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Ma D, Yang M, Sun C, Cui X, Xiong G, Wang Q, Jing W, Chen H, Lv X, Liu S, Li T, Zhao Y, Han L. cGAS suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma independent of its cGAMP synthase activity. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:722-737. [PMID: 38594443 PMCID: PMC11164996 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key innate immune sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA to induce immune responses against invading pathogens. The role of cGAS is conventionally recognized as a nucleotidyltransferase to catalyze the synthesis of cGAMP upon recognition of cytosolic DNA, which leads to the activation of STING and production of type I/III interferon to fight against the pathogen. However, given that hepatocytes are lack of functional STING expression, it is intriguing to define the role of cGAS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the liver parenchymal cells derived malignancy. In this study, we revealed that cGAS was significantly downregulated in clinical HCC tissues, and its dysregulation contributed to the progression of HCC. We further identified cGAS as an immune tyrosine inhibitory motif (ITIM) containing protein, and demonstrated that cGAS inhibited the progression of HCC and increased the response of HCC to sorafenib treatment by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in cellular and animal models. Mechanistically, cGAS recruits SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) via ITIM, and dephosphorylates p85 in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which leads to the suppression of AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Thus, cGAS is identified as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC via its function independent of its conventional role as cGAMP synthase, which indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC by modulating cGAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caiyu Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuling Cui
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaozhong Xiong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiushi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lihui Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Chava S, Ekmen N, Ferraris P, Aydin Y, Moroz K, Wu T, Thung SN, Dash S. Mechanisms of Sorafenib Resistance in HCC Culture Relate to the Impaired Membrane Expression of Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1). J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:839-855. [PMID: 38741679 PMCID: PMC11090194 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s452152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sorafenib, an FDA-approved drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, encounters resistance in many patients. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance is crucial for devising alternative strategies to overcome it. Aim This study aimed to investigate sorafenib resistance mechanisms using a diverse panel of HCC cell lines. Methods HCC cell lines were subjected to continuous sorafenib treatment, and stable cell lines (Huh 7.5 and Huh 7PX) exhibiting sustained growth in its presence were isolated. The investigation of drug resistance mechanisms involved a comparative analysis of drug-targeted signal transduction pathways (EGFR/RAF/MEK/ERK/Cyclin D), sorafenib uptake, and membrane expression of the drug uptake transporter. Results HCC cell lines (Huh 7.5 and Huh 7PX) with a higher IC50 (10μM) displayed a more frequent development of sorafenib resistance compared to those with a lower IC50 (2-4.8μM), indicating a potential impact of IC50 variation on initial treatment response. Our findings reveal that activated overexpression of Raf1 kinases and impaired sorafenib uptake, mediated by reduced membrane expression of organic cation transporter-1 (OCT1), contribute to sorafenib resistance in HCC cultures. Stable expression of the drug transporter OCT1 through cDNA transfection or adenoviral delivery of OCT1 mRNA increased sorafenib uptake and successfully overcame sorafenib resistance. Additionally, consistent with sorafenib resistance in HCC cultures, cirrhotic liver-associated human HCC tumors often exhibited impaired membrane expression of OCT1 and OCT3. Conclusion Intrinsic differences among HCC cell clones, affecting sorafenib sensitivity at the expression level of Raf kinases, drug uptake, and OCT1 transporters, were identified. This study underscores the potential of HCC tumor targeted OCT1 expression to enhance sorafenib treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Chava
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nergiz Ekmen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Pauline Ferraris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yucel Aydin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Krzysztof Moroz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Swan N Thung
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
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He T, Zou J, Sun K, Yang J. Global research status and frontiers on autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive bibliometric and visualized analysis. Int J Surg 2024; 110:2788-2802. [PMID: 38376850 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An extensive body of research has explored the role of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), revealing its critical involvement in the disease's pathogenesis, progression, and therapeutic targeting. However, there is a discernible deficit in quantitative, analytical studies concerning autophagy in the context of HCC. Accordingly, this investigation endeavored to meticulously assess the evolution of autophagy research, employing bibliometric citation analysis to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the findings in this field. METHODS The authors conducted a literature search on 2 August 2023, to extract relevant publications spanning from 2013 to 2022, indexed in the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). Subsequently, the authors performed a bibliometric assessment of the compiled documents using visualization tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer. RESULTS The search yielded 734 publications penned by 4699 authors, encompassing contributions from 41 countries and 909 institutions, disseminated across 272 journals, and comprising 26 295 co-cited references from 2667 journals. Notably, China led in publication volume with 264 articles (amounting to 35.9%) and exhibited the most robust collaboration with the United States. The mechanisms underlying autophagy's influence on the emergence and advancement of HCC, as well as the implicated proteins and genes, have garnered significant attention. In recent years, investigations of targeting autophagy and the resistance to sorafenib have surfaced as pivotal themes and emerging frontiers in this domain. CONCLUSIONS This study rigorously collated and distilled the prevailing research narratives and novel insights on autophagy in HCC. The resultant synthesis provides a substantive foundation for medical professionals and researchers, as well as pivotal implications for future investigative endeavors in this arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
| | - Jieyu Zou
- Department of Oncology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Shi Y, Li K, Yuan Y, Wang C, Yang Z, Zuo D, Niu Y, Qiu J, Li B, Yuan Y, He W. Comprehensive analysis of m6A modification in immune infiltration, metabolism and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38627760 PMCID: PMC11022358 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is important in regulating mRNA stability, splicing, and translation, and it also contributes to tumor development. However, there is still limited understanding of the comprehensive effects of m6A modification patterns on the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we utilized unsupervised clustering based on the expression of 23 m6A regulators to identify m6A clusters. We identified differential m6A modification patterns and characterized m6A-gene-cluster A, which exhibited poorer survival rates, a higher abundance of Treg cells, and increased expression of TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, m6A-gene-cluster A demonstrated higher levels of glycolysis activity, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. We also found that the m6A score was associated with prognosis and drug resistance. Patients with a low m6A score experienced worse prognoses, which were linked to an abundance of Treg cells, upregulation of TGFβ, and increased metabolic activity. HCC patients with a higher m6A score showed improved prognosis following sorafenib treatment and immunotherapy. In conclusion, we reveals the association between m6A modification patterns and the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in HCC. Furthermore, the m6A score holds potential as a predictive factor for the efficacy of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxing Shi
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat- sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chenwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dinglan Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
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Ladd AD, Duarte S, Sahin I, Zarrinpar A. Mechanisms of drug resistance in HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:926-940. [PMID: 36680397 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
HCC comprises ∼80% of primary liver cancer. HCC is the only major cancer for which death rates have not improved over the last 10 years. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when surgical and locoregional treatments are not feasible or effective. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting cell growth and angiogenesis, was approved for advanced unresectable HCC in 2007. Since then, other multikinase inhibitors have been approved. Lenvatinib was found to be noninferior to sorafenib as a first-line agent. Regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab were shown to prolong survival as second-line agents. Advances in immunotherapy for HCC have also added hope for patients, but their efficacy remains limited. A large proportion of patients with advanced HCC gain no long-term benefit from systemic therapy due to primary and acquired drug resistance, which, combined with its rising incidence, keeps HCC a highly fatal disease. This review summarizes mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to therapy and includes methods for bypassing resistance. It addresses recent advancements in immunotherapy, provides new perspectives on the linkage between drug resistance and molecular etiology of HCC, and evaluates the role of the microbiome in drug resistance. It also discusses alterations in signaling pathways, dysregulation of apoptosis, modulations in the tumor microenvironment, involvement of cancer stem cells, changes in drug metabolism/transport, tumor hypoxia, DNA repair, and the role of microRNAs in drug resistance. Understanding the interplay among these factors will provide guidance on the development of new therapeutic strategies capable of improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Ladd
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Xu K, Wang X, Hu S, Tang J, Liu S, Chen H, Zhang X, Dai P. LINC00540 promotes sorafenib resistance and functions as a ceRNA for miR-4677-3p to regulate AKR1C2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27322. [PMID: 38463802 PMCID: PMC10920722 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib resistance is one of the main causes of poor prognosis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as suppressors or oncogenic factors during tumor progression and drug resistance. Here, to identify therapeutic targets for HCC, the biological mechanisms of abnormally expressed lncRNAs were examined in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Specifically, we established sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines (Huh7-S and SMMC7721-S), which displayed an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to established differential lncRNA expression profiles for sorafenib-resistant cells. Through this analysis, we identified LINC00540 as significantly up-regulated in sorafenib-resistant cells and a candidate lncRNA for further mechanistic investigation. Functionally, LINC00540 knockdown promoted sorafenib sensitivity and suppressed migration, invasion, EMT and the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, whereas overexpression of LINC00540 resulted in the opposite effects in parental cells. LINC00540 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by competitively binding to miR-4677-3p , thereby promoting AKR1C2 expression. This is the first study that demonstrates a role for LINC00540 in enhancing sorafenib resistance, migration and invasion of HCC cells through the LINC00540/miR-4677-3p/AKR1C2 axis, suggesting that LINC00540 may represent a potential therapeutic target and prognosis biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shuwei Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jiaxuan Tang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shihui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Hui Chen
- The University Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- The University Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Penggao Dai
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi Lifegen Co., Ltd, Xi'an, 712000, China
