1
|
Li Y, Liu X, Liu J, Yang L, Wei S, Li J, Gan H, Ma T, Yi P. Lenvatinib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization vs. sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A network meta‑analysis. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:347. [PMID: 38872858 PMCID: PMC11170262 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14480] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered the standard therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, information regarding the efficacy of lenvatinib or sorafenib in combination with TACE for patients with uHCC is limited. The present study involved a systematic search for randomized controlled trials on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library online databases to compare the use of TACE combined with either lenvatinib or sorafenib, and monotherapy using either lenvatinib or sorafenib for patients with uHCC. The network meta-analysis of the present study included eight randomized controlled trials involving 2,929 patients. The random-effects model was used, and hazard ratios and risk ratios with 95% CIs were calculated. Lenvatinib in combination with TACE provided the maximal overall survival (97.92%), progression-free survival (87.8%), objective response (96.68%) and disease control (96.27%) rates. The results of the present study indicated that, in the treatment of patients with uHCC, lenvatinib in combination with TACE showed a significantly improved efficacy when compared with sorafenib and TACE. Therefore, in the future, combination therapy of lenvatinib with TACE could be potentially prioritized over sorafenib with TACE for the treatment of patients with uHCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Junning Liu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Jijiang Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Huixin Gan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Ting Ma
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Pengsheng Yi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alzahrani MS, Almutairy B, Althobaiti YS, Alsaab HO. Recent Advances in RNA Interference-Based Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Emphasis on siRNA. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01395-6. [PMID: 38987439 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Even though RNA treatments were first proposed as a way to change aberrant signaling in cancer, research in this field is currently ongoing. The term "RNAi" refers to the use of several RNAi technologies, including ribozymes, riboswitches, Aptamers, small interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The siRNA therapy has already achieved a remarkable feat by revolutionizing the treatment arena of cancers. Unlike small molecules and antibodies, which need administration every three months or even every two years, RNAi may be given every quarter to attain therapeutic results. In order to overcome complex challenges, delivering siRNAs to the targeted tissues and cells effectively and safely and improving the effectiveness of siRNAs in terms of their action, stability, specificity, and potential adverse consequences are required. In this context, the three primary techniques of siRNA therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are accomplished for inhibiting angiogenesis, decreasing cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis, are discussed in this review. We also deliberate targeting issues, immunogenic reactions to siRNA therapy, and the difficulties with their intrinsic chemistry and transportation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar Almutairy
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusuf S Althobaiti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cong T, Yang C, Cao Q, Ren J, Luo Y, Yuan P, Zheng B, Liu Y, Yang H, Kang W, Ou A, Li X. The Role of GNMT and MMP12 Expression in Determining TACE Efficacy: Validation at Transcription and Protein Levels. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:95-111. [PMID: 38250306 PMCID: PMC10800115 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s441179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) represents a significant therapeutic modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to develop a gene signature to accurately predict patient TACE response and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Three independent datasets were utilized, including GSE104580, GSE14520 and external validation from the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. GSE104580 was randomly partitioned into a training set and a validation set, whereas GSE14520 was categorized into a resection group and a TACE group. Logistic regression was used to develop a TACE effectiveness model. Immunohistochemistry is utilized to confirm the protein expression trends of the signature genes. Immune infiltration and functional enrichment analyses were conducted to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. Results A 2-gene signature consisting of glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) and matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) was constructed, and based on this, all the patients were assigned TACE effectiveness scores and categorized into high effectiveness (HE) and low effectiveness (LE) groups. The HE group exhibited a better prognosis than the LE group in the various cohorts (p < 0.05). In the external validation set, immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of the signature genes exhibiting an upregulated trend of GNMT in the HE group and MMP12 in the LE group, the LE group also exhibited a poorer prognosis [for overall survival (OS), HE group: 881 days vs LE group: 273 days (p < 0.05), and for progression-free survival (PFS), HE group: 458 days vs LE group: 136 days (p < 0.05)]. Multivariate analysis in all the datasets identified LE status as an independent risk factor for OS, disease-free survival (DFS) and PFS. The infiltration level of M0 macrophages and activated mast cells in the LE group was significantly higher than in the HE group. The hypoxia signaling pathway and glycolysis pathway were significantly enriched in the LE group. Conclusion The loss of GNMT and the overexpression of MMP12 may be critical factors influencing TACE efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Cong
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinrui Ren
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingen Luo
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei Yuan
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongcai Yang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wendi Kang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aixin Ou
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu J, Wei S, Yang L, Yu J, Yan D, Yi P. Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib with or without programmed death-1 inhibitors in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14451-14461. [PMID: 37563417 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05231-x] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death-1 inhibitors plus lenvatinib and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (P-L-T) is a novel combination strategy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P-L-T compared with lenvatinib and TACE (L-T) therapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases for studies investigating P-L-T therapy was performed. Data regarding outcome data, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response, and adverse events (AEs), were independently extracted by two authors using a standardized protocol. RESULTS Eight cohort studies comprising 847 patients (P-L-T: 416, L-T: 431) were included in the meta-analysis. The P-L-T group exhibited significantly longer OS (hazard ratio (Page et al.) 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.62]; I2 = 9.8%; p = 0.354] and PFS (HR 0.51 [95% CI 0.43-0.61]; I2 = 0%; p = 0.824), and higher objective response rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.54 [95% CI 1.33-1.78]; I2 = 0%, p = 0.858]) and disease control rate (RR 1.27 [95% CI 1.17-1.38]; I2 = 17.3%; p = 0.467). Grade 3/4 AEs were more prevalent in the P-L-T group, including hypertension (RR 1.91 [95% CI 1.16-3.15]), vomiting or nausea (RR 2.29 [95% CI 1.01-5.19]), and hypothyroidism (RR 12.21 [95% CI 1.63-91.23]). CONCLUSION Compared with L-T combination therapy, P-L-T demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of OS, PFS, objective response rate, disease control rate, and manageable AEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junning Liu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Duan Yan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Pengsheng Yi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancrease II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sin SQ, Mohan CD, Goh RMWJ, You M, Nayak SC, Chen L, Sethi G, Rangappa KS, Wang L. Hypoxia signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:741-764. [PMID: 36547748 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a relatively high cancer-related mortality. The uncontrolled proliferation of HCC consumes a significant amount of oxygen, causing the development of a hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), crucial regulators in the TME, activate several cancer hallmarks leading to the hepatocarcinogenesis of HCC and resistance to current therapeutics. As such, HIFs and their signaling pathways have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for the future management of HCC. This review discusses the current understanding of the structure and function of HIFs and their complex relationship with the various cancer hallmarks. To address tumor hypoxia, this review provides an insight into the various potential novel therapeutic agents for managing HCC, such as hypoxia-activated prodrugs, HIF inhibitors, nanomaterials, antisense oligonucleotides, and natural compounds, that target HIFs/hypoxic signaling pathways in HCC. Because of HCC's relatively high incidence and mortality rates in the past decades, greater efforts should be put in place to explore novel therapeutic approaches to improve the outcome for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shant Qinxiang Sin
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Mingliang You
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Hangzhou, 31002, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 31002, China
| | - Siddaiah Chandra Nayak
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, 570006, India
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xing L, Tang Y, Li L, Tao X. ROS in hepatocellular carcinoma: What we know. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023:109699. [PMID: 37499994 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109699] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a primary liver cancer subtype, has a poor prognosis due to its high degree of malignancy. The lack of early diagnosis makes systemic therapy the only hope for HCC patients with advanced disease; however, resistance to drugs is a major obstacle. In recent years, targeted molecular therapy has gained popularity as a potential treatment for HCC. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are cancer markers and a potential target for HCC therapy, can both promote and inhibit the disease. At present, many studies have examined targeted regulation of ROS in the treatment of HCC. Here, we reviewed the latest drugs that are still in the experimental stage, including nanocarrier drugs, exosome drugs, antibody drugs, aptamer drugs and polysaccharide drugs, to provide new hope for the clinical treatment of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China; School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yuting Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China; School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
