhibitors regarding cell viability. Moreover, Lenvatinib and GANT61 combined had better inhibitory effects on cell viability and malignant properties, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, GANT61 reversed the upregulation of CD133 and Hedgehog signalling caused by Lenvatinib in SK-Hep-1 and MHCC97H. Thus, our results suggested that GANT61 reversed Lenvatinib resistance by suppressing Hedgehog signalling in HCC cells, especially in CD133-positive cells and combining Lenvatinib with Hedgehog signalling inhibitors could improve its therapeutic efficacy in HCC patients with high CD133 expression levels.
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31
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Hu W, Zheng S, Guo H, Dai B, Ni J, Shi Y, Bian H, Li L, Shen Y, Wu M, Tian Z, Liu G, Hossain MA, Yang H, Wang D, Zhang Q, Yu J, Birnbaumer L, Feng J, Yu D, Yang Y. PLAGL2-EGFR-HIF-1/2α Signaling Loop Promotes HCC Progression and Erlotinib Insensitivity. Hepatology 2021; 73:674-691. [PMID: 32335942 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, hence a major public health threat. Pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) has been reported to play a role in tumorigenesis. However, its precise function in HCC remains poorly understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that PLAGL2 was up-regulated in HCC compared with that of adjacent nontumorous tissues and also correlated with overall survival times. We further showed that PLAGL2 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. PLAGL2 expression was positively correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Mechanistically, this study demonstrated that PLAGL2 functions as a transcriptional regulator of EGFR and promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the EGFR-AKT pathway. Moreover, hypoxia was found to significantly induce high expression of PLAGL2, which promoted hypoxia inducible factor 1/2 alpha subunit (HIF1/2A) expression through EGFR. Therefore, this study demonstrated that a PLAGL2-EGFR-HIF1/2A signaling loop promotes HCC progression. More importantly, PLAGL2 expression reduced hepatoma cells' response to the anti-EGFR drug erlotinib. PLAGL2 knockdown enhanced the response to erlotinib. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the pivotal role of PLAGL2 in HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, and erlotinib insensitivity. This suggests that PLAGL2 can be a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Hu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shufang Zheng
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haixin Guo
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Beiying Dai
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jiaping Ni
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yaohong Shi
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hanrui Bian
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lanxin Li
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yumeng Shen
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mo Wu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhoutong Tian
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Guilai Liu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Md Amir Hossain
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hongbao Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Duowei Wang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of ChemotherapyJiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of ChemotherapyJiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Institute of Biomedical ResearchCatholic University of ArgentinaBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Department of ChemotherapyJiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Decai Yu
- Department of general SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and ResearchState Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
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Dai X, Guo Y, Hu Y, Bao X, Zhu X, Fu Q, Zhang H, Tong Z, Liu L, Zheng Y, Zhao P, Fang W. Immunotherapy for targeting cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2021; 11:3489-3501. [PMID: 33537099 PMCID: PMC7847682 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development and remarkable success of checkpoint inhibitors have provided significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only 15-20% of HCC patients can benefit from checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for recurrence, metastasis, and local and systemic therapy resistance in HCC. Accumulating evidence has suggested that HCC CSCs can create an immunosuppressive microenvironment through certain intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, resulting in immune evasion. Intrinsic evasion mechanisms mainly include activation of immune-related CSC signaling pathways, low-level expression of antigen presenting molecules, and high-level expression of immunosuppressive molecules. External evasion mechanisms are mainly related to HBV/HCV infection, alcoholic/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hypoxia stimulation, abnormal angiogenesis, and crosstalk between CSCs and immune cells. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms of CSCs involved in immune evasion will contribute to therapies for HCC. Here we will outline the detailed mechanisms of immune evasion for CSCs, and provide an overview of the current immunotherapies targeting CSCs in HCC.