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Bao Y, Xu S, Zhou J, Zhao C, Dai S, Zhang Y, Rao M. Exosomal miR-93 derived from hepatocellular carcinoma cell promotes the sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23666. [PMID: 38375688 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from cancer cell is an important regulatory molecule that mediates the formation of tumor drug resistance, but function and mechanisms of exosomal miRNA in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been studied. We detected the level and prognosis of miR-93 in HCC by using TCGA HCC database. For confirming the extracted exosome, transmission electron microscopy was used. Cy3-labeled miR-93 and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to prove that exosomal miR-93 derived from HCC cell can be transferred to sensitive HCC cells. CCK8, EdU, and flow cytometer assay were used to confirm the function of exosomal miR-93 in sorafenib resistance of HCC. Bioinformatics software and luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the direct targeting relationship between PTEN and miR-93. Western blot was used to validate downstream pathways. We found that miR-93 is overexpressed and a prognostic risk factor for the HCC patients. miR-93 was overexpressed in sorafenib resistant HCC cells compared with sensitive cells, and miR-93 contributed to sorafenib resistance of HCC cells through targeting PTEN. miR-93 was enriched in exosomes that secreted from sorafenib resistant cells, and these exosomal miR-93 promote the spread of sorafenib resistant through targeting PTEN to reactivate PI3K/AKT pathway. Therefore, miR-93 can act as a potential therapeutic target for advanced patients with acquired sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpeng Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjing Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chongyong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Saimin Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Rao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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Wang W, Li K, Xiao W. The pharmacological role of Ginsenoside Rg3 in liver diseases: A review on molecular mechanisms. J Ginseng Res 2024; 48:129-139. [PMID: 38465219 PMCID: PMC10920009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are a significant global health burden and are among the most common diseases. Ginssennoside Rg3 (Rg3), which is one of the most abundant ginsenosides, has been found to have significant preventive and therapeutic effects against various types of diseases with minimal side effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant preventive and therapeutic effects of Rg3 on various liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, acute liver injury, nonalcoholic liver diseases (NAFLD), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The underlying molecular mechanism behind these effects is attributed to apoptosis, autophagy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive description of the potential molecular mechanisms of Rg3 in the development of liver diseases. The article focuses on the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, autophagy, inflammation, and other related factors. Additionally, the review discusses combination therapy and liver targeting strategy, which can accelerate the translation of Rg3 from bench to bedside. Overall, this article serves as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhong Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Lu S, Huang J, Zhang J, Wu C, Huang Z, Tao X, You L, Stalin A, Chen M, Li J, Tan Y, Wu Z, Geng L, Li Z, Fan Q, Liu P, Lin Y, Zhao C, Wu J. The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of Aidi injection was related to the synergistic action of cantharidin, formononetin, and isofraxidin through BIRC5, FEN1, and EGFR. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117209. [PMID: 37757991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aidi injection (ADI) is a popular anti-tumor Chinese patent medicine, widely used in clinics for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with remarkable therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways. However, the scientific evidence of the synergistic role of the complex chemical component system and the potential mechanism for treating diseases are ignored and remain to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to elucidate and verify the cooperative association between the potential active ingredient of ADI, which is of significance to enlarge our understanding of its anti-HCC molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the anti-HCC effect of ADI was evaluated in various HCC cells and the zebrafish xenograft model. Subsequently, a variety of bioinformatic technologies, including network pharmacology, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), meta-analysis of gene expression profiles, and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to construct the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of ADI intervention in HCC and to establish the relationship between the critical targets/pathways and the key corresponding components, which were involved in ADI against HCC in a synergistic way and were validated by molecular biology experiments. RESULTS ADI exerted remarkable anti-HCC in vitro cells and in vivo zebrafish model, especially that the Hep 3B2.1-7 cell showed substantial sensibility to ADI. The ceRNA network revealed that the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was identified as the promising pathway. Furthermore, the meta-analysis also demonstrated the critical role of BIRC5 and FEN1 as key targets. Finally, the synergistic effect of ADI was revealed by discovering the inhibitory effect of cantharidin on BIRC5, formononetin on FEN1 and EGFR, as well as isofraxidin on EGFR. CONCLUSION Our study unveiled that the incredible protective effect of ADI on HCC resulted from the synergistic inhibition effect of cantharidin, formononetin, and isofraxidin on multiple targets/pathways, including BIRC5, FEN1, and EGFR/PI3K/AKT, respectively, providing a scientific interpretation of ADI against HCC and a typical example of pharmacodynamic evaluation of other proprietary Chinese patent medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Tao
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Leiming You
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China.
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Libo Geng
- Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guiyang, 550008, Guizhou, China.
| | - Zhiqi Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Qiqi Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Pengyun Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yifan Lin
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Chongjun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
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10
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Han JE, Kim J, Cheong JY, Kim SS, Lim SG, Yang MJ, Noh CK, Lee GH, Eun JW, Park B, Cho HJ. The Impact of Statins on the Survival of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib or Lenvatinib. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:249. [PMID: 38254739 PMCID: PMC10813381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the survival benefits of coadministering statins and multityrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea (2010-2020) were utilized. Statin use (≥28 cumulative defined daily doses) was analyzed, with 1534 statin users matched to 6136 non-users (1:4 ratio) using propensity scores. Primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Statin use significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.82, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.84, p < 0.001). Continuous or post-TKI statin users had better OS, while discontinuation after TKI use led to poorer OS. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins improved OS and PFS, particularly with ≥730 cumulative defined daily doses. In conclusion, combining statins and TKIs in patients with advanced HCC yielded significant survival benefits, influenced by statin dosage and duration. Continuous statin administration post-TKI treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jisu Kim
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Sun Gyo Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Min Jae Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Choong-Kyun Noh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Gil Ho Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Bumhee Park
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
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11
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Soni N, Nandi G, Chaudhary M, Bissa B. The role of ncRNA in the co-regulation of autophagy and exosome pathways during cancer progression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119523. [PMID: 37348764 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery a few decades ago, autophagy has been recognized as a crucial signaling pathway, linked to the recycling of cellular components in nutrient stress. Autophagy is a two-way sword, playing a dual role in tumorigenesis. In this catabolic process, dysfunctional organelles, biomolecules, and misfolded proteins are sequestered in the autophagosome and sent to the lysosome for degradation. Alongside, there are cellular messengers called exosomes, which are released from cells and are known to communicate and regulate metabolism in recipient cells. Multivesicular bodies (MVB) act as the intricate link between autophagy and exosome pathways. The continuous crosstalk between the two pathways is coordinated and regulated by multiple players among which ncRNA is the emerging candidates. The exosomes carry varied cargo of which non-coding RNA exerts an immediate regulatory effect on recipient cells. ncRNA is known to exhibit dual behavior in both promoting and inhibiting tumor growth. There is increasing evidence for the involvement of ncRNAs' in the regulation of different hallmarks of cancer. Different ncRNAs are involved in the co-regulation of autophagy and exosome pathways and therefore represent a superior therapeutic approach to target cancer chemoresistance. Here, we will discuss the ncRNA involved in regulating autophagy, and exosomes pathways and its relevance in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Soni
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gargi Nandi
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Megha Chaudhary
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhawana Bissa
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
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12
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Bergamini C, Leoni I, Rizzardi N, Melli M, Galvani G, Coada CA, Giovannini C, Monti E, Liparulo I, Valenti F, Ferracin M, Ravaioli M, Cescon M, Vasuri F, Piscaglia F, Negrini M, Stefanelli C, Fato R, Gramantieri L, Fornari F. MiR-494 induces metabolic changes through G6pc targeting and modulates sorafenib response in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:145. [PMID: 37301960 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is a well-known marker of cancer, and it represents an early event during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The recent approval of several molecular targeted agents has revolutionized the management of advanced HCC patients. Nevertheless, the lack of circulating biomarkers still affects patient stratification to tailored treatments. In this context, there is an urgent need for biomarkers to aid treatment choice and for novel and more effective therapeutic combinations to avoid the development of drug-resistant phenotypes. This study aims to prove the involvement of miR-494 in metabolic reprogramming of HCC, to identify novel miRNA-based therapeutic combinations and to evaluate miR-494 potential as a circulating biomarker. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis identified miR-494 metabolic targets. QPCR analysis of glucose 6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6pc) was performed in HCC patients and preclinical models. Functional analysis and metabolic assays assessed G6pc targeting and miR-494 involvement in metabolic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS production in HCC cells. Live-imaging analysis evaluated the effects of miR-494/G6pc axis in cell growth of HCC cells under stressful conditions. Circulating miR-494 levels were assayed in sorafenib-treated HCC patients and DEN-HCC rats. RESULTS MiR-494 induced the metabolic shift of HCC cells toward a glycolytic phenotype through G6pc targeting and HIF-1A pathway activation. MiR-494/G6pc axis played an active role in metabolic plasticity of cancer cells, leading to glycogen and lipid droplets accumulation that favored cell survival under harsh environmental conditions. High miR-494 serum levels associated with sorafenib resistance in preclinical models and in a preliminary cohort of HCC patients. An enhanced anticancer effect was observed for treatment combinations between antagomiR-494 and sorafenib or 2-deoxy-glucose in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS MiR-494/G6pc axis is critical for the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells and associates with poor prognosis. MiR-494 deserves attention as a candidate biomarker of likelihood of response to sorafenib to be tested in future validation studies. MiR-494 represents a promising therapeutic target for combination strategies with sorafenib or metabolic interference molecules for the treatment of HCC patients who are ineligible for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bergamini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Leoni
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Nicola Rizzardi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Melli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galvani
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | | | - Catia Giovannini
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Monti
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Irene Liparulo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Valenti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Hepato-biliary Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Hepato-biliary Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Vasuri
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Stefanelli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Romana Fato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy.
