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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Hu X, Li Y, Cao Y, Shi F, Shang L. The role of nitric oxide synthase/ nitric oxide in infection-related cancers: Beyond antimicrobial activity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189156. [PMID: 39032540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189156] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
As a free radical and endogenous effector molecule, mammalian endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is mainly derived from nitric oxide synthase (NOS) via L-arginine. NO participates in normal physiological reactions and provides immune responses to prevent the invasion of foreign bacteria. However, NO also has complex and contradictory biological effects. Abnormal NO signaling is involved in the progression of many diseases, such as cancer. In the past decades, cancer research has been closely linked with NOS/ NO, and many tumors with poor prognosis are associated with high expression of NOS. In this review, we give a overview of the biological effects of NOS/ NO. Then we focus on the oncogenic role of iNOS/ NO in HPV, HBV, EBV and H. pylori related tumors. In fact, there is growing evidence that iNOS could be used as a potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy. We emphasize that the pro-tumor effect of NOS/ NO is greater than the anti-tumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders/ XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of National Health Commission, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yueshuo Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of National Health Commission, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ya Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of National Health Commission, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders/ XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of National Health Commission, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Li Shang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders/ XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Shi Q, Xue C, Zeng Y, Yuan X, Chu Q, Jiang S, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Li L. Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:128. [PMID: 38797752 PMCID: PMC11128457 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01828-x] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shuwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Danhua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Hashmi HF, Xuan X, Chen K, Zhang P, Shahab M, Zheng G, Younous YA, Salamatullah AM, Bourhia M. Molecular modeling and simulation approaches to characterize potential molecular targets for burdock inulin to instigate protection against autoimmune diseases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11291. [PMID: 38760355 PMCID: PMC11101470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61387-7] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we utilized molecular modeling and simulation approaches to define putative potential molecular targets for Burdock Inulin, including inflammatory proteins such as iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1β. Molecular docking results revealed potential interactions and good binding affinity for these targets; however, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS were identified as the best targets for Inulin. Molecular simulation-based stability assessment demonstrated that inulin could primarily target iNOS and may also supplementarily target COX-2 and IL-1β during DSS-induced colitis to reduce the role of these inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, residual flexibility, hydrogen bonding, and structural packing were reported with uniform trajectories, showing no significant perturbation throughout the simulation. The protein motions within the simulation trajectories were clustered using principal component analysis (PCA). The IL-1β-Inulin complex, approximately 70% of the total motion was attributed to the first three eigenvectors, while the remaining motion was contributed by the remaining eigenvectors. In contrast, for the COX2-Inulin complex, 75% of the total motion was attributed to the eigenvectors. Furthermore, in the iNOS-Inulin complex, the first three eigenvectors contributed to 60% of the total motion. Furthermore, the iNOS-Inulin complex contributed 60% to the total motion through the first three eigenvectors. To explore thermodynamically favorable changes upon mutation, motion mode analysis was carried out. The Free Energy Landscape (FEL) results demonstrated that the IL-1β-Inulin achieved a single conformation with the lowest energy, while COX2-Inulin and iNOS-Inulin exhibited two lowest-energy conformations each. IL-1β-Inulin and COX2-Inulin displayed total binding free energies of - 27.76 kcal/mol and - 37.78 kcal/mol, respectively, while iNOS-Inulin demonstrated the best binding free energy results at - 45.89 kcal/mol. This indicates a stronger pharmacological potential of iNOS than the other two complexes. Thus, further experiments are needed to use inulin to target iNOS and reduce DSS-induced colitis and other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Farooque Hashmi
- School of Life Science and National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xu Xuan
- School of Life Science and National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Kaoshan Chen
- School of Life Science and National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Pengying Zhang
- School of Life Science and National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Muhammad Shahab
- State Key Laboratories of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojun Zheng
- State Key Laboratories of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Ahmad Mohammad Salamatullah
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Bourhia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Natural Resources Valorization, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, 80060, Agadir, Morocco
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Uong TNT, Yoon M, Chung IJ, Nam TK, Ahn SJ, Jeong JU, Song JY, Kim YH, Nguyen HPQ, Cho D, Chu TH, Dang GC, Nguyen NPNM. Direct Tumor Irradiation Potentiates Adoptive NK Cell Targeting Against Parental and Stemlike Cancer in Human Liver Cancer Models. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:234-250. [PMID: 37981041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to effectively induce the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is recognized by lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. However, the potential synergistic antitumor immune response of tumor irradiation and administered NK cells has not been explored in intractable human liver cancers. Furthermore, NK cell targeting against both parental and cancer stemness has never been investigated. METHODS AND MATERIALS Highly activated ex vivo NK cells were administered into the human liver tumor-bearing mice. Tumor direct RT was optimized according to tumor bearing site. HepG2 and Hep3B ICAM-1 knockout cells were generated using CRISPR/CAS9. Stemness tumor spheres were generated. NK cell cytolysis against parental and tumor sphere was evaluated using flow cytometry and real-time cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS A combination of adoptive NK cell therapy with RT significantly improved therapeutic efficacy over monotherapies against subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic human liver tumor models. Direct tumor irradiation potentiated NK cell recognition and conjugation against liver cancer through the LFA-1/ICAM-1 axis. Suppression of immune synapse formation on NK cells using high-affinity LFA-1 inhibitors or ICAM-1 knockout liver cancer induced "outside-in" signal blocking in NK cells, resulting in failure to eliminate liver tumor despite the combination therapy. NK cells effectively recognized and targeted triple-high epithelial cell adhesion molecule+CD133+CD24+ liver cancer expressing upregulated ICAM-1 in the irradiated tumor microenvironment, which led to prevention of the initiation of metastasis, improving survival in a metastatic model. In addition, the LFA-1/ICAM-1 axis interruption between NK cells and stemness liver tumor spheres significantly diminished NK cell cytolysis. Consistent with our preclinical data, the LFA-1/ICAM-1 axis correlated with survival outcomes in patients with metastatic cancer from the The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. CONCLUSIONS NK cells in combination with tumor irradiation can provide synergistic therapeutic effects for NK cell recognition and elimination against both parental and stemlike liver cancer through LFA-1/ICAM-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Nguyen Thanh Uong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Meesun Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ik-Joo Chung
- Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Taek-Keun Nam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ja Ahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Uk Jeong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Young Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hyub Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Huy Phuoc Quang Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tan-Huy Chu
- Department of Hematology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam
| | - Giang Chau Dang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology and Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy Research Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Nhat Phuoc Nguong Minh Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Zhao H, Ling Y, He J, Dong J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yu H, Tang C. Potential targets and therapeutics for cancer stem cell-based therapy against drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 74:101084. [PMID: 38640592 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101084] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common digestive malignancyin the world, which is frequently diagnosed at late stage with a poor prognosis. For most patients with advanced HCC, the therapeutic options arelimiteddue to cancer occurrence of drug resistance. Hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) account for a small subset of tumor cells with the ability of self-renewal and differentiationin HCC. It is widely recognized that the presence of CSCs contributes to primary and acquired drug resistance. Therefore, hepatic CSCs-targeted therapy is considered as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcome in HCC. In this article, we review drug resistance in HCC and provide a summary of potential targets for CSCs-based therapy. In addition, the development of CSCs-targeted therapeuticsagainst drug resistance in HCC is summarized in both preclinical and clinical trials. The in-depth understanding of CSCs-related drug resistance in HCC will favor optimization of the current therapeutic strategies and gain encouraging therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuhang Ling
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinling Dong
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinliang Mo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chengwu Tang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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9
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Thomas D, Palczewski M, Kuschman H, Hoffman B, Yang H, Glynn S, Wilson D, Kool E, Montfort W, Chang J, Petenkaya A, Chronis C, Cundari T, Sappa S, Islam K, McVicar D, Fan Y, Chen Q, Meerzaman D, Sierk M. Nitric oxide inhibits ten-eleven translocation DNA demethylases to regulate 5mC and 5hmC across the genome. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4131804. [PMID: 38645113 PMCID: PMC11030528 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4131804/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation at cytosine bases of eukaryotic DNA (5-methylcytosine, 5mC) is a heritable epigenetic mark that can regulate gene expression in health and disease. Enzymes that metabolize 5mC have been well-characterized, yet the discovery of endogenously produced signaling molecules that regulate DNA methyl-modifying machinery have not been described. Herein, we report that the free radical signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) can directly inhibit the Fe(II)/2-OG-dependent DNA demethylases ten-eleven translocation (TET) and human AlkB homolog 2 (ALKBH2). Physiologic NO concentrations reversibly inhibited TET and ALKBH2 demethylase activity by binding to the mononuclear non-heme iron atom which formed a dinitrosyliron complex (DNIC) preventing cosubstrates (2-OG and O2) from binding. In cancer cells treated with exogenous NO, or cells endogenously synthesizing NO, there was a global increase in 5mC and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in DNA, the substrates for TET, that could not be attributed to increased DNA methyltransferase activity. 5mC was also elevated in NO-producing cell-line-derived mouse xenograft and patient-derived xenograft tumors. Genome-wide DNA methylome analysis of cells chronically treated with NO (10 days) demonstrated enrichment of 5mC and 5hmC at gene-regulatory loci which correlated to changes in the expression of NO-regulated tumor-associated genes. Regulation of DNA methylation is distinctly different from canonical NO signaling and represents a novel epigenetic role for NO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianne Palczewski