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Qian L, Liu F, Chu Y, Zhai Q, Wei X, Shao J, Li R, Xu Q, Yu L, Liu B, Liu Q. MicroRNA-200c Nanoparticles Sensitized Gastric Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy by Regulating PD-L1 Expression and EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:12215-12223. [PMID: 33273858 PMCID: PMC7707438 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s279978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immuno-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced gastric cancer either as monotherapy or in combining strategies are rapidly evolving but still in early phase. Various efforts have been made to provide insights into regulating immune checkpoint molecule programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression to improve ICIs efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of miR-200c nanoparticles combined with radiotherapy in gastric cancer cells. Methods We prepared miR-200c-loaded nanoparticles (miR-200c NPs) to achieve targeted delivery of miR-200c to AGS cells. The roles of miR-200c NPs and radiotherapy in regulating the viability of AGS cells were assessed by CCK-8 toxicity test and Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis kit. Flow cytometry was used to analyze expression of PD-L1 and CD44 on the surface of AGS cells treated by miR-200c NPs and/or ionizing radiation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test the level of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) secreted by AGS cells. The cooperation mechanism between miR-200c NPs and radiotherapy was also explored in vitro. Results Compared with naked miR-200c mimics, miR-200c NPs significantly downregulated PD-L1 expression of gastric cancer cells. The combination of miR-200c NPs and radiotherapy showed significantly synergistic inhibitory effect on gastric cancer cells by inhibiting immune escape mediated by PD-L1, reversing EMT phenotype as well as abrogating cancer stem cells (CSCs)-associated properties of tumor cells. Conclusion MiR-200c NPs sensitized gastric cancer cells to radiotherapy by regulating PD-L1 expression and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Qian
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Rudong Peoples' Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Chu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Zhai
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Shao
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rutian Li
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuping Xu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Kim H, Lee KW, Oh SC, Park MY, Seo S, Jin XL, Hong SK, Yoon KC, Yi NJ, Suh KS. Sirolimus and MMF are insufficient immunosuppressants for regulation of the proliferation of CD133+EpCAM+ cell populations in HCC cell lines. Biomed Rep 2020; 13:69. [PMID: 33194193 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on effective immunosuppressive strategies for the management of patients undergoing a liver transplantation (LT) due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. In the present study, immunosuppressive candidates predicted to exhibit beneficial immunosuppressive and tumor-suppressive effects in patients with HCC were assessed using Huh7 and HEP3B HCC cells, which have high proportions of CD133+EpCAM+ cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. The immunosuppressants assessed were sirolimus, tacrolimus, cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and their activities were assessed on CSCs. Sirolimus and MMF reduced the proliferation of Huh7 and HEP3B cells; however, the proportion of CD133+EpCAM+ was notably increased in treated Huh7 cells. Sirolimus treatment alone resulted in G0-G1 cell cycle arrest at all doses in all Huh7 and CD133-EpCAM- populations; however, CD133+EpCAM+ populations showed only slight G1 arrest at higher doses only. In contrast, S-phase arrest was induced at all doses in the Huh7, CD133-EpCAM- and CD133+EpCAM+ populations by MMF. Sirolimus and MMF effectively reduced the proliferation of Huh7 and HEP3B cells, but did not exert a notable effect on the CD133+EpCAM+ cells. Therefore, therapeutic strategies utilizing Sirolimus and MMF should be further studied in vivo for regulation of CSC populations in order to reduce HCC recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwajung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Seung Cheol Oh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Min-Young Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Sooin Seo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Xue-Li Jin
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
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Chen X, Chen T, Zhang L, Wang Z, Zhou Q, Huang T, Ge C, Xu H, Zhu M, Zhao F, Yao M, Tian H, Li H, Zhu X, Li J. Cyclodextrin-mediated formation of porous RNA nanospheres and their application in synergistic targeted therapeutics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomaterials 2020; 261:120304. [PMID: 32882528 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spherical and porous nanoparticles are ideal nanostructures for drug delivery. But currently they are mainly composed of non-degradable inorganic materials, which hinder clinical applications. Here, biological porous nanospheres using RNA as the building blocks and cyclodextrin as the adhesive were synthesized. The RNA contained the aptamer of EpCAM for targeting delivery and siRNA for gene silencing of EpCAM, while cyclodextrin could load insoluble sorafenib, the core drug of targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), through its hydrophobic cavity. After being internalized into targeted HCC cells under the assistance of the aptamer, the porous nanospheres could be degraded by the cytoplasmic Dicer enzymes, releasing siRNA and sorafenib for synergistic therapy. The synergistic efficacy of the porous RNA nanospheres has been validated at in vitro function assay, subcutaneous tumor bearing mice, and orthotopic tumor bearing mice in vivo models. In view of the broad prospects of synergy of gene therapy with chemotherapy, and the fact that RNA and cyclodextrin of the porous nanospheres can be extended to load various types of siRNA and small molecule drugs, respectively, this form of biological porous nanospheres offers opportunities for targeted delivery of suitable drugs for treatment of specific tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Tianshu Chen
