The significance of glypican-3 expression profiling in the tumor cellular origin theoretical system for hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a novel probe [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P for PET imaging of GPC3 positive tumor

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is markedly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and not expressed in normal liver tissues. In this study, a novel peptide PET imaging agent ([18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P) was developed to target GPC3 expressed in tumors. The overall radiochemical yield of [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P was 10-15 %, and its lipophilicity, expressed as the logD value at a pH of 7.4, was -1.18 ± 0.06 (n = 3). Compared to the previously reported tracer [18F]AlF-GP2633, [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P exhibited higher cellular uptake (15.13 vs 5.96) and internalized rate (80.63 % vs 35.93 %) in Huh7 cells at 120 min. Micro-PET/CT and biodistribution studies further demonstrated that [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P exhibited significantly increased tumor uptake and prolonged tumor residence in Huh7 tumors compared to [18F]AlF-GP2633 (4.66 ± 0.22 % ID/g vs 0.72 ± 0.09 % ID/g at 60 min, p < 0.001; 5.05 ± 0.23 % ID/g vs 0.35 ± 0.08 % ID/g at 120 min, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the tumor-to-organ ratios of [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P surpassed those of [18F]AlF-GP2633. Our results support the utilization of [18F]AlF-NOTA-IPB-GPC3P as a PET imaging agent targeting the GPC3 receptor for tumor detection.

Quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting glypican-3 expression of small hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm

AIM

To explore the value of quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting Gglypican-3 (GPC3) expression of single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤3 cm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-nine patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC were included retrospectively. Quantitative image features and clinicopathological parameters were analysed. The significant predictors for GPC3 expression were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nomograms were constructed from the prediction model and the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The tumour-to-liver signal intensity (SI) ratio on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP; odds ratio [OR] = 0.004; p=0.001), serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/ml (OR=6.175; p<0.001), and non-smooth tumour margin (OR=4.866; p=0.002) were independent significant factors for GPC3 expression. When the three factors were combined, the diagnostic specificity was 97.7% (42/43). The nomogram based on the predictive model performed satisfactorily (C-index: 0.852). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with GPC3-positive HCCs have lower PFS rates than patients with GPC3-negative HCCs (Log-rank test, p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

The tumour-to-liver SI ratio on the HBP combined with serum AFP >20 ng/ml and non-smooth tumour margin are potential predictive factors for GPC3 expression of small HCC ≤3cm. GPC3 expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.

A nomogram based on LI-RADS features, clinical indicators and quantitative contrast-enhanced MRI parameters for predicting glypican-3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

Noninvasively assessing the tumor biology and microenvironment before treatment is greatly important, and glypican-3 (GPC-3) is a new-generation immunotherapy target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated the application value of a nomogram based on LI-RADS features, quantitative contrast-enhanced MRI parameters and clinical indicators in the noninvasive preoperative prediction of GPC-3 expression in HCC.

Methods and materials

We retrospectively reviewed 127 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary HCC who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI examinations and related laboratory tests. Quantitative contrast-enhanced MRI parameters and clinical indicators were collected by an abdominal radiologist, and LI-RADS features were independently assessed and recorded by three trained intermediate- and senior-level radiologists. The pathological and immunohistochemical results of HCC were determined by two senior pathologists. All patients were divided into a training cohort (88 cases) and validation cohort (39 cases). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent predictors of GPC-3 expression in HCC, and a nomogram model was established in the training cohort. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the calibration curve in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively.

Results

Blood products in mass, nodule-in-nodule architecture, mosaic architecture, contrast enhancement ratio (CER), transition phase lesion-liver parenchyma signal ratio (TP-LNR), and serum ferritin (Fer) were independent predictors of GPC-3 expression, with odds ratios (ORs) of 5.437, 10.682, 5.477, 11.788, 0.028, and 1.005, respectively. Nomogram based on LI-RADS features (blood products in mass, nodule-in-nodule architecture and mosaic architecture), quantitative contrast-enhanced MRI parameters (CER and TP-LNR) and clinical indicators (Fer) for predicting GPC-3 expression in HCC was established successfully. The nomogram showed good discrimination (AUC of 0.925 in the training cohort and 0.908 in the validation cohort) and favorable calibration. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% and 92.3% in the training cohort, 76.8% and 93.8% in the validation cohort respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram constructed from LI-RADS features, quantitative contrast-enhanced MRI parameters and clinical indicators has high application value, can accurately predict GPC-3 expression in HCC and may help noninvasively identify potential patients for GPC-3 immunotherapy.