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Erratum: Drug resistance mechanism of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188062. [PMID: 37077813 PMCID: PMC10107049 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097277.].
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14
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Zhu C, Guo H, Ma Z, Shi S, Zhao X, Zhai D, Zhou X, Jiang P, Xu Q, Cai J. FOXM1 augments sorafenib resistance and promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by epigenetically activating KIF23 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 656:1-9. [PMID: 36940637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.036] [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] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib has been used to enhance the survival outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. But, occurrence resistance to sorafenib subtracts from its therapeutic benefits. Herein, we identified that FOXM1 was markedly upregulated in both tumor samples and sorafenib-resistant HCC tissues. We also demonstrated that patients with decreased FOXM1 expression had longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the cohort of sorafenib-treated patients. For HCC cells resistant to sorafenib, the IC50 value of sorafenib and the expression of FOXM1 were increased. In addition, Downregulation of FOXM1 expression alleviated the occurrence of resistance to sorafenib and reduced the proliferative potential and viability of HCC cells. Mechanically, the suppression of the FOXM1 gene resulted in the downregulation of KIF23 levels. Moreover, downregulation of FOXM1 expression reduced the levels of RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) on the KIF23 promoter, further epigenetically silencing the production of KIF23. More intriguingly, our results similarly revealed that FDI-6, a specific inhibitor of FOXM1, suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells resistant to sorafenib, as well as upregulation of FOXM1 or KIF23 abolished this effect. In addition, we found that FDI-6 combined with sorafenib significantly improved the therapeutic effect of sorafenib. Collectively, the present results revealed that FOXM augments sorafenib resistance and enhances HCC progression by upregulating KIF23 expression via an epigenetic mechanism, and targeting FOXM1 can be an effective treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunle Zhu
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China; Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zengyan Ma
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shangheng Shi
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China; Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhao
- Department of Medical Iconography, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongchang Zhai
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China; Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China; Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qingguo Xu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Jinzhen Cai
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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15
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Singh AK, Singh SV, Kumar R, Kumar S, Senapati S, Pandey AK. Current therapeutic modalities and chemopreventive role of natural products in liver cancer: Progress and promise. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1-18. [PMID: 36744169 PMCID: PMC9896505 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a severe concern for public health officials since the clinical cases are increasing each year, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of 30%–35% after diagnosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a significant subtype of liver cancer (approximate75%) and is considered primary liver cancer. Treatment for liver cancer mainly depends on the stage of its progression, where surgery including, hepatectomy and liver transplantation, and ablation and radiotherapy are the prime choice. For advanced liver cancer, various drugs and immunotherapy are used as first-line treatment, whereas second-line treatment includes chemotherapeutic drugs from natural and synthetic origins. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are first-line therapies, while regorafenib and ramucirumab are second-line therapy. Various metabolic and signaling pathways such as Notch, JAK/ STAT, Hippo, TGF-β, and Wnt have played a critical role during HCC progression. Dysbiosis has also been implicated in liver cancer. Drug-induced toxicity is a key obstacle in the treatment of liver cancer, necessitating the development of effective and safe medications, with natural compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, diallyl sulfide, and others emerging as promising anticancer agents. This review highlights the current status of liver cancer research, signaling pathways, therapeutic targets, current treatment strategies and the chemopreventive role of various natural products in managing liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Singh
- Department of Botany, Government Naveen Girls College, Balod (Hemchand Yadav University), Durg, Chattisgarh, India
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shiv Vardan Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Shashank Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Sabyasachi Senapati
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Abhay K Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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16
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Cabrera-Galván JJ, Araujo E, de Mirecki-Garrido M, Pérez-Rodríguez D, Guerra B, Aranda-Tavío H, Guerra-Rodríguez M, Brito-Casillas Y, Melián C, Martínez-Martín MS, Fernández-Pérez L, Recio C. SOCS2 protects against chemical-induced hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating inflammation and cell proliferation in the liver. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114060. [PMID: 36455458 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide, but the precise intracellular mechanisms underlying the progression of this inflammation associated cancer are not well established. SOCS2 protein plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of different tumors by regulating cytokine signalling through the JAK/STAT axis. However, its role in HCC is unclear. Here, we investigate the role of SOCS2 in HCC progression and its potential as HCC biomarker. The effects of SOCS2 in HCC progression were evaluated in an experimental model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in C57BL/6 and SOCS2 deficient mice, in cultured hepatic cells, and in liver samples from HCC patients. Mice lacking SOCS2 showed higher liver tumor burden with increased malignancy grade, inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation than their controls. Protein and gene expression analysis reported higher pSTAT5 and pSTAT3 activation, upregulation of different proteins involved in survival and proliferation, and increased levels of proinflammatory and pro-tumoral mediators in the absence of SOCS2. Clinically relevant, downregulated expression of SOCS2 was found in neoplasia from HCC patients compared to healthy liver tissue, correlating with the malignancy grade. In summary, our data show that lack of SOCS2 increases susceptibility to chemical-induced HCC and suggest the tumor suppressor role of this protein by regulating the oncogenic and inflammatory responses mediated by STAT5 and STAT3 in the liver. Hence, SOCS2 emerges as an attractive target molecule and potential biomarker to deepen in the study of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Cabrera-Galván
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Departamento Morfología, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eduardo Araujo
- Departamento Morfología, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Mercedes de Mirecki-Garrido
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - David Pérez-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Borja Guerra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Unidad de Biomedicina (Unidad Asociada al CSIC), Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Haidée Aranda-Tavío
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Guerra-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yeray Brito-Casillas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Carlos Melián
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Soledad Martínez-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Departamento Morfología, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Servicio Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular - Materno Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Leandro Fernández-Pérez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Unidad de Biomedicina (Unidad Asociada al CSIC), Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlota Recio
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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Jiang L, Li L, Liu Y, Lu L, Zhan M, Yuan S, Liu Y. Drug resistance mechanism of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1097277. [PMID: 36891274 PMCID: PMC9987615 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and it usually occurs following chronic liver disease. Although some progress has been made in the treatment of HCC, the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC is not optimistic, mainly because of the inevitable development of drug resistance. Therefore, multi-target kinase inhibitors for the treatment of HCC, such as sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and regorafenib, produce small clinical benefits for patients with HCC. It is necessary to study the mechanism of kinase inhibitor resistance and explore possible solutions to overcome this resistance to improve clinical benefits. In this study, we reviewed the mechanisms of resistance to multi-target kinase inhibitors in HCC and discussed strategies that can be used to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Luan Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongzhuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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18
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Suk FM, Wu CY, Chiu WC, Chien CY, Chen TL, Liao YJ. HMGCS2 Mediation of Ketone Levels Affects Sorafenib Treatment Efficacy in Liver Cancer Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27228015. [PMID: 36432116 PMCID: PMC9697984 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the fifth leading death of cancers in men, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of all primary liver cancer cases. Sorafenib is a first-line drug for advanced-stage HCC patients. Sorafenib is a multi-target kinase inhibitor that blocks tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Despite sorafenib treatment extending survival, some patients experience side effects, and sorafenib resistance does occur. 3-Hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) is the rate-limiting enzyme for ketogenesis, which synthesizes the ketone bodies, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and acetoacetate (AcAc). β-HB is the most abundant ketone body which is present in a 4:1 ratio compared to AcAc. Recently, ketone body treatment was found to have therapeutic effects against many cancers by causing metabolic alternations and cancer cell apoptosis. Our previous publication showed that HMGCS2 downregulation-mediated ketone body reduction promoted HCC clinicopathological progression through regulating c-Myc/cyclin D1 and caspase-dependent signaling. However, whether HMGCS2-regulated ketone body production alters the sensitivity of human HCC to sorafenib treatment remains unclear. In this study, we showed that HMGCS2 downregulation enhanced the proliferative ability and attenuated the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib by activating expressions of phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-P38, and p-AKT. In contrast, HMGCS2 overexpression decreased cell proliferation and enhanced the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib in HCC cells by inhibiting ERK activation. Furthermore, we showed that knockdown HMGCS2 exhibited the potential migratory ability, as well as decreasing zonula occludens protein (ZO)-1 and increasing c-Myc expression in both sorafenib-treated Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Although HMGCS2 overexpression did not alter the migratory effect, expressions of ZO-1, c-Myc, and N-cadherin decreased in sorafenib-treated HMGCS2-overexpressing HCC cells. Finally, we investigated whether ketone treatment influences sorafenib sensitivity. We showed that β-HB pretreatment decreased cell proliferation and enhanced antiproliferative effect of sorafenib in both Huh7 and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, this study defined the impacts of HMGCS2 expression and ketone body treatment on influencing the sorafenib sensitivity of liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ying Wu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chun Chiu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chien