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Hannah Kuschman
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | | | - Hao Yang
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Department of Chemistry
| | - Sharon Glynn
- University of Galway, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, D. of Pathology
| | | | - Eric Kool
- Stanford University, Department of Chemistry, School of Humanities and Sciences
| | | | - Jenny Chang
- Houston Methodist, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Aydolun Petenkaya
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
| | - Constantinos Chronis
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
| | | | - Sushma Sappa
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry
| | | | - Daniel McVicar
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research
| | - Yu Fan
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology
| | - Qingrong Chen
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology
| | - Michael Sierk
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology
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10
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Gholamzad A, Khakpour N, Khosroshahi EM, Asadi S, Koohpar ZK, Matinahmadi A, Jebali A, Rashidi M, Hashemi M, Sadi FH, Gholamzad M. Cancer stem cells: The important role of CD markers, Signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155227. [PMID: 38490099 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
For the first time, a subset of small cancer cells identified in acute myeloid leukemia has been termed Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). These cells are notorious for their robust proliferation, self-renewal abilities, significant tumor-forming potential, spread, and resistance to treatments. CSCs are a global concern, as it found in numerous types of cancer, posing a real-world challenge today. Our review encompasses research on key CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNA in three types of cancer: breast, colon, and liver. These factors play a critical role in either promoting or inhibiting cancer cell growth. The reviewed studies have shown that as cells undergo malignant transformation, there can be an increase or decrease in the expression of different Cluster of Differentiation (CD) markers on their surface. Furthermore, alterations in essential signaling pathways, such as Wnt and Notch1, may impact CSC proliferation, survival, and movement, while also providing potential targets for cancer therapies. Additionally, some research has focused on MicroRNAs due to their dual role as potential therapeutic biomarkers and their ability to enhance CSCs' response to anti-cancer drugs. MicroRNAs also regulate a wide array of cellular processes, including the self-renewal and pluripotency of CSCs, and influence gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the malignancy of various tumors. Although the gathered information suggests that specific CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs are influential in determining the destiny of cancer cells and could be advantageous for therapeutic strategies, their precise roles and impacts remain incompletely defined, necessitating further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Gholamzad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Khakpour
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elaheh Mohandesi Khosroshahi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Asadi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences,Tonekabon Branch,Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Arash Matinahmadi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus,Torun,Poland
| | - Ali Jebali
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Deprtment of Medical Nanotechnology,Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology,Tehran Medical Sciences,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Mehrdad Gholamzad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Ding H, Feng Z, Hu K. GRWD1 Over-Expression Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Activating Notch Signaling Pathway via Up-Regulation of ADAM17. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:821-834. [PMID: 38172445 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamate-rich WD repeat containing 1 (GRWD1) is over-expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and is considered to be a potential oncogene. However, its mechanism of action in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. METHODS Data analysis, Immunohistochemistry, and Western Blot (WB) were performed to verify the expression of GRWD1 in GC and para-cancerous tissues. The association between GRWD1 expression and tumor size, tissue differentiation, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and prognosis was analyzed according to the high and low expression levels of GRWD1. The relationship between GRWD1 and Notch pathway was verified by data analysis and WB. The effects of GRWD1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were verified by cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. We confirmed that the high expression of GRWD1 promoted the proliferation of GC cells in vivo through the tumor formation assay in nude mice. RESULTS The expression of GRWD1 was higher in GC tissues than in para-cancerous tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage, but negatively correlated with differentiation grade and prognosis. GRWD1 over-expression increased ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) expression and promoted Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) release to promote GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Results from animal studies have shown that high GRWD1 expression could promote GC cell proliferation in vivo by activating the Notch signaling pathway. CONCLUSION GRWD1 promotes GC progression through ADAM17-dependent Notch signaling, and GRWD1 may be a novel tumor marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhenyou Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Kongwang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China.
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12
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Zhong W, Hong C, Zhang Y, Li Y, Xiao C, Liu X. ASH2L-mediated H3K4me3 drives diabetic nephropathy through HIPK2 and Notch1 pathway. Transl Res 2024; 264:85-96. [PMID: 37879562 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the complications of diabetes. Long-term hyperglycemia in the kidney results in renal insufficiency, and eventually leads to end-stage renal disease. Epigenetic factor ASH2L has long been identified as a transcriptional activator, and we previously indicated that ASH2L aggravated fibrosis and inflammation in high glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells, but the pathophysiological relevance and the mechanism of ASH2L-mediated H3K4me3 in DN is not well understood. Here we demonstrated that ASH2L is upregulated in glomeruli isolated from db/db mice. Loss of ASH2L protected glomerular injury caused by hyperglycemia, as evidenced by reduced albuminuria, preserved structure, decreased glomerular extracellular matrix deposition, and lowered renal glomerular expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic markers in db/db mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that enrichment of ASH2L-mediated H3K4me3 on the promoter regions of ADAM17 and HIPK2 triggered their transcription, leading to aberrant activation of Notch1 signaling pathway, thereby contributing to fibrosis and inflammation in DN. The findings of this study provide compelling evidence for targeting ASH2L as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent or slow down the progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhong
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Hong
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuhui Li
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenxi Xiao
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
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13
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Fu X, Zhang Y, Luo Q, Ju Y, Song G. Targeting the mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells: a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229. [PMID: 38009775 PMCID: PMC10690881 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the root cause of cancer occurrence, progression, chemoradioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs is a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management and treatment. Liver cancer (LC) is a malignant disease that can endanger human health. Studies are increasingly suggesting that changes in the liver mechanical microenvironment are a primary driver triggering the occurrence and development of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the roles of the liver mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in liver cancer progression. We also discuss the relationship between the mechanical heterogeneity of liver cancer tissues and LCSC recruitment and metastasis. Finally, we highlight potential mechanosensitive molecules in LCSCs and mechanotherapy in liver cancer. Understanding the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the mechano-microenvironment and LCSCs may provide fundamental insights into liver cancer progression and aid in further development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Fu
- School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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14
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Guo F, Yang X, Hu C, Li W, Han W. Network Pharmacology Combined with Machine Learning to Reveal the Action Mechanism of Licochalcone Intervention in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15935. [PMID: 37958916 PMCID: PMC10649909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There are reports indicating that licochalcones can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells by promoting the expression of autophagy-related proteins, inhibiting the expression of cell cycle proteins and angiogenic factors, and regulating autophagy and apoptosis. This study aims to reveal the potential mechanisms of licochalcone A (LCA), licochalcone B (LCB), licochalcone C (LCC), licochalcone D (LCD), licochalcone E (LCE), licochalcone F (LCF), and licochalcone G (LCG) inhibition in liver cancer through computer-aided screening strategies. By using machine learning clustering analysis to search for other structurally similar components in licorice, quantitative calculations were conducted to collect the structural commonalities of these components related to liver cancer and to identify key residues involved in the interactions between small molecules and key target proteins. Our research results show that the seven licochalcones molecules interfere with the cancer signaling pathway via the NF-κB signaling pathway, PDL1 expression and PD1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, and others. Glypallichalcone, Echinatin, and 3,4,3',4'-Tetrahydroxy-2-methoxychalcone in licorice also have similar structures to the seven licochalcones, which may indicate their similar effects. We also identified the key residues (including ASN364, GLY365, TRP366, and TYR485) involved in the interactions between ten flavonoids and the key target protein (nitric oxide synthase 2). In summary, we provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer effects of licorice flavonoids, providing new ideas for the design of small molecules for liver cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wannan Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China; (F.G.); (X.Y.); (C.H.)
| | - Weiwei Han
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China; (F.G.); (X.Y.); (C.H.)