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Qingqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Tingting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Chao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Huili Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Miaoxin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Hua Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Lee SH, Moon HJ, Lee YS, Kang CD, Kim SH. Potentiation of TRAIL‑induced cell death by nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the ER stress‑dependent autophagy pathway. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1136-1148. [PMID: 32705218 PMCID: PMC7388578 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed primary liver malignancy. The limited success with relapse of the disease in HCC therapy is frequently associated with the acquired resistance to anticancer drugs. To develop a strategy and design for overcoming the resistance of HCC cells to TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cell death, we evaluated the efficacy of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in combination with TRAIL against TRAIL-resistant HCC cells expressing a high level of CD44. We revealed by MTT and western blotting, respectively, that celecoxib (CCB), an NSAID, and 2,5-dimethyl celecoxib (DMC), a non-cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor analog of CCB, were able to sensitize TRAIL-resistant HCC cells to TRAIL, implicating a COX-independent mechanism. CCB dose-dependently enhanced LC3-II and reduced p62 levels through AMPK activation and inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway and upregulated expression of ATF4/CHOP, leading to activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent autophagy. The TRAIL sensitization capacity of CCB in TRAIL-resistant HCC cells was abrogated by an ER stress inhibitor. In addition, we also revealed by flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively, that accelerated downregulation of TRAIL-mediated c-FLIP expression, DR5 activation and CD44 degradation/downregulation by NSAID resulted in activation of caspases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), leading to the sensitization of TRAIL-resistant HCC cells to TRAIL and thereby reversal of TRAIL resistance. From these results, we propose that NSAID in combination with TRAIL may improve the antitumor activity of TRAIL in TRAIL-resistant HCC, and this approach may serve as a novel strategy that maximizes the therapeutic efficacy of TRAIL for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hoon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam‑do 626‑870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam‑do 626‑870, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Shin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam‑do 626‑870, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Dug Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam‑do 626‑870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam‑do 626‑870, Republic of Korea
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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Stem Cell Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Future Perspectives. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1237:97-119. [PMID: 31728916 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer and results in a high mortality rate worldwide. Unfortunately, most cases of HCC are diagnosed in an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis and ineffective treatment. HCC is often resistant to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, resulting in a high recurrence rate. Although the use of stem cells is evolving into a potentially effective approach for the treatment of cancer, few studies on stem cell therapy in HCC have been published. The administration of stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, the amnion, and the umbilical cord to experimental animal models of HCC has not yielded consistent responses. However, it is possible to induce the apoptosis of cancer cells, repress angiogenesis, and cause tumor regression by administration of genetically modified stem cells. New alternative approaches to cancer therapy, such as the use of stem cell derivatives, exosomes or stem cell extracts, have been proposed. In this review, we highlight these experimental approaches for the use of stem cells as a vehicle for local drug delivery.
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Ma XL, Hu B, Tang WG, Xie SH, Ren N, Guo L, Lu RQ. CD73 sustained cancer-stem-cell traits by promoting SOX9 expression and stability in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:11. [PMID: 32024555 PMCID: PMC7003355 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-0845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant AKT activation contributes to cancer stem cell (CSC) traits in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that CD73 activated AKT signaling via the Rap1/P110β cascade. Here, we further explored the roles of CD73 in regulating CSC characteristics of HCC. Methods CD73 expression modulations were conducted by lentiviral transfections. CD73+ fractions were purified by magnetic-based sorting, and fluorescent-activated cell sorting was used to assess differentiation potentials. A sphere-forming assay was performed to evaluate CSC traits in vitro, subcutaneous NOD/SCID mice models were generated to assess in vivo CSC features, and colony formation assays assessed drug resistance capacities. Stemness-associated gene expression was also determined, and underlying mechanisms were investigated by evaluating immunoprecipitation and ubiquitylation. Results We found CD73 expression was positively associated with sphere-forming capacity and elevated in HCC spheroids. CD73 knockdown hindered sphere formation, Lenvatinib resistance, and stemness-associated gene expression, while CD73 overexpression achieved the opposite effects. Moreover, CD73 knockdown significantly inhibited the in vivo tumor propagation capacity. Notably, we found that CD73+ cells exhibited substantially stronger CSC traits than their CD73– counterparts. Mechanistically, CD73 exerted its pro-stemness activity through dual AKT-dependent mechanisms: activating SOX9 transcription via c-Myc, and preventing SOX9 degradation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3β. Clinically, the combined analysis of CD73 and SOX9 achieved a more accurate prediction of prognosis. Conclusions Collectively, CD73 plays a critical role in sustaining CSCs traits by upregulating SOX9 expression and enhancing its protein stability. Targeting CD73 might be a promising strategy to eradicate CSCs and reverse Lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lu Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei-Guo Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201100, China
| | - Su-Hong Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201100, China.