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Lang Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3333)
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19
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Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Dimitroulis D, Garmpi A, Psilopatis I, Sarantis P, Koustas E, Kanavidis P, Prevezanos D, Kouraklis G, Karamouzis MV, Marinos G, Kontzoglou K, Antoniou EA. Targeted Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: A New Era Ahead-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214117. [PMID: 36430594 PMCID: PMC9698799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignancies and the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with surgery being the best prognostic tool. Among the well-known causative factors of HCC are chronic liver virus infections, chronic virus hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis virus C (HCV), aflatoxins, tobacco consumption, and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). There is a need for the development of efficient molecular markers and alternative therapeutic targets of great significance. In this review, we describe the general characteristics of HCC and present a variety of targeted therapies that resulted in progress in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Damaskos
- Renal Transplantation Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694-846-7790
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitroulis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Iason Psilopatis
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Kanavidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gregory Kouraklis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontzoglou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios A. Antoniou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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20
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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21
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Luo J, Li L, Zhu Z, Chang B, Deng F, Wang D, Lu X, Zuo D, Chen Q, Zhou J. Fucoidan inhibits EGFR redistribution and potentiates sorafenib to overcome sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113602. [PMID: 36029544 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although sorafenib is a standard first-line molecule-targeted drug against advanced HCC, the drug resistance development and adverse side effects usually limit its efficacy. This study investigated the effect of fucoidan on the sorafenib sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant human HCC cell line HepG2-SR established by long-time exposure of HepG2 to sorafenib. We demonstrated fucoidan combined with sorafenib synergistically promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest whereas inhibited cell migration in HepG2-SR cells. This combination treatment effectively suppressed the cellular epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) nuclear distribution and downstream gene transcription. Interestingly, fucoidan bound the cell surface EGFR, dampening EGFR translocation to lipid raft and further nuclear distribution, restoring the sorafenib sensitivity in HepG2-SR cells. Blocking fucoidan-EGFR interaction using EGFR antibody restrained the enhanced anti-tumor effects upon the combined administration. Besides, EGFR knockdown abolished the combination treatment-improved anti-tumor efficacy. This combination also suppressed in vivo xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our present study uncovered that fucoidan overcame sorafenib resistance in HCC via its interaction with cell membrane EGFR and further suppression of EGFR redistribution and downstream signaling in sorafenib-resistant cells. Overall, current results suggest that simultaneous treatment of fucoidan and sorafenib might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy against sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhengyumeng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bo Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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22
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Sorafenib combined with STAT3 knockdown triggers ER stress-induced HCC apoptosis and cGAS-STING-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Lett 2022; 547:215880. [PMID: 35981569 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is difficult to alleviate this disease process using single-agent chemotherapy. Using combination therapies for advanced HCC has become a major trend. Given that STAT3 overexpression is involved in chemotherapy resistance and the immune escape of HCC cells, it has become a potential therapeutic target for HCC in recent years. GEO database analysis showed that STAT3 levels in tumor tissues from non-responders were significantly higher than those in responders to sorafenib. Our studies demonstrated that STAT3 knockdown promoted sorafenib-induced ER stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the DNA released by dead HCC cells stimulated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in CD103+ DCs and promoted type I interferon production, thus, enhancing the anti-tumor function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that the combination strategy of sorafenib and STAT3 knockdown might be a potential treatment strategy for HCC, directly and efficiently disturbing the tumor features of HCC cells while improving the tumor microenvironment via the cGAS-STING-Type I IFNs axis of DCs, inducing anti-HCC immune responses.
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23
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Geinguenaud F, Catherine OS, Poirier F, Besnard V, Haddad O, Chaubet F, Lalatonne Y, Lutomski D, Sutton A, Motte L. Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with Fucoidan: a Potential Theranostic Nanotool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200265. [PMID: 35748603 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200265] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Fucoidan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide with a large range of biological activities including anticancer and anti-oxidation activities. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth most common aggressive cancer type. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactivity of free fucoidan versus its vectorization using nanoparticles (NPs) in human hepatoma cells, Huh-7. Iron oxide NPs were functionalized with fucoidan by a one-step surface complexation. NP cellular uptake was quantified by magnetic measurement at various extracellular iron concentrations. Cell invasion and migration were reduced with NPs while free fucoidan increases these events at low fucoidan concentration (≤ 0.5 mM). Concomitantly, a high decrease of reactive oxygen species production related with a decrease of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and an increase of its expression was observed with NPs compared to free fucoidan. A proteomic analysis evidenced that some fucoidan regulated proteins appeared related to protein synthesis, N-glycan processing, and cellular stress. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reveals such activity induced by fucoidan. These results pave the way for USPIO-fucoidan-NPs as potential theranostic nanotool for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Y Lalatonne
- Universite Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS, FRANCE
| | | | - A Sutton
- Universite Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS, FRANCE
| | - Laurence Motte
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 74 Rue Marcel Cachin, bobigny, FRANCE
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24
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Cheng YH, Ko YC, Ku HJ, Huang CC, Yao YC, Liao YT, Chen YT, Huang SF, Huang LR. Novel Paired Cell Lines for the Study of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:821224. [PMID: 35721518 PMCID: PMC9204282 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.821224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few well-characterized syngeneic murine models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which limits immunological studies and the development of immunotherapies for HCC. We previously established an oncogene-induced spontaneous HCC mouse model based on transposon-mediated oncogene (AKT and NRASV12) insertion into the genome of hepatocytes to induce tumorigenesis. Two tumor clones with different levels of lipid droplets (LDs) showed similar in vitro growth but distinctive in vivo phenotypes, including divergent proliferative capability and varying induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The two clones showed distinct gene expression related to lipid metabolism, glycolysis, and cancer stemness. Endogenous fatty acid (FA) synthesis and exogenous monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) consumption promoted both tumor proliferation and cancer stemness, and upregulated c-Myc in the HCC cell lines. Moreover, the LDhi HCC cell line expressed a higher level of type II IL-4 receptor, which promoted tumor proliferation through binding IL-4 or IL-13. The chromosomal DNA of two tumor clones, NHRI-8-B4 (LDhi) and NHRI-1-E4 (LDlo) showed five identical AKT insertion sites in chromosomes 9, 10, 13, 16 and 18 and two NRAS integration sites in chromosomes 2 and 3. Herein, we describe two novel HCC cell lines with distinct features of lipid metabolism related to cancer stemness and differential interplay with the immune system, and present this syngeneic HCC mouse model as a practical tool for the study of cancer stemness and discovery of new therapies targeting liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hsin Cheng
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Ko
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ju Ku
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Huang
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Yao
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tzu Liao
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Tsong Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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25
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Narahara S, Watanabe T, Nagaoka K, Fujimoto N, Furuta Y, Tanaka K, Tokunaga T, Kawasaki T, Yoshimaru Y, Setoyama H, Oniki K, Saruwatari J, Tateyama M, Naoe H, Tanaka M, Tanaka Y, Sasaki Y. Clusterin and Related Scoring Index as Potential Early Predictors of Response to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1198-1212. [PMID: 34837478 PMCID: PMC9035573 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a highly lethal malignancy, although several systemic therapeutic options are available, including sorafenib (SFN), which has been one of the standard treatment agents for almost a decade. As early prediction of response to SFN remains challenging, biomarkers that enable early prediction using a clinically feasible method are needed. Here, we report that the serum secretory form of clusterin (sCLU) protein and its related predictive index are potential beneficial biomarkers for early prediction of SFN response. Using high-throughput screening and subsequent multivariate analysis in the derivation cohort, we found that changes in the concentrations of CLU, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), and α-fetoprotein were significantly associated with response to SFN. Furthermore, we confirmed that an increase in CLU serum level 1 month after treatment initiation was significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival. In addition, "NR-index," which comprises these proteins, was evaluated as a tool for accurately predicting the efficacy of SFN and confirmed in the validation cohort. We also established SFN-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) and found that sCLU significantly increased in HepG2-SR cells compared with normal HepG2 cells, and confirmed that HepG2-SR cells treated with SFN were resistant to apoptosis. The mechanism underlying activation of sCLU expression in acquired SFN resistance involves aberrant signaling and expression of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a nutrient-related transcription factor, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Furthermore, the PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 markedly decreased sCLU expression in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that measurement of sCLU serum levels and the sCLU-related NR-index are promising clinical tools for the early prediction of SFN response in HCC. Additionally, sCLU-overexpressing HCC might be susceptible to mTOR inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Narahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Nahoko Fujimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yoki Furuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takayuki Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takeshi Kawasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yoko Yoshimaru
