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Li Y, Xu Z, Li Y, Jiang T, Meng F, Fu J, Huang L, Wang F, Wang X, Wang F. Preclinical and phase I studies of an antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting IGF-1R in liver cancer. Future Oncol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38573183 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0872] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting human IGF-1R in preclinical and phase I studies of liver cancer. Materials & methods: The tolerability and safety of an investigational new drug were evaluated in a dose-escalation trial involving 17 patients with advanced liver cancer after preclinical assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Results: The drug exposure levels in the phase I trial were determined by the in vivo efficacy with pharmacokinetics evaluation in rats and rhesus monkeys. This clinical study showed that the maximum tolerated dose was 3.96 mg/kg, and the dose-limiting toxicity dose was 4.4 mg/kg. Conclusion: The drug was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced liver cancer.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100044235 (www.chictr.org.cn).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tianjun Jiang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
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Pan Y, Guan J, Gao Y, Zhu Y, Li H, Guo H, He Q, Guan Z, Yang Z. Modified ASO conjugates encapsulated with cytidinyl/cationic lipids exhibit more potent and longer-lasting anti-HCC effects. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:807-821. [PMID: 37251692 PMCID: PMC10220282 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a class of therapeutics targeting mRNAs or genes that have attracted much attention. However, effective delivery and optimal accumulation in target tissues in vivo are still challenging issues. CT102 is an ASO that targets IGF1R mRNA and induces cell apoptosis. Herein, a detailed exploration of the tissue distribution of ASOs delivered by liposomes was carried out. A formulation that resulted in increased hepatic accumulation was identified based on multiple intermolecular interactions between DCP (cytidinyl/cationic lipid DNCA/CLD and DSPE-PEG) and oligonucleotides, including hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and electrostatic interactions. The structurally optimized CT102s present a novel strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The gapmer CT102MOE5 and conjugate Glu-CT102MOE5 showed superior antiproliferation and IGF1R mRNA suppression effects at 100 nM in vitro and achieved greater efficacy at a lower dose and administration frequency in vivo. Combined transcriptome and proteome analyses revealed that additional associated targets and functional regulations might simultaneously exist in ASO therapy. These results showed that a combination of lipid encapsulation and structural optimization in the delivery of oligonucleotide drugs has favorable prospects for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Guan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yujing Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuejie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huantong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qianyi He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhu Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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3
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Guan J, Pan Y, Li H, Zhu Y, Gao Y, Wang J, Zhou Y, Guan Z, Yang Z. Activity and Tissue Distribution of Antisense Oligonucleotide CT102 Encapsulated with Cytidinyl/Cationic Lipid against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4552-4564. [PMID: 35508302 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), a cell surface receptor with tyrosine kinase (TK) activity, has ligands abnormally expressed in acute leukemia, multiple myeloma, breast, prostate, cervical, and nonsmall cell lung cancers, Ewing's sarcoma, and other malignant tumors. IGF1R mediates the malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells through a variety of signal transduction pathways, and it is also involved in tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell antiapoptosis. In this study, the neutral cytidinyl lipid DNCA and cystine skeleton cationic lipid CLD from our laboratory could be optimized to encapsulate antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) CT102 to form stable and uniform Mix/CT102 nanoparticles (NPs), which could specifically target tumor cells that highly expressed IGF1R in vivo by intravenous administration. Compared with naked CT102, the lipid complex could promote the uptake and late apoptosis levels of HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, inhibiting cell proliferation efficiently. We also found that Mix/CT102 could enter nucleus in about 2 h, effectively downregulating the mRNA level of IGF1R. The in vivo efficacy experiment demonstrated that in the group that received the optimal dose of Mix/CT102, tumor volume was reduced 8-fold compared with the naked dose group. Meanwhile, in vivo distribution studies showed that the nanoparticles had a predominant accumulation capacity in liver tissue. These results indicated that clinicians can expect the Mix/CT102 nanocomposite to be very effective in reducing the dose and frequency of clinically administered CT102, thereby reducing the side effects of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huantong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuejie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yujing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian New Area 550025, China
| | - Zhu Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian New Area 550025, China