Prognostic value and morphological findings of overexpression of glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most common cancer all worldwide and is second in cancer-related deaths. In HCC, whose prognosis is still not good despite current treatments, there is a need for prognostic markers as well as early diagnosis. Glypican (GPC)-3 has been proposed as a potential serologic and histochemical marker specific to HCC. This study aimed to determine the relationship between GPC3 overexpression and HCC prognosis and clinicomorphologic features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total 152 patients who were diagnosed as a result of hepatectomy, lobectomy or liver transplantation were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups, GPC3-positive (overexpression) (>10%) and GPC3-negative (<10%). The demographic data of the patients, tumor characteristics and survival times were recorded.

RESULTS

Survival was significantly lower in the GPC3+ group. In the multivariate analysis, hepatitis C, AFP, tumor number, tumor focality, portal vein tumor thrombosis and GLP3 positivity were found to be independent risk factors for survival.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that GPC3 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor in HCC. GPC3 positivity were found to be an independent risk factor for survival.

Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of Glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Glypican-3 (GPC-3) expression is abnormal in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore whether GPC-3 has diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of HCC, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched with keywords “GPC-3” and “HCC” and their MeSH terms from inception to July 2022. We applied the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model and evaluated the diagnostic value of GPC-3 alone and combination, and the correlation between high and low GPC-3 expression on clinicopathological features and survival data in prognosis.

Results

Forty-one original publications with 6,305 participants were included, with 25 of them providing data for diagnostic value and 18 records were eligible for providing prognostic value of GPC-3. GPC-3 alone got good diagnostic value in patients with HCC when compared with healthy control and moderate diagnostic value when compared with patients with cirrhosis. In addition, combination of GPC-3 + AFP and GPC-3 + GP73 got great diagnostic value in HCC versus cirrhosis groups; the combination of GPC-3 can also improve the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers. Moreover, we discovered that overexpression of GPC-3 was more likely found in HBV infection, late tumor stage, and microvascular invasion groups and causes shorter overall survival and disease free survival, which means poor prognosis.

Conclusion

GCP-3 could be used as a biomarker in HCC diagnosis and prognosis, especially in evaluated diagnostic value in combination with AFP or GP73, and in forecasting worse survival data of overexpression GPC-3

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42022351566].

GPC3-targeted immunoPET imaging of hepatocellular carcinomas

PURPOSE

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a clinical challenge. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan highly specific for HCC and is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC. This work aims to develop GPC3-targeted immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging strategies and to assess the diagnostic values in preclinical HCC models.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to screen GPC3-positive HCC cell lines. The expression of GPC3 in HCCs was detected by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. A novel GPC3-specific single domain antibody (sdAb) was produced and labeled with gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga, T_1/2 = 1.1 h) and fluorine-18 (¹⁸F, T_1/2 = 1.8 h) to develop radiotracers with different half-lives. The diagnostic efficacies of the developed probes (i.e., [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2, [¹⁸F]F-G2, and [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-ABDG2) were interrogated in preclinical HCC models bearing varying GPC3 levels.

RESULTS

GPC3 was strongly expressed on HCC cell lines and patients with poorly differentiated HCC. [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2 immunoPET imaging specifically delineated the subcutaneous HCC lesions, outperforming the traditional ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET and the nonspecific [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-NbGFP immunoPET. ImmunoPET imaging with [¹⁸F]F-G2 also efficiently diagnosed the tumors with clarity. Moreover, the fusion of G2 to an albumin-binding domain (ABD) significantly increased the tumor uptake and decreased kidney accumulation of the radiotracer when compared to [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2.

CONCLUSIONS

In the work, we successfully developed sdAb-derived GPC3-targeted immunoPET imaging strategies and characterized the superior diagnostic accuracies in preclinical HCC models. Furthermore, we synthesized a fusion protein ABDG2 with improved targeting and pharmacokinetic properties, serving as a promising candidate for developing radioimmunotherapy agents.

The Landscape Of Alpha Fetoprotein In Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Are We?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and has been acknowledged as a leading cause of death among cirrhosis patients. Difficulties in early diagnosis and heterogeneity are obstacles to effective treatment, especially for advanced HCC. Liver transplantation (LT) is considered the best therapy for HCC. Although many biomarkers are being proposed, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which was identified over 60 years ago, remains the most utilized. Recently, much hope has been placed in the immunogenicity of AFP to develop novel therapies, such as AFP vaccines and AFP-specific adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT). This review summarizes the performance of AFP as a biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as its correlation with molecular classes. In addition, the role of AFP in LT is also described. Finally, we highlight the mechanism and application prospects of two immune therapies (AFP vaccine and ACT) for HCC. In general, our review points out the prevalence of AFP in HCC, accompanied by some controversies and novel directions for future research.