| | - Xufeng Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu S, Kang L, Song Y, Miao M. Role of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 Signaling Pathway in Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:893-908. [PMID: 37313302 PMCID: PMC10259603 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s409292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) negatively affects the quality of life of patients and leads to death. Studies have shown that recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) is closely related to tissue hypoxia and autophagy. It has been shown that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its downstream factor BCL-2 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) promote cellular autophagy under hypoxic conditions, resulting in metastasis and RHCC. In this article, the molecular structures of HIF-1α and BNIP3 are described, and the significance of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway in RHCC is explained. Moreover, the role and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating RHCC by modulating the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway is discussed. Studies have shown that the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway is a potential target of TCM in the treatment of RHCC. The mechanism of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway in RHCC and the progress achieved in TCM research on targeting and regulating this pathway are also reviewed in this article. The objective was to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RHCC, as well as further drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Le Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yagang Song
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingsan Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huynh KN, Rao S, Roth B, Bryan T, Fernando DM, Dayyani F, Imagawa D, Abi-Jaoudeh N. Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2738. [PMID: 37345074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that regulates the cellular response to hypoxia and is upregulated in all types of solid tumor, leading to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and resistance to therapy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumor, as well as a hypoxic tumor, due to the liver being a relatively hypoxic environment compared to other organs. Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and trans-arterial embolization (TAE) are locoregional therapies that are part of the treatment guidelines for HCC but can also exacerbate hypoxia in tumors, as seen with HIF-1α upregulation post-hepatic embolization. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) are a novel class of anticancer agent that are selectively activated under hypoxic conditions, potentially allowing for the targeted treatment of hypoxic HCC. Early studies targeting hypoxia show promising results; however, further research is needed to understand the effects of HAPs in combination with embolization in the treatment of HCC. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the role of hypoxia and HIF-1α in HCC, as well as the potential of HAPs and liver-directed embolization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Huynh
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Sriram Rao
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Bradley Roth
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Theodore Bryan
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Dayantha M Fernando
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - David Imagawa
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen T, Wang L, Chen C, Li R, Zhu N, Liu R, Niu Y, Xiao Z, Liu H, Liu Q, Tu K. HIF-1α-activated TMEM237 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the NPHP1/Pyk2/ERK pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:120. [PMID: 37041420 PMCID: PMC11072547 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are the most essential endogenous transcription factors in the hypoxic microenvironment and regulate multiple genes involved in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, the regulatory mechanism of HIFs in driving HCC progression remains poorly understood. METHODS Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were carried out to investigate the role of TMEM237 in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms involved in HIF-1α-induced TMEM237 expression and TMEM237-mediated enhancement of HCC progression were confirmed by luciferase reporter, ChIP, IP-MS and Co-IP assays. RESULTS TMEM237 was identified as a novel hypoxia-responsive gene in HCC. HIF-1α directly bound to the promoter of TMEM237 to transactivate its expression. The overexpression of TMEM237 was frequently detected in HCC and associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients. TMEM237 facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells and promoted tumor growth and metastasis in mice. TMEM237 interacted with NPHP1 and strengthened the interaction between NPHP1 and Pyk2 to trigger the phosphorylation of Pyk2 and ERK1/2, thereby contributing to HCC progression. The TMEM237/NPHP1 axis mediates hypoxia-induced activation of the Pyk2/ERK1/2 pathway in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that HIF-1α-activated TMEM237 interacted with NPHP1 to activate the Pyk2/ERK pathway, thereby promoting HCC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710077, China
| | - Runtian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ning Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yongshen Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zhengtao Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Medical Equipment, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Minoves M, Hazane-Puch F, Moriondo G, Boutin-Paradis A, Lemarié E, Pépin JL, Godin-Ribuot D, Briançon-Marjollet A. Differential Impact of Intermittent vs. Sustained Hypoxia on HIF-1, VEGF and Proliferation of HepG2 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086875. [PMID: 37108039 PMCID: PMC10139223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086875] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an emerging risk factor for cancer occurrence and progression, mainly mediated by intermittent hypoxia (IH). Systemic IH, a main landmark of OSA, and local sustained hypoxia (SH), a classical feature at the core of tumors, may act separately or synergistically on tumor cells. Our aim was to compare the respective consequences of intermittent and sustained hypoxia on HIF-1, endothelin-1 and VEGF expression and on cell proliferation and migration in HepG2 liver tumor cells. Wound healing, spheroid expansion, proliferation and migration were evaluated in HepG2 cells following IH or SH exposure. The HIF-1α, endothelin-1 and VEGF protein levels and/or mRNA expression were assessed, as were the effects of HIF-1 (acriflavine), endothelin-1 (macitentan) and VEGF (pazopanib) inhibition. Both SH and IH stimulated wound healing, spheroid expansion and proliferation of HepG2 cells. HIF-1 and VEGF, but not endothelin-1, expression increased with IH exposure but not with SH exposure. Acriflavine prevented the effects of both IH and SH, and pazopanib blocked those of IH but not those of SH. Macitentan had no impact. Thus, IH and SH stimulate hepatic cancer cell proliferation via distinct signaling pathways that may act synergistically in OSA patients with cancer, leading to enhanced tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Minoves
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Giorgia Moriondo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antoine Boutin-Paradis
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Emeline Lemarié
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Louis Pépin
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Diane Godin-Ribuot
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Briançon-Marjollet
- INSERM U1300, HP2 Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tuo H, Liu R, Wang Y, Yang W, Liu Q. Hypoxia-induced lncRNA MRVI1-AS1 accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by recruiting RNA-binding protein CELF2 to stabilize SKA1 mRNA. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:111. [PMID: 36973749 PMCID: PMC10044719 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02993-z] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform a vital role during the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to identify a novel lncRNA involved in HCC development and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS The RT-qPCR and TCGA dataset analysis were applied to explore the expressions of MRVI1-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Statistical analysis was applied to analyze the clinical significance of MRVI1-AS1 in HCC. The functions of MRVI1-AS1 in HCC cells metastasis and growth were explored by transwell assays, wound healing assay, MTT assay, EdU assay, the intravenous transplantation tumor model, and the subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. Microarray mRNA expression analysis, dual luciferase assays, and actinomycin D treatment were used to explore the downstream target of MRVI1-AS1 in HCC cells. RIP assay was applied to assess the direct interactions between CELF2 and MRVI1-AS1 or SKA1 mRNA. Rescue experiments were employed to validate the functional effects of MRVI1-AS1, CELF2, and SKA1 on HCC cells. RESULTS MRVI1-AS1 was found to be dramatically upregulated in HCC and the expression was strongly linked to tumor size, venous infiltration, TNM stage, as well as HCC patients' outcome. Cytological experiments and animal experiments showed that MRVI1-AS1 promoted HCC cells metastasis and growth. Furthermore, SKA1 was identified as the downstream targeted mRNA of MRVI1-AS1 in HCC cells, and MRVI1-AS1 increased SKA1 expression by recruiting CELF2 protein to stabilize SKA1 mRNA. In addition, we found that MRVI1-AS1 expression was stimulated by hypoxia through a HIF-1-dependent manner, which meant that MRVI1-AS was a direct downstream target gene of HIF-1 in HCC. CONCLUSION In a word, our findings elucidated that hypoxia-induced MRVI1-AS1 promotes metastasis and growth of HCC cells via recruiting CELF2 protein to stabilize SKA1 mRNA, pointing to MRVI1-AS1 as a promising clinical application target for HCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Tuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang ZH, Wang SX. Exploring the Prognostic Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Text Mining and Data Analysis. Mol Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893323030160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
13
|