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15
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Yang Y, Zhu G, Yang L, Yang Y. Targeting CD24 as a novel immunotherapy for solid cancers. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:312. [PMID: 37919766 PMCID: PMC10623753 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), a mucin-like highly glycosylated molecule has been extensively studied as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of solid cancers. The functional role of CD24 is either fulfilled by combining with ligands or participating in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. Recently, CD24 was also described as an innate immune checkpoint with apparent significance in several types of solid cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the molecular fundamentals of CD24, the role of CD24 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the possibility as a promising therapeutic target and summarized different therapeutic agents or strategies targeting CD24 in solid cancers. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Guangming Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Taian, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China.
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16
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Kuschman HP, Palczewski MB, Hoffman B, Menhart M, Wang X, Glynn S, Islam ABMMK, Benevolenskaya EV, Thomas DD. Nitric oxide inhibits FTO demethylase activity to regulate N 6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102928. [PMID: 37866163 PMCID: PMC10623363 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic mRNAs. Demethylation of m6A on mRNA is catalyzed by the enzyme fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a member of the nonheme Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent family of dioxygenases. FTO activity and m6A-mRNA are dysregulated in multiple diseases including cancers, yet endogenous signaling molecules that modulate FTO activity have not been identified. Here we show that nitric oxide (NO) is a potent inhibitor of FTO demethylase activity by directly binding to the catalytic iron center, which causes global m6A hypermethylation of mRNA in cells and results in gene-specific enrichment of m6A on mRNA of NO-regulated transcripts. Both cell culture and tumor xenograft models demonstrated that endogenous NO synthesis can regulate m6A-mRNA levels and transcriptional changes of m6A-associated genes. These results build a direct link between NO and m6A-mRNA regulation and reveal a novel signaling mechanism of NO as an endogenous regulator of the epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianne B Palczewski
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USA
| | - Brian Hoffman
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Department of Chemistry, USA
| | - Mary Menhart
- College of Medicine, Departments of Pharmacology and Bioengineering, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- College of Medicine, Departments of Pharmacology and Bioengineering, USA
| | - Sharon Glynn
- University of Galway, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, D. of Pathology, USA
| | | | | | - Douglas D Thomas
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USA.
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17
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Wang Q, Liang N, Liu C, Li J, Bai Y, Lei S, Huang Q, Sun L, Tang L, Zeng C, Tang Y, He X, Yang T, Wang G. BEX1 supports the stemness of hepatoblastoma by facilitating Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1477-1489. [PMID: 37715024 PMCID: PMC10628275 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a highly aggressive paediatric malignancy that exhibits a high presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which related to tumour recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Brain expressed X-linked protein 1 (BEX1) plays a pivotal role in ciliogenesis, axon regeneration and differentiation of neural stem cells. However, the role of BEX1 in metabolic and stemness programs in HB remains unclear. METHODS BEX1 expression in human and mouse HB was analyzed using gene expression profile data from NCBI GEO and immunohistochemical validation. Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, sphere formation assay, and diluted xenograft tumour formation assay were used to analyze metabolic and stemness features. RESULTS Our results indicated that overexpression of BEX1 significantly enhanced the Warburg effect in HB cells. Furthermore, glycolysis inhibition largely attenuated the effects of BEX1 on HB cell growth and self-renewal, suggesting that BEX1 promotes stemness maintenance of HB cells by regulating the Warburg effect. Mechanistically, BEX1 enhances Warburg effect through the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Furthermore, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) is required for PPARγ-induced inhibition of Warburg effect in HB. In addition, BEX1 supports the stemness of HB by enhancing Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS HB patients with high BEX1 and PDK1 expression had a poor prognosis. BEX1 promotes the stemness maintenance of HB cells via modulating the Warburg effect, which depends on PPARγ/PDK1 axis. Pioglitazone could be used to target BEX1-mediated stemness properties in HB by upregulating PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Province People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yaxing Bai
- Department of Dermatology, XiJing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuanghong Lei
- Anorectal Department, The First People's Hospital of Longnan, Longnan, 742500, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Ligang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Liangke Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Yuqun Tang
- Minimally Invasive tumour Comprehensive Therapy Center, Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Jiangmen, 529000, China.
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18
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Reddy TP, Glynn SA, Billiar TR, Wink DA, Chang JC. Targeting Nitric Oxide: Say NO to Metastasis. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1855-1868. [PMID: 36520504 PMCID: PMC10183809 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Utilizing targeted therapies capable of reducing cancer metastasis, targeting chemoresistant and self-renewing cancer stem cells, and augmenting the efficacy of systemic chemo/radiotherapies is vital to minimize cancer-associated mortality. Targeting nitric oxide synthase (NOS), a protein within the tumor microenvironment, has gained interest as a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce metastatic capacity and augment the efficacy of chemo/radiotherapies in various solid malignancies. Our review highlights the influence of nitric oxide (NO) in tumor progression and cancer metastasis, as well as promising preclinical studies that evaluated NOS inhibitors as anticancer therapies. Lastly, we highlight the prospects and outstanding challenges of using NOS inhibitors in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini P. Reddy
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas
- Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharon A. Glynn
- Prostate Cancer Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Timothy R. Billiar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David A. Wink
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Jenny C. Chang
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas
- Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Sánchez-Meza J, Campos-Valdez M, Domínguez-Rosales JA, Godínez-Rubí JM, Rodríguez-Reyes SC, Martínez-López E, Zúñiga-González GM, Sánchez-Orozco LV. Chronic Administration of Diethylnitrosamine and 2-Acetylaminofluorene Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Wistar Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098387. [PMID: 37176094 PMCID: PMC10179122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the biochemical, histological, and gene expression alterations produced in a hepatocarcinogenesis model induced by the chronic administration of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in Wistar rats. Thirteen rats weighing 180 to 200 g were divided into two groups: control and treated. Rats in the treated group were administered an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEN (50 mg/kg/week) and an intragastric (i.g.) dose of 2-AAF (25 mg/kg/week) for 18 weeks. The treated group had significant increases in their total cholesterol, HDL-C, AST, ALT, ALKP, and GGT levels. Furthermore, a histological analysis showed the loss of normal liver architecture with nuclear pleomorphism in the hepatocytes, atypical mitosis, and fibrous septa that were distributed between the portal triads and collagen fibers through the hepatic sinusoids. The gene expressions of 24 genes related to fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis, cell growth, angiogenesis, lipid metabolism, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed; only TGFβ, COL1α1, CYP2E1, CAT, SOD, IL6, TNF-α, and ALB showed significant differences when both groups were compared. Additionally, lung histopathological alterations were found in the treated group, suggesting metastasis. In this model, the chronic administration of DEN+2-AAF induces characteristic alterations of hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats without AFP gene expression changes, highlighting different signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sánchez-Meza
- Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Marina Campos-Valdez
- Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - José Alfredo Domínguez-Rosales
- Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Juliana Marisol Godínez-Rubí
- Laboratorio de Patología Diagnóstica e Inmunohistoquímica, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Sarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
- Instituto de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Erika Martínez-López
- Instituto de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Guillermo M Zúñiga-González
- Laboratorio de Mutagénesis, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Laura Verónica Sánchez-Orozco
- Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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Kalita A, Sikora-Skrabaka M, Nowakowska-Zajdel E. Role of Some microRNA/ADAM Proteins Axes in Gastrointestinal Cancers as a Novel Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets—A Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2917-2936. [PMID: 37185715 PMCID: PMC10136553 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the most common cancers in the world and their number is increasing. Their etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. ADAM proteins are a family of transmembrane and secreted metalloproteinases that play a role in cancerogenesis, metastasis and neoangiogenesis. MicroRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs that take part in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Some ADAM proteins can be targets for microRNAs. In this review, we analyze the impact of microRNA/ADAM protein axes in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kalita
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Clinical Oncology, No. 4 Provincial Specialist Hospital, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sikora-Skrabaka
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Clinical Oncology, No. 4 Provincial Specialist Hospital, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Ewa Nowakowska-Zajdel
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Clinical Oncology, No. 4 Provincial Specialist Hospital, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
