Sox9/CXCL5 axis facilitates tumour cell growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway in cancer

Cancer progression results from the dysregulation of molecular pathways, each with unique features that can either promote or inhibit tumor growth. The complexity of carcinogenesis makes it challenging for researchers to target all pathways in cancer therapy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific pathways for targeted treatment. One such pathway is the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is often overexpressed in cancer. As tumor cells progress, the expression of PI3K/Akt increases, further driving cancer advancement. This study aims to explore how ncRNAs regulate the expression of PI3K/Akt. NcRNAs are found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and their functions vary depending on their location. They can bind to the promoters of PI3K or Akt, either reducing or increasing their expression, thus influencing tumorigenesis. The ncRNA/PI3K/Akt axis plays a crucial role in determining cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even chemoresistance and radioresistance in human cancers. Anti-tumor compounds can target ncRNAs to modulate the PI3K/Akt axis. Moreover, ncRNAs can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway both directly and indirectly.

Tumor-derived CCL15 regulates RNA m6A methylation in cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote hepatocellular carcinoma growth

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy characterized by rapid growth. The interaction between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) significantly influences HCC progression. CCL15, a CC chemokine family member, is predominantly expressed in HCC and strongly correlates with tumor size, indicating its critical role in HCC growth. However, previous studies suggest that CCL15 does not directly stimulate cancer cell proliferation. The specific role and mechanism of CCL15 in HCC proliferation remain unknown. Here, we identified that CCL15 was predominantly overexpressed by HCC cells through single-cell RNA sequencing data and immunofluorescence. We discovered that CCL15 promotes HCC growth by stimulating the crosstalk between HCC cells and CAFs via CCR1 signaling, as evidenced by co-culture assays, organoid models, and allograft models. Mechanistically, CCL15 induced the expression of FTO in CAFs through the STAT3 pathway. By m6A sequencing and RNA sequencing, we found that CEBPA mRNA, a transcription factor regulating CXCL5 expression, was a target of FTO. CXCL5, secreted by CAFs, activated the CXCR2 receptor on HCC cells and enhanced their proliferation. Notably, we found that interfering with CCL15 signaling using a neutralizing antibody attenuated HCC growth in heterotypic co-injection and patient-derived xenograft murine models. Finally, CXCL5 also upregulated CCL15 expression in HCC cells by modulating P53 expression through MDM2, forming a positive feedback loop. Our study unveiled CCL15 as a key mediator in HCC progression, facilitating communication between HCC cells and CAFs. This highlights a novel regulatory axis in HCC and suggests that targeting CCL15 could be a potential therapeutic strategy.

Signaling molecules in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major fatal cancer that is known for its high recurrence and metastasis. An increasing number of studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment is closely related to the metastasis and invasion of HCC. The HCC microenvironment is a complex integrated system composed of cellular components, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and signaling molecules such as chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines, which are generally regarded as crucial molecules that regulate a series of important processes, such as the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Considering the crucial role of signaling molecules, this review aims to elucidate the regulatory effects of chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines on HCC cells in their microenvironment to provide important references for clarifying the development of HCC and exploring effective therapeutic targets.

Chitinase 3-Like 1 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 proteins and the hair cycle

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) exhibit self-recovery ability, which may be involved in hair growth. Therefore, we tested whether DPCs subjected to temporary growth-inhibiting stress (testosterone, 17β-estradiol, mitomycin C, or undernutrition) treatments exhibit self-recovery behavior that can activate hair follicle growth, and examined the changes in cell proliferation capacity and gene expression. Related proteins were identified and their relationships with the hair cycle was examined using a mouse model. Recovery-period DPCs (i.e., from day 3 after loading) were subjected to microarray analysis to detect genetic variations common to each stress treatment. Co-culture of recovery-period DPCs and outer root sheath cells (ORSCs) confirmed the promotion of ORSC proliferation, suggesting that the activation of hair follicle growth is promoted via signal transduction. Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) and C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) exhibited ORSC proliferation-promoting effects. Measurement of protein content in the skin during each phase of the hair cycle in mice revealed that CHI3L1 and CXCL5 secretion increased immediately after anagen transition. In a hair-loss mouse model treated with testosterone or 17β-estradiol, CHI3L1 and CXCL5 secretion was lower in treated telogen skin than in untreated skin. Our results suggest that CHI3L1 and CXCL5 secreted by recovery-state DPCs promote hair growth.