Wang C, Cheng T, Lu Q, Li W, Liu B, Yue L, Du M, Sheng W, Lu Z, Yang J, Geng F, Gao X, Lü J, Pan X. Oxygen therapy accelerates apoptosis induced by selenium compounds via regulating Nrf2/MAPK signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106624. [PMID: 36563868 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Selenium has good antitumor effects in vitro, but the hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumors makes its clinical efficacy unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that the combination with oxygen therapy might improve the treatment efficacy of selenium in hypoxic tumors through the changes of redox environment. In this work, two selenium compounds, Na2SeO3 and CysSeSeCys, were selected to interrogate their therapeutic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under different oxygen levels. In tumor-bearing mice, both selenium compounds significantly inhibited the tumor growth, and combined with oxygen therapy further reduced the tumor volume about 50 %. In vitro HepG2 cell experiments, selenium induced autophagy and delayed apoptosis under hypoxia (1 % O2), while inhibited autophagy and accelerated apoptosis under hyperoxia (60 % O2). We found that, in contrast to hypoxia, the hyperoxic environment facilitated the H2Se, produced by the selenium metabolism in cells, to be rapidly oxidized to generate H2O2, leading to inhibit the expression level of Nrf2 and to increase that of phosphorylation of p38 and MKK4, resulting in inhibiting autophagy and accelerating apoptosis. Once the Nrf2 gene was knocked down, selenium compounds combined with hyperoxia treatment would further activate the MAPK signaling pathway and further increase apoptosis. These findings highlight oxygen can significantly enhance the anti-HCC effect of selenium compounds through regulating the Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways, thus providing novel therapeutic strategy for the hypoxic tumors and pave the way for the application of selenium in clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | | | - Qianqian Lu
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Wenzhen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lijun Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Maoru Du
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Wenxue Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Zhaochen Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jingnan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Feng Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xue Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Junhong Lü
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, China.; Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xiaohong Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246245. [PMID: 36551730 PMCID: PMC9776845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic drugs were the only mainstay of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment from 2007 to 2017. However, primary or secondary resistance hampered their efficacy. Primary resistance could be due to different molecular and/or genetic characteristics of HCC and their knowledge would clarify the optimal treatment approach in each patient. Several molecular mechanisms responsible for secondary resistance have been discovered over the last few years; they represent potential targets for new specific drugs. In this light, the advent of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been a new opportunity; however, their use has highlighted other issues: the vascular normalization compared to a vessel pruning to promote the delivery of an active cancer immunotherapy and the development of resistance to immunotherapy which leads to a better selection of patients as candidates for ICIs. Nevertheless, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy plus ICIs represents an intriguing approach with high potential to improve the survival of these patients. Waiting for results from ongoing clinical trials, this review depicts the current knowledge about the resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in HCC. It could also provide updated information to clinicians focusing on the most effective combinations or sequential approaches in this regard, based on molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
Collapse
|
16
|
Li SQ, Yang Y, Ye LS. Angiogenesis and immune checkpoint dual blockade: Opportunities and challenges for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6034-6044. [PMID: 36405383 PMCID: PMC9669824 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i42.6034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease burden related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing. Most HCC patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage and multikinase inhibitors have been the only treatment choice for them. Recently, the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has provided a new therapeutic strategy for HCC. It is noteworthy that the positive outcomes of the phase III clinical trial IMBrave150 [atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody) combined with bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody)], showed that overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better with sorafenib. This combination therapy has become the new standard therapy for advanced HCC and has also attracted more attention in the treatment of HCC with anti-angiogenesis-immune combination therapy. Currently, the synergistic antitumor efficacy of this combination has been shown in many preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the mechanism and clinical application of anti-angiogenics and immunotherapy in HCC, outline the relevant mechanism and rationality of the combined application of anti-angiogenics and ICIs, and point out the existing challenges of the combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin-Sen Ye
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hao X, Zhang Y, Shi X, Liu H, Zheng Z, Han G, Rong D, Zhang C, Tang W, Wang X. CircPAK1 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of YAP nucleus localization by interacting with 14-3-3ζ. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:281. [PMID: 36131287 PMCID: PMC9494907 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02494-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Circular RNA (circRNA), a new class of non-coding RNA, has obvious correlations with the occurrence and development of many diseases, including tumors. This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of circPAK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
High-throughput sequencing was performed on 3 pairs of HCC and matched normal tissues to determine the upregulated circRNAs. The expression level of circPAK1 was detected by qRT-PCR in HCC and paired with normal liver tissue samples. The effects of circPAK1 on proliferation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis of HCC cells were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We also constructed Chitosan/si-circPAK1 (CS/si-circPAK1) nanocomplexes using Chitosan material to evaluate its in vivo therapeutic effect on HCC. High-throughput sequencing, RNA-sequencing, RNA probe pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the relationship between circPAK1, 14–3-3ζ, p-LATS1 and YAP. Exosomes isolated from lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the relationship between exosomal circPAK1 and lenvatinib resistance.
Results
CircPAK1, a novel circRNA, is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues and cell lines as well as correlated with poor outcomes in HCC patients. Functionally, circPAK1 knockdown inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis while circPAK1 overexpression promoted HCC progression. The tumor-promoting phenotypes of circPAK1 on HCC were also confirmed by animal experiments. Importantly, the application of CS/si-circPAK1 nanocomplexes showed a better therapeutic effect on tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, circPAK1 enhanced HCC progression by inactivating the Hippo signaling pathway, and this kind of inactivation is based on its competitively binding of 14–3-3 ζ with YAP, which weakens the recruitment and cytoplasmic fixation of 14–3-3 ζ to YAP, thus promoting YAP nucleus localization. Additionally, circPAK1 could be transported by exosomes from lenvatinib-resistant cells to sensitive cells and induce lenvatinib resistance of receipt cells.
Conclusion
CircPAK1 exerts its oncogenic function by competitively binding 14–3-3 ζ with YAP, thus promoting YAP nucleus localization, leading to the inactivation of a Hippo signaling pathway. Exosomal circPAK1 may drive resistance to lenvatinib, providing a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sukowati C, Cabral LKD, Tiribelli C. Immune checkpoint and angiogenic inhibitors for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: It takes two to tangle. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100740. [PMID: 35809835 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy represents an effective and promising option in various cancers, including in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown a remarkable breakthrough in the last decade, in addition to molecular targeted therapy of angiogenesis such as tyrosine kinases inhibitors. ICIs provide new regimen that can be applied in different stages of the disease. In parallel, HCC progression is related to the tumor microenvironment (TME), involving the cross-talk between various cellular and non-cellular components within the TME niche. It appears logical to synergistically target several HCC components to increase the efficacy of the treatment. In this paper, we summarize evidence that the combination therapy of ICIs and angiogenesis inhibitors would be a potentially better strategy for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caecilia Sukowati
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia.
| | - Loraine Kay D Cabral
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa, 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dios-Barbeito S, González R, Cadenas M, García LF, Victor VM, Padillo FJ, Muntané J. Impact of nitric oxide in liver cancer microenvironment. Nitric Oxide 2022; 128:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
20
|
Kim MJ, Cho YA, Kim E, Choe JY, Park JW, Lee J, Lee JW, Moon SH, Kim YS, Kim SE, Choi EK. Cellular Prion Protein Is Closely Associated with Early Recurrence and Poor Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071635. [PMID: 35885540 PMCID: PMC9316639 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is known to play a role in cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, the role of PrPC expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. This study investigated whether overexpression of PrPC affects recurrence after surgical resection and survival in HCC. A total of 110 HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection were included. They were followed up for a median of 42 months (range 1–213 months) after hepatectomy. The relationships between PrPC expression and the HCC histologic features, recurrence of HCC following surgical resection, and survival of the patients were examined. Seventy-one cases (64.5%) of HCC demonstrated higher expression of PrPC. The expression of PrPC was only correlated with diabetes mellitus. There was no association between PrPC expression and age, sex, hypertension, hepatitis B virus positivity, alcohol consumption, Child–Pugh class, major portal vein invasion, serum alpha-fetoprotein, and HCC size or number. The 1-year recurrence rates in patients with higher PrPC expression were higher than those with lower PrPC expression. The cumulative survival rates of patients with higher PrPC expression were significantly shorter than those of patients with lower PrPC expression. In conclusion, PrPC expression is closely associated with early recurrence and poor survival of HCC patients following surgical resection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea; (M.-J.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chunchoen 24252, Korea
| | - Yoon-Ah Cho
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea;
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea; (E.K.); (J.-W.P.); (S.-H.M.)
| | - Ji-Young Choe
- Anatomic Pathology Reference Lab, Seegene Medical Foundation, Suwon 16580, Korea;
| | - Ji-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea; (E.K.); (J.-W.P.); (S.-H.M.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Junyong Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul 02053, Korea;
| | - Jung-Woo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea;
| | - Sung-Hoon Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea; (E.K.); (J.-W.P.); (S.-H.M.)