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21
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Bai S, Zhao Y, Chen W, Peng W, Wang Y, Xiong S, Li Y, Yang Y, Chen S, Cheng B, Wang R. The stromal-tumor amplifying STC1-Notch1 feedforward signal promotes the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:236. [PMID: 37004088 PMCID: PMC10067215 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play crucial roles in tumor stemness. It has been shown in various cancer studies that stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is secreted by CAFs, however, its function in HCC is still not clear. METHODS The serum concentration and intracellular expression level of STC1 were quantified by ELISA and western blotting, respectively. The role of CAF-derived STC1 in HCC stemness was investigated by sphere formation, sorafenib resistance, colony formation, and transwell migration and invasion assays in vitro and in an orthotopic liver xenograft model in vivo. An HCC tissue microarray containing 72 samples was used to evaluate the expression of STC1 and Notch1 in HCC tissues. Coimmunoprecipitation (CoIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to further explore the underlying mechanisms. ELISAs were used to measure the serum concentration of STC1 in HCC patients. RESULTS We demonstrated that CAFs were the main source of STC1 in HCC and that CAF-derived STC1 promoted HCC stemness through activation of the Notch signaling pathway. In HCC patients, the expression of STC1 was positively correlated with Notch1 expression and poor prognosis. The co-IP assay showed that STC1 directly bound to Notch1 receptors to activate the Notch signaling pathway, thereby promoting the stemness of HCC cells. Our data further demonstrated that STC1 was a direct transcriptional target of CSL in HCC cells. Furthermore, ELISA revealed that the serum STC1 concentration was higher in patients with advanced liver cancer than in patients with early liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS CAF-derived STC1 promoted HCC stemness via the Notch1 signaling pathway. STC1 might serve as a potential biomarker for the prognostic assessment of HCC, and the stromal-tumor amplifying STC1-Notch1 feedforward signal could constitute an effective therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuchong Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wang Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Si Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yilei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shiru Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Ronghua Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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22
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Kim M, Jo KW, Kim H, Han ME, Oh SO. Genetic heterogeneity of liver cancer stem cells. Anat Cell Biol 2023; 56:94-108. [PMID: 36384888 PMCID: PMC9989795 DOI: 10.5115/acb.22.161] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell heterogeneity is a serious problem in the control of tumor progression because it can cause chemoresistance and metastasis. Heterogeneity can be generated by various mechanisms, including genetic evolution of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and niche heterogeneity. Because the genetic heterogeneity of CSCs has been poorly characterized, the genetic mutation status of CSCs was examined using Exome-Seq and RNA-Seq data of liver cancer. Here we show that different surface markers for liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) showed a unique propensity for genetic mutations. Cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133)-positive cells showed frequent mutations in the IRF2, BAP1, and ERBB3 genes. However, leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5-positive cells showed frequent mutations in the CTNNB1, RELN, and ROBO1 genes. In addition, some genetic mutations were frequently observed irrespective of the surface markers for LCSCs. BAP1 mutations was frequently observed in CD133-, CD24-, CD13-, CD90-, epithelial cell adhesion molecule-, or keratin 19-positive LCSCs. ASXL2, ERBB3, IRF2, TLX3, CPS1, and NFATC2 mutations were observed in more than three types of LCSCs, suggesting that common mechanisms for the development of these LCSCs. The present study provides genetic heterogeneity depending on the surface markers for LCSCs. The genetic heterogeneity of LCSCs should be considered in the development of LCSC-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woo Jo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Myoung-Eun Han
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
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23
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Zhou XH, Li JR, Zheng TH, Chen H, Cai C, Ye SL, Gao B, Xue TC. Portal vein tumor thrombosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular mechanism and therapy. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023; 40:5-32. [PMID: 36318440 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), a common complication of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains the bottleneck of the treatments. Liver cancer cells potentially experienced multi-steps during PVTT process, including cancer cells leave from cancer nest, migrate in extracellular matrix, invade the vascular barrier, and colonize in the portal vein. Accumulated evidences have revealed numerous of molecular mechanisms including genetic and epigenetic regulation, cancer stem cells, immunosuppressive microenvironment, hypoxia, et al. contributed to the PVTT formation. In this review, we discuss state-of-the-art PVTT research on the potential molecular mechanisms and experimental models. In addition, we summarize PVTT-associated clinical trials and current treatments for PVTT and suppose perspectives exploring the molecular mechanisms and improving PVTT-related treatment for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Hao Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jing-Ru Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tang-Hui Zheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen, 361015, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Xiamen Branch, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen, 361015, China
| | - Chen Cai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sheng-Long Ye
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Tong-Chun Xue
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Hepatic Oncology, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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24
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Arai J, Otoyama Y, Nozawa H, Kato N, Yoshida H. The immunological role of ADAMs in the field of gastroenterological chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers: a review. Oncogene 2023; 42:549-558. [PMID: 36572816 PMCID: PMC9937921 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metalloproteinases cleave transmembrane proteins that play critical roles in inflammation and cancers. Metalloproteinases include a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM), which we previously examined using a fluorescence assay system, and described their association with resistance to systemic therapy in cancer patients. There are also many reports on the relation between ADAM expression and the prognosis of patients with gastroenterological chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. Inhibiting their immunomodulating activity in chronic inflammation restores innate immunity and potentially prevents the development of various cancers. Among the numerous critical immune system-related molecules, we focus on major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), MICB, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, TNF-α, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and Notch. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of ADAMs in gastroenterological diseases with regard to the immune system. Several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved inhibitors of ADAMs have been identified, and potential therapies for targeting ADAMs in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers are discussed. Some ongoing clinical trials for cancers targeting ADAMs are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yumi Otoyama
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisako Nozawa
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- grid.136304.30000 0004 0370 1101Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Li L, Xun C, Yu CH. Role of microRNA-regulated cancer stem cells in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1985-1996. [PMID: 36618329 PMCID: PMC9813843 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i12.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most common cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of tumor recurrence, tumor dormancy, and drug resistance after initial successful chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A small subset of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stem cell characteristics and are present in various cancers, including HCC. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) often accompanies the occurrence and development of HCC. miRNAs can influence tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance by regulating CSCs properties, which supports their clinical utility in managing and treating HCC. This review summarizes the regulatory effects of miRNAs on CSCs in HCC with a special focus on their impact on HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chen Xun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou 412000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Yu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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26
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Ganoderma lucidum Ethanol Extraction Promotes Dextran Sulphate Sodium Induced Colitis Recovery and Modulation in Microbiota. Foods 2022; 11:foods11244023. [PMID: 36553765 PMCID: PMC9778072 DOI: 10.3390/foods11244023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Popular edible mushrooms Ganoderma lucidum and Gloeostereum incarnatum can improve physical health as a prebiotic and positively alter intestinal microbiota. Our research investigated the prebiotic effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Gloeostereum incarnatum on colon inflammation through G. lucidum water extraction polysaccharides (GLP), G. incarnatum water extraction polysaccharides (GIP), G. lucidum ethanol extraction (GLE), and G. incarnatum ethanol extraction (GIE) administered in mice after 7 days of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) administration. Among the extracts, GLE showed reduced mortality rates, prevention of weight loss, mitigated colon length shortening, and decreased disease activity indices and histological scores. COX-2, MPO, and iNOS activities and the inflammatory cytokines' expressions were determined to demonstrate the inhibition inflammation by GLE. Meanwhile, GLE upregulated the levels of MUC2, ZO-1, claudin-3, and occluding to protect the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, GLE modulated the composition of gut microbiota disturbed by DSS, as it decreased the abundance of Bacteroides, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia_Shigella, and increased Turicibacter and Bifidobacterium. Through cell experiment, GLE had a positive influence on adherens junction, tight junction, and TRAF6/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, GLE supplementation promotes DSS-induced colitis recovery by regulating inflammatory cytokines, preserving the intestinal mucosal barrier, positively modulating microbiota changes, and positively influences immune response in TRAF6/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways.