Diverse functions of SOX9 in liver development and homeostasis and hepatobiliary diseases

The liver is the central organ for digestion and detoxification and has unique metabolic and regenerative capacities. The hepatobiliary system originates from the foregut endoderm, in which cells undergo multiple events of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation to form the liver parenchyma and ductal system under the hierarchical regulation of transcription factors. Studies on liver development and diseases have revealed that SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (SOX9) plays an important role in liver embryogenesis and the progression of hepatobiliary diseases. SOX9 is not only a master regulator of cell fate determination and tissue morphogenesis, but also regulates various biological features of cancer, including cancer stemness, invasion, and drug resistance, making SOX9 a potential biomarker for tumor prognosis and progression. This review systematically summarizes the latest findings of SOX9 in hepatobiliary development, homeostasis, and disease. We also highlight the value of SOX9 as a novel biomarker and potential target for the clinical treatment of major liver diseases.

The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have entered a new era of HCC treatment, their response rates are modest, which can be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within HCC tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to therapeutic resistance to the above treatments. Given that CSCs can regulate cellular and physical factors within the tumor niche by secreting various soluble factors in a paracrine manner, there have been increasing efforts toward understanding the roles of CSC-derived secretory factors in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on how these secretory factors, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, contribute to the immunosuppressive TME, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-derived secretory factors and describe future perspectives. In summary, a better understanding of CSC biology in the TME provides a rational therapeutic basis for combination therapy with ICIs for effective HCC treatment.

SOX9 promotes stemness in the CAL27 cell line of tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent form of oral malignancy, with increasing incidence. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for patients has not exceeded 50%. Studies have shown that sex-determining region Y box 9 (SOX9) correlates with malignancy and tumor stemness in a variety of tumors. To investigate the role of SOX9 in TSCC stemness, we analyzed its influence on various aspects of tumor biology, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, sphere and clone formation, and drug resistance in TSCC. Our data suggest a close association between SOX9 expression and both the stemness phenotype and drug resistance in TSCC. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed a progressive increase of SOX9 expression in normal oral mucosa, paracancerous tissues, and tongue squamous carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, the expression of SOX9 was closely linked to the TNM stage, but not to lymph node metastasis or tumor diameter. SOX9 is a crucial gene in TSCC responsible for promoting the stemness function of cancer stem cells. Developing drugs that target SOX9 is extremely important in clinical settings.

Implicating the cholecystokinin B receptor in liver stem cell oncogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are the greatest risk factors for the development of HCC. Although the cell of origin for HCC is uncertain, many theories believe this cancer may arise from liver progenitor cells or stem cells. Here, we describe the activation of hepatic stem cells that overexpress the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) after liver injury with either a DDC diet (0.1% 3, 5-diethoxy-carbonyl 1,4-dihydrocollidine) or a NASH-inducing CDE diet (choline-deficient ethionine) in murine models. Pharmacologic blockade of the CCK-BR with a receptor antagonist proglumide or knockout of the CCK-BR in genetically engineered mice during the injury diet reduces the expression of hepatic stem cells and prevents the formation of three-dimensional tumorspheres in culture. RNA sequencing of livers from DDC-fed mice treated with proglumide or DDC-fed CCK-BR knockout mice showed downregulation of differentially expressed genes involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis and upregulation of tumor suppressor genes compared with controls. Inhibition of the CCK-BR decreases hepatic transaminases, fibrosis, cytokine expression, and alters the hepatic immune cell signature rendering the liver microenvironment less oncogenic. Furthermore, proglumide hastened recovery after liver injury by reversing fibrosis and improving markers of synthetic function. Proglumide is an older drug that is orally bioavailable and being repurposed for liver conditions. These findings support a promising therapeutic intervention applicable to patients to prevent the development of HCC and decrease hepatic fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This investigation identified a novel pathway involving the activation of hepatic stem cells and liver oncogenesis. Receptor blockade or genetic disruption of the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) signaling pathway decreased the activation and proliferation of hepatic stem cells after liver injury without eliminating the regenerative capacity of healthy hepatocytes.

