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Kimura M, Kothari S, Gohir W, Camargo JF, Husain S. MicroRNAs in infectious diseases: potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0001523. [PMID: 37909789 PMCID: PMC10732047 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00015-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved, short, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurological, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. Several recent studies have suggested that miRNAs are key players in regulating the differentiation, maturation, and activation of immune cells, thereby influencing the host immune response to infection. The resultant upregulation or downregulation of miRNAs from infection influences the protein expression of genes responsible for the immune response and can determine the risk of disease progression. Recently, miRNAs have been explored as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in various infectious diseases. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of miRNAs during viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections from a clinical perspective, including critical functional mechanisms and implications for their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneyoshi Kimura
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sagar Kothari
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wajiha Gohir
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jose F. Camargo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shahid Husain
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lu X, Dou P, Li C, Zheng F, Zhou L, Xie X, Wang Z, Xu G. Annotation of Dipeptides and Tripeptides Derivatized via Dansylation Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Iterative Quantitative Structure Retention Relationship. J Proteome Res 2023. [PMID: 37163573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Small peptides such as dipeptides and tripeptides show various biological activities in organisms. However, methods for identifying dipeptides/tripeptides from complex biological samples are lacking. Here, an annotation strategy involving the derivatization of dipeptides and tripeptides via dansylation was suggested based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and iterative quantitative structure retention relationship (QSRR) to choose dipeptides/tripeptides by using a small number of standards. First, the LC-autoMS/MS method and initial QSRR model were built based on 25 selected grid-dipeptides and 18 test-dipeptides. To achieve high-coverage detection, dipeptide/tripeptide pools containing abundant dipeptides/tripeptides were then obtained from four dansylated biological samples including serum, tissue, feces, and soybean paste by using the parameter-optimized LC-autoMS/MS method. The QSRR model was further optimized through an iterative train-by-pick strategy. Based on the specific fragments and tR tolerances, 198 dipeptides and 149 tripeptides were annotated. The dipeptides at lower annotation levels were verified by using authentic standards and grid-correlation analysis. Finally, variation in serum dipeptides/tripeptides of three different liver diseases including hepatitis B infection, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma was characterized. Dipeptides with N-prolinyl, C-proline, N-glutamyl, and N-valinyl generally increased with disease severity. In conclusion, this study provides an efficient strategy for annotating dipeptides/tripeptides from complex samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Peng Dou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Chao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Fujian Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lina Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Key Laboratory of Phytochemical R&D of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guowang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Hepatitis B Virus-Encoded HBsAg Contributes to Hepatocarcinogenesis by Inducing the Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNA LINC00665 through the NF-κB Pathway. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0273121. [PMID: 35993712 PMCID: PMC9603668 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02731-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and in vivo studies have demonstrated a role for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of HBsAg in regulating long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in HCC progression. Our analysis of microarray data sets identified LINC00665 as an HBsAg-regulated lncRNA. Furthermore, LINC00665 is upregulated in liver samples from HBV-infected patients as well as in HCC, specifically in HBV-related HCC liver samples. These findings were supported by our in vitro data demonstrating that HBsAg, as well as HBV, positively regulates LINC00665 in multiple HBV cell culture models. Next, we evaluated the oncogenic potential of LINC00665 by its overexpression and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based knockdown in various cell-based assays. LINC00665 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation but inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro. We then identified the underlying mechanism of HBsAg-mediated regulation of LINC00665. We used immunofluorescence assays to show that HBsAg enhanced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB factors in HepG2 cells, confirming that HBsAg activates NF-κB. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling nullified HBsAg-mediated LINC00665 upregulation, suggesting that HBsAg acts through NF-κB to regulate LINC00665. Furthermore, the LINC00665 promoter contains NF-κB binding sites, and their disruption abrogated HBsAg-induced LINC00665 upregulation. Finally, HBsAg facilitated the enrichment of the NF-κB factors NF-κB1, RelA, and c-Rel in the LINC00665 promoter. Taken together, this work shows that HBsAg can drive hepatocarcinogenesis by upregulating oncogenic LINC000665 through the NF-κB pathway, thereby identifying a novel mechanism in HBV-related HCC. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Numerous reports indicate an oncogenic role for HBV-encoded HBsAg; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we studied the role of HBsAg in regulating lncRNAs involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We demonstrate that HBsAg, as well as HBV, positively regulates oncogenic lncRNA LINC00665. The clinical significance of this lncRNA is highlighted by our observation that LINC00665 is upregulated in liver samples during HBV infection and HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, we show LINC00665 can drive hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration and inhibiting apoptosis. Taken together, this work identified LINC00665 as a novel gene through which HBsAg can drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, we show that HBsAg enhances LINC00665 levels in hepatocytes by activating the NF-κB pathway, thereby identifying a novel mechanism by which HBV may contribute to HCC.