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The oncogenic JAG1 intracellular domain is a transcriptional cofactor that acts in concert with DDX17/SMAD3/TGIF2. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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28
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Mangueira VM, de Sousa TKG, Batista TM, de Abrantes RA, Moura APG, Ferreira RC, de Almeida RN, Braga RM, Leite FC, Medeiros KCDP, Cavalcanti MAT, Moura RO, Silvestre GFG, Batista LM, Sobral MV. A 9-aminoacridine derivative induces growth inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells and antinociceptive effect in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:963736. [PMID: 36324671 PMCID: PMC9618857 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.963736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acridine derivatives have been found with anticancer and antinociceptive activities. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the toxicological, antitumor, and antinociceptive actions of N’-(6-chloro-2-methoxyacridin-9-yl)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide (ACS-AZ), a 9-aminoacridine derivative with antimalarial activity. The toxicity was assessed by acute toxicity and micronucleus tests in mice. The in vivo antitumor effect of ACS-AZ (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.) was determined using the Ehrlich tumor model, and toxicity. The antinociceptive efficacy of the compound (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated using formalin and hot plate assays in mice. The role of the opioid system was also investigated. In the acute toxicity test, the LD50 (lethal dose 50%) value was 500 mg/kg (i.p.), and no detectable genotoxic effect was observed. After a 7-day treatment, ACS-AZ significantly (p < 0.05) reduced tumor cell viability and peritumoral microvessels density, suggesting antiangiogenic action. In addition, ACS-AZ reduced (p < 0.05) IL-1β and CCL-2 levels, which may be related to the antiangiogenic effect, while increasing (p < 0.05) TNF-α and IL-4 levels, which are related to its direct cytotoxicity. ACS-AZ also decreased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) levels, both of which are crucial mediators in cancer known for their angiogenic action. Moreover, weak toxicological effects were recorded after a 7-day treatment (biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters). Concerning antinociceptive activity, ACS-AZ was effective on hotplate and formalin (early and late phases) tests (p < 0.05), characteristic of analgesic agents with central action. Through pretreatment with the non-selective (naloxone) and μ1-selective (naloxonazine) opioid antagonists, we observed that the antinociceptive effect of ACS-AZ is mediated mainly by μ1-opioid receptors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ACS-AZ has low toxicity and antitumoral activity related to cytotoxic and antiangiogenic actions that involve the modulation of reactive oxygen species, NO, and cytokine levels, in addition to antinociceptive properties involving the opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivianne M. Mangueira
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Tatyanna K. G. de Sousa
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Tatianne M. Batista
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Renata A. de Abrantes
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula G. Moura
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Rafael C. Ferreira
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo N. de Almeida
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Renan M. Braga
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Fagner Carvalho Leite
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Misael Azevedo T. Cavalcanti
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Ricardo O. Moura
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Geovana F. G. Silvestre
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Leônia M. Batista
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Marianna V. Sobral
- Post Graduation Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Marianna V. Sobral,
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Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Molecular Mechanisms in Stemness Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012327. [PMID: 36293184 PMCID: PMC9604119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most predominant type of liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. One of the culprits for HCC recurrence and metastasis is the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of cancer cells possessing robust stem cell properties within tumors. CSCs play crucial roles in tumor heterogeneity constitution, tumorigenesis, tumor relapse, metastasis, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Elucidation of how these CSCs maintain their stemness features is essential for the development of CSCs-based therapy. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge of intrinsic molecules and signaling pathways involved in hepatic CSCs, especially the CSC surface markers and associated signaling in regulating the stemness characteristics and the heterogeneous subpopulations within the CSC pool. In addition, we recapitulate the effects of crucial extrinsic cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, including stromal cells and immune cells, on the modulation of hepatic CSCs. Finally, we synopsize the currently valuable CSCs-targeted therapy strategies based on intervention in these intrinsic and extrinsic molecular mechanisms, in the hope of shedding light on better clinical management of HCC patients.
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Manni W, Min W. Signaling pathways in the regulation of cancer stem cells and associated targeted therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e176. [PMID: 36226253 PMCID: PMC9534377 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of malignant tumor cells with selective capacities for tumor initiation, self-renewal, metastasis, and unlimited growth into bulks, which are believed as a major cause of progressive tumor phenotypes, including recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. A number of signaling pathways are involved in the maintenance of stem cell properties and survival of CSCs, including well-established intrinsic pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling, and extrinsic pathways, such as the vascular microenvironment and tumor-associated immune cells. There is also intricate crosstalk between these signal cascades and other oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting pathway molecules that regulate CSCs provides a new option for the treatment of therapy-resistant or -refractory tumors. These treatments include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that target key signaling in CSCs, as well as CSC-directed immunotherapies that harness the immune systems to target CSCs. This review aims to provide an overview of the regulating networks and their immune interactions involved in CSC development. We also address the update on the development of CSC-directed therapeutics, with a special focus on those with application approval or under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Manni
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP. R. China
| | - Wu Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of North DakotaGrand ForksNorth DakotaUSA
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31
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Redox-Regulation in Cancer Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102413. [PMID: 36289675 PMCID: PMC9598867 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subset of slowly dividing cells with tumor-initiating ability. They can self-renew and differentiate into all the distinct cell populations within a tumor. CSCs are naturally resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CSCs, thus, can repopulate a tumor after therapy and are responsible for recurrence of disease. Stemness manifests itself through, among other things, the expression of stem cell markers, the ability to induce sphere formation and tumor growth in vivo, and resistance to chemotherapeutics and irradiation. Stemness is maintained by keeping levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) low, which is achieved by enhanced activity of antioxidant pathways. Here, cellular sources of ROS, antioxidant pathways employed by CSCs, and underlying mechanisms to overcome resistance are discussed.