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ren-Quan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Caldas-Lopes E, Gomez-Arteaga A, Guzman ML. Approaches to Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Tumors. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:421-427. [PMID: 30806324 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666190222164429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CSCs are a population of self-renewing and tumor repopulating cells that have been observed in hematologic and solid tumors and their presence contributes to the development of drug resistance. The failure to eliminate CSCs with conventional therapy is one of major obstacles in the successful treatment of cancer. Several mechanisms have been described to contribute to CSCs chemoresistance properties that include the adoption of drug-efflux pumps, drug detoxification pathways, changes in metabolism, improved DNA repair mechanisms, and deregulated survival and pro-apoptotic pathways. Thus, CSCs are therefore an attractive target to develop new anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisi Caldas-Lopes
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexandra Gomez-Arteaga
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Wang Y, Jiang F, Jiao K, Ju L, Liu Q, Li Y, Miao L, Li Z. De-methylation of miR-148a by arsenic trioxide enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and CSC like properties. Exp Cell Res 2019; 386:111739. [PMID: 31759055 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemo-resistance to conventional therapy is a major barrier requiring further investigation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer stem like cells (CSCs) contribute to the tumorigenicity, progression, and chemo-resistance of malignancies. Studies have implicated the anti-cancer effects of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and have explored the underlying mechanisms. However, whether ATO might reverse chemo-resistance by inhibiting the CSC like properties remains under investigation. Here, we explored the potential of ATO in chemotherapy in constructed multiple drug resistant (MDR) liver cancer cells. ATO re-sensitized the MDR Bel-7402 cells (BelMDR) cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, an effect mediated by the inhibition of NF-κB pathway and CSCs properties. For the molecular mechanisms, via inducing the DNA de-methylation, ATO activated the microRNA-148a (miR-148a), leading to the repression of NF-κB pathway by targeting the 3'-UTR of p65. In summary, epigenetic regulation of miR-148a by ATO is an important mechanism in drug resistance that decreases the expression of NF-κB and hence represses CSC like phenotype. These findings may suggest a novel mechanism for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Kailin Jiao
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Liang Ju
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Qinqiang Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lin Miao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China.