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UBC Mediated by SEPT6 Inhibited the Progression of Prostate Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:7393029. [PMID: 34966246 PMCID: PMC8712179 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7393029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men. Protein ubiquitination is an important mechanism for regulating protein activity and level in vivo. We aimed to study the mechanism of SEPT6 and UBC action in prostate cancer to identify new targets. Methods The ubiquitin-protein and the ubiquitin coding gene UBA52, UBA80, UBB, and UBC expressions were detected in clinical tissues and cells. Overexpression and knockdown of UBC were performed in prostate cancer DU145 cells. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Cell cycle at 24 h was detected by flow cytometry. Clonal formation assay was used to measure cell clone number. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to detect the colocalization of SEPT6 and UBC in prostate cancer cells. Next, we overexpressed or knocked down SEPT6 expression in DU145 cells. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to analyze the relationship between SEPT6 and UBC in prostate cancer tissue. oe-SEPT6+oe-UBC coexpressing cells were constructed to detect the upstream and downstream relationship between SEPT6 and UBC on prostate cancer cells. The tumor formation experiment was performed to explore SEPT6/UBC effect on prostate cancer. Results UBC was upregulated in prostate cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of UBC promoted cell survival and proliferation. IF revealed the colocalization of SEPT6 and UBC in prostate cancer cells. UBC expression decreased after oe-SEPT6, while increased after sh-SEPT6, indicating that UBC was downstream of SEPT6. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that SEPT6 was negatively correlated with UBC in prostate cancer tissues. SEPT6 as an upstream gene of UBC regulated prostate cancer cell behavior through UBC. The tumor formation experiment showed that SEPT6 could inhibit tumor growth. Conclusion In general, SEPT6 inhibited UBC expression, thereby reducing the overall ubiquitination level, affecting the expression level of downstream cell proliferation-related genes, and then affecting the progression of prostate cancer.
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Liu Y, Veeraraghavan V, Pinkerton M, Fu J, Douglas MW, George J, Tu T. Viral Biomarkers for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence and Recurrence. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:665201. [PMID: 34194408 PMCID: PMC8236856 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.665201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The most common risk factor for developing HCC is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Early stages of HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC) are generally asymptomatic. Moreover, while serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abdominal ultrasound are widely used to screen for HCC, they have poor sensitivity. Thus, HBV-HCC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, in which there are limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Serum biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are crucial for earlier diagnosis of HCC and improving survival rates. As viral-host interactions are key determinants of pathogenesis, viral biomarkers may add greater diagnostic power for HCC than host biomarkers alone. In this review, we summarize recent research on using virus-derived biomarkers for predicting HCC occurrence and recurrence; including circulating viral DNA, RNA transcripts, and viral proteins. Combining these viral biomarkers with AFP and abdominal ultrasound could improve sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis, increasing the survival of patients with HBV-HCC. In the future, as the mechanisms that drive HBV-HCC to become clearer, new biomarkers may be identified which can further improve early diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaishnavi Veeraraghavan
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Monica Pinkerton
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jianjun Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Plasmids Expressing shRNAs Specific to the Nucleocapsid Gene Inhibit the Replication of Porcine Deltacoronavirus In Vivo. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051216. [PMID: 33922444 PMCID: PMC8145914 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging enteropathogen distributed globally, which causes substantial economic losses in the swine industry. The characterization of the receptor promiscuity may pose a risk of cross-species transmission. However, the options for pharmaceutical interventions are limited. In this study, the vectors expressing shRNAs targeting the nucleocapsid gene were generated to assess the inhibition effect of PDCoV reproduction. Our preliminary results demonstrate that a dual shRNA expression system is an effective strategy in combating PDCoV infection without cytotoxicity, which would facilitate the ongoing development of RNAi-based therapeutic drugs against viral diseases. Abstract Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel enteric coronavirus and is becoming one of the major causative agents of diarrhea in pig herds in recent years. To date, there are no commercial vaccines or antiviral pharmaceutical agents available to control PDCoV infection. Therefore, developing a reliable strategy against PDCoV is urgently needed. In this study, to observe the antiviral activity of RNA interference (RNAi), four short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) specific to the nucleocapsid (N) gene of PDCoV were designed and tested in vitro. Of these, a double-shRNA-expression vector, designated as pSil-double-shRNA-N1, was the most effectively expressed, and the inhibition of PDCoV replication was then further evaluated in neonatal piglets. Our preliminary results reveal that plasmid-based double-shRNA-expression targeting the N gene of PDCoV can significantly protect LLC-PK1 cells and piglets from pathological lesions induced by PDCoV. Our study could benefit the investigation of the specific functions of viral genes related to PDCoV infection and offer a possible methodology of RNAi-based therapeutics for PDCoV infection.
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Fan Y, Du Z, Ding Q, Zhang J, Op Den Winkel M, Gerbes AL, Liu M, Steib CJ. SEPT6 drives hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion via the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2021; 58:25. [PMID: 33846777 PMCID: PMC8025964 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Septin 6 (SEPT6) is a member of the GTP-binding protein family that is highly conserved in eukaryotes and regulates various biological functions, including filament dynamics, cytokinesis and cell migration. However, the functional importance of SEPT6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels and roles of SEPT6 in HCC, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The reverse transcription quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining results demonstrated that SEPT6 expression was significantly elevated in HCC tissues compared with corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues, which indicated that SEPT6 expression may serve as a marker of poor prognosis for HCC. By performing plasmid transfection and G418 treatment, stable SEPT6-knockdown and SEPT6-overexpression cell lines were established. The Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and Transwell assay results demonstrated that SEPT6 overexpression significantly increased HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle transition, migration and invasion compared with the Vector group, whereas SEPT6 knockdown displayed significant suppressive effects on HCC cell lines in vitro compared with the control group. Mechanistically, SEPT6 might facilitate F-actin formation, which induced large tumor suppressor kinase 1 dephosphorylation, inhibited Hippo signaling, upregulated yes-associated protein (YAP) expression and nuclear translocation, and upregulated cyclin D1 and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) expression. Furthermore, YAP overexpression significantly reversed SEPT6 knockdown-induced inhibitory effects on HCC, whereas YAP knockdown significantly inhibited the oncogenic effect of SEPT6 overexpression on HCC. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that SEPT6 may promote HCC progression by enhancing YAP activation, suggesting that targeting SEPT6 may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Fan
- Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University Hospital, Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Zhipeng Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University Hospital, Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Mark Op Den Winkel
- Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University Hospital, Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Alexander L Gerbes
- Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University Hospital, Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Christian J Steib
- Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University Hospital, Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
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Ge Z, Ma J, Qiao B, Wang Y, Zhang H, Gou W. Impact of tenofovir antiviral treatment on survival of chronic hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy in Chinese individuals from Qingdao municipality. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21454. [PMID: 32769872 PMCID: PMC7593059 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of different antiviral regimen on prognosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explored.A total of 479 CHB-related HCC patients after curative liver resection were enrolled receiving tenofovir (TDF, TDF group) or lamivudine, telbivudine, and entecavir (non-TDF group). Both the overall survival and diseases-free survival were analyzed and compared.A total of 242 patients received TDF treatment and 237 patients received other antiviral regimen. Child-Pugh score, serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level, total bilirubin level, status of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and cirrhosis were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with TDF treatment had significantly longer overall survival than those of patients with other regimen (P = .015). Similarly, compared with patients with non-TDF treatment, disease-free survival time was longer (P = .042) in those with TDF treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that TDF treatment (P = .04), AFP level (P = .03) were significant independent factors associated with overall survival of CHB-related HCC patients. While TDF treatment (P = .04) and serum AFP level (P = .03) were independent factors associated with disease-free survival.Anti-virus treatment with TDF benefits for both overall survival and disease-free survival of CHB-related patients than other Nucleos(t)ide analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Ge