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea; (M.-J.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang 14068, Korea; (E.K.); (J.-W.P.); (S.-H.M.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-E.K.); (E.-K.C.)
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea; (M.-J.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chunchoen 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-E.K.); (E.-K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu W, Liu X, Liu Y, Ling T, Chen D, Otkur W, Zhao H, Ma M, Ma K, Dong B, Yang Z, Piao HL, Liang R, Dong C. PLIN2 promotes HCC cells proliferation by inhibiting the degradation of HIF1α. Exp Cell Res 2022; 418:113244. [PMID: 35697078 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PLIN2 has been found to be dysregulated in several human malignancies, which influences cancer progression. However, the roles of PLIN2 in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression are still unclear. Here, we revealed that PLIN2 was frequently upregulated in HCC cells and tissues, and increased PLIN2 expression was associated with poor prognosis outcomes in HCC. In HCC cells, overexpressing PLIN2 promoted cell proliferation, PLIN2-deficiency inhibited cell vitality. Mechanistically, silencing of PLIN2 expression downregulated hypoxia inducible factor 1-α (HIF1α) expression and this downregulation in turn inhibited the targeting genes of HIF1α. Furthermore, we found that PLIN2 stabilized and retarded the degradation of the HIF1α through autophagy-lysosomal pathway by inhibiting AMPK/ULK1. Collectively, we clarified the carcinogenic role of PLIN2 in HCC and suggested a prognostic biomarker for diagnosis and clinical therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuguang Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Ting Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Di Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wuxiyar Otkur
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, People's Hospital of Huangyuan County, Huangyuan County, Xining, 812100, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of General Surgery, People's Hospital of Huangyuan County, Huangyuan County, Xining, 812100, China
| | - Kexin Ma
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Bing Dong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Zexuan Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Rui Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Carson International Cancer Research Centre, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Chengyong Dong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yan H, He N, He S. HCG15 is a hypoxia-responsive lncRNA and facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion by enhancing ZNF641 transcription. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 608:170-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
23
|
Sartorius K, Antwi SO, Chuturgoon A, Roberts LR, Kramvis A. RNA Therapeutic Options to Manage Aberrant Signaling Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Dream or Reality? Front Oncol 2022; 12:891812. [PMID: 35600358 PMCID: PMC9115561 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the early promise of RNA therapeutics as a magic bullet to modulate aberrant signaling in cancer, this field remains a work-in-progress. Nevertheless, RNA therapeutics is now a reality for the treatment of viral diseases (COVID-19) and offers great promise for cancer. This review paper specifically investigates RNAi as a therapeutic option for HCC and discusses a range of RNAi technology including anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs), Aptamers, small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, riboswitches and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The use of these RNAi based interventions is specifically outlined in three primary strategies, namely, repressing angiogenesis, the suppression of cell proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis. We also discuss some of the inherent chemical and delivery problems, as well as targeting issues and immunogenic reaction to RNAi interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Sartorius
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, School of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Department of Surgery, KZN Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Centre, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samuel O Antwi
- The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Anil Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, School of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zeng Z, Lei S, Wang J, Yang Y, Lan J, Tian Q, Chen T, Hao X. A novel hypoxia-driven gene signature that can predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12193-12210. [PMID: 35549979 PMCID: PMC9276011 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2073943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia environment exists in already started hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promotes its progression by driving changes in the gene expression profiles of cells. However, the status of hypoxia-driven genes in HCC is largely unknown. In the present study, 368 HCC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas were divided into high and low hypoxia groups according to their hypoxia signatures. A total of 1,142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two groups, and 34 of these DEGs were highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues, especially in HCC tissues from patients with stage III-IV HCC. After constructing a protein-protein interaction network and applying the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression method for 34 DEGs, a three-gene signature (complement factor H related 3 [CFHR3], egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 3 [EGLN3], and chromogranin A [CHGA]) was constructed and had prognostic value to predicted outcome of patients with HCC. This three-gene signature was suitable for classifying patients with HCC in the International Cancer Genome Consortium. CFHR3 shows remarkable diagnostic value in HCC. Hypoxia decreased CFHR3 expression, but increased HCC cell proliferation and motility. Overexpression of CFHR3 in HCC cells under hypoxia reversed the stimulatory effects of hypoxia and suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, we identified a novel hypoxia-driven gene signature (CFHR3, EGLN3, and CHGA) for reliable prognostic prediction of HCC, and demonstrated that overexpression of CFHR3 may be a potential strategy to overcome hypoxia and treat HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Zeng
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jingya Wang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yushi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jinzhi Lan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qianting Tian
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tengxiang Chen
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Precision Medicine Research Institute of Guizhou Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tu H, Wang W, Feng Y, Zhang L, Zhou H, Cheng C, Ji L, Cai Q, Feng Y. β-Patchoulene represses hypoxia-induced proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of liver cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11907-11922. [PMID: 35546067 PMCID: PMC9275994 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2065945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor originating from liver epithelial cells with a high clinical mortality rate. β-Patchoulene (β-PAE) is a compound extracted from patchouli, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This research aims to probe the impacts of β-PAE on hypoxia-induced HCC cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Firstly, hypoxic injury models were constructed in HCC Huh-7 and MHCC97 cells, and the hypoxic injury cell models were then treated with different concentrations of β-PAE. The cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were checked by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of Survivin protein, EMT markers and the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway was gauged by Western blot (WB) or cellular immunofluorescence or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The in-vivo experiment was conducted to confirm the anti-tumor role of β-PAE. As a result, β-PAE abated hypoxia-induced HCC cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT and facilitated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo dose-dependently. Further mechanism studies displayed that β-PAE inactivated the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway, and HIF-1α activation significantly reversed the β-PAE-mediated tumor inhibition. β-PAE repressed the proliferation and EMT of hypoxia-induced HCC cells by choking the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway, suggesting that β-PAE was a potential drug for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Linfei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Huadong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Caitao Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Lei Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Qinghe Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Deng J, Wen F. Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma, What Else Can We Do? Front Oncol 2022; 12:824799. [PMID: 35425716 PMCID: PMC9001928 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been considered the standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, intermediate‐stage HCC is highly heterogeneous with a broad population with varying tumour burdens, liver function. This suggests that TACE monotherapy treatment might not be suitable for all patients with intermediate‐stage HCC. The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has become an important treatment option for improving the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC. Over the years, several trials have been conducted to explore the effects of TACE combined with TKIs for intermediate-stage HCC. However, the clinical efficacy is still controversial, and its potential clinical utility needs to be confirmed. This review will focus on the recent progress of TACE combined TKIs for intermediate-stage HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Deng
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cramer T, Vaupel P. Severe hypoxia is a typical characteristic of human hepatocellular carcinoma: Scientific fact or fallacy? J Hepatol 2022; 76:975-980. [PMID: 34990751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterised by a robust resistance to therapy, resulting in the very poor prognosis usually seen in patients with unresectable HCC. A thorough understanding of the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of HCC is of paramount importance for the identification of more effective treatment options. As hypoxia in tumours is associated with the malignant phenotype, molecules involved in the hypoxic response are being investigated as potential targets for cancer therapy. One key hallmark of human HCC is the hypervascularisation and arterialisation of the tumour's blood supply. Hypoxia being a strong inducer of neo-angiogenesis, it was hypothesised over 20 years ago that reduced oxygen levels in human HCC are a crucial feature of this deadly disease. However, while there is a considerable body of literature espousing the presumed functional relevance of hypoxia in HCC, direct measurements of oxygen partial pressures or O2 concentrations in human HCCs have yet to be performed. This narrative review seeks to demonstrate how overinterpretation of in vitro experiments and incorrect citations have resulted in HCCs being perceived as severely hypoxic tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Cramer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; European Surgery Center Aachen Maastricht, Aachen, Germany; European Surgery Center Aachen Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Vaupel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Center Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yan J, Huang YJ, Huang QY, Liu PX, Wang CS. Transcriptional activation of S100A2 expression by HIF-1α via binding to the hypomethylated hypoxia response elements in HCC cells. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:494-507. [PMID: 35107180 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers. Dysregulation of S100A2 has recently been found in many cancers including HCC. However, its regulatory mechanism in HCC remains poorly understood, especially in hypoxia. In this study, we found that S100A2 is upregulated and correlated with the clinicopathological features of HCC patients. Moreover, the elevated S100A2 showed worse overall survival. Functionally, S100A2 inhibition decreased the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Interestingly, we found that HIF-1α directly binds to hypoxia response elements (HREs) of the S100A2 promoter region. S100A2 expression could be induced in an HIF-1α-dependent manner under hypoxia. Furthermore, S100A2 silencing significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion under hypoxia. Mechanistically, pyrosequencing results showed that the hypomethylation status of CpG located in the HRE at the S100A2 promoter was correlated with S100A2 induction. Additionally, HIF-1α- mediated S100A2 activation was associated with TET2-related epigenetic inactivation. TET2 was enriched in the HRE of the S100A2 promoter in HepG2 cells. Finally, S100A2 methylation-related genes and pathways were analyzed. We found that the methylation of S100A2 is correlated with ANXA2, PPP1R15A, and FOS, which include in a hypoxia-related gene set from the GSEA database. Moreover, some EMT-related genes are associated with the methylation of S100A2 in HCC. Conclusively, our study thus uncovered a novel mechanism showing that hypoxia/HIF-1α signaling associated with DNA methylation enhances S100A2 expression in HCC. S100A2 may be useful as a target for facilitating novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.,College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ya Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Qing Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Peng Xia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.,College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Chang Shan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.,College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cucarull B, Tutusaus A, Rider P, Hernáez-Alsina T, Cuño C, García de Frutos P, Colell A, Marí M, Morales A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030621. [PMID: 35158892 PMCID: PMC8833604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, continues to be a serious medical problem with poor prognosis, without major therapeutic improvement for years and increasing incidence. Fortunately, advances in systemic treatment options are finally arriving for HCC patients. After a decade of sorafenib as a standard therapy for advanced HCC, several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), antiangiogenic antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have reached the clinic. Although infections by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus remain principal factors for HCC development, the rise of non- alcoholic steatohepatitis from diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome is impeding HCC decline. Knowledge of specific molecular mechanisms, based on the etiology and the HCC microenvironment that influence tumor growth and immune control, will be crucial for physician decision-making among a variety of drugs to prescribe. In addition, markers of treatment efficacy are needed to speed the movement of patients towards other potentially effective treatments. Consequently, research to provide scientific data for the evidence-based management of liver cancer is guaranteed in the coming years and discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Cucarull
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Patricia Rider
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Carlos Cuño
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), IIBB-CSIC, CIBERCV, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-932558314 (M.M. & A.M.)