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A phase I trial of escalating doses of cixutumumab (IMC-A12) and sorafenib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29520435 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-018-3553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway is activated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Cixutumumab is a monoclonal antibody against human insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Given the cross-talk between the IGF and VEGF pathways, we performed a phase I study of the combination of cixutumumab and sorafenib in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). METHODS Eligible patients with no prior systemic therapy for advanced HCC and Child-Pugh A to B7 were treated with sorafenib 400 mg BID and escalating doses of cixutumumab (2, 4, or 6 mg/kg IV weekly) in a 3 + 3 design. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as treatment-related grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity (except for a subset of manageable toxicities) or any grade 4 hematologic toxicities. RESULTS In 21 patients enrolled, there were 3 DLTs; grade 3 hyperglycemia, grade 3 hypophosphatemia, and grade 5 peritonitis. The maximum tolerated dose of cixutumumab was 4 mg/kg IV weekly with standard dose sorafenib. Eighteen of 21 (86%) patients had grade 3 or above toxicities attributed to treatment. One patient also experienced grade 4 colonic perforation and grade 5 peritonitis. The median number of cycles completed was 4 (0-26). Of 16 patients evaluable for response, 81% achieved stable disease. The median progression free survival was 6.0 months (95% CI 3.6-undefined) and the median overall survival was 10.5 months (95% CI 7.1-undefined). CONCLUSIONS While the combination of cixutumumab and sorafenib had a toxicity profile similar to that of sorafenib monotherapy, it manifested limited clinical efficacy in unselected patients with HCC.
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Bie CQ, Liu XY, Cao MR, Huang QY, Tang HJ, Wang M, Cao GL, Yi TZ, Wu SL, Xu WJ, Tang SH. Lentivirus-mediated RNAi knockdown of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibits the growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma via down-regulating midkine expression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:79305-79318. [PMID: 27813495 PMCID: PMC5346715 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) overexpression contributes to the development of a variety of cancers. The present study explored the role of IGF-1R in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the possibility of IGF-1R silencing by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) as a therapeutic target for HCC. We showed that IGF-1R mRNA was up-regulated in Huh7 and Hep3B cells and human HCC tissues, and that IGF-1R knockdown by RNAi led to decreased proliferation, apoptosis induction, and decreased migration and invasion of Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Further, the in vivo study indicated that IGF-1R knockdown markedly diminished the tumorigenesis and metastasis of Huh7 xenograft. Moreover, the intratumoral administration of lentivirus-IGF-1R siRNA led to significant tumor growth inhibition in an established Huh7 xenograft model. Mechanistic investigations showed that midkine was found to be the most significantly down-regulated protein in Huh7 cells with IGF-1R knockdown, and ectopic overexpression of midkine significantly rescued inhibition of Huh7 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion caused by IGF-1R suppression. Collectively, these data suggest that IGF-1R inhibition by RNAi can significantly suppress HCC growth and invasion at least partially through down-regulating midkine expression, and IGF-1R is a potential target for HCC gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qun Bie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Shenzhen Shajing Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xu You Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Rong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiu Yan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Jun Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Shenzhen Shajing Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo Li Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhuang Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Lan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Shenzhen Shajing Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Jie Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao Hui Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Youness RA, Rahmoon MA, Assal RA, Gomaa AI, Hamza MT, Waked I, El Tayebi HM, Abdelaziz AI. Contradicting interplay between insulin-like growth factor-1 and miR-486-5p in primary NK cells and hepatoma cell lines with a contemporary inhibitory impact on HCC tumor progression. Growth Factors 2016; 34:128-40. [PMID: 27388576 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2016.1200571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, an impaired natural killer (NK) cell cytolytic activity in 135 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients parallel to a reduced expression level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in NK cells of HCC patients has been revealed. Ectopic expression of miR-486-5p, a direct upstream regulator of IGF-1, restored the endogenous level of IGF-1 in NK cells of HCC patients, thus augmenting its cytolytic activity against Huh7 cells in an opposite manner to the IGF-1 siRNAs. Unorthodoxly, over-expression of miR-486-5p in target hepatocytes resulted in the repression of IGF-1, suppression of Huh7 cells proliferation and viability in a similar pattern to the IGF-1 siRNAs. Therefore, this study highlights a potential role of IGF-1 in modulating cytolytic potential of NK cells of HCC patients. miR-486-5p acts in a cell-specific manner, differentially modulating IGF-1 expression in NK cells and their target hepatocytes with a contemporary inhibitory impact on HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ahmed Youness
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Biology , Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Mai Atef Rahmoon
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Biology , Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Reem Amr Assal
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim Gomaa