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Health Care, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao,
| | - Bing Qiao
- 6th Department, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital
| | - Yanling Wang
- Dermatological Department, No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | | | - Wei Gou
- 6th Department, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital
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Effect of SEPT6 on the biological behavior of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis in rats and its mechanism. J Transl Med 2019; 99:17-36. [PMID: 30315255 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key effectors during the development of liver fibrosis. Septin 6 (SEPT6) is a highly evolutionarily conserved GTP-binding protein that regulates various cell biological behaviors. The expression and function of SEPT6 in HSCs remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that SEPT6 expression is significantly elevated following the activation of primary rat HSCs, the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 and the rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6, as well as in both human and rat fibrotic liver tissue. In vitro, the overexpression of SEPT6 promoted HSCs activation, proliferation, cell cycle progression and migration and inhibited HSCs apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of SEPT6 exerted the opposite effects on HSCs. Mechanistically, SEPT6 exerted its pro-fibrogenic effect by promoting the expression of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, stress-activated protein kinase-2, and protein kinase B. However, in HSC-T6 cells, blockade of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by SB431542 significantly decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, cyclin D1, BCL2, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, which had been enhanced by SEPT6 overexpression. In vivo, adenovirus-mediated SEPT6 inhibition attenuated thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats by decreasing the deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). SEPT6 inhibition decreased the proliferation capacity of HSCs and induced apoptosis of HSCs. Collectively, our results reveal that SEPT6 regulates various biological behaviors in HSCs through TGF-β1/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinases and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways, thus promoting liver fibrosis.
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Wang L, Dai X, Song H, Yuan P, Yang Z, Dong W, Song Z. Inhibition of porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus infection in porcine kidney cells using short hairpin RNAs targeting the membrane gene. Virus Genes 2017; 53:226-232. [PMID: 27848068 PMCID: PMC7089173 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-016-1409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The membrane (M) protein is the most abundant component of the porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) particle. To exploit the possibility of using RNA interference (RNAi) as a strategy against TGEV infection, three plasmids (pRNAT-1, pRNAT-2, and pRNAT-3) expressing short hairpin RNAs were designed to target three different coding regions of the M gene of TGEV. The plasmids were constructed and transiently transfected into a porcine kidney cells, PK-15, to determine whether these constructs inhibited TGEV production. The analysis of cytopathic effects demonstrated that pRNAT-2 and pRNAT-3 could protect PK-15 cells against pathological changes specifically and efficiently. Additionally, indirect immunofluorescence and 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assays showed that pRNAT-2 and pRNAT-3 inhibited the multiplication of the virus at the protein level effectively. Quantitative real-time PCR further confirmed that the amounts of viral RNAs in cell cultures pre-transfected with the three plasmids were reduced by 13, 68, and 70%, respectively. This is the first report showing that RNAi targeting of the M gene. Our results could promote studies of the specific function of viral genes associated with TGEV infection and might provide a theoretical basis for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianjin Dai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Song
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhui Song
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Rongchang Campus, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China.