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Chhetri D, Vengadassalapathy S, Venkadassalapathy S, Balachandran V, Umapathy VR, Veeraraghavan VP, Jayaraman S, Patil S, Iyaswamy A, Palaniyandi K, Gnanasampanthapandian D. Pleiotropic effects of DCLK1 in cancer and cancer stem cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:965730. [PMID: 36250024 PMCID: PMC9560780 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.965730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a protein molecule, has been identified as a tumor stem cell marker in the cancer cells of gastrointestinal, pancreas, and human colon. DCLK1 expression in cancers, such as breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, hepatic cell carcinoma, tuft cells, and human cholangiocarcinoma, has shown a way to target the DCLK1 gene and downregulate its expression. Several studies have discussed the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation along with neoplastic cell arrest when the DCLK1 gene, which is expressed in both cancer and normal cells, was targeted successfully. In addition, previous studies have shown that DCLK1 plays a vital role in various cancer metastases. The correlation of DCLK1 with numerous stem cell receptors, signaling pathways, and genes suggests its direct or an indirect role in promoting tumorigenesis. Moreover, the impact of DCLK1 was found to be related to the functioning of an oncogene. The downregulation of DCLK1 expression by using targeted strategies, such as embracing the use of siRNA, miRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, nanomolecules, specific monoclonal antibodies, and silencing the pathways regulated by DCLK1, has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies on gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In this review, we will discuss about the present understanding of DCLK1 and its role in the progression of GI cancer and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyashree Chhetri
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Srinivasan Vengadassalapathy
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | | | - Varadharaju Balachandran
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Vidhya Rekha Umapathy
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT, United States
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Centre for Parkinsons Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kanagaraj Palaniyandi
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
| | - Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
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Baindara P, Sarker MB, Earhart AP, Mandal SM, Schrum AG. NOTCH signaling in COVID-19: a central hub controlling genes, proteins, and cells that mediate SARS-CoV-2 entry, the inflammatory response, and lung regeneration. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:928704. [PMID: 35992174 PMCID: PMC9386183 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.928704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the lungs of infected individuals, the downstream molecular signaling pathways induced by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are incompletely understood. Here, we describe and examine predictions of a model in which NOTCH may represent a central signaling axis in lung infection in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A pathway involving NOTCH signaling, furin, ADAM17, and ACE2 may be capable of increasing SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection. NOTCH signaling can also upregulate IL-6 and pro-inflammatory mediators induced to hyperactivation in COVID-19. Furthermore, if NOTCH signaling fails to turn down properly and stays elevated, airway regeneration during lung healing can be inhibited—a process that may be at play in COVID-19. With specific NOTCH inhibitor drugs in development and clinical trials for other diseases being conducted, the roles of NOTCH in all of these processes central to both infection and healing merit contemplation if such drugs might be applied to COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Baindara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Piyush Baindara, ; Santi M. Mandal, ; Adam G. Schrum,
| | - Md Bodruzzaman Sarker
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, United States
| | - Alexander P. Earhart
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Santi M. Mandal
- Central Research Facility, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
- *Correspondence: Piyush Baindara, ; Santi M. Mandal, ; Adam G. Schrum,
| | - Adam G. Schrum
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical, Biological, & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Piyush Baindara, ; Santi M. Mandal, ; Adam G. Schrum,
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Dios-Barbeito S, González R, Cadenas M, García LF, Victor VM, Padillo FJ, Muntané J. Impact of nitric oxide in liver cancer microenvironment. Nitric Oxide 2022; 128:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in liver cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic approaches. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:371-386. [PMID: 35818992 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of advanced-stage patients is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, therapy resistance is often encountered, and its emergence eventually curtails long-term clinical benefits. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential drivers of tumor recurrence and therapy resistance; thus, the elucidation of key hallmarks of resistance mechanisms of liver CSC-driven HCC may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of TKI resistance in liver CSCs, which mediate treatment failure, and discusses potential strategies to overcome TKI resistance from a preclinical perspective.
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Cancer Stem Cells: From an Insight into the Basics to Recent Advances and Therapeutic Targeting. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:9653244. [PMID: 35800881 PMCID: PMC9256444 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9653244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of the cells in an uncontrolled manner. These cells have the potential to invade and can eventually turn into malignancy, leading to highly fatal forms of tumor. Small subpopulations of cancer cells that are long-lived with the potential of excessive self-renewal and tumor formation are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer-initiating cells or tumor stem cells. CSCs can be found in tissues, such as breast, brain, lung, liver, ovary, and testis; however, their origin is still a matter of debate. These cells can differentiate and possess self-renewal capacity maintained by numerous intracellular signal transduction pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, transforming growth factor-β signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. They can also contribute to numerous malignancies and are an important reason for tumor recurrence and metastasis because they are resistant to the known therapeutic strategies that mainly target the bulk of the tumor cells. This review contains collected and compiled information after analyzing published works of the last three decades. The goal was to gather information of recent breakthroughs related to CSCs, strategies to target CSCs' niche (e.g., nanotechnology with tumor biology), and their signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Moreover, the role of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, acting as a chemotherapeutic agent on CSCs by inhibiting cellular transformation and its selective killing is also addressed.
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The Breast Cancer Protooncogenes HER2, BRCA1 and BRCA2 and Their Regulation by the iNOS/NOS2 Axis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061195. [PMID: 35740092 PMCID: PMC9227079 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; NOS2) and derived NO in various cancers was reported to exert pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects depending on the levels of expression and the tumor types. In humans, the breast cancer level of iNOS was reported to be overexpressed, to exhibit pro-tumorigenic activities, and to be of prognostic significance. Likewise, the expression of the oncogenes HER2, BRCA1, and BRCA2 has been associated with malignancy. The interrelationship between the expression of these protooncogenes and oncogenes and the expression of iNOS is not clear. We have hypothesized that there exist cross-talk signaling pathways between the breast cancer protooncogenes, the iNOS axis, and iNOS-mediated NO mutations of these protooncogenes into oncogenes. We review the molecular regulation of the expression of the protooncogenes in breast cancer and their interrelationships with iNOS expression and activities. In addition, we discuss the roles of iNOS, HER2, BRCA1/2, and NO metabolism in the pathophysiology of cancer stem cells. Bioinformatic analyses have been performed and have found suggested molecular alterations responsible for breast cancer aggressiveness. These include the association of BRCA1/2 mutations and HER2 amplifications with the dysregulation of the NOS pathway. We propose that future studies should be undertaken to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression of iNOS and various breast cancer oncogenes, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of breast cancers that are refractory to current treatments.
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Roles of Notch Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116241. [PMID: 35682918 PMCID: PMC9181414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is an architecturally simple signaling mechanism, well known for its role in cell fate regulation during organ development and in tissue homeostasis. In keeping with its importance for normal development, dysregulation of Notch signaling is increasingly associated with different types of tumors, and proteins in the Notch signaling pathway can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on the cellular context and tumor type. In addition to a role as a driver of tumor initiation and progression in the tumor cells carrying oncogenic mutations, it is an emerging realization that Notch signaling also plays a role in non-mutated cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss how aberrant Notch signaling can affect three types of cells in the tumor stroma-cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells-and how this influences their interactions with the tumor cells. Insights into the roles of Notch in cells of the tumor environment and the impact on tumor-stroma interactions will lead to a deeper understanding of Notch signaling in cancer and inspire new strategies for Notch-based tumor therapy.