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hiroko Setoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kentaro Oniki
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Junji Saruwatari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Masakuni Tateyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hideaki Naoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Motohiko Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan.,Public Health and Welfare BureauCity of KumamotoKumamotoJapan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yutaka Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan.,Department of Health and NutritionFaculty of Health ManagementNagasaki International UniversityNagasakiJapan
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26
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Evaluating the Effects of Separate and Concomitant Use of MK-2206 and Salinomycin on Prostate Cancer Cell Line. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 11:157-165. [PMID: 35765523 PMCID: PMC9208569 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.11.1.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer is known as one of the most prevalent health disorders in the male population globally. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin on prostate cancer cell line. Methods The antitumor potential of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin was evaluated in a panel of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). To get insights into the underlying mechanism of action, different assays including the rate of apoptosis, cell viability, and gene expression were performed in treated prostate cancer cells. Results A significant reduction was detected in the viability percentage of prostate cancer cells (p< 0.001) and the rate of Akt expression (p< 0.001) in all salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 groups compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, in comparison with the negative control group, there was a notable increase in both the rate of Bad expression (p< 0.001) and prostate cancer cells apoptosis after salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 treatments. Moreover, the concomitant use of salinomycin+MK-2206 revealed synergistic improvements regarding the viability of prostate cancer cells and the rate of the Akt and Bad expressions compared to the separate administration of salinomycin and MK-2206 (all p< 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the present study may contribute to improving the efficacy of the therapies regarding the management of prostate cancer and providing a beneficial strategy in clinical trials.
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Rescuing SLAMF3 Expression Restores Sorafenib Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through the Induction of Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040910. [PMID: 35205659 PMCID: PMC8869973 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients results in poor prognosis. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the major mechanism implicated in the resistance to sorafenib. We have reported the tumor suppressor role of SLAMF3 (signaling lymphocytic activation molecules family 3) in HCC progression and highlighted its implication in controlling the MRP-1 transporter activity. These data suggest the implication of SLAMF3 in sorafenib resistance mechanisms. Methods: We evaluated the resistance to sorafenib in Huh-7 cells treated with progressive doses (Res cells). We investigated the link between acquired resistance to sorafenib and SLAMF3 expression by flow cytometry and Western blot methods. Furthermore, we analyzed the EMT and the stem cell potential of cells resistant to sorafenib. Results: Sorafenib resistance was confirmed in Res cells by analyzing the cell viability in the presence of sorafenib. The mesenchymal transition, in Res cells, was confirmed by high migratory index and the expression of EMT antigens. Interestingly, we found that loss of SLAMF3 expression corresponded to sorafenib-resistant phenotypes. The overexpression of SLAMF3 reversed EMT, decreased metastatic potential and inhibited mTOR/ERK1/2 in Res cells. Conclusions: We propose that rescuing SLAMF3 expression in resistant cells could represent a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance sorafenib efficacy in HCC patients.
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Marin JJG, Romero MR, Herraez E, Asensio M, Ortiz-Rivero S, Sanchez-Martin A, Fabris L, Briz O. Mechanisms of Pharmacoresistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Drugs but Old Problems. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:87-103. [PMID: 34544160 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis when diagnosed at advanced stages in which curative treatments are no longer applicable. A small group of these patients may still benefit from transarterial chemoembolization. The only therapeutic option for most patients with advanced HCC is systemic pharmacological treatments based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy. Available drugs only slightly increase survival, as tumor cells possess additive and synergistic mechanisms of pharmacoresistance (MPRs) prior to or enhanced during treatment. Understanding the molecular basis of MPRs is crucial to elucidate the genetic signature underlying HCC resistome. This will permit the selection of biomarkers to predict drug treatment response and identify tumor weaknesses in a personalized and dynamic way. In this article, we have reviewed the role of MPRs in current first-line drugs and the combinations of immunotherapeutic agents with novel TKIs being tested in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J G Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Herraez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Ortiz-Rivero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Liver Center (YLC), School of Medicine, Yale University New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
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Jiang X, Zhang W, Li L, Xie S. Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed Hub Genes and Pathways Involved in Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609985. [PMID: 34737677 PMCID: PMC8560649 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609985] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high mortality malignancy, has become a worldwide public health concern. Acquired resistance to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib challenges its clinical efficacy and the survival benefits it provides to patients with advanced HCC. This study aimed to identify critical genes and pathways associated with sorafenib resistance in HCC using integrated bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using four HCC gene expression profiles (including 34 sorafenib-resistant and 29 sorafenib-sensitive samples) based on the robust rank aggregation method and R software. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and small molecules reversing sorafenib resistance were searched for using the connectivity map (CMAP) database. Pearson correlation and survival analyses of hub genes were performed using cBioPortal and Gene Expression Profiling and Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Finally, the expression levels of hub genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells were verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). A total of 165 integrated DEGs (66 upregulated and 99 downregulated in sorafenib resistant samples compared sorafenib sensitive ones) primarily enriched in negative regulation of endopeptidase activity, extracellular exosome, and protease binding were identified. Some pathways were commonly shared between the integrated DEGs. Seven promising therapeutic agents and 13 hub genes were identified. These findings provide a strategy and theoretical basis for overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xili Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province/Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province/Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Department of Radiology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shucai Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wang Z, Cui X, Hao G, He J. Aberrant expression of PI3K/AKT signaling is involved in apoptosis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:1037-1044. [PMID: 34632072 PMCID: PMC8477673 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling is a crucial pathway for cell survival and proliferation, which are regulated by several growth factors and activated receptors. Upregulated PI3K/AKT signaling molecules were reported in several cancers and they are associated with altered cellular functions, leading to oncogenesis. Here, we have examined the implications of elevated PI3K/AKT expression in the apoptosis resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Huh7 cells. We showed that PI3K/AKT signaling is significantly upregulated in Huh7 cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein expression analysis. Also, perversely upregulated PI3K/AKT signaling Huh7 cells are highly resistant to treatment with chemotherapy drugs (docetaxel and sorafenib) and acquired apoptosis resistance through downregulation of tumor suppressor protein PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten). Hence, we have investigated the effect of PTEN overexpression on apoptosis induction in Huh7 cells. We showed that PTEN overexpressed Huh7 cells became more sensitive toward the aforesaid drugs and induced apoptotic cell death due to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Concurrently, the overexpression of PTEN leads to the activation of mitochondria facilitated intrinsic apoptosis, evidenced by upregulated cytochrome C, caspase 3, and caspase 9. Collectively, our data suggest that the aberrant expression of PI3K/AKT signaling contributes to apoptosis resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangqiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 99 Longcheng Street, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Gaopeng Hao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 99 Longcheng Street, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiefeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 99 Longcheng Street, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
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Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Biomolecules: Molecular Targets Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910774. [PMID: 34639131 PMCID: PMC8509806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This report explores the available curative molecules directed against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Limited efficiency as well as other drawbacks of existing molecules led to the search for promising potential alternatives. Understanding of the cell signaling mechanisms propelling carcinogenesis and driven by cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis can offer valuable information for the investigation of efficient treatment strategies. The complexity of the mechanisms behind carcinogenesis inspires researchers to explore the ability of various biomolecules to target specific pathways. Natural components occurring mainly in food and medicinal plants, are considered an essential resource for discovering new and promising therapeutic molecules. Novel biomolecules normally have an advantage in terms of biosafety. They are also widely diverse and often possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Based on quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, biomolecules can be used as templates for chemical modifications that improve efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. In this review, we focus on anti-HCC biomolecules that have their molecular targets partially or completely characterized as well as having anti-cancer molecular mechanisms that are fairly described.