| | - Zhong Li
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Dai M, Cai Z, Chen N, Li J, Wen J, Tan L, Guo D. [Matrine suppresses stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating β-catenin signaling pathway]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:1239-1245. [PMID: 31801708 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.10.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of matrine on the proliferation, tumor cell stemness, β-catenin transcriptional activity and AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 and Huh7 cells. METHODS The proliferation and colony formation ability of HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with 200, 400, and 800 μg/mL matrine were evaluated with MTT assay and colony formation assay, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of CD90, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and CD133, and dual-luciferase assay was used to detect the transcriptional activity of β-catenin in the treated cells. The effects of matrine on the expressions of protein kinase B (AKT), P-AKT, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β, P-β-catenin and β-catenin proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed using Western blotting. RESULTS Matrine inhibited the proliferation of the two HCC cell lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The half-inhibitory concentrations of matrine were 2369, 1565 and 909.1 μg/mL at 24, 48 and 72 h in HepG2 cells, respectively, and were 1355, 781.8, and 612.8 μg/mL in Huh7 cells, respectively. Matrine concentrationdependently suppressed colony formation of the HCC cells, producing significant inhibitory effects at 400 μg/mL P < 0.01) and 800 μg/mL P < 0.001) in HepG2 cells and at 200 μg/mL P < 0.05), 400 μg/mL P < 0.01), and 800 μg/mL P < 0.001) in Huh7 cells. Matrine at 400 and 800 μg/mL significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of CD90, EpCAM and CD133 and the transcriptional level of β-catenin in both HepG2 and Huh7 cells P < 0.05 or 0.01). Matrine at 400 and 800 μg/mL also significantly decreased the protein levels of β-catenin, P-AKT and P-GSK-3β and increased the phosphorylation level of β-catenin in both of the cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Matrine inhibits the proliferation, colony formation, and the expressions of tumor stem cell markers CD90, EpCAM and CD133 in both HepG2 and Huh7 cells probably by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the transcriptional activity ofβ-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqin Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhuo Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Air Force Hospital of Southern Military Command, Guangzhou 510602, China
| | - Nana Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinzhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiayong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lizhuan Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Gong D, Feng PC, Ke XF, Kuang HL, Pan LL, Ye Q, Wu JB. Silencing Long Non-coding RNA LINC01224 Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via MicroRNA-330-5p-Induced Inhibition of CHEK1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 19:482-497. [PMID: 31902747 PMCID: PMC6948252 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 85%–90% of primary liver cancers. Based on in silico analysis, differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01224 in HCC, the downstream microRNA (miRNA) miR-330-5p, and its target gene checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1) were selected as research subjects. Herein, this study was designed to evaluate their interaction effects on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. LINC01224 and CHEK1 were upregulated and miR-330-5p was downregulated in HCC cells. miR-330-5p shared negative correlations with LINC01224 and CHEK1, and LINC01224 shared a positive correlation with CHEK1. Notably, LINC01224 could specifically bind to miR-330-5p, and CHEK1 was identified as a target gene of miR-330-5p. When LINC01224 was silenced or miR-330-5p was elevated, the sphere and colony formation abilities and proliferative, migrative, and invasive potentials of HCC cells were diminished, while cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were enhanced. Moreover, LINC01224 induced HCC progression in vitro and accelerated tumor formation in nude mice by increasing CHEK1 expression. The key findings of the present study demonstrated that silencing LINC01224 could downregulate the expression of CHEK1 by competitively binding to miR-330-5p, thus inhibiting HCC progression. This result highlights the LINC01224/miR-330-5p/CHEK1 axis as a novel molecular mechanism involved in the pathology of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Gong
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Cheng Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Fei Ke
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Lan Kuang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ye
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Bing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China.
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Jiang X, Liu F, Wang Y, Gao J. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and acquisition of cancerstem cell phenotypes. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1860-1868. [PMID: 31041810 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that plays a significant role in tumor development. SPARC has been indicated that promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPARC in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We used spheroids cultured in serum-free culture medium to obtain liver cancer stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate percentage of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assess gene expression in cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to indicate cell migration of HCC. RESULTS Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine was upregulated in spheres formation in HCC cells. Overexpression of SPARC enhanced the ability to form tumor spheres and increased CD133 and Oct4 expressions. Besides, SPARC promoted the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Importantly, SPARC overexpression stimulated the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that SPARC overexpression promotes tumor growth, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and acquisition of a stem cell phenotype. What is more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of SPARC may be beneficial to liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengchao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Song Y, Park IS, Kim J, Seo HR. Actinomycin D inhibits the expression of the cystine/glutamate transporter xCT via attenuation of CD133 synthesis in CD133 + HCC. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 309:108713. [PMID: 31226288 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancer with high mortality rate. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently metastasizes to lung, portal vein, and portal lymph nodes and most HCCs show strong resistance to conventional anticancer drugs. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be responsible for resistance to therapies. Hence, recent advancements in the use of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are rapidly gaining recognition as an efficient and organized means for developing antitumor agents. We aimed to use a non-target-based high-throughput screening (HTS) approach to specifically target α-fetoprotein (AFP)+/cluster of differentiation (CD)133+ HCC present in mixed populations of HCC cells and hepatocytes. Herein, we identified actinomycin D (ActD) as a potential antitumor agent that significantly inhibits activity of LCSCs without affecting the co-cultured hepatocytes. To determine the mechanism of ActD-induced tumor-specificity in LCSC, we applied various cell-based assay models in vitro. In fact, ActD significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and DNA damage in Huh7 HCC cells, but not in Fa2N-4 cells, immortalized hepatocytes. Treatment of spheroid-forming LCSCs with ActD effectively decreased spheroid formation and the CD133+ HCC cell population. Importantly, these ActD-mediated effects are a result of inhibition of cystine/glutamate transporter xCT expression, via attenuation of CD133 synthesis. These results indicate that ActD suppresses stemness and malignant properties in HCC cells through destabilization of xCT, by inhibition of CD133 expression in LCSCs. The effects of ActD on LCSCs provide novel therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer stem-like cells in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhwa Song
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - I-Seul Park
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea. iseul.park.@ip-korea.org
| | - Jiho Kim
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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Chen D, Li Z, Cheng Q, Wang Y, Qian L, Gao J, Zhu JY. Genetic alterations and expression of PTEN and its relationship with cancer stem cell markers to investigate pathogenesis and to evaluate prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2019; 72:588-596. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-205769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AimsTo investigate molecular alteration and expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to evaluate the correlation between PTEN and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and the prognostic value of these markers.MethodsWe evaluated changes of PTEN and CSC markers (CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and CK19) in 183 resection specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and detected PTEN and phosphoinositide-3-kinase catalytic-alpha (PIK3CA) gene by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) in some specimens.ResultsPTEN and CD133, EpCAM and CK19 in 183 resection specimens were studied by IHC, and PTEN and PIK3CA genes were detected by FISH. PTEN expression was reduced in 92 HCC tissues (50.3%). There were 16 HCCs with PTEN deletion (51.6%). Comparison between PTEN IHC and FISH showed that the analysis was highly concordant (54/59, 91.5%). There were 19 HCCs with PIK3CA amplification. Deletion of PTEN was positively correlated with amplification of PIK3CA. Positive expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19 was correlated with steatosis, moderate to poor differentiation, and so on. Reduction of PTEN expression was negatively correlated with positive expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19. Reduced expression of PTEN (p=0.028) was an independent predictor for HCC recurrence and overall survival in HCC. PTEN−/CD133+ group had shorter OS and RFS time.ConclusionsPTEN plays a key role in hepatocarcinogenesis and reduction of PTEN expression is related to increased expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19, which is a useful tool to evaluate HCC prognosis and recurrence.
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Cai W, Wang Z, Wei C, Wu M, Zheng W, Zhang H, Liu C, Liu L. Prognostic evaluation of NANOG and OCT4 expression for posttransplantation hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:8419-8429. [PMID: 30506712 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and metastasis throw great threaten to its overall survival (OS). This paper focus on exploring the prognostic significance of NANOG and OCT4 expression in HCC recurrence and OS after liver transplantation. Eighty-six patients who meet University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria and underwent liver transplantation in Tianjin First Central Hospital between August 2010 and August 2013 were included. Expression of NANOG and OCT4 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The relationships between NANOG and OCT4 expression with tumor recurrence, tumor count, histology stage, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and microvascular invasion (MVI) were explored through the χ2 test and Cox regression analysis. We found that 19/26 and 20/24 patients with positive expression of NANOG and OCT4 relapsed. Combination of NANOG and OCT4 expression was indicated as valuable prognostic signature for HCC recurrence prediction (P < 0.0011). Besides, we identified other key factors with significant correlations with recurrence, such as LNM (P = 0.011) and MVI (P = 0.024). Strikingly, recurrence sites could significantly affect recurrence time (P = 0.0062) and patients with recurrence in transplanted liver have longer recurrence time. In conclusions, we analyzed the relationships between NANOG/OCT4 expression, clinicopathology features, HCC recurrence, and OS after liver transplantation for the first time. Combination of NANOG, OCT4, LNM, histopathological stage, and MVI may be predictor for HCC recurrence posttransplantation. Comprehensive of histopathological stage grade and LNM were considered as prognosis factor for OS after liver transplantation. This should be helpful for treatment method selection for HCC patients after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Cai