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Li H, Lu YF, Chen H, Liu J. Dysregulation of metallothionein and circadian genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronobiol Int 2016; 34:192-202. [PMID: 27997226 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2016.1256300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major threat to human health, and disruption of circadian clock genes is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study examined the dysregulation of metallothioneins and circadian genes in achieved human HCC (n = 24), peri-HCC tissues (n = 24) as compared with normal human livers (n = 36). Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. Real-time RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of genes of interest. The results demonstrated the downregulation of metallothionein-1 (MT-1), MT-2, and metal transcription factor-1 (MFT-1) in human HCC as compared with Peri-HCC and normal tissues. MTs are a biomarker for HCC and have typical circadian rhythms; the expression of major circadian clock genes was also determined. HCC produced a dramatic decrease in the expression of core clock genes, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (Bmal1), and decreased the expression of the clock feedback control genes, Periods (Per1, Per2) and Cryptochromes (Cry1, Cry2). On the other hand, the expression of clock target genes nuclear orphan receptor factor protein (Nr1d1) and D-box-binding protein (Dbp) was upregulated as compared with Peri-HCC and normal livers. Peri-HCC also had mild alterations in these gene expressions. In summary, the present study clearly demonstrated the dysregulation of MTs and circadian clock genes in human HCC, which could provide the information of targeting MT and circadian clock in HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- a Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education , Zunyi Medical College , Zunyi , China
| | - Yuan-Fu Lu
- a Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education , Zunyi Medical College , Zunyi , China
| | - Hong Chen
- b The Institute of Organ Transplantation , The General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces , Beijing , China
| | - Jie Liu
- a Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education , Zunyi Medical College , Zunyi , China
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Louten J, Beach M, Palermino K, Weeks M, Holenstein G. MicroRNAs Expressed during Viral Infection: Biomarker Potential and Therapeutic Considerations. Biomark Insights 2016; 10:25-52. [PMID: 26819546 PMCID: PMC4718089 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s29512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short sequences of noncoding single-stranded RNAs that exhibit inhibitory effects on complementary target mRNAs. Recently, it has been discovered that certain viruses express their own miRNAs, while other viruses activate the transcription of cellular miRNAs for their own benefit. This review summarizes the viral and/or cellular miRNAs that are transcribed during infection, with a focus on the biomarker and therapeutic potential of miRNAs (or their antagomirs). Several human viruses of clinical importance are discussed, namely, herpesviruses, polyomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papillomavirus, and human immunodeficiency virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Louten
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Michael Beach
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Kristina Palermino
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Maria Weeks
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Holenstein
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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Kitab B, Alj HS, Ezzikouri S, Benjelloun S. MicroRNAs as Important Players in Host-hepatitis B Virus Interactions. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:149-61. [PMID: 26357642 PMCID: PMC4548348 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major public health problem, causes acute and chronic hepatitis that is often complicated by liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenic mechanisms of HBV-related liver disease are not well understood, and the current licensed therapies are not effective in permanently clearing virus from the circulation. In recent years, the role of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in HBV infection has attracted great interest. Cellular miRNAs can influence HBV replication directly by binding to HBV transcripts and indirectly by targeting cellular factors relevant to the HBV life cycle. They are also involved in the regulation of cellular genes and signaling pathways that have critical roles in HBV pathogenesis. HBV infection, in turn, can trigger changes in cellular miRNA expression that are associated with distinctive miRNA expression profiles depending on the phase of liver disease. These alterations in miRNA expression have been linked to disease progression and hepatocarcinogenesis. We provide here an up to date review regarding the field of miRNAs and HBV interplay and highlight the potential utility of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of HBV-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Kitab
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hanane Salih Alj
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, University Hassan II Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Correspondence to: Soumaya Benjelloun, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco. Tel: +212‐527‐016‐076; +212‐522‐434‐450, Fax: +212‐522‐260‐957, E‐mail:
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Gebbing M, Bergmann T, Schulz E, Ehrhardt A. Gene therapeutic approaches to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:150-164. [PMID: 25729471 PMCID: PMC4342598 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i2.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain to present a major global health problem. The infection can be associated with acute symptomatic or asymptomatic hepatitis which can cause chronic inflammation of the liver and over years this can lead to cirrhosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinomas. Currently available therapeutics for chronically infected individuals aim at reducing viral replication and to slow down or stop the progression of the disease. Therefore, novel treatment options are needed to efficiently combat and eradicate this disease. Here we provide a state of the art overview of gene therapeutic approaches to inhibit HBV replication. We discuss non-viral and viral approaches which were explored to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids aiming at reducing HBV replication. Types of delivered therapeutic nucleic acids which were studied since many years include antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and antisense RNA, ribozymes and DNAzymes, RNA interference, and external guide sequences. More recently designer nucleases gained increased attention and were exploited to destroy the HBV genome. In addition we mention other strategies to reduce HBV replication based on delivery of DNA encoding dominant negative mutants and DNA vaccination. In combination with available cell culture and animal models for HBV infection, in vitro and in vivo studies can be performed to test efficacy of gene therapeutic approaches. Recent progress but also challenges will be specified and future perspectives will be discussed. This is an exciting time to explore such approaches because recent successes of gene therapeutic strategies in the clinic to treat genetic diseases raise hope to find alternative treatment options for patients chronically infected with HBV.
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Frau M, Feo CF, Feo F, Pascale RM. New insights on the role of epigenetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:65-83. [PMID: 27508177 PMCID: PMC4918272 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s44506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence assigns to epigenetic mechanisms heritable differences in gene function that come into being during cell development or via the effect of environmental factors. Epigenetic deregulation is strongly involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It includes changes in methionine metabolism, promoter hypermethylation, or increased proteasomal degradation of oncosuppressors, as well as posttranscriptional deregulation by microRNA or messenger RNA (mRNA) binding proteins. Alterations in the methylation of the promoter of methyl adenosyltransferase MAT1A and MAT2A genes in HCC result in decreased S-adenosylmethionine levels, global DNA hypomethylation, and deregulation of signal transduction pathways linked to methionine metabolism and methyl adenosyltransferases activity. Changes in S-adenosylmethionine levels may also depend on MAT1A mRNA destabilization associated with MAT2A mRNA stabilization by specific proteins. Decrease in MAT1A expression has also been attributed to miRNA upregulation in HCC. A complex deregulation of miRNAs is also strongly involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, with up-regulation of different miRNAs targeting oncosuppressor genes and down-regulation of miRNAs targeting genes involved in cell-cycle and signal transduction control. Oncosuppressor gene down-regulation in HCC is also induced by promoter hypermethylation or posttranslational deregulation, leading to proteasomal degradation. The role of epigenetic changes in hepatocarcinogenesis has recently suggested new promising therapeutic approaches for HCC on the basis of the administration of methylating agents, inhibition of methyl adenosyltransferases, and restoration of the expression of tumor-suppressor miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Frau
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudio F Feo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Surgery, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesco Feo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rosa M Pascale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Bharadwaj M, Roy G, Dutta K, Misbah M, Husain M, Hussain S. Tackling hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma--the future is now. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 32:229-68. [PMID: 23114844 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-012-9412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers in many developing countries including India. Among the various etiological factors being implicated in the cause of HCC, the most important cause, however, is hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Among all HBV genes, HBx is the most critical carcinogenic component, the molecular mechanisms of which have not been completely elucidated. Despite its clinical significance, there exists a very elemental understanding of the molecular, cellular, and environmental mechanisms that drive disease pathogenesis in HCC infected with HBV. Furthermore, there are only limited therapeutic options, the clinical benefits of which are insignificant. Therefore, the quest for novel and effective therapeutic regimen against HBV-related HCC is of paramount importance. This review attempts to epitomize the current state of knowledge of this most common and dreaded liver neoplasm, highlighting the putative treatment avenues and therapeutic research strategies that need to be implemented with immediate effect for tackling HBV-related HCC that has plagued the medical and scientific fraternity for decades. Additionally, this review proposes a novel "five-point" management algorithm for HBV-related HCC apart from portraying the unmet needs, principal challenges, and scientific perspectives that are relevant to controlling this accelerating global health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mausumi Bharadwaj
- Division of Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology (ICMR), Noida, India.