Identification of Candidate Biomarkers for HCV Leading to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Differential Stages From Serum Samples

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly liver malignancy found and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a prominent risk factor for this disease. Prognosis of HCC is poor; initiate the need of markers to discover therapeutic targets in HCC.

Introduction:

Clinical staging systems of HCC composed of tumor characteristics along with liver function test are important in prognosis but they are not precise. Molecular profiling can lead to a better understanding of the physiopathology of HCC and can help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Methods:

64 HCC serum samples (shifted from HCV) were graded into stage I- IV; along with +ive (3 Hepatitis C) and -ive control (2 healthy persons). Proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and differential mRNA expression from serum samples of different HCC stages was confirmed by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR).

Results:

HCC serum proteins displayed differential expression of glutathione s-transferase (GST), glypican-3 (GPC3), vitronectin (VTN), and clusterin (CLU) by SDS-PAGE. GST was expressed in -ive control, while GPC3 was found in both -ive and +ive control. The qPCR analysis, display more than 0.07 fold decrease in GST in I-IV HCC stages. The highest increase in HCC stages was observed by GPC3; about 4 fold increase in I-IV stages. VTN show 1.7-3.4 fold; while CLU show 2-3.5 fold increase in four stages of HCC.

Conclusion:

GPC3, VTN and CLU in combination can be good potential markers for differentiating stages (I-IV) of HCC.

Cobalt Chloride Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting GPC3 Expression via the HIF-1α/c-Myc Axis in HepG2 Cells

Purpose

To investigate the role of glypican-3 (GPC3) in cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

HepG2 cells were treated with CoCl₂ in the absence or presence of GPC3 plasmid transfection. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of GPC3, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), c-myc, sp1, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 was determined by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence after the cells were treated with different concentrations of CoCl₂ or siRNA targeting HIF-1α.

Results

CoCl₂ significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis. Additionally, the expression of GPC3 mRNA and protein was decreased, and overexpression of GPC3 attenuated the tumour inhibiting effects. Further studies showed that CoCl₂ increased the expression of HIF-1α while reducing the expression of sp1 and c-myc; knockdown of HIF-1α elevated the expression of GPC3, sp1, and c-myc.

Conclusion

CoCl₂ inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells through downregulation of GPC3 expression via the HIF-1α/c-myc axis.

Mitofusin2, a rising star in acute-on-chronic liver failure, triggers macroautophagy via the mTOR signalling pathway

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a life-threatening syndrome with poor prognosis. Several studies have begun to prove that mitochondria play a crucial role in liver failure. Mitofusin2 (Mfn2) plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial morphology and function. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of Mfn2 on cell autophagy of ACLF remain unclear. Our aim was to explore the effect of Mfn2 on several biological functions involving cell autophagy in ACLF. In this study, we constructed an ACLF animal model and a hepatocyte autophagy model, using adenovirus and lentivirus to deliver Mfn2 to liver cells, in order to assess the effect of Mfn2 on autophagy and apoptosis in ACLF. Furthermore, we explored the biological mechanism of Mfn2-induced autophagy of ACLF using Western blotting, RT-PCR and electron microscopy. We found that Mfn2 significantly attenuated ACLF, characterized by ameliorated gross appearance and microscopic histopathology of liver, and reduced serum AST, ALT, and TBIL levels. Mfn2 improved the expressions of LC3-II, Atg5 and Bcl-2 and down-regulated the expression of P62 and Bax in ACLF. Like rapamycin, Mfn2 also significantly inhibited the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR in ACLF. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Mfn2 influences multiple biological functions of ACLF via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. This study will provide a reliable theoretical basis for the application of Mfn2 as an effective target for ACLF treatment, reversing or delaying the process of ACLF.