Gradient Rotating Magnetic Fields Impairing F-Actin-Related Gene CCDC150 to Inhibit Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis by Inactivating TGF-β1/SMAD3 Signaling Pathway

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and lethal malignancy in women, with a lack of effective targeted drugs and treatment techniques. Gradient rotating magnetic field (RMF) is a new technology used in oncology physiotherapy, showing promising clinical applications due to its satisfactory biosafety and the abundant mechanical force stimuli it provides. However, its antitumor effects and underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet clear. We designed two sets of gradient RMF devices for cell culture and animal handling. Gradient RMF exposure had a notable impact on the F-actin arrangement of MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and MDA-MB-468 cells, inhibiting cell migration and invasion. A potential cytoskeleton F-actin-associated gene, CCDC150, was found to be enriched in clinical TNBC tumors and cells. CCDC150 negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of TNBC patients. CCDC150 promoted TNBC migration and invasion via activation of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/SMAD3 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. CCDC150 was also identified as a magnetic field response gene, and it was marked down-regulated after gradient RMF exposure. CCDC150 silencing and gradient RMF exposure both suppressed TNBC tumor growth and liver metastasis. Therefore, gradient RMF exposure may be an effective TNBC treatment, and CCDC150 may emerge as a potential target for TNBC therapy.

Tumor Microenvironment Responsive CD8+ T Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Trigger CD73 Inhibitor AB680-Based Synergistic Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

CD73 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and immune escape in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). AB680, an exceptionally potent and selective inhibitor of CD73, is administered in an early clinical trial, in conjunction with gemcitabine and anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of PDAC. Nevertheless, the specific therapeutic efficacy and immunoregulation within the microenvironment of AB680 monotherapy in PDAC have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, AB680 exhibits a significant effect in augmenting the infiltration of responsive CD8+ T cells and prolongs the survival in both subcutaneous and orthotopic murine PDAC models. In parallel, it also facilitates chemotaxis of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) by tumor-derived CXCL5 in an AMP-dependent manner, which may potentially contribute to enhanced immunosuppression. The concurrent administration of AB680 and PD-1 blockade, rather than gemcitabine, synergistically restrain tumor growth. Notably, gemcitabine weakened the efficacy of AB680, which is dependent on CD8+ T cells. Finally, the supplementation of a CXCR2 inhibitor is validated to further enhance the therapeutic efficacy when combined with AB680 plus PD-1 inhibitor. These findings systematically demonstrate the efficacy and immunoregulatory mechanism of AB680, providing a novel, efficient, and promising immunotherapeutic combination strategy for PDAC.

The important role of miR-1-3p in cancers

Cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens human life and health. At present, the main treatment methods include surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, the mechanism of tumor occurrence and development is complex, and it produces resistance to some traditional treatment methods, leading to treatment failure and a high mortality rate for patients. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms of tumor occurrence, development, and drug resistance is a very important task. MiRNAs are a type of non-coding small RNA that regulate a series of biological effects by binding to the 3'-UTR of the target mRNA, degrading the mRNA, or inhibiting its translation. MiR-1-3p is an important member of them, which is abnormally expressed in various tumors and closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. This article introduces miR-1-3p from multiple aspects, including its production and regulation, role in tumor occurrence and development, clinical significance, role in drug resistance, and approaches for targeting miR-1-3p. Intended to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the important role of miR-1-3p in tumors.

The role of CXCL family members in different diseases

Chemokines are a large family mediating a lot of biological behaviors including chemotaxis, tumor growth, angiogenesis and so on. As one member of this family, CXC subfamily possesses the same ability. CXC chemokines can recruit and migrate different categories of immune cells, regulate tumor's pathological behaviors like proliferation, invasion and metastasis, activate angiogenesis, etc. Due to these characteristics, CXCL subfamily is extensively and closely associated with tumors and inflammatory diseases. As studies are becoming more and more intensive, CXCLs' concrete roles are better described, and CXCLs' therapeutic applications including biomarkers and targets are also deeply explained. In this review, the role of CXCL family members in various diseases is summarized.