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Yang R, Liu B, Yang M, Xu F, Wu S, Zhao S. Lumiflavin Reduces Cisplatin Resistance in Cancer Stem-Like Cells of OVCAR-3 Cell Line by Inducing Differentiation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859275. [PMID: 35669418 PMCID: PMC9163659 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) play a vital role in drug resistance and recurrence of ovarian cancer. Inducing phenotypic differentiation is an important strategy to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and reduce the drug resistance of CSCs. This study found that lumiflavin, a riboflavin decomposition product, reduced the development of CSC resistance and enhanced the chemotherapy effect of cisplatin (DDP) on CSCs in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cell line (CSCs/DDP) and was related to the induction of CSC phenotypic differentiation. Results showed that the development of DDP-resistant OVCAR-3 cells was related to the increase in the proportion of CSCs/DDP, and the treatment with lumiflavin reduced the DDP-resistance levels of OVCAR-3 cells and proportion of CSCs/DDP. Further investigation found that lumiflavin synergistic with DDP increased apoptosis, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited the clonal formation of CSCs/DDP. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments showed that lumiflavin dose-dependently enhanced the chemotherapy effect of DDP on tumor-bearing nude mice inoculated by CSCs/DDP. Lumiflavin treatment also reduced the ratio of CD133+/CD177+ to CD44+/CD24 cells, which is the identification of CSCs, in CSCs/DDP. In addition, transcriptome sequencing results suggested that the role of lumiflavin was related to the notch and stem cell pathway, and Western blot analysis showed that lumiflavin inhibited the protein expression of notch signaling pathway in CSCs/DDP. In conclusion, lumiflavin reduces the development of the drug resistance of OVCAR-3 cell and increases the sensitivity of CSCs/DDP to DDP by inducing phenotypic differentiation, which may have a potential role in the chemotherapy treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Bingjin Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Mingyue Yang
- Clinical Department, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Department of Immunology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Shufang Zhao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
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Liu P, Han B, Zhang Y, Wang X. Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate the Mechanisms of Lenvatinib in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:7102500. [PMID: 35720901 PMCID: PMC9205703 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and refractory malignant tumor, ranking the third cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lenvatinib is currently employed to treat advanced, unresectable HCC as a first-line drug. The purpose of this study was to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of lenvatinib acting on HCC through the analysis of differential expressed genes based on network pharmacology. The target genes of lenvatinib were collected from PubChem, SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, and BATMAN-TCM online public databases. In addition, related gene targets for HCC were obtained using NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) database. Afterward, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to visualize and understand the interaction relationships of overlapping gene targets from both lenvatinib and HCC. Furthermore, according to the data obtained, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that these intersectant genes were mainly enriched in response to xenobiotic stimulus, gland development, ion channel complex, membrane raft, and steroid binding. Besides, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the therapeutic effects of lenvatinib on HCC probably involved bile secretion, MAPK signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Moreover, a total of six key differential genes, namely, ALB, CCND1, ESR1, AR, CCNA2, and AURKA, were identified as most significant targets associated with lenvatinib treating HCC and further verified by molecular docking, which demonstrated that lenvatinib had a strong binding efficiency with these six key gene-encoded proteins. Taken together, this study systematically provided new insights for researchers to determine the intervention mechanisms of lenvatinib in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200123, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China
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Gao W, Wang Y, Yu S, Wang Z, Ma T, Chan AML, Chiu PKF, Ng CF, Wu D, Chan FL. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO signaling axis functions to promote the growth of prostate cancer stem-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:188. [PMID: 35526071 PMCID: PMC9080127 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02864-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence supports that prostate cancer stem-like cells (PCSCs) play significant roles in therapy resistance and metastasis of prostate cancer. Many studies also show that nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by NO synthases can function to promote tumor progression. However, the exact roles of NOSs and NO signaling in the growth regulation of PCSCs and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are still not fully understood. METHODS The regulatory functions of NOS-NO signaling were evaluated in prostate cancer cells, especially in PCSCs enriched by 3D spheroid culture and CD133/CD44 cell sorting. The molecular mechanisms of NOS-NO signaling in PCSCs growth regulation and tumor metastasis were investigated in PCSCs and mice orthotopic prostate tumor model. RESULTS Endothelial NOS (eNOS) exhibited a significant upregulation in high-grade prostate cancer and metastatic CRPC. Xenograft models of CRPC exhibited notable increased eNOS expression and higher intracellular NO levels. PCSCs isolated from various models displayed significant enhanced eNOS-NO signaling. Functional analyses demonstrated that increased eNOS expression could promote in vivo tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells. Characterization of eNOS-NO involved downstream pathway which confirmed that enhanced eNOS signaling could promote the growth of PCSCs and antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer cells via an activated downstream NO-sGC-cGMP-PKG effector signaling pathway. Interestingly, eNOS expression could be co-targeted by nuclear receptor ERRα and transcription factor ERG in prostate cancer cells and PCSCs. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced eNOS-NO signaling could function to promote the growth of PCSCs and also the development of metastatic CRPC. Besides eNOS-NO as potential targets, targeting its upstream regulators (ERRα and ERG) of eNOS-NO signaling could also be the therapeutic strategy for the management of advanced prostate cancer, particularly the aggressive cancer carrying with the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Taiyang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrew Man-Lok Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter Ka-Fung Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dinglan Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, The Clinical Innovation & Research Center (CIRC), Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Franky Leung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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Notch Signaling and Cross-Talk in Hypoxia: A Candidate Pathway for High-Altitude Adaptation. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030437. [PMID: 35330188 PMCID: PMC8954738 DOI: 10.3390/life12030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia triggers complex inter- and intracellular signals that regulate tissue oxygen (O2) homeostasis, adjusting convective O2 delivery and utilization (i.e., metabolism). Human populations have been exposed to high-altitude hypoxia for thousands of years and, in doing so, have undergone natural selection of multiple gene regions supporting adaptive traits. Some of the strongest selection signals identified in highland populations emanate from hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway genes. The HIF pathway is a master regulator of the cellular hypoxic response, but it is not the only regulatory pathway under positive selection. For instance, regions linked to the highly conserved Notch signaling pathway are also top targets, and this pathway is likely to play essential roles that confer hypoxia tolerance. Here, we explored the importance of the Notch pathway in mediating the cellular hypoxic response. We assessed transcriptional regulation of the Notch pathway, including close cross-talk with HIF signaling, and its involvement in the mediation of angiogenesis, cellular metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress, relating these functions to generational hypoxia adaptation.
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43
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Verhulst E, Garnier D, De Meester I, Bauvois B. Validating Cell Surface Proteases as Drug Targets for Cancer Therapy: What Do We Know, and Where Do We Go? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030624. [PMID: 35158891 PMCID: PMC8833564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell surface proteases (so-called ectoproteases) are associated with cancer, and their targeting may confer valuable options for the improvement of cancer treatment outcome. Over the past 20 years, the permanent development of a multitude of inhibitors against several ectoproteases (including DPP4, FAP, APN, ADAM17, MMP2, and MMP9) has made it into clinical evaluation in haematological and solid tumours. Among them, a few show some efficacy, albeit limited, to cure cancer in the near future. This Review summarizes the efforts thus far undertaken in the development of ectoprotease inhibitors and highlights new directions for targeting ectoproteases as an additional weapon in the fight against cancer. Abstract Cell surface proteases (also known as ectoproteases) are transmembrane and membrane-bound enzymes involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Several members, most notably dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4/CD26) and its related family member fibroblast activation protein (FAP), aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13), a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17/TACE), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP2 and MMP9, are often overexpressed in cancers and have been associated with tumour dysfunction. With multifaceted actions, these ectoproteases have been validated as therapeutic targets for cancer. Numerous inhibitors have been developed to target these enzymes, attempting to control their enzymatic activity. Even though clinical trials with these compounds did not show the expected results in most cases, the field of ectoprotease inhibitors is growing. This review summarizes the current knowledge on this subject and highlights the recent development of more effective and selective drugs targeting ectoproteases among which small molecular weight inhibitors, peptide conjugates, prodrugs, or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and derivatives. These promising avenues have the potential to deliver novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile Verhulst
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.V.); (I.D.M.)
| | - Delphine Garnier
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Lymphoproliferative Disorders Team, F-75006 Paris, France;
| | - Ingrid De Meester
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.V.); (I.D.M.)
| | - Brigitte Bauvois
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Lymphoproliferative Disorders Team, F-75006 Paris, France;
- Correspondence:
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Implications of Stemness Features in 1059 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients from Five Cohorts: Prognosis, Treatment Response, and Identification of Potential Compounds. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030563. [PMID: 35158838 PMCID: PMC8833508 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer stemness has been reported to drive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. However, comprehensive interpretations of transcriptomic stemness features in HCC patients have not been conducted in multiple cohorts. Our aim was to interpret clinical and therapeutic implications of transcriptional stemness features and explore potential compounds for HCC treatment. We found that transcriptional stemness indexes (mRNAsi) were independently associated with worse HCC prognosis. The HCC stemness risk model (HSRM) developed in this study significantly predicted prognosis and treatment response in various HCC cohorts. Analysis of two stemness subtypes suggested several liver-specific metabolic pathways, and mutations of TP53 and RB1 were associated with HCC transcriptional stemness. Moreover, we also identified potential compounds that target HCC transcriptional stemness. Our findings comprehensively characterized transcriptional stemness as a risk factor in HCC progression and treatment. Abstract Cancer stemness has been reported to drive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. In this study, five HCC cohorts with 1059 patients were collected to calculate transcriptional stemness indexes (mRNAsi) by the one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm. In the TCGA-LIHC cohort, we found mRNAsi was an independent prognostic factor, and 626 mRNAsi-related genes were identified by Spearman correlation analysis. The HCC stemness risk model (HSRM) was trained in the TCGA-LIHC cohort and significantly discriminated overall survival in four independent cohorts. HSRM was also significantly associated with transarterial chemoembolization treatment response and rapid tumor growth in HCC patients. Consensus clustering was conducted based on mRNAsi-related genes to divide 1059 patients into two stemness subtypes. On gene set variation analysis, samples of subtype I were found enriched with pathways such as DNA replication and cell cycle, while several liver-specific metabolic pathways were inhibited in these samples. Somatic mutation analysis revealed more frequent mutations of TP53 and RB1 in the subtype I samples. In silico analysis suggested topoisomerase, cyclin-dependent kinase, and histone deacetylase as potential targets to inhibit HCC stemness. In vitro assay showed two predicted compounds, Aminopurvalanol-a and NCH-51, effectively suppressed oncosphere formation and impaired viability of HCC cell lines, which may shed new light on HCC treatment.