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Wei YF, Cui GY, Ye P, Chen JN, Diao HY. MicroRNAs may solve the mystery of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:4867-4876. [PMID: 23946591 PMCID: PMC3740416 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i30.4867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that causes persistent liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A large amount of people die annually from HBV infection. However, the pathogenesises of the HBV-related diseases are ill defined and the therapeutic strategies for the diseases are less than optimum. The recently discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression primarily at the post-transcriptional level by binding to mRNAs. miRNAs contribute to a variety of physiological and pathological processes. A number of miRNAs have been found to play a pivotal role in the host-virus interaction including host-HBV interaction. Numerous studies have indicated that HBV infection could change the cellular miRNA expression patterns and different stages of HBV associated disease have displayed distinctive miRNA profiles. Furthermore, the differential expressed miRNAs have been found involved in the progression of HBV-related diseases, for instance some miRNAs are involved in liver tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Studies have also shown that the circulating miRNA in serum or plasma might be a very useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HBV-related diseases. In addition, miRNA-based therapy strategies have attracted increasing attention, indicating a promising future in the treatment of HBV-related diseases.
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Ouyang W, Ma JR, Wang YQ, Qin LT, Jiang JY, Fan HJ, Wang XM, Wang YS. Reduction of infectious bursal disease virus replication by shRNAs targeting the VP1 and VP2 genes driven by chicken U6 promoter. Vet Microbiol 2013; 162:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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The role and clinical implications of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2012; 55:906-19. [PMID: 23108868 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-012-4384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common and one of the most aggressive of all human cancers. Recent studies have indicated that miRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, directly contribute to HCC by targeting many critical regulatory genes. Several miRNAs are involved in hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus replication and virus-induced changes, whereas others participate in multiple intracellular signaling pathways that modulate apoptosis, cell cycle checkpoints, and growth-factor-stimulated responses. When disturbed, these pathways appear to result in malignant transformation and ultimately HCC development. Recently, miRNAs circulating in the blood have acted as possible early diagnostic markers for HCC. These miRNA also could serve as indicators with respect to drug efficacy and be prognostic in HCC patients. Such biomarkers would assist stratification of HCC patients and help direct personalized therapy. Here, we summarize recent advances regarding the role of miRNAs in HCC development and progression. Our expectation is that these and ongoing studies will contribute to the understanding of the multiple roles of these small noncoding RNAs in liver tumorigenesis.
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Lack of association between FOS polymorphisms and clearance of HBV infection as well as HCC occurrence. Genes Genomics 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-010-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Potenza N, Papa U, Mosca N, Zerbini F, Nobile V, Russo A. Human microRNA hsa-miR-125a-5p interferes with expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:5157-63. [PMID: 21317190 PMCID: PMC3130258 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level, playing a crucial role in cell differentiation and development. Recently, some reports have shown that a limited number of mammalian microRNAs are also involved in anti-viral defense. In this study, the analysis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome by the computer program MiRanda led to the identification of seven sites that are potential targets for human liver microRNAs. These sites were found to be clustered in a 995-bp segment within the viral polymerase ORF and the overlapping surface antigen ORF, and conserved among the most common HBV subtypes. The HBV genomic targets were then subjected to a validation test based on cultured hepatic cells (HepG2, HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5) and luciferase reporter genes. In this test, one of the selected microRNAs, hsa-miR-125a-5p, was found to interact with the viral sequence and to suppress the reporter activity markedly. The microRNA was then shown to interfere with the viral translation, down-regulating the expression of the surface antigen. Overall, these results support the emerging concept that some mammalian microRNAs play a role in virus-host interaction. Furthermore, they provide the basis for the development of new strategies for anti-HBV intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Life Sciences, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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