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Traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A focus on epithelial-mesenchymal transition. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2021; 19:469-477. [PMID: 34538644 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which endows epithelial cells with mesenchymal properties, plays an important role in the early stages of metastasis. Conventional cancer therapies have promising effects, but issues remain, such as high rates of metastasis and drug resistance. Thus, exploring and evaluating new therapies is an urgent need. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been acknowledged for their multi-target and coordinated intervention effects against HCC. Accumulating evidence indicates that TCM can inhibit the malignancy of cells and the progression of EMT in HCC. However, studies on the effects of TCM on EMT in HCC are scarce. In this review, we summarized recent developments in anti-EMT TCMs and formulae, focusing on their underlying pharmacological mechanisms, to provide a foundation for further research on the exact mechanisms through which TCM affects EMT in HCC.
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Kim TS, Lee M, Park M, Kim SY, Shim MS, Lee CY, Choi DH, Cho Y. Metformin and Dichloroacetate Suppress Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cells by Inhibiting mTOR Complex 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810027. [PMID: 34576192 PMCID: PMC8467948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Warburg effect is important for cancer cell proliferation. This phenomenon can be flexible by interaction between glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidation for energy production. We aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor, dichloroacetate (DCA) and the mitochondrial respiratory complex I inhibitor metformin in liver cancer cells. The anticancer effect of DCA and/or metformin on HepG2, PLC/PRF5 human liver cancer cell lines, MH-134 murine hepatoma cell lines, and primary normal hepatocytes using MTT assay. Inhibition of lactate/ATP production and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation by DCA and metformin was investigated. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR complex I was evaluated to see whether it occurred through AMPK signaling. Anticancer effects of a combination treatment of DCA and metformin were evaluated in HCC murine model. The results showed that metformin and DCA effectively induced apoptosis in liver cancer cells. A combination treatment of metformin and DCA did not affect viability of primary normal hepatocytes. Metformin upregulated glycolysis in liver cancer cells, thereby increasing sensitivity to the DCA treatment. Metformin and DCA inhibited mTOR complex I signaling through upregulated AMPK-independent REDD1. In addition, metformin and DCA increased reactive oxygen species levels in liver cancer cells, which induced apoptosis. A combination treatment of metformin and DCA significantly suppressed the tumor growth of liver cancer cells using in vivo xenograft model. Taken together, the combined treatment of metformin and DCA suppressed the growth of liver cancer cells. This strategy may be effective for patients with advanced liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Suk Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (T.S.K.); (C.Y.L.); (D.H.C.)
| | - Minjong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07804, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul 07804, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (Y.C.); Tel.: +82-2-6986-1761 (M.L.); +82-31-920-1605 (Y.C.)
| | - Minji Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07804, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul 07804, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Min Suk Shim
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea;
| | - Chea Yeon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (T.S.K.); (C.Y.L.); (D.H.C.)
| | - Dae Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (T.S.K.); (C.Y.L.); (D.H.C.)
| | - Yuri Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06135, Korea
- Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (Y.C.); Tel.: +82-2-6986-1761 (M.L.); +82-31-920-1605 (Y.C.)
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Zhang H, Xu H, Tang Q, Bi F. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors enhance the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:793-801. [PMID: 33675613 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sertraline and fluoxetine are the two most commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression. Accumulating evidence has revealed that SSRIs can reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their therapeutic effects in HCC have not yet been elucidated. Previous studies have reported that sertraline and fluoxetine can suppress the growth of gastric carcinoma, melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancers by inhibiting the mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR) activity. In this study, we found that sertraline and fluoxetine blocked the protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR pathway and suppressed the growth of HCC cells in vitro, in xenografts and in diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride (DEN/CCL4)-induced primary liver mouse model. Sertraline and fluoxetine can synergize with sorafenib, the first approved standard therapy for advanced HCC, to inhibit the viability of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the combination of sorafenib and SSRIs synergistically inhibited the effects of the AKT/mTOR pathway. These results reveal novel therapeutic effects of a combination of SSRIs and sorafenib in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Fang C, Xie H, Zhao J, Wang W, Hou H, Zhang B, Zhou D, Geng X. eIF4E-eIF4G complex inhibition synergistically enhances the effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:822-828. [PMID: 33783376 PMCID: PMC8366763 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is disappointing due to its low response rate and high rates of adverse effects. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex, mainly consisting of eIF4E-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) interaction, is involved in the induction of drug resistance. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate that eIF4E-eIF4G complex inhibition enhanced the effect of sorafenib. The antiproliferation effect of combined treatment was evaluated by MTT assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the early cell apoptosis and cell cycle. The specific mechanism was demonstrated using western blot and lentivirus transfection. The combination of sorafenib with eIF4E-eIF4G inhibitors 4E1RCat (structural) or 4EGI-1 (competitive) synergistically inhibited the cell viability and colony formation ability of HCC cells. Moreover, the combined treatment induced more early apoptosis than sorafenib alone through downregulating the Bcl-2 expression. Besides, the coadministration of sorafenib and 4E1RCat or 4EGI-1 synergistically inhibited the expressions of eIF4E, eIF4G and phospho-4E-BP1 in HCC cells while blocking the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 with lentiviral transfection failed to increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment. PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling was also inhibited by the combined treatment. In a word, eIF4E-eIF4G complex inhibition synergistically enhances the effect of sorafenib in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Haishen Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Weichen Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Hui Hou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Dachen Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
| | - Xiaoping Geng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
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Liu T, Xie XL, Zhou X, Chen SX, Wang YJ, Shi LP, Chen SJ, Wang YJ, Wang SL, Zhang JN, Dou SY, Jiang XY, Cui RL, Jiang HQ. Y-box binding protein 1 augments sorafenib resistance via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4667-4686. [PMID: 34366628 PMCID: PMC8326262 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is closely correlated with tumors and drug resistance. However, the relationship between YB-1 and sorafenib resistance and the underlying mechanism in HCC remain unknown.
AIM To explore the role and related mechanisms of YB-1 in mediating sorafenib resistance in HCC.
METHODS The protein expression levels of YB-1 were assessed in human HCC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. Next, we constructed YB-1 overexpression and knockdown hepatocarcinoma cell lines with lentiviruses and stimulated these cell lines with different concentrations of sorafenib. Then, we detected the proliferation and apoptosis in these cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, flow cytometry and Western blotting assays. We also constructed a xenograft tumor model to explore the effect of YB-1 on the efficacy of sorafenib in vivo. Moreover, we studied and verified the specific molecular mechanism of YB-1 mediating sorafenib resistance in hepatoma cells by digital gene expression sequencing (DGE-seq).
RESULTS YB-1 protein levels were found to be higher in HCC tissues than in corresponding nontumor tissues. YB-1 suppressed the effect of sorafenib on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Consistently, the efficacy of sorafenib in vivo was enhanced after YB-1 was knocked down. Furthermore, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of DGE-seq demonstrated that the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was essential for the sorafenib resistance induced by YB-1. Subsequently, YB-1 interacted with two key proteins of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (Akt1 and PIK3R1) as shown by searching the BioGRID and HitPredict websites. Finally, YB-1 suppressed the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by sorafenib, and the blockade of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by LY294002 mitigated YB-1-induced sorafenib resistance.
