1
|
Tsui YM, Tian L, Lu J, Ma H, Ng IOL. Interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness and immune regulation in driving hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217084. [PMID: 38925362 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217084] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The intricate interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness properties, and the immune system significantly impacts hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, treatment response, and patient prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-bound structures, play a pivotal role in conveying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, thereby serving as essential mediators of intercellular communication. Since a lot of current research focuses on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with diameters ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, this review emphasizes the role of sEVs in the context of interactions between HCC stemness-bearing cells and the immune cells. sEVs offer promising opportunities for the clinical application of innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HCC. By specifically targeting sEVs, novel therapeutics aimed at cancer stemness can be developed. Ongoing investigations into the roles of sEVs in cancer stemness and immune regulation in HCC will broaden our understanding and ultimately pave the way for groundbreaking therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li N, Zhang E, Li Z, Lv S, Zhao X, Ke Q, Zou Q, Li W, Wang Y, Guo H, Song T, Sun L. The P53-P21-RB1 pathway promotes BRD4 degradation in liver cancer through USP1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105707. [PMID: 38309505 PMCID: PMC10907170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105707] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is notoriously refractory to conventional therapeutics. Tumor progression is governed by the interplay between tumor-promoting genes and tumor-suppressor genes. BRD4, an acetyl lysine-binding protein, is overexpressed in many cancer types, which promotes activation of a pro-tumor gene network. But the underlying mechanism for BRD4 overexpression remains incompletely understood. In addition, understanding the regulatory mechanism of BRD4 protein level will shed insight into BRD4-targeting therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the potential relation between BRD4 protein level and P53, the most frequently dysregulated tumor suppressor. By analyzing the TCGA datasets, we first identify a strong negative correlation between protein levels of P53 and BRD4 in liver cancer. Further investigation shows that P53 promotes BRD4 protein degradation. Mechanistically, P53 indirectly represses the transcription of USP1, a deubiquitinase, through the P21-RB1 axis. USP1 itself is also overexpressed in liver cancer and we show USP1 deubiquitinates BRD4 in vivo and in vitro, which increases BRD4 stability. With cell proliferation assays and xenograft model, we show the pro-tumor role of USP1 is partially mediated by BRD4. With functional transcriptomic analysis, we find the USP1-BRD4 axis upholds expression of a group of cancer-related genes. In summary, we identify a functional P53-P21-RB1-USP1-BRD4 axis in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Erlei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenyong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suli Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Ke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingli Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haocheng Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tanjing Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Cell Architecture Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lidong Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Cell Architecture Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tian L, Lu J, Ng IOL. Extracellular vesicles and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma - is there a link? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368898. [PMID: 38476233 PMCID: PMC10927723 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368898] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, with high recurrence rates and notorious resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Cancer stemness refers to the stem-cell-like phenotype of cancer cells and has been recognized to play important roles in different aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are small membranous particles secreted by cells that can transfer bioactive molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, to neighboring or distant cells. Recent studies have highlighted the role of sEVs in modulating different aspects of the cancer stemness properties of HCC. Furthermore, sEVs derived from diverse cellular sources, such as cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, contribute to the maintenance of the cancer stemness phenotype in HCC. Through cargo transfer, specific signaling pathways are activated within the recipient cells, thus promoting the stemness properties. Additionally, sEVs can govern the secretion of growth factors from non-cancer cells to further maintain their stemness features. Clinically, plasma sEVs may hold promise as potential biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and treatment prediction. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which sEVs promote cancer stemness in HCC is crucial, as targeting sEV-mediated communication may offer novel strategies in treatment and improve patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin S, Li J, Zhao R, Yu M, Peng L. Oxeiptosis core genes and their multi-omics analysis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36051. [PMID: 37960791 PMCID: PMC10637422 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxeiptosis is a recently discovered caspase-independent, non-inflammatory programmed cell death modality. Current studies suggest that oxeiptosis has crucial effects on biological processes in a variety of diseases. However, the mechanism of oxeiptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear and no relevant studies have been published. Therefore, this study is intended to investigate the mechanism and prognostic role of oxeiptosis-related genes in HCC. We explored the mechanisms and molecular phenotypes underlying the role of oxeiptosis in HCC through multi-omics analysis. Firstly, we obtained RNA-sequencing and clinical data from public database and divided the samples into trial and validation cohorts in subsequent analyses. We then screened oxeiptosis core genes (OCGs) and screened prognosis-related genes. Based on different molecular markers, we identified the molecular phenotypes of HCC, and the potential OCGs molecular mechanisms were explored. Subsequently, we construct a prognostic prediction system for HCC. Finally, we analyzed the tumor microenvironment and the immune escape phenomenon. We screened a total of 69 OCGs, most of which were prognostic risk factors for HCC. A majority of OCGs were enriched in cell cycle regulation and mitotic processes, which were related to both tumor cell proliferation and death. We identified 2 different molecular typing options with significant differences in prognosis, function, and signaling pathway enrichment between different molecular subtypes. The prognostic prediction model combined with molecular phenotypes and had a good predictive effect. Finally, we found CD4 + T-cell exhaustion in samples with specific molecular phenotypes. Through multi-omics analysis of OCGs, we not only revealed the possible molecular mechanisms of OCGs in HCC but also provided a prognostic prediction system for clinical application through molecular typing and risk scoring model. Meanwhile, we found immune escape mechanisms in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghao Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Yu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He R, Xu Y, Yu L, Meng N, Wang H, Cui Y, Yam JWP. Extracellular Vesicles Act as Carriers for Cargo Delivery and Regulate Wnt Signaling in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072088. [PMID: 37046749 PMCID: PMC10093647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As the primary type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes a large number of deaths every year. Despite extensive research conducted on this disease, the prognosis of HCC remains unclear. Recently, research has largely focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs), and they have been found to participate in various ways in the development of various diseases, including HCC, such as by regulating cell signaling pathways. However, recent studies have reported the mechanisms underlying the regulation of Wnt signaling by EVs in HCC, primarily focusing on the regulation of the canonical pathways. This review summarizes the current literature on the regulation of Wnt signaling by EVs in HCC and their underlying mechanisms. In addition, we also present future research directions in this field. This will deepen the understanding of HCC and provide new ideas for its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Risheng He
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310063, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Pharmacy and Individualized Therapy of Huzhou, Department of Pharmacy, Changxing People’s Hospital, Changxing 313000, China
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Nanfeng Meng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|