1
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Peng YC, Xu JX, You XM, Huang YY, Ma L, Li LQ, Qi LN. Specific gut microbiome signature predicts hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion. Ann Med 2023; 55:2283160. [PMID: 38112540 PMCID: PMC10986448 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2283160] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess differences in intestinal microflora between patients with operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI) and those without MVI. Additionally, we investigated the potential of the microbiome as a non-invasive biomarker for patients with MVI. METHODS We analyzed the preoperative gut microbiomes (GMs) of two groups, the MVI (n = 46) and non-MVI (n = 56) groups, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing data. At the operational taxonomic unit level, we employed random forest models to predict MVI risk and validated the results in independent validation cohorts [MVI group (n = 17) and non-MVI group (n = 15)]. RESULTS β diversity analysis, utilizing weighted UniFrac distances, revealed a significant difference between the MVI and non-MVI groups, as indicated by non-metric multidimensional scaling and principal coordinate analysis. We also observed a significant correlation between the characteristic intestinal microbial communities at the genus level and their main functions. Nine optimal microbial markers were identified, with an area under the curve of 79.76% between 46 MVI and 56 non-MVI samples and 79.80% in the independent verification group. CONCLUSION This pioneering analysis of the GM in patients with operable HBV-HCC with and without MVI opens new avenues for treating HBV-HCC with MVI. We successfully established a diagnostic model and independently verified microbial markers for patients with MVI. As preoperative targeted biomarkers, GM holds potential as a non-invasive tool for patients with HBV-HCC with MVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chong Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
| | - Xue-Mei You
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
| | - Yi-Yue Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
| | - Le-Qun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning, China
| | - Lu-Nan Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
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2
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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3
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Alečković M, Li Z, Zhou N, Qiu X, Lulseged B, Foidart P, Huang XY, Garza K, Shu S, Kesten N, Li R, Lim K, Garrido-Castro AC, Guerriero JL, Qi J, Long HW, Polyak K. Combination Therapies to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1304-1318. [PMID: 37676980 PMCID: PMC10618734 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0303] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition combined with chemotherapy is currently approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, a significant proportion of metastatic TNBC is PD-L1-negative and, in this population, chemotherapy alone largely remains the standard-of-care and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a triple combination of anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, epigenetic modulation thorough bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain inhibition (BBDI), and chemotherapy with paclitaxel that effectively inhibits both primary and metastatic tumor growth in two different syngeneic murine models of TNBC. Detailed cellular and molecular profiling of tumors from single and combination treatment arms revealed increased T- and B-cell infiltration and macrophage reprogramming from MHCIIlow to a MHCIIhigh phenotype in mice treated with triple combination. Triple combination also had a major impact on gene expression and chromatin profiles shifting cells to a more immunogenic and senescent state. Our results provide strong preclinical evidence to justify clinical testing of BBDI, paclitaxel, and immune checkpoint blockade combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Alečković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ningxuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bethlehem Lulseged
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pierre Foidart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiao-Yun Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kodie Garza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Klothilda Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ana C. Garrido-Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L. Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry W. Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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4
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Jiang Y, Miao X, Wu Z, Xie W, Wang L, Liu H, Gong W. Targeting SIRT1 synergistically improves the antitumor effect of JQ-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22093. [PMID: 38045194 PMCID: PMC10692793 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors have shown therapeutic promise in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, resistance to bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors has emerged in preclinical trials, presenting an immense clinical challenge, and the mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we found that overexpression of SIRT1 induced by JQ-1, a bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitor, may confer resistance to JQ-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. SIRT1 protein expression was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than in normal tissues, and this phenotype was correlated with a poor prognosis. Cotreatment with JQ-1 and the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 synergistically suppressed proliferation and blocked cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Combined administration of JQ-1 and EX527 successfully reduced the tumor burden in vivo. In addition, JQ-1 mediated AMPK/p-AMPK axis activation to upregulate SIRT1 protein expression and enhanced autophagy to inhibit cell apoptosis. Activation of AMPK could alleviate the antitumor effect of the combination of JQ-1 and EX527 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore, inhibition of SIRT1 further enhanced the antitumor effect of JQ-1 by blocking protective autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study proposes a novel and efficacious therapeutic strategy of a BET inhibitor combined with a SIRT1 inhibitor for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancong Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Xiaolong Miao