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ADAM and ADAMTS disintegrin and metalloproteinases as major factors and molecular targets in vascular malfunction and disease. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:255-363. [PMID: 35659374 PMCID: PMC9231755 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) are two closely related families of proteolytic enzymes. ADAMs are largely membrane-bound enzymes that act as molecular scissors or sheddases of membrane-bound proteins, growth factors, cytokines, receptors and ligands, whereas ADAMTS are mainly secreted enzymes. ADAMs have a pro-domain, and a metalloproteinase, disintegrin, cysteine-rich and transmembrane domain. Similarly, ADAMTS family members have a pro-domain, and a metalloproteinase, disintegrin, and cysteine-rich domain, but instead of a transmembrane domain they have thrombospondin motifs. Most ADAMs and ADAMTS are activated by pro-protein convertases, and can be regulated by G-protein coupled receptor agonists, Ca2+ ionophores and protein kinase C. Activated ADAMs and ADAMTS participate in numerous vascular processes including angiogenesis, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, vascular cell apoptosis, cell survival, tissue repair, and wound healing. ADAMs and ADAMTS also play a role in vascular malfunction and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and vascular aneurysm. Decreased ADAMTS13 is involved in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and microangiopathies. The activity of ADAMs and ADAMTS can be regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and other synthetic small molecule inhibitors. ADAMs and ADAMTS can be used as diagnostic biomarkers and molecular targets in cardiovascular disease, and modulators of ADAMs and ADAMTS activity may provide potential new approaches for the management of cardiovascular disorders.
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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Hu J, Lai Y, Huang H, Ramakrishnan S, Pan Y, Ma VWS, Cheuk W, So GYK, He Q, Geoffrey Lau C, Zhang L, Cho WCS, Chan KM, Wang X, Rebecca Chin Y. TCOF1 upregulation in triple-negative breast cancer promotes stemness and tumour growth and correlates with poor prognosis. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:57-71. [PMID: 34718356 PMCID: PMC8727631 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. By performing multiomic profiling, we recently uncovered super-enhancer heterogeneity between breast cancer subtypes. Our data also revealed TCOF1 as a putative TNBC-specific super-enhancer-regulated gene. TCOF1 plays a critical role in craniofacial development but its function in cancer remains unclear. METHODS Overall survival and multivariant Cox regression analyses were conducted using the METABRIC data set. The effect of TCOF1 knockout on TNBC growth and stemness was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. RNA-seq and rescue experiments were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS TCOF1 is frequently upregulated in TNBC and its elevated expression correlates with shorter overall survival. TCOF1 depletion significantly inhibits the growth and stemness of basal-like TNBC, but not of mesenchymal-like cells, highlighting the distinct molecular dependency in different TNBC subgroups. RNA-seq uncovers several stem cell molecules regulated by TCOF1. We further demonstrate that KIT is a downstream effector of TCOF1 in mediating TNBC stemness. TCOF1 expression in TNBC is regulated by the predicted super-enhancer. CONCLUSIONS TCOF1 depletion potently attenuates the growth and stemness of basal-like TNBC. Expression of TCOF1 may serve as a TNBC prognostic marker and a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Hu
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuni Lai
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hao Huang
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Saravanan Ramakrishnan
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yilin Pan
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Victor W S Ma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wah Cheuk
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Grace Y K So
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Qingling He
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - C Geoffrey Lau
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Liang Zhang
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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Li M, Yu L, Zhai Q, Liu B, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W, Tian F. Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides and ethanol extracts promote the recovery of colitis through intestinal barrier protection and gut microbiota modulations. Food Funct 2021; 13:688-701. [PMID: 34935013 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03677g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with intestinal homeostasis dysregulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Ganoderma applanatum extracts (G. applanatum polysaccharides (GAP) and 75% ethanol extracts (GAE)) on colon inflammation and elucidate the therapeutic mechanism. GAP and GAE showed considerable protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, as demonstrated by reduced mortality, body weight, disease activity index score, colon length, and histological score. Through GAP and GAE administration, the destroyed intestinal barrier recovered to normal, as did intestinal inflammation. We also confirmed that GAP administration promoted the recovery of colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The similarity between GAP and GAE administration was that they both altered the disordered gut microbiota damaged by DSS, exhibiting reduced abundance of Escherichia_Shigella, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus, but the modulation of the gut microbiota was distinct between GAP and GAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Bingshu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Fengwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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Si T, Ning X, Chen H, Hu Z, Dun L, Zheng N, Huang P, Yang L, Yi P. ANTXR1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma identified by a weighted gene correlation network analysis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:3079-3092. [PMID: 35070431 PMCID: PMC8748048 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With high incidence and mortality rates, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of HCC, especially for Asians and blacks. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV-related HCC are unclear. This study sought to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and explore the potential pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC. METHODS The gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma data set were analyzed by a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Correlations between the co-expression modules and clinical traits were calculated. Next, key modules associated with HBV infection were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were conducted for the genes in the key modules. The hub genes were identified based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via the Cytoscape. Finally, an overall survival (OS) analysis was performed. RESULTS The two modules (i.e., the brown and yellow modules) most relevant to HBV infection were constructed. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the genes in the two modules were mainly enriched in HCC-related pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B signaling pathway, focal adhesion, human papillomavirus infection, the Rap1 signaling pathway, and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathway. Ten hub genes [i.e., COL3A1, ANTXR1, COL14A1, THBS2, ADAMTS2, AEBP1, PRELP, EMILIN1, DCN and PODN] in the brown module, and 10 hub genes [i.e., USP34, SEC24C, ZNF770, STAG1, TSTD2, PKD1P6, CCNK, GFT2I, NT5C2 and SMG6] in the yellow module were identified. Among the hub genes, ANTXR1 (Anthrax-toxin receptor 1) was significantly correlated with HBV-related HCC patients' OS. CONCLUSIONS ANTXR1 represents a potential therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC. This study offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of HBV-induced tumorigenesis, which needs to be further validated by basic experiments and large-scale cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Si
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Xuejian Ning
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haihui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Zhengguo Hu
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Linglu Dun
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
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Wei J, Liu Y, Zhao C. Integrated Analysis of FAM57A Expression and Its Potential Roles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:719973. [PMID: 34790567 PMCID: PMC8591096 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.719973] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family with sequence similarity 57 member A (FAM57A) is a membrane associated gene contributing to lung carcinogenesis. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers, whether FAM57A exerts similar roles has been rarely reported. Herein, the biological functions and clinical significance of FAM57A in HCC were explored. Methods Initially the differential expression of FAM57A between nontumor and HCC tissues was validated using a number of publicly accessible databases and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test as well as logistic regression were employed to analyze the association of FAM57A expression with clinical characteristics of HCC. The Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were conducted to assess the prognostic significance. Besides, with the coexpression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the molecular pathomechanisms that were mediated by FAM57A in HCC were elucidated. Furthermore, the correlations between FAM57A expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) or immune checkpoint genes were analyzed. Finally, in vitro cell functional assay was carried out to preliminarily verify the role of FAM57A in HCC. Results FAM57A expression was demonstrated to be higher in HCC samples than in nontumor samples (all p-values <0.05), statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics (clinical stage, T stage, pathological grade), and inversely correlated to HCC patient survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that FAM57A expression could independently predict prognosis in HCC patients. Functional enrichment analyses further indicated that FAM57A was involved in multiple tumor-related pathways. FAM57A expression was positively correlated with TIICs, gene markers of TIICs, as well as immune checkpoint genes. Also, high expression of FAM57A predicted a poor prognosis for HCC based on immune cell subgroups. Functional assay of FAM57A knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in HCC cells. Conclusions Our results indicated that FAM57A could be used as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response for HCC patients and might function as an oncogene to promote HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Handan City, Handan, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Handan City, Handan, China
| | - Caiyan Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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