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-932558314 (M.M. & A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vaupel P, Multhoff G. Blood Supply and Oxygenation Status of the Liver: From Physiology to Malignancy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1395:263-267. [PMID: 36527647 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14190-4_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To maintain a multitude of vital functions, blood flow to the normal liver and the hepatic oxygenation status has to be kept on a high level (1.0-1.2 mL/g/min and 30-40 mmHg, respectively). There is a longitudinal oxygen partial pressure (pO2) gradient within the liver sinusoids between periportal inflow and outflow into the central vein leading to a zonation of the O2 status, which is associated with a zoning of liver functions. Oxygenation of metastatic lesions of colorectal cancers in the liver is poor due to a dysfunctional vascularity and inadequate blood supply. Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are highly vascularised (arterialised), metabolically very active and present with a predominantly arterial blood supply. HCCs are generally believed to be very hypoxic. However, confirmation of severe hypoxia based on reliable, direct pO2 measurements in HCCs is still missing.
Collapse
|
31
|
De Muynck K, Vanderborght B, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. The Gut-Liver Axis in Chronic Liver Disease: A Macrophage Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:2959. [PMID: 34831182 PMCID: PMC8616442 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a growing health concern which accounts for two million deaths per year. Obesity, alcohol overconsumption, and progressive cholestasis are commonly characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation and advancing fibrosis, which form the basis for development of end-stage liver disease complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. CLD pathophysiology extends to the intestinal tract and is characterized by intestinal dysbiosis, bile acid dysregulation, and gut barrier disruption. In addition, macrophages are key players in CLD progression and intestinal barrier breakdown. Emerging studies are unveiling macrophage heterogeneity and driving factors of their plasticity in health and disease. To date, in-depth investigation of how gut-liver axis disruption impacts the hepatic and intestinal macrophage pool in CLD pathogenesis is scarce. In this review, we give an overview of the role of intestinal and hepatic macrophages in homeostasis and gut-liver axis disruption in progressive stages of CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Muynck
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Foglia B, Sutti S, Cannito S, Rosso C, Maggiora M, Autelli R, Novo E, Bocca C, Villano G, Ramavath NN, Younes R, Tusa I, Rovida E, Pontisso P, Bugianesi E, Albano E, Parola M. Hepatocyte-Specific Deletion of HIF2α Prevents NASH-Related Liver Carcinogenesis by Decreasing Cancer Cell Proliferation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:459-482. [PMID: 34655812 PMCID: PMC8688724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.10.002] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are involved in chronic liver disease progression. We previously showed that hepatocyte HIF-2α activation contributed significantly to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression in experimental animals and human patients. In this study, using an appropriate genetic murine model, we mechanistically investigated the involvement of hepatocyte HIF-2α in experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related carcinogenesis. METHODS The role of HIF-2α was investigated by morphologic, cellular, and molecular biology approaches in the following: (1) mice carrying hepatocyte-specific deletion of HIF-2α (HIF-2α-/- mice) undergoing a NASH-related protocol of hepatocarcinogenesis; (2) HepG2 cells stably transfected to overexpress HIF-2α; and (3) liver specimens from NASH patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Mice carrying hepatocyte-specific deletion of HIF-2α (hHIF-2α-/-) showed a significant decrease in the volume and number of liver tumors compared with wild-type littermates. These effects did not involve HIF-1α changes and were associated with a decrease of cell proliferation markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki67. In both human and rodent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related tumors, HIF-2α levels were strictly associated with hepatocyte production of SerpinB3, a mediator previously shown to stimulate liver cancer cell proliferation through the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP)/c-Myc pathway. Consistently, we observed positive correlations between the transcripts of HIF-2α, YAP, and c-Myc in individual hepatocellular carcinoma tumor masses, while HIF-2α deletion down-modulated c-Myc and YAP expression without affecting extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and AKT-dependent signaling. In vitro data confirmed that HIF-2α overexpression induced HepG2 cell proliferation through YAP-mediated mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the activation of HIF-2α in hepatocytes has a critical role in liver carcinogenesis during NASH progression, suggesting that HIF-2α-blocking agents may serve as novel putative therapeutic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Foglia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Maggiora
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Autelli
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Erica Novo
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bocca
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | | | - Naresh Naik Ramavath
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Ramy Younes
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Unit of Experimental Oncology and Pathology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Unit of Experimental Oncology and Pathology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lam M, Reales-Calderon JA, Ow JR, Adriani G, Pavesi A. In vitro 3D liver tumor microenvironment models for immune cell therapy optimization. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041502. [PMID: 34632251 PMCID: PMC8492081 DOI: 10.1063/5.0057773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, liver cancer kills more than 18 million people every year worldwide, urging new strategies to model the disease and to improve the current therapeutic options. In vitro tumor models of human cancer continue to evolve, and they represent an important screening tool. However, there is a tremendous need to improve the physiological relevance and reliability of these in vitro models to fulfill today's research requirements for better understanding of cancer progression and treatment options at different stages of the disease. This review describes the hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironmental characteristics and illustrates the current immunotherapy strategy to fight the disease. Moreover, we present a recent collection of 2D and 3D in vitro liver cancer models and address the next generation of in vitro systems recapitulating the tumor microenvironment complexity in more detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Lam
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jose Antonio Reales-Calderon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Rong Ow
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Giulia Adriani
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang M, Liu H, Zhang X, Zhao W, Lin X, Zhang F, Li D, Xu C, Xie F, Wu Z, Yang Q, Li X. Lack of MOF Decreases Susceptibility to Hypoxia and Promotes Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via HIF-1α. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:718707. [PMID: 34540836 PMCID: PMC8440882 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.718707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) promotes oncogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma and is functionally linked to cell proliferation, chemoresistance, metastasis and angiogenesis. It has been confirmed that the low expression level of Males absent on the first (MOF) in hepatocellular carcinoma leads to poor prognosis of patients. However, potential regulatory mechanisms of MOF in response to hypoxia remain elusive. Our results demonstrate that MOF expression is negatively associated with HIF-1α expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and in response to chloride-mimicked hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. MOF regulates HIF-1α mRNA expression and also directly binds to HIF-1α to mediate HIF-1α N-terminal lysine acetylation, ubiquitination and degradation, with downstream effects on MDR1 levels. Functional inactivation of MOF enhances HIF-1α stability and causes cell tolerance to hypoxia that is insensitive to histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment. Dysfunction of MOF in hepatocellular carcinoma cells also results in chemoresistance to trichostatin A, sorafenib and 5-fluorouracil via HIF-1α. Our results suggest that MOF regulates hypoxia tolerance and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by modulating both HIF-1α mRNA expression and N-terminal acetylation of HIF-1α, providing molecular insight into MOF-dependent oncogenic function of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Cell and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenbo Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Danyang Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengpeng Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qibing Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Cell and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangzhi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Cell and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Radial Flow Perfusion Enables Real-Time Profiling of Cellular Metabolism at Low Oxygen Levels with Hyperpolarized 13C NMR Spectroscopy. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11090576. [PMID: 34564392 PMCID: PMC8465580 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11090576] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe new methods for studying cancer cell metabolism with hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP 13C MRS) that will enable quantitative studies at low oxygen concentrations. Cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells were grown on the surfaces of non-porous microcarriers inside an NMR spectrometer. They were perfused radially from a central distributer in a modified NMR tube (bioreactor). The oxygen level of the perfusate was continuously monitored and controlled externally. Hyperpolarized substrates were injected continuously into the perfusate stream with a newly designed system that prevented oxygen and temperature perturbations in the bioreactor. Computational and experimental results demonstrated that cell mass oxygen profiles with radial flow were much more uniform than with conventional axial flow. Further, the metabolism of HP [1-13C]pyruvate was markedly different between the two flow configurations, demonstrating the importance of avoiding large oxygen gradients in cell perfusion experiments.