Sorafenib encapsulated in nanocarrier functionalized with glypican-3 specific peptide for targeted therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world with increasing incidence. Chemotherapy is required for HCC patients after receiving surgical resection. Serious off-target induced side effects and systemic toxicity limit the clinical utility of drugs. Targeting therapeutic nanomedicine is an innovative strategy for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and reducing side effects. Here, we successfully formulated nanocarriers to encapsulate sorafenib, an FDA approved drug for treatment of HCC. Sorafenib is encapsulated with an entrapment efficiency >80% over 20 days. The effective aqueous solubility is improved over 1900-fold. The release ratio in vitro is characterized by a half-life of T_1/2 = 22.7 h. The peak target-to-background ratio for nanocarrier uptake by tumor occurs at 24 h post-injection, and is significantly greater for the target peptide versus controls. Ex vivo biodistribution confirms the in vivo results. Tumor regression is significantly greater for the target peptide versus controls after 21 days of therapy. No acute toxicity is found by blood chemistry or necropsy. In summary, a peptide specific for GPC3 has been identified, and used to modify the surface of a nanocarrier that encapsulates sorafenib with high entrapment efficiency. Regression of HCC xenograft tumors showed promise for targeted drug delivery.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of prognostic significance of Glypican-3 in patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer and the second cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is established as an important prognostic factor for HCC but the results are still controversial. Moreover, its utility as an immunohistochemical marker for HCC is not conclusive. Herein we aimed to find the prognostic significance of GPC3 in HCC patients. The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane library databases were searched and eligible studies based on the GPC3 expression and survival outcome of HCC (odds ratios or hazard ratios) included in the current meta-analysis. The STATA 12.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used for statistical evaluations. 17 articles contained 2618 patients, were included in the recent meta-analysis. Our findings revealed a significant association between tumor stage, higher tumor grade, presence of vascular invasion, shorter overall survival, shorter disease-free survival and high expression of GPC3. The subgroup analyses based on sample size, cutoffs and follow-up period were also conducted to examine the association between GPC3 and OS and also to increase the homogeneity of study. Current study found a significant association between GPC3 expression and poor prognosis of HCC and specially related to the HCC invasion and progression. It was recommended to design more prospective studies based on the relationship between GPC3 and HCC to confirm our results.

Mitofusin2, as a Protective Target in the Liver, Controls the Balance of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Aim: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous studies showed the vital role of mitofusin2 (Mfn2) in the regulation of mitochondrial function. However, the effect of Mfn2 on ACLF remains unknown. As one of mitochondrial-related pathways, BNIP3-mediated pathway controls the balance between apoptosis and autophagy. However, the relationship between Mfn2 and BNIP3-mediated pathway in ACLF is still obscure. The aim of our study is to clarify the effect of Mfn2 and potential molecular mechanisms in ACLF.

Methods: We collected liver tissue from ACLF patients and constructed an ACLF animal model and a hepatocyte autophagy injury model, using adenovirus and lentivirus to deliver Mfn2 and Mfn2-siRNA to liver cells, in order to assess the effect of Mfn2 on autophagy and apoptosis in ACLF. We explored the biological mechanisms of Mfn2-induced autophagy and apoptosis of ACLF through Western blotting, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical staining, and hematoxylin–eosin staining.

Results: Compared with the normal liver tissue, the expressions of Mfn2, Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3-II/I were significantly decreased and the expression of P62 was much higher in patients with ACLF. Mfn2 significantly attenuated ACLF, characterized via microscopic histopathology and reduced serum AST and ALT levels. Mfn2 promoted the expressions of ATP synthase β, Atg5, Beclin1, LC3-II/I, and Bcl2 and reduced the expressions of P62, Bax, and BNIP3.

Conclusions: Mfn2 plays a protective role in the progression of ACLF. BNIP3-mediated signaling pathway is not the only factor associated with Mfn2 controlling the balance of apoptosis and autophagy in ACLF. Mfn2 will provide a promising therapeutic target for patients with ACLF.

The clinical parameters for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure with sepsis

It is still unknown that whether sepsis with hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) fit into the conventional diagnostic criteria of sepsis. Our aim was to investigate the potential clinical parameters for the diagnosis of HBV-ACLF with sepsis. A retrospective study was conducted in 43 patients with HBV-ACLF and sepsis who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. All patients were divided into three groups according to the pathological results and laboratory test results. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Gordon Sweet’s reticulin staining were performed in this study. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartale aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBiL), cholinesterase (CHE), albumin (ALB), prothrombin activity (PTA), blood routine examination were detected. The results being chosen at admission and before transplantation were analyzed. TBiL had a significant increase (563.5 ± 191.8 umol/L vs. 383.9 ± 157.6 umol/L, 438.3 ± 154.7 umol/L, P = 0.031) and ALT significantly decreased (81.6 ± 66.4 U/L, 754.5 ± 1084.7 U/L, 120.6 ± 102.5 U/L, P = 0.005) in sepsis group before liver transplantation. When sepsis appeared in patients with HBV-ACLF, the ratio of PLT to WBC count before liver transplantation was much lower than it at admission (4.6 ± 2.0 vs. 16.1 ± 7.2, P = 0.000). In conclusion, the clinical parameters of sepsis in patients with HBV-ACLF should be reset. The ratio of PLT/WBC and (WBC_BLT/WBC_AA)/ (PLT_BLT/PLT_AA) could remind us the occurring of sepsis in patients with HBV-ACLF.