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The Institute of Transplantation Science, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zelai Wu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixun Xie
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Akce M, El-Rayes BF, Wajapeyee N. Combinatorial targeting of immune checkpoints and epigenetic regulators for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1051-1057. [PMID: 36854723 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The five-year survival rate of patients with unresectable HCC is about 12%. The liver tumor microenvironment (TME) is immune tolerant and heavily infiltrated with immunosuppressive cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in some cases, can reverse tumor cell immune evasion and enhance antitumor immunity. Rapidly evolving ICIs have expanded systemic treatment options in advanced HCC; however, single-agent ICIs achieve a limited 15-20% objective response rate in advanced HCC. Therefore, other combinatorial approaches that amplify the efficacy of ICIs or suppress other tumor-promoting pathways may enhance clinical outcomes. Epigenetic alterations (e.g., changes in chromatin states and non-genetic DNA modifications) have been shown to drive HCC tumor growth and progression as well as their response to ICIs. Recent studies have combined ICIs and epigenetic inhibitors in preclinical and clinical settings to contain several cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline current ICI treatments for HCC, the mechanism behind their successes and failures, and how ICIs can be combined with distinct epigenetic inhibitors to increase the durability of ICIs and potentially treat "immune-cold" HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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6
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Tien FM, Lu HH, Lin SY, Tsai HC. Epigenetic remodeling of the immune landscape in cancer: therapeutic hurdles and opportunities. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:3. [PMID: 36627707 PMCID: PMC9832644 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment represents a sophisticated ecosystem where various immune cell subtypes communicate with cancer cells and stromal cells. The dynamic cellular composition and functional characteristics of the immune landscape along the trajectory of cancer development greatly impact the therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcome in patients receiving systemic antitumor therapy. Mounting evidence has suggested that epigenetic mechanisms are the underpinning of many aspects of antitumor immunity and facilitate immune state transitions during differentiation, activation, inhibition, or dysfunction. Thus, targeting epigenetic modifiers to remodel the immune microenvironment holds great potential as an integral part of anticancer regimens. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic profiles and key epigenetic modifiers in individual immune cell types that define the functional coordinates of tumor permissive and non-permissive immune landscapes. We discuss the immunomodulatory roles of current and prospective epigenetic therapeutic agents, which may open new opportunities in enhancing cancer immunotherapy or overcoming existing therapeutic challenges in the management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ming Tien
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Hsuan Lu
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Center for Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yung Lin
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chen Tsai
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Center for Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen Ai Road Section 1, Rm542, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan
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7
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Miao X, Wu Z, Jiang Y, Liu H, Gong W. An efficient combination immunotherapy for antitumor immunity without accelerating cardiac allograft rejection. Immunology 2022; 169:157-166. [PMID: 36517459 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13618] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including antibodies against programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its receptor programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), represents a promising systematic treatment for advanced human malignancies. Transplantation remains the ultimate therapy for end-stage organ diseases. However, the efficacy of ICI treatment in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients remains controversial. We established a transgenic primary liver cancer mouse model and performed allogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation. Different treatments were performed and survival curves were calculated. Graft samples were collected, and immune cells and the cell surface expression of PD-L1 were analysed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum were measured by an inflammatory array. The specificity of the histochemical techniques was tested by staining sections. A combination immunotherapy comprising a BET protein inhibitor (JQ1) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-L1 antibody) was administered to primary liver cancer model mice bearing cardiac allografts. Interestingly, the combination immunotherapy effectively suppressed the progression of primary liver cancer but did not accelerate allograft rejection. In accordance with our previous findings, BET protein inhibition enhances the expression of a putative membrane transporter (Rab8A), which upregulates the expression of PD-L1 on the plasma membrane in a transgenic primary liver cancer mouse model. This may be a crucial mechanism of tumour progression arrest. Our data showed that heart transplantation upregulated the expression of the proinflammatory factor IFN-γ and suggested that BET protein inhibition (with JQ1) decreased PD-L1 expression in heart tissues after cardiac transplantation. This phenomenon was accompanied by enhanced infiltration of inflammatory IFN-γ. Our study provides a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy for SOT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Miao