CONCLUSION Overall, we concluded that YB-1 augments sorafenib resistance through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HCC and suggest that YB-1 is a key drug resistance-related gene, which is of great significance for the application of sorafenib in advanced-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sheng-Xiong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yi-Jun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lin-Ping Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shu-Jia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang People’s Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yong-Juan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shu-Ling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jiu-Na Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shi-Ying Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ruo-Lin Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hui-Qing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
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Yang S, Yang S, Zhang H, Hua H, Kong Q, Wang J, Jiang Y. Targeting Na + /K + -ATPase by berbamine and ouabain synergizes with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4389-4407. [PMID: 34233013 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is a first-line drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The response to sorafenib varies among hepatocellular carcinoma patients and many of the responders suffer from reduced sensitivity after long-term treatment. This study aims to explore a novel strategy to potentiate or maximize the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, western blotting, various antagonists, siRNA and tumour xenografts mouse model to determine the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib in combination with berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands. KEY RESULTS Berbamine and the cardiotonic steroid, ouabain, synergize with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Mechanistically, berbamine induces Src phosphorylation in Na+ /K+ -ATPase-dependent manner, leading to the activation of p38MAPK and EGFR-ERK pathways. The Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligand ouabain also induces Src, EGFR, type I insulin-like growth factor receptor, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with Src or EGFR inhibitor inhibits the induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine. Moreover, sorafenib inhibits the induction of Src, p38MAPK, EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine and ouabain. Importantly, combination of sorafenib with berbamine or ouabain synergistically inhibits both sorafenib-naïve and sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Co-treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with berbamine and sorafenib significantly induces cell death and significantly inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts growth in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands have a potential for improving sorafenib responsiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeting Na+ /K+ -ATPase represents a novel strategy to potentiate the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songpeng Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingbin Kong
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Gan G, Shi Z, Liu D, Zhang S, Zhu H, Wang Y, Mi J. 3-hydroxyanthranic acid increases the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib by decreasing tumor cell stemness. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:173. [PMID: 34230478 PMCID: PMC8260721 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00561-6] [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: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib only confers 3–5 months of survival benefit with <30% of HCC patients. Thus, it is necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Here, we report that in representative HCC cell lines (SMMC-7721 and PLC8024) that are insensitive to sorafenib, 3-HAA (50 μM) significantly enhances cell sensitivity to sorafenib to an extent that could not be explained by additive effects. In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib (10 mg/kg/day) or 3-HAA (100 mg/kg/day) alone. When used in combination, the treatment effectively prevents the xenograft from growing. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and increased proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. The proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells is reduced upon 3-HAA treatment in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts, suggesting that 3-HAA could decrease the stemness of HCC. We also detect decreased phosphorylation of AKT, a regulator of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling upon 3-HAA treatment. The AKT activator SC79 activates GSK3 β/β-catenin signaling while the Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. The current study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by reducing tumor stemness, suggesting it is a promising molecule for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Gan
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratories, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.,Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaopeng Shi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyi Zhang
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yugang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Mi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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Fornari F, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Elucidating the Molecular Basis of Sorafenib Resistance in HCC: Current Findings and Future Directions. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:741-757. [PMID: 34239844 PMCID: PMC8260177 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s285726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sorafenib is the first multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for HCC and it has represented the standard of care for advanced HCC for almost 10 years, offering a survival benefit when compared to placebo. However, this benefit is limited, showing rare objective responses and a disease control rate approaching 50–60%, with most patients experiencing disease progression at 6 months. These scant results dictate the urgent need for strategies to overcome both primary and acquired resistance. Herein we report several mechanisms supporting resistance to sorafenib in HCC patients, including activation of oncogenic pathways. Among these, the AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role being at the crossroad of multiple driving events. Autophagy, multidrug-resistant phenotype, hypoxia-related mechanisms and endoplasmic reticulum stress are gaining more and more relevance as crucial events driving the response to anticancer drugs, including sorafenib. Several HCC-specific miRNAs take part to the regulation of these cellular processes. Remarkably, molecularly targeted strategies able to overcome resistance in these settings have also been reported. So far, the vast majority of data has been derived from laboratory studies, which means the need for an extensive validation. Indeed, most of the possible drug associations displaying promising effects in improving sorafenib efficacy herein described derive from preclinical explorations. Notably, data obtained in animal models can be inconsistent with regard to the human disease for efficacy, safety, side effects, best formulation and pharmacokinetics. However, they represent the necessary preliminary step to improve the management of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fornari
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Catia Giovannini
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Barcena-Varela M, Lujambio A. The Endless Sources of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112621. [PMID: 34073538 PMCID: PMC8198457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor heterogeneity in liver cancer is a major contributor to the high lethality rate found in patients suffering from this disease. The therapeutic outcomes are drastically affected by this heterogeneity, which complicates patient stratification and response prediction. Better understanding of all the factors that can contribute to this heterogeneity will be critical to improve our understanding of liver cancer, in order to optimize the outcome of patients. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a global health problem. The incidence keeps increasing and current therapeutic options confer limited benefits to the patients. Tumor heterogeneity plays a central role in this context, limiting the availability of predictive biomarkers and complicating the criteria used to choose the most suitable therapeutic option. HCC heterogeneity occurs at different levels: within the population (inter-patient heterogeneity) and within tumors from the same patient (intra-patient and intra-tumor heterogeneity). Experts in the field have made many efforts to classify the patients based on clinicopathological characteristics and molecular signatures; however, there is still much work ahead to be able to integrate the extra-tumor heterogeneity that emerges from the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of the disease and therapy responses. In this review, we summarize tumor intrinsic and extrinsic sources of heterogeneity of the most common etiologies of HCC and summarize the most recent discoveries regarding the evolutionary trajectory of liver cancer cells and the influence of tumor-extrinsic factors such as the microbiome and the host immune system. We further highlight the potential of novel high-throughput methodologies to contribute to a better understanding of this devastating disease and to the improvement of the clinical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Barcena-Varela
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +1-212-824-9338
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Xu G, Zhang P, Liang H, Xu Y, Shen J, Wang W, Li M, Huang J, Ni C, Zhang X, Zhu X. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0003288 induces EMT and invasion by regulating hsa_circ_0003288/miR-145/PD-L1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:212. [PMID: 33858418 PMCID: PMC8048300 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with wound healing, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are functional non-coding RNAs involved in multiple human cancers. However, whether and how circRNAs contribute to the EMT in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) remains to be deciphered. In this study, we investigated the regulation and function of hsa_circ_0003288 on programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) during EMT and HCC invasiveness. Methods Hsa_circ_0003288 expression was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Luciferase reporter assays, RNA pull-down assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to determine the correlation between hsa_circ_0003288 and miR-145 and between miR-145 and PD-L1. Furthermore, ectopic overexpression and siRNA-mediated downregulation of hsa_circ_0003288, transwell assays, and in vivo studies were used to determine the function of hsa_circ_0003288 on the EMT and invasiveness of L02 and HCC cells. Results miR-145 directly targeted the PD-L1 3′-untranslated region (UTR) region, and hsa_circ_0003288 acted as a miR-145 sponge to regulate PD-L1 expression. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003288 increased PD-L1 levels and promoted EMT, migration, and invasiveness of L02 cells. These observations were reversed after knockdown of hsa_circ_0003288 in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Overexpression of PD-L1 rescued EMT, migration, and invasiveness of HepG2 and Huh7 cells after knockdown of hsa_circ_0003288. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0003288 knockdown reduced EMT in in vivo studies. Hsa_circ_0003288/PD-L1 axis was found to mediate the metastatic phenotypes via the PI3K/Akt pathway in HCC. Additionally, expression levels of hsa_circ_0003288 were increased and positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in HCC tissues. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that hsa_circ_0003288 promoted EMT and invasion of HCC via the hsa_circ_0003288/miR-145/PD-L1 axis through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Targeting hsa_circ_0003288 may be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guili Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Hansi Liang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Yunhua Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Wansheng Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Mingming Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Jintao Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Caifang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China.
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China.
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China.
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LncRNA HOTAIR contributes Taxol-resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via activating AKT phosphorylation by down-regulating miR-34a. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225867. [PMID: 32700738 PMCID: PMC7396434 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance of Taxol leads to the treatment failure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LncRNA HOTAIR have drawn increasing attention in various diseases; its function and mechanism in Taxol-resistance in HCC remain unclear. In the present study, the two Taxol resistant HCC cell lines (HepG2/Taxol and SMMC7721/Taxol) were induced. The qRT-PCR data exhibited that over-expressed HOTAIR as well as low-expressed miR-34a were founded in HepG2/Taxol and SMMC7721/Taxol cells. HOTAIR knockdown suppresses proliferation, invasion and promotes apoptosis of in HepG2/Taxol and SMMC7721/Taxol cells through up-regulating miR-34a by MTT assay, transwell invasion assays and flow cytometry, while down-regulation of miR-34a had an opposite effect on reversing Taxol resistance. Cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were significantly up-regulated by si-HOTAIR transfection, while Bcl-2 level exhibited opposite trend. Besides, HOTAIR knockdown impaired Taxol-resistance in HCC by accommodating Akt phosphorylation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling via interacting with miR-34a. The present study may afford a valuable target for treating Taxol-resistance in HCC.