Coenzyme Q10 Ameliorates Pancreatic Fibrosis via the ROS-Triggered mTOR Signaling Pathway

AIM

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in pancreatic fibrosis. Any remedies that inhibit the activation of PSCs can be potential candidates for therapeutic strategies in pancreatic fibrosis-related pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Our study is aimed at exploring the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against pancreatic fibrosis.

METHODS

Pancreatic fibrosis was induced by 20% L-arginine (250 mg/100 g) at 1 h intervals twice per week for 8 weeks in C57BL/6 mice. CoQ10 was administered for 4 weeks. Isolated primary PSCs from C57BL/6 mice were treated with 100 μM CoQ10 for 72 h, as well as Rosup and specific inhibitors. The effects of CoQ10 on the activation of PSCs, autophagy, collagen deposition, histological changes, and oxidative stress were analyzed by western blotting, biochemical estimations, immunofluorescence staining, and hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and Sirius red staining, as well as with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay.

RESULTS

Pretreatment and posttreatment of CoQ10 decreased autophagy, activation of PSCs, oxidative stress, histological changes, and collagen deposition in the CP mouse model. In primary PSCs, expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were upregulated with CoQ10. A rescue experiment using specific inhibitors of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway demonstrated that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway was the underlying mechanism by which CoQ10 ameliorated fibrosis. With the addition of Rosup, expression levels of the autophagy biomarkers LC3 and Atg5 were elevated. Meanwhile, the levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that CoQ10 alleviates pancreatic fibrosis by the ROS-triggered PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CoQ10 may be a therapeutic candidate for antifibrotic methods.

Derivation and Validation of the Potential Core Genes in Pancreatic Cancer for Tumor-Stroma Crosstalk

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal malignancy with a poor prognosis. The interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells contribute to cancer progression. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a key role in tumor-stroma crosstalk of pancreatic cancer. The in-depth exploration for tumor-stroma crosstalk is helpful to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Our aim was to identify the potential core genes and pathways in tumor-stroma crosstalk.

Methods

3 microarray datasets were from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened through bioinformatics analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to obtain the biological roles of DEGs. The top 15 DEGs were explored by principal component analysis. We validated the top 15 DEGs expression in the tumor-stroma crosstalk model in which PSCs were treated with the mixture of Aspc-1 and Panc-1 supernatant.

Results

A total of 221 genes were filtered as DEGs for tumor-stroma crosstalk. The results of principal component analysis for the top 15 DEGs can distinguish three groups. According to the KEGG enrichment, there were 8, 7, and 7 DEGs enriched in cancer related pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and microRNAs, respectively. In the tumor-stroma crosstalk model, significant differences can be validated in the AKAP12, CLDN1, CP, FKBP1A, LAMB3, LSM4, MTMR3, PRKARIA, YWHAZ, and JUND expressions.

Conclusions

These results identified the potential core genes and pathways in pancreatic cancer for tumor-stroma crosstalk, which could provide potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The expansion of targetable biomarkers for CAR T cell therapy

Biomarkers are an integral part of cancer management due to their use in risk assessment, screening, differential diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of response to treatment, and monitoring progress of disease. Recently, with the advent of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, a new category of targetable biomarkers has emerged. These biomarkers are associated with the surface of malignant cells and serve as targets for directing cytotoxic T cells. The first biomarker target used for CAR T cell therapy was CD19, a B cell marker expressed highly on malignant B cells. With the success of CD19, the last decade has shown an explosion of new targetable biomarkers on a range of human malignancies. These surface targets have made it possible to provide directed, specific therapy that reduces healthy tissue destruction and preserves the patient's immune system during treatment. As of May 2018, there are over 100 clinical trials underway that target over 25 different surface biomarkers in almost every human tissue. This expansion has led to not only promising results in terms of patient outcome, but has also led to an exponential growth in the investigation of new biomarkers that could potentially be utilized in CAR T cell therapy for treating patients. In this review, we discuss the biomarkers currently under investigation and point out several promising biomarkers in the preclinical stage of development that may be useful as targets.