- c Department of Hepatology , National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University , Shebin El-Kom , Egypt
| | - Mohamed Tarif Hamza
- d Department of Clinical Pathology , Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt , and
| | - Imam Waked
- c Department of Hepatology , National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University , Shebin El-Kom , Egypt
| | - Hend Mohamed El Tayebi
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
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Youness RA, El-Tayebi HM, Assal RA, Hosny K, Esmat G, Abdelaziz AI. MicroRNA-486-5p enhances hepatocellular carcinoma tumor suppression through repression of IGF-1R and its downstream mTOR, STAT3 and c-Myc. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2567-2573. [PMID: 27698829 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-axis has been paradigmatically involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor initiation, progression and drug resistance. Consequently, members of the IGF-axis and most importantly, IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) have been considered as intriguing targets for HCC therapy. Few miRNAs have been recently reported to be associated with IGF-1R regulation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA/miR)-486-5p in the regulation of IGF-1R and its downstream signaling cascades. miR-486-5p was markedly downregulated in hepatitis C virus-induced HCC tissues and Huh-7 cells. Forcing the expression of miR-486-5p in Huh-7 cells resulted in the repression of IGF-1R, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and c-Myc mRNA levels. Ectopic expression of miR-486-5p in Huh-7 cells markedly repressed cellular viability, proliferation, migration and clonogenicity in a similar pattern to IGF-1R small interfering RNAs, and were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, BrdU incorporation, wound healing and colony forming assays, respectively. Overall, the study findings demonstrated that miR-486-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC through the repression of essential members of the IGF-axis, including IGF-1R and its downstream mediators mTOR, STAT3 and c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ahmed Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hend Mohamed El-Tayebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Reem Amr Assal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Karim Hosny
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ihab Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Enguita-Germán M, Fortes P. Targeting the insulin-like growth factor pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2014; 6:716-737. [PMID: 25349643 PMCID: PMC4209417 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i10.716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Only 30%-40% of the patients with HCC are eligible for curative treatments, which include surgical resection as the first option, liver transplantation and percutaneous ablation. Unfortunately, there is a high frequency of tumor recurrence after surgical resection and most HCC seem resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sorafenib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the only chemotherapeutic option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients treated with Sorafenib have a significant increase in overall survival of about three months. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments. Due to its role in cell growth and development, the insulin-like growth factor system is commonly deregulated in many cancers. Indeed, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis has recently emerged as a potential target for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. To this aim, several inhibitors of the pathway have been developed such as monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNAs. However recent studies suggest that, unlike most tumors, HCC development requires increased signaling through insulin growth factor II rather than insulin growth factor I. This may have great implications in the future treatment of HCC. This review summarizes the role of the IGF axis in liver carcinogenesis and the current status of the strategies designed to target the IGF-I signaling pathway for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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9
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Yan XD, Yao M, Wang L, Zhang HJ, Yan MJ, Gu X, Shi Y, Chen J, Dong ZZ, Yao DF. Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as a pertinent biomarker for hepatocytes malignant transformation. World J Gastroenterol 2014. [PMID: 24106410 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the dynamic features of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) expression in rat hepatocarcinogenesis, and the relationship between IGF-IR and hepatocytes malignant transformation at mRNA or protein level. METHODS Hepatoma models were made by inducing with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes of hepatocytes were observed by pathological Hematoxylin and eosin staining, the dynamic expressions of liver and serum IGF-IR were quantitatively analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of hepatic IGF-IR was located by immunohistochemistry. The fragments of IGF-IR gene were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS Rat hepatocytes after induced by 2-FAA were changed dynamically from granule-like degeneration, precancerous to hepatoma formation with the progressing increasing of hepatic mRNA or IGF-IR expression. The incidences of liver IGF-IR, IGF-IR mRNA, specific IGF-IR concentration (ng/mg wet liver), and serum IGF-IR level (ng/mL) were 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.63 ± 0.17, and 1.33 ± 0.47 in the control; 50.0%, 61.1%, 0.65 ± 0.2, and 1.51 ± 0.46 in the degeneration; 88.9%, 100%, 0.66 ± 0.14, and 1.92 ± 0.29 in the precancerosis; and 100%, 100%, 0.96 ± 0.09, and 2.43 ± 0.57 in the cancerous group, respectively. IGF-IR expression in the cancerous group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups at mRNA or protein level. The closely positive IGF-IR relationship was found between livers and sera (r = 0.91, t = 14.222, P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION IGF-IR expression may participate in rat hepatocarcinogenesis and its abnormality should be an early marker for hepatocytes malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Di Yan