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wu M, Miao H, Fu R, Zhang J, Zheng W. Hepatic Stellate Cell: A Potential Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 13:261-272. [PMID: 32091349 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200224102820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, in which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority. Despite the progression in treatment, the prognosis remains extremely poor for HCC patients. The mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are complex, of which fibrosis is acknowledged as the pre-cancerous stage of HCC. Approximately, 80-90% of HCC develops in the fibrotic or cirrhotic livers. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main effector cells of liver fibrosis, could secret various biological contents to maintain the liver inflammation. By decades, HSCs are increasingly correlated with HCC in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the underlying mechanisms that HSCs participated in the genesis and progression of HCC. HSCs secrete various bioactive contents and regulate tumor-related pathways, subsequently contribute to metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance and cancer stemness. The study indicates that HSC plays vital roles in HCC progression, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huajie Miao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Haian Hospital of Nantong University, 17 Zhongba Road, 226600, Haian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang Y, Lyu Y, Tu K, Xu Q, Yang Y, Salman S, Le N, Lu H, Chen C, Zhu Y, Wang R, Liu Q, Semenza GL. Histone citrullination by PADI4 is required for HIF-dependent transcriptional responses to hypoxia and tumor vascularization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/35/eabe3771. [PMID: 34452909 PMCID: PMC8397272 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe3771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) activate transcription of target genes by recruiting coactivators and chromatin-modifying enzymes. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) catalyzes the deimination of histone arginine residues to citrulline. Here, we demonstrate that PADI4 expression is induced by hypoxia in a HIF-dependent manner in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PADI4, in turn, is recruited by HIFs to hypoxia response elements (HREs) and is required for HIF target gene transcription. Hypoxia induces histone citrullination at HREs that is PADI4 and HIF dependent. RNA sequencing revealed that almost all HIF target genes in breast cancer cells are PADI4 dependent. PADI4 is required for breast and liver tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice. PADI4 expression is correlated with HIF-1α expression and vascularization in human breast cancer biopsies. Thus, HIF-dependent recruitment of PADI4 to target genes and local histone citrullination are required for transcriptional responses to hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yajing Lyu
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongkang Yang
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shaima Salman
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nguyet Le
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Haiquan Lu
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chelsey Chen
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yayun Zhu
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ru Wang
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Gregg L Semenza
- Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Departments of Genetic Medicine, Pediatrics, Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Allaire M, Rudler M, Thabut D. Portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma: Des liaisons dangereuses…. Liver Int 2021; 41:1734-1743. [PMID: 34051060 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Portal hypertension (PHT) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are major complication of cirrhosis which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aim to describe the consequences of both angiogenesis and inflammation in the pathogenesis of PHT and HCC, but also the difficulty to propose adapted treatment when PHT and HCC coexist in the same patients. METHODS Studies for review in this article were retrieved from the PubMed database using literature published in English until March 2021. RESULTS Portal hypertension occurs secondary to an increase of intrahepatic vascular resistances, the opening of portosystemic collateral vessels and the formation of neovessels, related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recently, bacterial translocation-mediated inflammation was also identified as a major contributor to PHT. Interestingly, VEGF and chronic inflammation also contribute to HCC occurrence. As PHT and HCC often coexist in the same patient, management of PHT and its related complications as well as HCC treatment appear more complex. Indeed, PHT-related complications such as significant ascites may hamper the access to HCC treatment and the presence of HCC is also independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute variceal bleeding related to PHT. Due to their respective mechanism of action, the combination of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab for advanced HCC may impact the level of PHT and its related complications and to date, no real-life data are available. CONSLUSIONS Appropriate evaluation and treatment of PHT remains a major issue in order to improve the outcome of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Allaire
- Service d'Hépatolo-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Inserm U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, France Faculté de Médecine Xavier Bichat, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Marika Rudler
- Service d'Hépatolo-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Service d'Hépatolo-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ruan W, Yang Y, Yu Q, Huang T, Wang Y, Hua L, Zeng Z, Pan R. FUT11 is a target gene of HIF1α that promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:2275-2286. [PMID: 34288238 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the hypoxia regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma is known to be limited. Thus, this study aimed to identify the crucial hypoxia-associated genes and to explore their effects and molecular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. FUT11 was first identified as a crucial hypoxia-associated gene through bioinformatics analysis. High FUT11 mRNA levels were positively correlated with poor clinical parameters. FUT11 knockdown under normoxia and hypoxia both decreased hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. HIF1α binds to the promoter of FUT11 and increases its transcription and co-expression with FUT11 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Overexpression of FUT11 in HIF1α knockdown cells reversed the inhibitory effects of HIF1α suppression on hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and mobility under hypoxia. Therefore, our findings indicate that FUT11 is a key target gene of HIF1α, which can promote the proliferation and mobility of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. FUT11 may be a novel and effective target for blocking the hypoxia response of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanyuan Ruan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.,Department of Infection, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yushi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qionghua Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.,Department of Infection, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Tiejun Huang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.,Department of Infection, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yaofen Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.,Department of Infection, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Li Hua
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Runsang Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health-care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yang Q, Gao L, Huang X, Weng J, Chen Y, Lin S, Yin Q. Sorafenib prevents the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of liver cancer cells by regulating autophagy and hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:980. [PMID: 34345262 PMCID: PMC8311259 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has been approved as a systemic drug for advanced liver cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sorafenib on the proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis of HepG2 cells under hypoxia. Briefly, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting was performed to quantify HIF-1, LC3II/I, mTOR and p70s6K expression levels. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the cell apoptosis rate was evaluated using flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that autophagy and apoptosis were induced by hypoxia, and that sorafenib further enhanced hypoxia-induced autophagy and apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the mechanism of sorafenib-mediated autophagy in liver cancer cell were investigated by using chloroquine (CQ). The results showed that CQ significantly inhibited autophagy by decreasing LC3II/LC3I ratio in HepG2 cells treated with sorafenib and/or hypoxia. By contrast, sorafenib could increase the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and of the autophagy marker (LC3II/I) and decrease the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase in HepG2 cells under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, suggesting that sorafenib could induce hypoxia and autophagy in liver cancer cells. In addition, sorafenib was demonstrated to prevent proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells under normoxia and hypoxia. Sorafenib could also prevent the malignant behavior of HepG2 by inducing hypoxia and autophagy. In summary, the findings from the present study suggested that sorafenib may inhibit liver cancer progression by activating autophagy and HIF-1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhuang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Jie Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Youke Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Shibu Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Qiushi Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zeng Z, Lu Q, Liu Y, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Hu L, Shi Z, Tu Y, Xiao Z, Xu Q, Huang D. Effect of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor on Sorafenib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:641522. [PMID: 34307125 PMCID: PMC8292964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.641522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the first-line drug for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, it suppresses tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Although sorafenib effectively prolongs median survival rates of patients with advanced HCC, its efficacy is limited by drug resistance in some patients. In HCC, this resistance is attributed to multiple complex mechanisms. Previous clinical data has shown that HIFs expression is a predictor of poor prognosis, with further evidence demonstrating that a combination of sorafenib and HIFs-targeted therapy or HIFs inhibitors can overcome HCC sorafenib resistance. Here, we describe the molecular mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance in HCC patients, and highlight the impact of hypoxia microenvironment on sorafenib resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjun Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linjun Hu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Tu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang J, Liu R, Wang Y, Mo H, Niu Y, Xu Q, Liu Q. Repression of the miR-627-5p by histone deacetylase 3 contributes to hypoxia-induced hepatocellular carcinoma progression. J Cancer 2021; 12:5320-5330. [PMID: 34335948 PMCID: PMC8317525 DOI: 10.7150/jca.58697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid tumors globally. Our previous studies revealed that miR-627-5p suppresses HCC progression via targeting BCL3/CCND1 pathway. However, the molecular mechanism by which miR-627-5p was downregulated in HCC remains to be further elucidated. As a hallmark of solid tumors, hypoxia results in the rapid growth, strongly potential invasion and high frequent metastasis of cancer cells. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), mainly including HIF-1 and HIF-2, are the classical transcription factors which mediate hypoxia-related gene transcription. Here, we demonstrated that miR-627-5p was repressed by hypoxia in a HIF-1-dependent manner in HCC cells. But HIF-1 regulated miR-627-5p expression not directly through the hypoxia-response element (HRE) sites of MIR627 gene. In contrast, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) was identified as a HIF-1 target gene, and the occupancy of HIF-1 to HRE site was essential for hypoxia-mediated HDAC3 induction. And upregulated HDAC3 was closely related to the malignant clinical and pathological characteristics and worse prognosis of HCC. Furthermore, HDAC3-mediated histone deacetylation in promoter region of MIR627 was critical for hypoxia-mediated miR-627-5p repression. And miR-627-5p mediated the effects of hypoxic condition on HCC progression. Thus, this study has revealed that miR-627-5p was repressed by hypoxia under the mediation of HDAC3 in HCC, and there existed a HIF-1α/HDAC3/miR-627-5p/BCL3/CCND1 signal pathway in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yongshen Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wing PAC, Liu PJ, Harris JM, Magri A, Michler T, Zhuang X, Borrmann H, Minisini R, Frampton NR, Wettengel JM, Mailly L, D'Arienzo V, Riedl T, Nobre L, Weekes MP, Pirisi M, Heikenwalder M, Baumert TF, Hammond EM, Mole DR, Protzer U, Balfe P, McKeating JA. Hypoxia inducible factors regulate hepatitis B virus replication by activating the basal core promoter. J Hepatol 2021; 75:64-73. [PMID: 33516779 PMCID: PMC8214165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are a hallmark of inflammation and are key regulators of hepatic immunity and metabolism, yet their role in HBV replication is poorly defined. HBV replicates in hepatocytes within the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ, however most studies of viral replication are performed under conditions of atmospheric oxygen, where HIFs are inactive. We therefore investigated the role of HIFs in regulating HBV replication. METHODS Using cell culture, animal models, human tissue and pharmacological agents inhibiting the HIF-prolyl hydroxylases, we investigated the impact of hypoxia on the HBV life cycle. RESULTS Culturing liver cell-based model systems under low oxygen uncovered a new role for HIFs in binding HBV DNA and activating the basal core promoter, leading to increased pre-genomic RNA and de novo HBV particle secretion. The presence of hypoxia responsive elements among all primate members of the hepadnaviridae highlights an evolutionary conserved role for HIFs in regulating this virus family. CONCLUSIONS Identifying a role for this conserved oxygen sensor in regulating HBV transcription suggests that this virus has evolved to exploit the HIF signaling pathway to persist in the low oxygen environment of the liver. Our studies show the importance of considering oxygen availability when studying HBV-host interactions and provide innovative routes to better understand and target chronic HBV infection. LAY SUMMARY Viral replication in host cells is defined by the cellular microenvironment and one key factor is local oxygen tension. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates in the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are the major sensors of low oxygen; herein, we identify a new role for these factors in regulating HBV replication, revealing new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helene Borrmann
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicholas R Frampton
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Laurent Mailly
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Tobias Riedl
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luis Nobre
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Weekes
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David R Mole
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Balfe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ma Y, Sun W, Zhang Q, Gao B, Cai W, Liu Q, Liao J, Wang X. lncRNA BSG-AS1 is hypoxia-responsive and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing BSG mRNA stability. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 566:101-107. [PMID: 34119821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that aberrant changes of lncRNAs expression induced by hypoxia participate in the development of HCC. The present study aimed to identify novel hypoxia-responsive lncRNAs and reveal its role and mechanism in HCC. Hypoxia exposure in HCC tissues was comprehensively estimated based on public data using multiple hypoxia gene signatures. Huh7 cells were treated with hypoxia and RNA-seq was performed. Then we analyzed the changes of lncRNAs in HCC tissues and cells exposed to hypoxia. We found that lncRNA BSG-AS1 was highly expressed in tissues with high hypoxia score. Then we verified the response of lncRNA BSG-AS1 to hypoxia in the cell hypoxia model in vitro. Through functional phenotypic analysis, we found that lncRNA BSG-AS1 can mediate the promoting effect of hypoxia on the proliferation and migration in HCC cells. RNA-seq was used to find the downstream target genes of lncRNA BSG-AS1. Sequencing data and wet experiments showed that mRNA of BSG decreased after knockout of lncRNA BSG-AS1, and mediated the promotive effect of lncRNA BSG-AS1 on proliferation and migration in HCC cells. The mechanism is that lncRNA BSG-AS1 can enhance the stability of BSG mRNA as antisense lncRNA. Finally, the data based on the public cohort and the cohort we collected suggested that the overexpression of lncRNA BSG-AS1 and BSG are related to the poor prognosis. In conclusion, lncRNA BSG-AS1 is a novel hypoxia-responsive lncRNA. LncRNA BSG-AS1 can positively regulate BSG, by maintaining the mRNA stability of BSG, thus promoting the proliferation and migration of HCC. High expression of lncRNA BSG-AS1 and BSG are risk factors for prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Ma
- The Department of Pathology,Heze Mudan People's Hospital (Heze Central Hospital), Heze, 274000, China
| | - Wenwen Sun
- The Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271000, China
| | - Qiangnu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Bingfang Gao
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zibo, 55000, China
| | - Wen Cai
- The Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Heze Mudan People's Hospital (Heze Central Hospital), Heze, 274000, China
| | - QinLiang Liu
- Tai'an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taian, 271000, China
| | - Juan Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinli Wang
- The Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nuclear scaffold protein p54 nrb/NONO facilitates the hypoxia-enhanced progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:4167-4183. [PMID: 34079086 PMCID: PMC8211563 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01848-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia and related oxidative stress are closely related to the development and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism mediated by hypoxia in HCC has not yet been elucidated. Here, we found multifunction scaffold protein p54nrb/NONO exerted pleiotropic effects to regulate hypoxia transcription signals, thereby enhancing the progression of liver cancer. Extensive analysis of clinical data demonstrated that NONO was significantly upregulated and represented as a poor prognostic indicator of HCC. The crucial role of NONO in driving angiogenesis and glycolysis, two well-known cancer phenotypes mediated by hypoxia, was examined in vitro an in vivo. Mechanistically, NONO interacted with and stabilized both HIF-1 and HIF-2 complexes thus activating the transcription of hypoxia-induced genes. Besides, NONO bound pre-mRNA and subsequent mRNA of these genes to facilitate them splicing and mRNA stability, respectively. Thus, NONO knockout seriously disrupted the expression of a cluster of HIF-1/2 targets and impeded hypoxia-enhanced progression in HCC. In conclusion, NONO functioned as a multipurpose scaffold that interacted with HIF-1/2 complex and their downstream transcripts to facilitate the expression of hypoxia-induced genes, allowing malignant proliferation, indicating that NONO might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
|
46
|
Hypoxia associated multi-omics molecular landscape of tumor tissue in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:6525-6553. [PMID: 33690171 PMCID: PMC7993683 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to update the knowledge about hypoxia-related multi-omic molecular landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Large-size HCC datasets from multiple centers were collected. The hypoxia exposure of tumor tissue from patients in 10 HCC cohorts was estimated using a novel HCC-specific hypoxia score system constructed in our previous study. A comprehensive bioinformatical analysis was conducted to compare hypoxia-associated multi-omic molecular features in patients with a high hypoxia score to a low hypoxia score. We found that patients with different exposure to hypoxia differed significantly in transcriptomic, genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic alterations, including differences in mRNA, microRNA (miR), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression, differences in copy number alterations (CNAs), differences in DNA methylation levels, differences in RNA alternative splicing events, and differences in protein levels. HCC survival- associated molecular events were identified. The potential correlation between molecular features related to hypoxia has also been explored, and various networks have been constructed. We revealed a particularly comprehensive hypoxia-related molecular landscape in tumor tissues that provided novel evidence and perspectives to explain the role of hypoxia in HCC. Clinically, the data obtained from the present study may enable the development of individualized treatment or management strategies for HCC patients with different levels of hypoxia exposure.