Mitofusin2 Induces Cell Autophagy of Pancreatic Cancer through Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Aim

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most quickly fatal cancers around the world. Burgeoning researches have begun to prove that mitochondria play a crucial role in cancer treatment. Mitofusin2 (Mfn2) plays an indispensable role in mitochondrial fusion and adjusting function. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of Mfn2 on cell autophagy of pancreatic cancer is still unclear. Our aim was to explore the effect of Mfn2 on multiple biological functions involving cell autophagy in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Pancreatic cancer cell line, Aspc-1, was treated with Ad-Mfn2 overexpression. Western blotting, caspase-3 activity measurement, and CCK-8 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were used to examine the effects of Mfn2 on pancreatic cancer autophagy, apoptosis, cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. The expression of tissue Mfn2 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Survival analysis of Mfn2 was evaluated by OncoLnc.

Results

Mfn2 improved the expression of LC3-II and Bax and downregulated the expression of P62 and Bcl-2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Meanwhile, Mfn2 also significantly inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, Mfn2 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and ROS production. Assessment of Kaplan-Meier curves showed that Mfn2⁻ pancreatic cancer has a worse prognosis than Mfn2⁺ pancreatic cancer has.

Conclusions

Our finding suggests that Mfn2 induces cell autophagy of pancreatic cancer through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, Mfn2 also influences multiple biological functions of pancreatic cancer cells. Mfn2 may act as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer treatment.

A Rising Star in Pancreatic Diseases: Pancreatic Stellate Cells

Pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) is a type of pluripotent cell located between pancreatic lobules and the surrounding area of acinars. When activated, PSC can be transformed into myofibroblast-like cell. A number of evidences suggest that activated PSC is the main source of the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein under the pathological conditions, which lead to pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have found that PSC also plays an important role in the endocrine cell function, islet fibrosis and diabetes. In order to provide new strategies for the treatment of pancreatic diseases, this paper systematically summarizes the recent researches about the biological behaviors of PSC, including its stem/progenitor cell characteristics, secreted exosomes, cellular senescence, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), energy metabolism and direct mechanical reprogramming.

Overexpression of glypican-3 is a predictor of poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Glypican-3 (GPC3) has been widely recognized in the progression of liver tumors for several years. The relationship between overexpression of GPC3 and the poorer prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed by 2 meta-analyses. However, there were also some latest literatures that indicated different conclusions distinctly. It is necessary for us to carry out a meta-analysis by adding the latest data from current studies to explore the correlation between GPC3 and prognostic value in HCC.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis including a total of 14 studies to assess the potential prognostic significance of GPC3 expression for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The expression of GPC3 was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with 2364 patients were incorporated in the meta-analysis. The combined hazard ratios (HRs) revealed that the overexpression of GPC3 could forecast a poor OS [n = 2233 in 12 studies, HR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.07-1.85, Z = 2.42, P = .02] and DFS (n = 1308 in 10 studies, HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13-2.30, Z = 2.63, P = .008) in HCC patients. Subgroup treated by hepatectomy indicated that the pooled HR of OS was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.01-2.01, P = .04) and the combined HR of DFS was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.09-2.31, P = .02). The pooled odds ratios (ORs) showed that high GPC3 expression was also extensively associated with worse tumor differentiation, later tumor stage, presence of vascular invasion, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Subgroup analyses for GPC3 on HCC OS based on the studies categorized by regions, follow-up period, and sample size were also conducted.

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis indicated that overexpression of GPC3 was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC.

Prognostic significance of glypican-3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, an increasing number of studies has been published analyzing the possible prognostic utility of glypican-3 (GPC3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate possible association between GPC3 expression and patients' survival.

METHODS

Relevant publications which assessed GPC3 expression with survival outcome in HCC patients were searched from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. Survival outcome (odds ratios or hazard ratios) was synthesized with a fixed or random effects meta-analysis. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed by STATA 12.0 and Review Manager software 5.3.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies including 2336 HCC cases were analyzed systematically in our meta-analysis. The main results showed that GPC3 high expression was significantly associated with later tumor stage, higher tumor grade, presence of vascular invasion, shortened overall survival, and disease-free survival. Subgroup analyses for GPC3 on HCC overall survival according to the studies categorized by sample size, follow-up period, and cut-offs were also conducted.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that GPC3 may play a role in cancer invasion and progression and may be related to poor prognosis of HCC. Further mechanical research or multicenter cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.