- Xiao-Di Yan, Hai-Jian Zhang, Deng-Fu Yao, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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10
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Dong Z, Yao M, Wang L, Yan X, Gu X, Shi Y, Yao N, Qiu L, Wu W, Yao D. Abnormal expression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in hepatoma tissue and its inhibition to promote apoptosis of tumor cells. Tumour Biol 2014; 34:3397-405. [PMID: 23797814 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal signaling of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate IGF-IR's role as a signaling molecule, its pathological alteration in hepatoma tissues, and its effect on hepatoma cell proliferation when inhibited. As measured by immunohistochemical analysis, the incidence of hepatic IGF-IR expression in cancerous tissue was 80.0 % (24 of 30), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 43.3 % (13 of 30) occurrence in the surrounding tissue and the nondetectable (0 of 30) frequency in the distal cancerous tissue. Hepatoma IGF-IR expression was correlated to the differentiation degree and not to the number or size of tumors, HBV infection, and AFP level. The in vitro IGF-IR expression in hepatoma cells was down-regulated significantly by picropodophyllin, a specific kinase inhibitor, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell proliferation was inhibited through typical mechanisms of promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase). Up-regulation of IGF-IR in hepatocarcinogenesis suggests that the down-regulation of IGF-IR expression could be a specific molecular target for hepatoma cell proliferation.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Down-Regulation/drug effects
- Female
- G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Podophyllotoxin/analogs & derivatives
- Podophyllotoxin/pharmacology
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Time Factors
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11
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Abou-Alfa GK, Capanu M, O'Reilly EM, Ma J, Chou JF, Gansukh B, Shia J, Kalin M, Katz S, Abad L, Reidy-Lagunes DL, Kelsen DP, Chen HX, Saltz LB. A phase II study of cixutumumab (IMC-A12, NSC742460) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2014; 60:319-24. [PMID: 24045151 PMCID: PMC3901953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS IGF-IR is implicated in hepatic carcinogenesis. This and preliminary evidence of biological activity of anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody cixutumumab in phase I trials prompted this phase II study. METHODS Patients with advanced HCC, Child-Pugh A-B8, received cixutumumab 6mg/kg weekly, in a Simon two-stage design study, with the primary endpoints being 4-month PFS and RECIST-defined response rate. Tissue and circulating markers plus different HCC scoring systems were evaluated for correlation with PFS and OS. RESULTS As a result of pre-specified futility criteria, only stage 1 was accrued: N=24: median age 67.5 years (range 49-83), KPS 80% (70-90%), 20 males (83%), 9 stage III (37%)/15 stage IV (63%), 18 Child-Pugh A (75%), 11 HBV (46%)/10 HCV (42%)/11 alcoholic cirrhosis (46%)/2 NASH (8%), 11 (46%) diabetic. Median number of doses: 7 (range 1-140). Grade 3/4 toxicities >10% included: diabetes, elevated liver function tests, hyponatremia, and lymphopenia. Four-month PFS was 30% (95% CI 13-48), and there were no objective responses. Median overall survival was 8 months (95% CI 5.8-14). IGF-R1 staining did not correlate with outcome. Elevated IGFBP-1 correlated with improved PFS (1.2 [95% CI 1-1.4]; p 0.009) and OS (1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.4]; p 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Cixutumumab monotherapy did not have clinically meaningful activity in this unselected HCC population. Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia occurred in 46% of patients. Elevated IGFBP-1 correlated with improved PFS and OS.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1/blood
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/blood
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Marinela Capanu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joanne F Chou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bolorsukh Gansukh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jinru Shia
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marcia Kalin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Seth Katz
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leslie Abad
- Research Department, ImClone Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Company, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diane L Reidy-Lagunes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David P Kelsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Helen X Chen
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Leonard B Saltz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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12
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Yan XD, Yao M, Wang L, Zhang HJ, Yan MJ, Gu X, Shi Y, Chen J, Dong ZZ, Yao DF. Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as a pertinent biomarker for hepatocytes malignant transformation. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:6084-6092. [PMID: 24106410 PMCID: PMC3785631 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i36.6084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the dynamic features of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) expression in rat hepatocarcinogenesis, and the relationship between IGF-IR and hepatocytes malignant transformation at mRNA or protein level.