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zelai Wu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuancong Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
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Lin CH, Kuo JCT, Li D, Koenig AB, Pan A, Yan P, Bai XF, Lee RJ, Ghoshal K. AZD5153, a Bivalent BRD4 Inhibitor, Suppresses Hepatocarcinogenesis by Altering BRD4 Chromosomal Landscape and Modulating the Transcriptome of HCC Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:853652. [PMID: 35399501 PMCID: PMC8987780 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.853652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD4, a chromatin modifier frequently upregulated in a variety of neoplasms including hepatocellular cancer (HCC), promotes cancer cell growth by activating oncogenes through its interaction with acetylated histone tails of nucleosomes. Here, we determined the anti-HCC efficacy of AZD5153, a potent bivalent BRD4 inhibitor, and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanism of action. AZD5153 treatment inhibited HCC cell proliferation, clonogenic survival and induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In vivo, AZD5153-formulated lipid nanoemulsions inhibited both orthotopic and subcutaneous HCCLM3 xenograft growth in NSG mice. Mapping of BRD4- chromosomal targets by ChIP-seq analysis identified the occupancy of BRD4 with the promoters, gene bodies, and super-enhancers of both mRNA and noncoding RNA genes, which were disrupted upon AZD5153 treatment. RNA-seq analysis of polyadenylated RNAs showed several BRD4 target genes involved in DNA replication, cell proliferation, and anti-apoptosis were repressed in AZD5153-treated HCC cells. In addition to known tumor-promoting genes, e.g., c-MYC, YAP1, RAD51B, TRIB3, SLC17A9, JADE1, we found that NAPRT, encoding a key enzyme for NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinic acid, was also suppressed in HCC cells by the BRD4 inhibitor. Interestingly, AZD5153 treatment upregulated NAMPT, whose product is the rate-limiting enzyme for NAD+ synthesis from nicotinamide. This may explain why AZD5153 acted in concert with FK866, a potent NAMPT inhibitor, in reducing HCC cell proliferation and clonogenic survival. In conclusion, our results identified novel targets of BRD4 in the HCCLM3 cell genome and demonstrated anti-HCC efficacy of AZD5153, which was potentiated in combination with an NAMPT inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Hao Lin
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jimmy Chun-Tien Kuo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ding Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Aaron B. Koenig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alexander Pan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Xue-Feng Bai
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robert J. Lee
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Lee, ; Kalpana Ghoshal,
| | - Kalpana Ghoshal
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Lee, ; Kalpana Ghoshal,
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9
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Sun HY, Du ST, Li YY, Deng GT, Zeng FR. Bromodomain and extra-terminal inhibitors emerge as potential therapeutic avenues for gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:75-89. [PMID: 35116104 PMCID: PMC8790409 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.75] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and gastric cancer, are severe social burdens due to high incidence and mortality rates. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers consisting of four conserved members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT). BET family perform pivotal roles in tumorigenesis through transcriptional regulation, thereby emerging as potential therapeutic targets. BET inhibitors, disrupting the interaction between BET proteins and acetylated lysines, have been reported to suppress tumor initiation and progression in most of GI cancers. In this review, we will demonstrate how BET proteins participate in the GI cancers progression and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins for GI cancers treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Song-Tao Du
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ya-Yun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guang-Tong Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fu-Rong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
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10
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Kong D, Jiang Y, Miao X, Wu Z, Liu H, Gong W. Tadalafil enhances the therapeutic efficacy of BET inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma through activating Hippo pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166267. [PMID: 34508829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are promising therapeutic targets for hematological and solid tumors. However, BET inhibitor monotherapy did not show a significant therapeutic benefit for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in preclinical trials. Here, we identified YAP/TAZ genes, as determinants for sensitivity to BET inhibitors. YAP/TAZ expression, especially TAZ, promote resistance to BET inhibitor. In addition, we analyzed that the mRNA level of PDE5 was positively correlated with YAP/TAZ based on TCGA database and demonstrated tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, could block YAP/TAZ protein expression by activating Hippo pathway. Cotreatment with tadalafil and JQ-1 synergistically reduced YAP/TAZ protein expression, suppressed proliferation and induced G0-G1 arrest of cultured HCC cells. JQ-1 alone does not show significant benefits in a mouse model of HCC induced by c-Myc/N-Ras plasmids. In contrast, the combination, tadalafil and JQ-1, successfully suppressed tumor progression, enhanced antitumor immunity by improving the ratio of activated CD8 and extended the survival time of mice. Our data define the key role of YAP/TAZ in mediating resistance to BET inhibitor, described the PDE5/PKG/Hippo/YAP/TAZ axis and identified a common clinical drug that can be developed as an effective combined strategy to overcome BET inhibitor resistance in MYC/Ras-driven HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deqiang Kong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuancong Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaolong Miao
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zelai Wu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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11