- Pathology Department, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenglu Wang
- Pathology Department, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Biobank, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunfang Wei
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiping Zheng
- Organ Transplant Center, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiming Zhang
- Key Lab for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenghu Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
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Mohamed RH, Abu-Shahba N, Mahmoud M, Abdelfattah AMH, Zakaria W, ElHefnawi M. Co-regulatory Network of Oncosuppressor miRNAs and Transcription Factors for Pathology of Human Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells (HCSC). Sci Rep 2019; 9:5564. [PMID: 30944375 PMCID: PMC6447552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41978-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs) are considered as main players for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence. There is a growing evidence supporting the down-regulated miRNAs in HCSCs as key suppressors for the stemness traits, but still more details are vague about how these miRNAs modulate the HCC development. To uncover some of these miRNA regulatory aspects in HCSC, we compiled 15 down-regulated miRNA and their validated and predicted up-regulated targets in HCSC. The targets were enriched for several cancer cell stemness hallmarks and CSC pre-metastatic niche, which support these miRNAs role in suppression of HCSCs neoplastic transformation. Further, we constructed miRNA-Transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks, which provided new insights on the role of the proposed miRNA-TF co-regulation in the cancer stemness axis and its cross talk with the surrounding microenvironment. Our analysis revealed HCSC important hubs as candidate regulators for targeting hepatic cancer stemness such as, miR-148a, miR-214, E2F family, MYC and SLC7A5. Finally, we proposed a possible model for miRNA and TF co-regulation of HCSC signaling pathways. Our study identified an HCSC signature and set bridges between the reported results to give guide for future validation of HCC therapeutic strategies avoiding drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Abu-Shahba
- Stem Cell Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mahmoud
- Stem Cell Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M H Abdelfattah
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,VAP, CS Department, SUNY, Oswego, NY, USA
| | - Wael Zakaria
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Biomedical informatics and Chemoinformatics group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, Informatics and Systems Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. .,Informatics and systems Department, Division of Engineering research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
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Tsuchiya A, Ogawa M, Watanabe T, Takeuchi S, Kojima Y, Watanabe Y, Kimura N, Hayashi K, Yokoyama J, Terai S. Diverse perspectives to address for the future treatment of heterogeneous hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01325. [PMID: 30911692 PMCID: PMC6416651 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), which often arise from chronic liver damage, have poor conditional 5-year survival and are recognized as heterogeneous tumors. Considering the heterogeneity of HCCs, diverse perspectives need to be addressed for treating such tumors, besides the findings of conventional imaging modalities and tumor markers. Data from the latest technologies, such as liquid biopsy, and the detection of the presence of cancer cells with stem/progenitor cell markers, gene mutations and diverse pathways, crosstalk with immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, and mechanisms of epithelial–mesenchymal transition provide diverse lines of information. Integration of these data with clinical data might be necessary to develop effective therapies for precision medicine. Here, we review several aspects of dealing with the complexity of heterogeneous HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsunori Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takayuki Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Suguru Takeuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kojima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Naruhiro Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazunao Hayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Junji Yokoyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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Liang C, Yang P, Han T, Wang RY, Xing XL, Si AF, Ma QY, Chen Z, Li HY, Zhang B. Long non-coding RNA DILC promotes the progression of gallbladder carcinoma. Gene 2019; 694:102-110. [PMID: 30716440 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to tumorigenesis, progression and recurrence of various malignancies including Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Lnc-DILC is reported to be the tumor suppressor gene to play an important role in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the role of lnc-DILC in GBC remains to be elucidated. Herein, we show that lnc-DILC is upregulated in gallbladder CSCs and GBC patients' tissues. Knockdown of lnc-DILC attenuates the self-renewal, tumorigenicity, proliferation and metastasis of gallbladder CSCs. Mechanistically, lnc-DILC promotes gallbladder CSCs expansion via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Special Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor FH535 diminishes the discrepancy of self-renewal, growth and metastasis between lnc-DILC interference GBC cells and their control cells. In conclusion, lnc-DILC drives gallbladder CSCs self-renewal, tumorigenicity, proliferation and metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and may therefore prove to be a potential therapeutic target for GBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Liang
- Department of General surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China; Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army, General Hospital of Region, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ruo-Yu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiang-Lei Xing
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - An-Feng Si
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian-Yun Ma
- Department of Urology Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of General surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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