METHODS: Hepatoma models were made by inducing with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes of hepatocytes were observed by pathological Hematoxylin and eosin staining, the dynamic expressions of liver and serum IGF-IR were quantitatively analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of hepatic IGF-IR was located by immunohistochemistry. The fragments of IGF-IR gene were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by sequencing.
RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes after induced by 2-FAA were changed dynamically from granule-like degeneration, precancerous to hepatoma formation with the progressing increasing of hepatic mRNA or IGF-IR expression. The incidences of liver IGF-IR, IGF-IR mRNA, specific IGF-IR concentration (ng/mg wet liver), and serum IGF-IR level (ng/mL) were 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.63 ± 0.17, and 1.33 ± 0.47 in the control; 50.0%, 61.1%, 0.65 ± 0.2, and 1.51 ± 0.46 in the degeneration; 88.9%, 100%, 0.66 ± 0.14, and 1.92 ± 0.29 in the precancerosis; and 100%, 100%, 0.96 ± 0.09, and 2.43 ± 0.57 in the cancerous group, respectively. IGF-IR expression in the cancerous group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups at mRNA or protein level. The closely positive IGF-IR relationship was found between livers and sera (r = 0.91, t = 14.222, P < 0.01), respectively.
CONCLUSION: IGF-IR expression may participate in rat hepatocarcinogenesis and its abnormality should be an early marker for hepatocytes malignant transformation.
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MESH Headings
- 2-Acetylaminofluorene
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/chemically induced
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/chemically induced
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hepatocytes/metabolism
- Hepatocytes/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/chemically induced
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/blood
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
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13
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Kanai F, Obi S, Fujiyama S, Shiina S, Tamai H, Mochizuki H, Koike Y, Imamura J, Yamaguchi T, Saida I, Yokosuka O, Omata M. An open-label phase I/II study of tamibarotene in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Int 2013. [PMID: 26202410 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM Tamibarotene is a synthetic retinoid expected to inhibit tumor-cell proliferation and to induce apoptosis by selective interaction with retinoic acid receptor α/β. We conducted an open-label phase I/II study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD), and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety profiles for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed, measurable, unresectable HCC of Child-Pugh classification A or B and with no effective systemic or local therapies were eligible. In phase I, patients were assigned based on the 3 + 3 dose escalation criteria to receive tamibarotene at 8, 12, and 16 mg/day. The RD determined in phase I was employed for phase II. The planned sample size in phase II was 25, including the RD-treated patients in phase I. RESULTS Thirty-six patients were enrolled. No patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at 8 mg/day. However, two out of six patients experienced the DLTs at 12 mg/day: one experienced thrombosis in a limb vein and pulmonary artery, and the other experienced an increase of γ-GTP. The MTD and RD were determined as 12 and 8 mg/day, respectively. In phase II, one patient achieved partial response, and seven achieved stable disease. The disease control rate was 32 % (95 % CI: 15.0-53.5). The following drug-related serious adverse events were reported: thrombosis in a limb vein, pulmonary artery, and portal vein; interstitial lung disease; and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS Tamibarotene demonstrated the inhibition of tumor cell growth in advanced HCC with acceptable tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Kanai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Shuntaro Obi
- Department of Hepatology, Kyoundo Hospital, 1-8 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Shigetoshi Fujiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kumamoto Shinto General Hospital, 1-17-27 Shinyashiki, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 862-8655, Japan.
| | - Shuichiro Shiina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Tamai
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Mochizuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu City, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanto Central Hospital, 6-25-1 Kamiyouga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-8531, Japan.
| | - Jun Imamura
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Yamaguchi
- Clinical Research 1, Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 10-11 Nihonbashi Kobuna-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8351, Japan.
| | - Isamu Saida
- Clinical Research 1, Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 10-11 Nihonbashi Kobuna-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8351, Japan.
