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Meng S, Jiangtao B, Haisong W, Mei L, Long Z, Shanfeng L. RNA m 5C methylation: a potential modulator of innate immune pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362159. [PMID: 38807595 PMCID: PMC11131105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation plays a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As reported, aberrant m5C methylation is closely associated with the progression, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis of HCC. The innate immune system functions as the primary defense mechanism in the body against pathogenic infections and tumors since it can activate innate immune pathways through pattern recognition receptors to exert anti-infection and anti-tumor effects. Recently, m5C methylation has been demonstrated to affect the activation of innate immune pathways including TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways by modulating RNA function, unveiling new mechanisms underlying the regulation of innate immune responses by tumor cells. However, research on m5C methylation and its interplay with innate immune pathways is still in its infancy. Therefore, this review details the biological significance of RNA m5C methylation in HCC and discusses its potential regulatory relationship with TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways, thereby providing fresh insights into the role of RNA methylation in the innate immune mechanisms and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Shanfeng
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Kong R, Wang N, Zhou CL, Lu J. Prognostic Value of an Immune Long Non-Coding RNA Signature in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:958-968. [PMID: 38494878 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2308.08022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the important role that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play in the immunological process of hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). An increasing number of studies have shown that certain lncRNAs hold great potential as viable options for diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice. The primary objective of our investigation was to devise an immune lncRNA profile to explore the significance of immune-associated lncRNAs in the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of LIHC. Gene expression profiles of LIHC samples obtained from TCGA database were screened for immune-related genes. The optimal immune-related lncRNA signature was built via correlational analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. Then, the Kaplan-Meier plot, ROC curve, clinical analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and principal component analysis were performed to evaluate the capability of the immune lncRNA signature as a prognostic indicator. Six long non-coding RNAs were identified via correlation analysis and Cox regression analysis considering their interactions with immune genes. Subsequently, tumor samples were categorized into two distinct risk groups based on different clinical outcomes. Stratification analysis indicated that the prognostic ability of this signature acted as an independent factor. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to conduct survival analysis, results showed a significant difference between the two risk groups. The predictive performance of this signature was validated by principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, data obtained from gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed several potential biological processes in which these biomarkers may be involved. To summarize, this study demonstrated that this six-lncRNA signature could be identified as a potential factor that can independently predict the prognosis of LIHC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Chun Li Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pu Dong Area Gongli Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
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Alghamdi W, Mosli M, Alqahtani SA. Gut microbiota in MAFLD: therapeutic and diagnostic implications. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2024; 15:20420188241242937. [PMID: 38628492 PMCID: PMC11020731 DOI: 10.1177/20420188241242937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is becoming a significant contributor to chronic liver disease globally, surpassing other etiologies, such as viral hepatitis. Prevention and early treatment strategies to curb its growing prevalence are urgently required. Recent evidence suggests that targeting the gut microbiota may help treat and alleviate disease progression in patients with MAFLD. This review aims to explore the complex relationship between MAFLD and the gut microbiota in relation to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, it delves into the therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota, such as diet, exercise, antibiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses novel biomarkers, such as microbiota-derived testing and liquid biopsy, for their diagnostic and staging potential. Overall, the review emphasizes the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies to address the devastating consequences of MAFLD at both individual and societal levels and recognizes that further exploration of the gut microbiota may open avenues for managing MAFLD effectively in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Alghamdi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Mosli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Mukherjee S, Patra R, Behzadi P, Masotti A, Paolini A, Sarshar M. Toll-like receptor-guided therapeutic intervention of human cancers: molecular and immunological perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244345. [PMID: 37822929 PMCID: PMC10562563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as the body's first line of defense, recognizing both pathogen-expressed molecules and host-derived molecules released from damaged or dying cells. The wide distribution of different cell types, ranging from epithelial to immune cells, highlights the crucial roles of TLRs in linking innate and adaptive immunity. Upon stimulation, TLRs binding mediates the expression of several adapter proteins and downstream kinases, that lead to the induction of several other signaling molecules such as key pro-inflammatory mediators. Indeed, extraordinary progress in immunobiological research has suggested that TLRs could represent promising targets for the therapeutic intervention of inflammation-associated diseases, autoimmune diseases, microbial infections as well as human cancers. So far, for the prevention and possible treatment of inflammatory diseases, various TLR antagonists/inhibitors have shown to be efficacious at several stages from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials. Therefore, the fascinating role of TLRs in modulating the human immune responses at innate as well as adaptive levels directed the scientists to opt for these immune sensor proteins as suitable targets for developing chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics against cancer. Hitherto, several TLR-targeting small molecules (e.g., Pam3CSK4, Poly (I:C), Poly (A:U)), chemical compounds, phytocompounds (e.g., Curcumin), peptides, and antibodies have been found to confer protection against several types of cancers. However, administration of inappropriate doses of such TLR-modulating therapeutics or a wrong infusion administration is reported to induce detrimental outcomes. This review summarizes the current findings on the molecular and structural biology of TLRs and gives an overview of the potency and promises of TLR-directed therapeutic strategies against cancers by discussing the findings from established and pipeline discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritwik Patra
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Meysam Sarshar
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Huang C, Zhou Y, Cheng J, Guo X, Shou D, Quan Y, Chen H, Chen H, Zhou Y. Pattern recognition receptors in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma: An emerging therapeutic strategy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145392. [PMID: 37020586 PMCID: PMC10067914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive lipid accumulation and has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is viewed as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to advanced fibrosis, eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD progression is still not clear. Pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated innate immune responses play a critical role in the initiation of NAFLD and the progression of NAFLD-related HCC. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) are the two major PRRs in hepatocytes and resident innate immune cells in the liver. Increasing evidence indicates that the overactivation of TLRs and the cGAS signaling pathways may contribute to the development of liver disorders, including NAFLD progression. However, induction of PRRs is critical for the release of type I interferons (IFN-I) and the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which prime systemic antitumor immunity in HCC therapy. In this review, we will summarize the emerging evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms of TLRs and cGAS in the development of NAFLD and HCC. The dysfunction of PRR-mediated innate immune response is a critical determinant of NAFLD pathology; targeting and selectively inhibiting TLRs and cGAS signaling provides therapeutic potential for treating NALF-associated diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youlian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiemin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Diwen Shou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Quan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
| | - Huiting Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
| | - Yongjian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
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Investigation of Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of the Herbal Drug FDY003 Using Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5765233. [PMID: 36118098 PMCID: PMC9481369 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5765233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer (LC) is the sixth-most frequently occurring and the second-most fatal malignancy, responsible for 0.83 million deaths annually. Although the application of herbal drugs in cancer therapies has increased, their anti-LC activity and relevant mechanisms have not been fully studied from a systems perspective. To address these issues, we conducted a system-perspective network pharmacological investigation into the activity and mechanisms underlying the action of the herbal drug. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC treatment. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC cells and elevated their chemosensitivity. There were a total of 16 potential bioactive chemical components in FDY003 and they had 91 corresponding targets responsible for the pathological processes in LC. These FDY003 targets were functionally involved in regulating the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of LC cells. Additionally, we found that FDY003 may target key signaling cascades connected to diverse LC pathological mechanisms, namely, PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, IL-17, FoxO, MAPK, and TNF pathways. Overall, this study contributed to integrative mechanistic insights into the anti-LC potential of FDY003.
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