Collapse
|
47
|
Yang X, Yeung WHO, Tan KV, Ng TPK, Pang L, Zhou J, Li J, Li C, Li X, Lo CM, Kao WJ, Man K. Development of cisplatin-loaded hydrogels for trans-portal vein chemoembolization in an orthotopic liver cancer mouse model. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:520-529. [PMID: 33685316 PMCID: PMC7946021 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1895908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization is a standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated the anti-tumor effect of the semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel as a novel embolic material for trans-portal vein chemoembolization (TPVE) in vivo. A nude mice orthotopic HCC model was established, followed by TPVE using IPN hydrogel loaded with or without cisplatin. Portal vein blockade was visualized by MRI and the development of tumor was monitored by IVIS Spectrum Imaging. Tumor proliferation and angiogenesis were evaluated by Ki67 and CD34 staining respectively. Intra-tumor caspase 3, Akt, ERK1/2, and VEGF activation were detected by Western Blot. 18 F-FMISO uptake was evaluated by microPET-MRI scanning. IPN hydrogel first embolized the left branch of portal vein within 24 hours and further integrated into the intra-tumor vessels during 2 weeks after the treatment. Mice treated with cisplatin-loaded hydrogels exhibited a significant decrease in tumor growth, along with lower plasma AFP levels as compared to hydrogel-treated and untreated tumor-bearing mice. By Ki67 and CD34 staining, the TPVE with IPN hydrogel suppressed tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. In addition, increased tumor apoptosis shown by up-regulation of caspase 3 with decreased expressions of tumor cell survival indicators Akt and ERK1/2 were observed in the treatment groups. Consistent with the decreased expression of VEGF after TPVE, hypoxia level in the tumor was also reduced as indicated by 18 F-FMISO uptake level. IPN hydrogel-based TPVE significantly suppressed the tumor development by regulating intra-tumor angiogenesis and cell survival in an orthotopic HCC mouse model, suggesting a viable embolic agent for transarterial chemoembolization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiang Yang
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Ho Oscar Yeung
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kel Vin Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tak-Pan Kevin Ng
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Pang
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Changxian Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiyuan John Kao
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Identification of Hypoxia-Related Differentially Expressed Genes and Construction of the Clinical Prognostic Predictor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Bioinformatic Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/7928051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Hypoxia closely relates to malignant progression and appears to be prognostic for outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our research is aimed at mining the hypoxic-related genes (HRGs) and constructing a prognostic predictor (PP) model on clinical prognosis in HCC patients. Methods. RNA-sequencing data about HRGs and clinical data of patients with HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database portal. Differentially expressed HRGs between HCC and para-carcinoma tissue samples were obtained by applying the Wilcox analysis in R statistical software. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for gene functional enrichment analyses. Then, the patients who were asked to follow up for at least one month were enrolled in the following study. Cox proportional risk regression model was applied to obtain key HRGs which related to overall survival (OS) in HCC. PP was constructed and defined, and the accuracy of PP was validated by constructing the signature in a training set and validation set. Connectivity map (CMap) was used to find potential drugs, and gene set cancer analysis (GSCA) was also performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results. Thirty-seven differentially expressed HRGs were obtained. It contained 28 upregulated and 9 downregulated genes. After the univariate Cox regression model analysis, we obtained 27 prognosis-related HRGs. Of these, 25 genes were risk factors for cancer, and 2 genes were protective factors. The PP was composed by 12 key genes (HDLBP, SAP30, PFKP, DPYSL4, SLC2A1, HMOX1, PGK1, ERO1A, LDHA, ENO2, SLC6A6, and TPI1). GSCA results showed the overall activity of these 12 key genes in 10 cancer-related pathways. Besides, CMap identified deferoxamine, crotamiton, talampicillin, and lycorine might have effects with HCC. Conclusions. This study firstly reported 12 prognostic HRGs and constructed the model of the PP. This comprehensive research of multiple databases helps us gain insight into the biological properties of HCC and provides deferoxamine, crotamiton, talampicillin, and lycorine as potential drugs to fight against HCC.
Collapse
|
49
|
Dai X, Guo Y, Hu Y, Bao X, Zhu X, Fu Q, Zhang H, Tong Z, Liu L, Zheng Y, Zhao P, Fang W. Immunotherapy for targeting cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2021; 11:3489-3501. [PMID: 33537099 PMCID: PMC7847682 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development and remarkable success of checkpoint inhibitors have provided significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only 15-20% of HCC patients can benefit from checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for recurrence, metastasis, and local and systemic therapy resistance in HCC. Accumulating evidence has suggested that HCC CSCs can create an immunosuppressive microenvironment through certain intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, resulting in immune evasion. Intrinsic evasion mechanisms mainly include activation of immune-related CSC signaling pathways, low-level expression of antigen presenting molecules, and high-level expression of immunosuppressive molecules. External evasion mechanisms are mainly related to HBV/HCV infection, alcoholic/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hypoxia stimulation, abnormal angiogenesis, and crosstalk between CSCs and immune cells. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms of CSCs involved in immune evasion will contribute to therapies for HCC. Here we will outline the detailed mechanisms of immune evasion for CSCs, and provide an overview of the current immunotherapies targeting CSCs in HCC.
Collapse
|
50
|
Li X, Li Y, Bai S, Zhang J, Liu Z, Yang J. NR2F1-AS1/miR-140/HK2 Axis Regulates Hypoxia-Induced Glycolysis and Migration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:427-437. [PMID: 33488124 PMCID: PMC7815091 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s266797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia is an important feature for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long noncoding RNA nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) is dysregulated in HCC. However, the role and mechanism of N2RF1-AS1 in hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration remain unclear. Materials and Methods Tumor tissues and adjacent samples were harvested from 40 HCC patients. HCC cells were treated by hypoxia. The levels of NR2F1-AS1, microRNA (miR)-140, and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Glycolysis was analyzed via glucose uptake, lactate production, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Cell migration was analyzed via transwell assay. The target association was analyzed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results NR2F1-AS1 level was enhanced in HCC tissues and cells. High expression of NR2F1-AS1 indicated poor overall survival. Silence of NR2F1-AS1 repressed hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells. NR2F1-AS1 could regulate HK2 expression by modulating miR-140. miR-140 down-regulation or HK2 up-regulation mitigated the influence of NR2F1-AS1 silence on hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells. Conclusion NR2F1-AS1 knockdown restrained hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells via increasing miR-140 and decreasing HK2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Bai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengcai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyue Yang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|