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Masao Omata
- Yamanashi Prefectural Hospital Organization, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu City, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan.
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14
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Dong ZZ, Yan XD, Yao M, Yan MJ, Wang L, Qiu LW, Wu W, Yao DF. Association between expression of key insulin-like growth factor signaling molecules and malignant transformation of hepatocytes. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012; 20:2992-2999. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v20.i31.2992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of key insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-Ⅰreceptor (IGF-IR) during malignant transformation of rat hepatocytes.
METHODS: Hepatoma was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA). Morphological changes of the liver were observed, and dynamic changes in the levels of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-1R in the liver and serum were quantitatively analyzed. The expression and distribution of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-1R proteins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum IGF-1R and IGF-II levels were detected by ELISA. Expression of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-IR mRNAs in the liver was detected by nested RT-PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing.
RESULTS: After induction with 2-FAA, rat hepatocytes showed granule-like degeneration, atypical hyperplasia, and malignant transformation, and hepatic total RNA, IGF-1R, and IGF-Ⅱ levels significantly increased. The levels of IGF-Ⅱ in the liver (F = 48.1, P < 0.01) and serum (F = 13.2, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the hepatoma group than in any of other groups. There was a positive relationship (r = 0.97, t = 5.97, P < 0.01) between liver IGF-II (nmol/mg wet liver) and serum IGF-Ⅱ (nmol/L). Similar results were also obtained for IGF-IR in the liver and serum, and IGF-IR expression in the hepatoma group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups.
CONCLUSION: IGF-1R and IGF-Ⅱ may participate in hepatocyte canceration. Overexpression of IGF-1R and IGF-Ⅱ might be useful molecular markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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15
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Yao N, Yao D, Wang L, Dong Z, Wu W, Qiu L, Yan X, Yu D, Chen J, Sai W, Zhang H, Yang J. Inhibition of autocrine IGF-II on effect of human HepG2 cell proliferation and angiogenesis factor expression. Tumour Biol 2012; 33:1767-76. [PMID: 22684773 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-012-0436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is associated with the hepatocyte malignant transformation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progress. In this study, specific IGF-II miRNA plasmids were constructed and transfected to HepG2 cells to knockdown IGF-II expression for observing effects on the cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and anchorage-independent colony formation. IGF-II mRNA was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the level of IGF-II or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. Our data shown that downregulation of IGF-II expression resulted in the viability alteration, proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis occurrence of HepG2 cells. The level of VEGF expression in the supernatant of HepG2 cells in the IGF-II-miRNA-transfected group was significantly decreasing (P < 0.01) than those in the untransfected group or the miRNA-neg-transfected group, with the susceptibility to anoikis and decreasing of anchorage-independent colony formation of HepG2 cells. Thus, we conclude that IGF-II is a potential molecular target for HCC gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninghua Yao
- Center of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
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16
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Although major risk factors for the development of HCC have been defined, many aspects of the evolution of hepatocellular carcinogenesis and metastasis are still unknown. Suitable animal models are, therefore, essential to promote our understanding of the molecular, cellular and pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This Review provides an overview of animal models that are relevant to HCC development, metastasis and treatment. For HCC development, this Review focuses on transgenic mouse models of HBV and HCV infection, which provide experimental evidence that viral genes could initiate or promote liver carcinogenesis. Animal models of HCC metastasis provide platforms to elucidate the mechanisms of HCC metastasis, to study the interaction between the microenvironment and HCC invasion and to conduct intervention studies. In addition, animal models have been developed to investigate the effects of new treatment modalities. The criteria for establishing ideal HCC animal models are also discussed.
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