MicroRNA-5195-3p mediated malignant biological behaviour of insulin-resistant liver cancer cells via SOX9 and TPM4

BACKGROUND

Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumour of the digestive system, ranking second in cancer mortality in China. In different types of cancer, such as liver cancer, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be dysregulated. However, little is known about the role of miR-5195-3p in insulin-resistant liver cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to identify the altered biological behaviour of insulin-resistant hepatoma cells (HepG2/IR), and we proved that HepG2/IR cells had stronger malignant biological behaviour. Functional experiments showed that enhanced expression of miR-5195-3p could inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance of HepG2/IR cells, while impaired expression of miR-5195-3p in HepG2 cells resulted in the opposite effects. Bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assays proved that SOX9 and TPM4 were the target genes of miR-5195-3p in hepatoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-5195-3p plays a critical role in insulin-resistant hepatoma cells and might be a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Antler-derived microRNA PC-5p-1090 inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9

The capability of microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression across species has opened new avenues for miRNA-based therapeutics. Here, we investigated the potential of PC-5p-1090 (miR-PC-1090), a miRNA found in deer antlers, to control the malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Using Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays, we found that heterologous expression of miR-PC-1090 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that predicted miR-PC-1090 targets, including MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9, were significantly elevated in HCC tissues, and their high expressions were associated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. Moreover, mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-PC-1090 promoted the degradation of MARCKS and SMARCAD1 mRNAs and hindered the translation of SOX9 mRNA by recognizing their 3' untranslated regions. Subsequent loss-of-function and rescue experiments confirmed the involvement of MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9 in miR-PC-1090-suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Notably, MARCKS knockdown induced the downregulation of phosphorylated MARCKS and a corresponding upregulation of phosphorylated AKT in HCC. Conversely, miR-PC-1090 repressed MARCKS phosphorylation and effectively circumvented the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, miR-PC-1090 regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through SMARCAD1- and SOX9-mediated reduction of β-catenin expression. Overall, our results illustrate the tumor-suppressive activity and molecular mechanism of antler-derived miR-PC-1090 in HCC cells, indicating its potential as a multiple-target agent for HCC treatment.

Cancer stem cell-immune cell collusion in immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has pioneered a new era of tumor treatment, in which the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) exerts significant superiority in overcoming tumor immune escape. However, the formation of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of effective activation of the immune response have become major obstacles limiting its development. Emerging reports indicate that cancer stem cells (CSCs) potentially play important roles in treatment resistance and progressive relapse, while current research is usually focused on CSCs themselves. In this review, we mainly emphasize the collusions between CSCs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We focus on the summary of CSC-immune cell crosstalk signaling pathways in ICB resistance and highlight the application of targeted drugs to improve the ICB response.

CXCL5: A coachman to drive cancer progression

Chemokines are a class of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can recruit and activate chemotactic cells. C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is a member of the chemokine family binding CXCR2 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2), a G-protein coupled receptor. Accumulated evidence has shown that dysregulated CXCL5 participates in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis in human malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the advances in research on CXCL5, including its dysregulation in different tumors and the mechanism associated with tumor behavior (formation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment, promotion of tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis). We also summarized and discussed the perspective about the potential application of CXCL5 in tumor therapy targeting the tumor inflammatory microenvironment.

Macrophages Are a Double-Edged Sword: Molecular Crosstalk between Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of highly tumorigenic cells in tumors. They have enhanced self-renewal properties, are usually chemo-radioresistant, and can promote tumor recurrence and metastasis. They can recruit macrophages into the tumor microenvironment and differentiate them into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs maintain CSC stemness and construct niches that are favorable for CSC survival. However, how CSCs and TAMs interact is not completely understood. An understanding on these mechanisms can provide additional targeting strategies for eliminating CSCs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the reported mechanisms of crosstalk between CSCs and TAMs and update the related signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. In addition, we discuss potential therapies targeting CSC–TAM interaction, including targeting macrophage recruitment and polarization by CSCs and inhibiting the TAM-induced promotion of CSC stemness. This review also provides the perspective on the major challenge for developing potential therapeutic strategies to overcome CSC-TAM crosstalk.