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43
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Li W, Liu K, Chen Y, Zhu M, Li M. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1126-1142. [PMID: 32729413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200729151247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
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Sharaky M, Kamel M, Aziz MA, Omran M, Rageh MM, Abouzid KAM, Shouman SA. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidine-based urea derivative with potential antitumor activity against tamoxifen sensitive and resistant breast cancer cell lines. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1641-1656. [PMID: 32781854 PMCID: PMC7470147 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1804383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and endocrine resistance to chemotherapy are challenging problems where angiogenesis plays fundamental roles. Thus, targeting of VEGFR-2 signalling pathway has been an attractive approach. In this study, we synthesised a new sorafenib analogue, thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine based urea derivative, KM6. It showed 65% inhibition of VEGF2 tyrosine kinase activity and demonstrated a potential antitumor activity in TAM-resistant, LCC2, and its parental MCF7 BC cells. KM6 retained the sensitivity of LCC2 through upregulation of key enzymes of apoptosis and proteins of cell death including caspases 3, 8, 9, P53, BAX/BCL-2 ratio and LDH in media. It downregulated mRNA expression of Ki-67, survivin, Akt, and reduced levels of ROS and glucose uptake. Moreover, KM6 reduced the levels of inflammation markers PGE2, COX2, IL-1β and IL6 and metastasis markers MMP-2 and MMP-9. In conclusion, KM6 is a promising compound for ER + and TAM-resistant BC with many potential antitumor and polypharmacological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Sharaky
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Kamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Aziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mervat Omran
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monira M Rageh
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Samia A Shouman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Gan G, Shi Z, Shangguan C, Zhang J, Yuan Y, Chen L, Liu W, Li B, Meng S, Xiong W, Mi J. The kynurenine derivative 3-HAA sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib by upregulating phosphatases. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6006-6018. [PMID: 33897895 PMCID: PMC8058709 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Sorafenib is the only FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib merely confers 3-5 months of survival benefit with less than 30% of HCC patients sensitive to sorafenib therapy. Thus, it's necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Methods: The principal component analysis, gene ontology, and KEGG analysis are utilized following RNA-sequencing. The mass spectrometry analysis following immunoprecipitation is performed to discover the phosphatase targets. Most importantly, both the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model are used to determine the effect of 3-HAA on sorafenib-resistant HCC in vivo. Results: In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib or 3-HAA alone. When used in combination, the treatment particularly prevents the xenograft from growing. Combined treatment also suppresses the growth of sorafenib-resistant (≥30mg/kg) PDXs. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and decreased apoptotic cells in de novo and acquired sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. 3-HAA decreases AKT phosphorylation and increases the apoptosis of HCC in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts by upregulation of phosphatases PPP1R15A/DUSP6. PPP1R15A/PPP1α directly reduces Akt phosphorylation while DUSP6 decreases Akt activity through inhibiting PDK1. The AKT activator abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by upregulation of phosphatases, suggesting it as a promising molecule for HCC therapy.
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Zhang S, Li N, Sheng Y, Chen W, Ma Q, Yu X, Lian J, Zeng J, Yang Y, Yan J. Hepatitis B virus induces sorafenib resistance in liver cancer via upregulation of cIAP2 expression. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:20. [PMID: 33757557 PMCID: PMC7988944 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV promotes cell survival by upregulating the expression of the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (cIAP2), however whether it is involved in HBV-induced sorafenib resistance in liver cancer remains unclear. METHODS cIAP2 overexpression and knockdown was adopted to assess the involvement of cIAP2 in HBV-induced sorafenib resistance. Anti-HBV drug lamivudine and Akt inhibitor were used to investigate the impact of HBV replication on cIAP2 expression and sorafenib resistance. Xenotransplantation mouse model was used to confirm the data on cell lines in vitro. RESULTS Liver cancer cell line HepG2.215 showed increased cIAP2 expression and enhanced resistance to sorafenib. Upon sorafenib treatment, overexpression of cIAP2 in HepG2 lead to decreased cleaved caspase 3 level and increased cell viability, while knockdown of cIAP2 in HepG2.215 resulted in increased level of cleaved caspase 3 and decreased cell viability, suggesting the involvement of cIAP2 in HBV-induced sorafenib resistance. Furthermore, anti-HBV treatment reduced cIAP2 expression and partially restored sorafenib sensitivity in HepG2.215 cells. Xenotransplantation mouse model further confirmed that co-treatment with lamivudine and sorafenib could reduce sorafenib-resistant HepG2.215 tumor cell growth. CONCLUSION cIAP2 is involved in HBV-induced sorafenib resistance in liver cancer and anti-HBV treatments reduce cIAP2 expression and partially restore sorafenib sensibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Nuoya Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanling Sheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiangliang Ma
- Department of dermatology, Ili Kazakh Autonomous State Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianping Lian
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, China
| | - Junquan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, China
| | - Yipeng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Rd, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jinlong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Zhao X, Weng W, Jin M, Li S, Chen Q, Li B, Zhou Z, Lan C, Yang Y. Identification of Biomarkers Based on Bioinformatics Analysis: The Expression of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2T (UBE2T) in the Carcinogenesis and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e929023. [PMID: 33658475 PMCID: PMC7941760 DOI: 10.12659/msm.929023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to screen and identify key genes in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on bioinformatics analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) series (GSE) - GSE121248, GSE87630, and GSE84598 - were downloaded from the GEO database. GEO2R was used to screen different genes and a Venn diagram was drawn to screen coexpressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Coexpressed DEGs were obtained by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, a protein-protein interaction network diagram was produced by Cytoscape, and module genes were calculated by the Molecular Complex Detection Cytoscape plug-in. Finally, overall survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival analysis of the key genes selected were performed using the online Kaplan-Meier plotter. For the target genes, the online network UCSC Cancer Genome Browser was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of the grade and vascular invasion of HCC. RESULTS A total of 296 coexpressed DEGs were obtained from the 3 GSEs and 12 key genes were obtained from the modular analysis. Survival analysis showed that the upregulated genes UBE2T and FBLN5 were involved in the poor prognosis of HCC. Furthermore, the expression of UBE2T was significantly related to the grade and vascular invasion of HCC. CONCLUSIONS The expression of the UBE2T gene was significantly upregulated in HCC tissue compared to in normal liver tissue. UBE2T may be a new marker for the diagnosis and subsequent therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemiao Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Wei Weng
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Miao Jin
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Sunjian Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingwei Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Bingrong Li
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Chuanqiang Lan
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yunjun Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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48
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Ling Y, Liu J, Qian J, Meng C, Guo J, Gao W, Xiong B, Ling C, Zhang Y. Recent Advances in Multi-target Drugs Targeting Protein Kinases and Histone Deacetylases in Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:7264-7288. [PMID: 31894740 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200102115720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein Kinase Inhibitors (PKIs) and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACIs) are two important classes of anticancer agents and have provided a variety of small molecule drugs for the treatment of various types of human cancers. However, malignant tumors are of a multifactorial nature that can hardly be "cured" by targeting a single target, and treatment of cancers hence requires modulation of multiple biological targets to restore the physiological balance and generate sufficient therapeutic efficacy. Multi-target drugs have attracted great interest because of their advantages in the treatment of complex cancers by simultaneously targeting multiple signaling pathways and possibly leading to synergistic effects. Synergistic effects have been observed in the combination of kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib, dasatinib, or sorafenib, with an array of HDACIs including vorinostat, romidepsin, or panobinostat. A considerable number of multi-target agents based on PKIs and HDACIs have been developed. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on the development of multi-target kinase-HDAC inhibitors and provide our view on the challenges and future directions on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ji Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jianqiang Qian
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chi Meng
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jing Guo
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Weijie Gao
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Biao Xiong
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Changchun Ling
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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49
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LXRα activation and Raf inhibition trigger lethal lipotoxicity in liver cancer. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:201-217. [PMID: 35122079 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-020-00168-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The success of molecular therapies targeting specific metabolic pathways in cancer is often limited by the plasticity and adaptability of metabolic networks. Here we show that pharmacologically induced lipotoxicity represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LXRα-induced liponeogenesis and Raf-1 inhibition are synthetic lethal in HCC owing to a toxic accumulation of saturated fatty acids. Raf-1 was found to bind and activate SCD1, and conformation-changing DFG-out Raf inhibitors could disrupt this interaction, thereby blocking fatty acid desaturation and inducing lethal lipotoxicity. Studies in genetically engineered and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-induced HCC mouse models and xenograft models of human HCC revealed that therapies comprising LXR agonists and Raf inhibitors were well tolerated and capable of overcoming therapy resistance in HCC. Conceptually, our study suggests pharmacologically induced lipotoxicity as a new mode for metabolic targeting of liver cancer.
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50
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Gallage S, Barragan Avila JE, Heikenwalder M. Lethal lipotoxicity for liver cancer therapy. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:138-140. [PMID: 35122080 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Suchira Gallage
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jose Efren Barragan Avila
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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