Targeting of the COX-2/PGE2 axis enhances the antitumor activity of T7 peptide in vitro and in vivo

Role of TRP Channels in Liver-Related Diseases

The liver plays a crucial role in preserving the homeostasis of an entire organism by metabolizing both endogenous and exogenous substances, a process that relies on the harmonious interactions of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The disruption of the liver's normal structure and function by diverse pathogenic factors imposes a significant healthcare burden. At present, most of the treatments for liver disease are palliative in nature, rather than curative or restorative. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which are extensively expressed in the liver, play a crucial role in regulating intracellular cation concentration and serve as the origin or intermediary stage of certain signaling pathways that contribute to liver diseases. This review provides an overview of recent developments in liver disease research, as well as an examination of the expression and function of TRP channels in various liver cell types. Furthermore, we elucidate the molecular mechanism by which TRP channels mediate liver injury, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ultimately, the present discourse delves into the current state of research and extant issues pertaining to the targeting of TRP channels in the treatment of liver diseases and other ailments. Despite the numerous obstacles encountered, TRP channels persist as an extremely important target for forthcoming clinical interventions aimed at treating liver diseases.

Integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and therapy

ABSTRACT

Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton, which mediate cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription. As a bi-directional signaling molecule, integrins can modulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, integrins have a great potential as antitumor therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the recent reports of integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on the abnormal expression, activation, and signaling of integrins in cancer cells as well as their roles in other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the regulation and functions of integrins in hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Finally, we update the clinical and preclinical studies of integrin-related drugs in the treatment of HCC.

Prostaglandin E2 and Receptors: Insight Into Tumorigenesis, Tumor Progression, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver cancer with ∼750,000 annual incidence rates globally. PGE2, usually known as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is over-expressed in various human malignancies including HCC. PGE2 binds to EP receptors in HCC cells to influence tumorigenesis or enhance tumor progression through multiple pathways such as EP1-PKC-MAPK, EP2-PKA-GSK3β, and EP4-PKA-CREB. In the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, PGE2 can promote the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells by affecting hepatocytes directly and the tumor microenvironment (TME) through ERK/COX-2/PGE2 signal pathway in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, there are drugs such as T7 peptide and EP1 antagonist ONO-8711 targeting Cox-2/PGE2 axis to inhibit tumor progression. In conclusion, PGE2 has been shown to be a traditional target with pleiotropic effects in tumorigenesis and progression of HCC that could be used to develop a new potential clinical impact. For the treatment study focusing on the COX-PGE2 axis, the exclusive usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) or COX-2-inhibitors may be replaced by a combination of selective EP antagonists and traditional anti-tumoral drugs to alleviate severe side effects and achieve better outcomes.