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Yin L, Zhou L, Xu R. Identification of Tumor Mutation Burden and Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Multi-Omics Analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:599142. [PMID: 33681288 PMCID: PMC7928364 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.599142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore the tumor mutational burden (TMB) and immune infiltration in HCC and investigate new biomarkers for immunotherapy. Transcriptome and gene mutation data were downloaded from the GDC portal, including 374 HCC samples and 50 matched normal samples. Furthermore, we divided the samples into high and low TMB groups, and analyzed the differential genes between them with GO, KEGG, and GSEA. Cibersort was used to assess the immune cell infiltration in the samples. Finally, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify differential genes related to TMB and immune infiltration, and a risk prediction model was constructed. We found 10 frequently mutated genes, including TP53, TTN, CTNNB1, MUC16, ALB, PCLO, MUC, APOB, RYR2, and ABCA. Pathway analysis indicated that these TMB-related differential genes were mainly enriched in PI3K-AKT. Cibersort analysis showed that memory B cells (p = 0.02), CD8+ T cells (p = 0.09), CD4+ memory activated T cells (p = 0.07), and neutrophils (p = 0.06) demonstrated a difference in immune infiltration between high and low TMB groups. On multivariate analysis, GABRA3 (p = 0.05), CECR7 (p < 0.001), TRIM16 (p = 0.003), and IL7R (p = 0.04) were associated with TMB and immune infiltration. The risk prediction model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69, suggesting that patients with low risk had better survival outcomes. Our study demonstrated for the first time that CECR7, GABRA3, IL7R, and TRIM16L were associated with TMB and promoted antitumor immunity in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yin
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuzhi Zhou
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rujun Xu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Saltsman JA, Hammond WJ, Narayan NJC, Requena D, Gehart H, Lalazar G, LaQuaglia MP, Clevers H, Simon S. A Human Organoid Model of Aggressive Hepatoblastoma for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2668. [PMID: 32962010 PMCID: PMC7563272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common childhood liver cancer. Although survival has improved significantly over the past few decades, there remains a group of children with aggressive disease who do not respond to current treatment regimens. There is a critical need for novel models to study aggressive hepatoblastoma as research to find new treatments is hampered by the small number of laboratory models of the disease. Organoids have emerged as robust models for many diseases, including cancer. We have generated and characterized a novel organoid model of aggressive hepatoblastoma directly from freshly resected patient tumors as a proof of concept for this approach. Hepatoblastoma tumor organoids recapitulate the key elements of patient tumors, including tumor architecture, mutational profile, gene expression patterns, and features of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that are hallmarks of hepatoblastoma pathophysiology. Tumor organoids were successfully used alongside non-tumor liver organoids from the same patient to perform a drug screen using twelve candidate compounds. One drug, JQ1, demonstrated increased destruction of liver organoids from hepatoblastoma tumor tissue relative to organoids from the adjacent non-tumor liver. Our findings suggest that hepatoblastoma organoids could be used for a variety of applications and have the potential to improve treatment options for the subset of hepatoblastoma patients who do not respond to existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Saltsman
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - William J. Hammond
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Nicole J. C. Narayan
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Helmuth Gehart
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Michael P. LaQuaglia
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanford Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
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13
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Liu C, Miao X, Wang Y, Wen L, Cheng X, Kong D, Zhao P, Song D, Wang X, Ding X, Xia H, Wang W, Sun Q, Gong W. Bromo- and extraterminal domain protein inhibition improves immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3503-3515. [PMID: 32726482 PMCID: PMC7540980 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the majority of liver cancer and is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Although advances in molecular targeted therapy have shown promise, none of these agents has yet demonstrated significant clinical benefit. Bromo- and extraterminal domain (BET) protein inhibitors have been considered potential therapeutic drugs for HCC but the biological activity remains unclear. This study found that BET protein inhibition did not effectively suppress the progression of HCC, using a transgenic HCC mouse model. Mechanistically, the BET protein inhibitor JQ1 upregulated the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on the plasma membrane in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, JQ1 enhanced the expression of Rab8A, which upregulated the expression of PD-L1 on the plasma membrane. This study also showed that JQ1 combined with anti-PD-L1 Ab effectively suppressed HCC progression, and this benefit was obtained by enhancing the activation and cytotoxic capabilities of CD8 T cells. These results revealed the crucial role and regulation of BET protein inhibition on the expression of PD-L1 in HCC. Thus, combining BET protein inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade offers an efficient therapeutic approach for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Miao
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiawei Cheng
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Deqiang Kong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengwei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Ding
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongguang Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiming Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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