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Hu Y, Mei H, Luan T, Sun H, Lu Q, Liu R. Effect of stability of PTEN on hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:726-735. [PMID: 38687946 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_349_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an antioncogene gene, phosphataseandtensinhomolog (PTEN) is closely related to tumorigenesis. However, after mutation, PTEN will lose its function and no longer exert a tumor suppression effect. Through this research, we explored the impact of PTEN mutation on hepatic carcinoma (HCC) and the mechanism of PTEN for regulating HCC. METHODS First, bioinformatics was used to analyze the prognosis of PTEN in HCC. PTEN-related genes were then further analyzed by the LinkedOmics database, and GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis were performed. Next, databases were utilized to predict the mutation and mutation frequency of PTEN. Eventually, CRISPR-Cas12a was applied to detect the R130Q mutation on PTEN in clinical samples of HCC. Finally, the fact that miR-92a-3p targets PTEN was identified by dual luciferase reporter gene assays, RT-qPCR, western blot, and rescue experiments. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis indicated the high mutation frequency of R130Q/G/L* site on the PTEN gene. Through CRISPR-Cas12a, R130Q mutation was detected on PTEN in 26 out of 40 clinical samples of HCC. CONCLUSIONS On the one hand, our study revealed that CRISPR-Cas12a might play an important role in the screening and prognosis of HCC as a new clinical method to detect PTEN mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Hu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Central Theater Command General Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Tumor and Intervention,Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongliang Mei
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Central Theater Command General Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Tumor and Intervention,Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tianji Luan
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huiling Sun
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiping Lu
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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2
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Mestareehi A, Abu-Farsakh N. Impact of Protein Phosphatase Expressions on the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10299-10331. [PMID: 38463290 PMCID: PMC10918787 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The study was conducted to unveil the significance of protein phosphatases in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its related molecular biological attributes as well as to discover novel potential biomarkers for therapeutic significance and diagnostic purposes that may benefit clinical practice. Analyzing a data set from 159 HCC patients using high-throughput phosphoproteomics, we examined the dysregulated expression of protein phosphatases. Employing bioinformatic and pathway analyses, we explored differentially expressed genes linked to protein phosphatases. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins database. We quantified a total of 11,547 phosphorylation sites associated with 4043 phosphoproteins from HCC patients. Within this data set, we identified 105 identified phosphorylation sites associated with protein phosphatases; 28 genes were upregulated and 3 were downregulated in HCC. Enriched pathways using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis encompassed oocyte meiosis, proteoglycans in cancer, the oxytocin signaling pathway, the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, the vascular smooth muscle, and the cAMP signaling pathway. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis highlighted pathways like mitogen-activated protein kinase, AMPK, and PI3K-Akt, indicating potential involvement in HCC progression. Notably, the PPI network identified hub genes, emphasizing their interconnections and potential roles in HCC. In our study, we found significantly upregulated levels of CDC25C, PPP1R13L, and PPP1CA, which emerge as promising avenues. This significant expression could serve as potent diagnostic and prognostic markers to enhance the effectiveness of HCC cancer treatment, offering efficiency and accuracy in patient assessment. The findings regarding protein phosphatases reveal their elevated expression in HCC, correlating with unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, the outcomes of gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses suggest that protein phosphatases may influence liver cancer by engaging diverse targets and pathways, ultimately fostering the progression of HCC. These results underscore the substantial potential of protein phosphatases as key contributors to HCC's development and advancement. This insight holds promise for identifying therapeutic targets and charting research avenues to enhance the comprehension of the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aktham Mestareehi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, P.O. Box 22, Amman 11622, Jordan
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- School
of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43202, United States
| | - Noor Abu-Farsakh
- Department
of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Internal Medicine Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
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3
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Athavale D, Barahona I, Song Z, Desert R, Chen W, Han H, Das S, Ge X, Komakula SSB, Gao S, Lantvit D, Guzman G, Nieto N. Overexpression of HMGB1 in hepatocytes accelerates PTEN inactivation-induced liver cancer. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0311. [PMID: 38055645 PMCID: PMC10984663 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is increasing due to the rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease, but its role in MASH-associated liver cancer is unknown. We hypothesized that an increase in hepatocyte-derived HMGB1 in a mouse model of inactivation of PTEN that causes MASH could promote MASH-induced tumorigenesis. METHODS We analyzed publicly available transcriptomics datasets, and to explore the effect of overexpressing HMGB1 in cancer progression, we injected 1.5-month-old Pten∆Hep mice with adeno-associated virus serotype-8 (AAV8) vectors to overexpress HMGB1-EGFP or EGFP, and sacrificed them at 3, 9 and 11 months of age. RESULTS We found that HMGB1 mRNA increases in human MASH and MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC) compared to healthy livers. Male and female Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1 showed accelerated liver tumor development at 9 and 11 months, respectively, with increased tumor size and volume, compared to control Pten∆Hep mice. Moreover, Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1, had increased incidence of mixed HCC-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). All iCCAs were positive for nuclear YAP and SOX9. Male Pten∆Hep mice overexpressing HMGB1 showed increased cell proliferation and F4/80+ cells at 3 and 9 months. CONCLUSION Overexpression of HMGB1 in hepatocytes accelerates liver tumorigenesis in Pten∆Hep mice, enhancing cell proliferation and F4/80+ cells to drive MASH-induced liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Inés Barahona
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Shenglan Gao
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel Lantvit
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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4
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Bang J, Jun M, Lee S, Moon H, Ro SW. Targeting EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2130. [PMID: 37631344 PMCID: PMC10458925 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082130] [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] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health concern, with its incidence steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a multifaceted, multi-step process involving alterations in various signaling cascades. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. In particular, the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC has garnered renewed attention from both basic and clinical researchers. Preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo have shown the effectiveness of targeting the key components of this signaling pathway in human HCC cells. Thus, targeting these signaling pathways with small molecule inhibitors holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for patients with HCC. In this review, we explore recent advancements in understanding the role of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC and assess the effectiveness of targeting this signaling cascade as a potential strategy for HCC therapy based on preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea; (J.B.); (M.J.); (S.L.); (H.M.)
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5
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Nguyen Huu T, Park J, Zhang Y, Duong Thanh H, Park I, Choi JM, Yoon HJ, Park SC, Woo HA, Lee SR. The Role of Oxidative Inactivation of Phosphatase PTEN and TCPTP in Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010120. [PMID: 36670982 PMCID: PMC9854873 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Despite the different etiologies, their spectra and histological feature are similar, from simple steatosis to more advanced stages such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies including peroxiredoxin knockout models revealed that oxidative stress is crucial in these diseases, which present as consequences of redox imbalance. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are a superfamily of enzymes that are major targets of reactive oxygen species (ROS) because of an oxidation-susceptible nucleophilic cysteine in their active site. Herein, we review the oxidative inactivation of two tumor suppressor PTPs, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP), and their contribution to the pathogenicity of ALD and NAFLD, respectively. This review might provide a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases and help develop new therapeutic strategies to treat fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang Nguyen Huu
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58 128, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Hien Duong Thanh
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58 128, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Iha Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Myung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joong Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Park
- The Future Life and Society Research Center, Advanced Institute of Aging Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ae Woo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Rock Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-61-379-2775; Fax: +82-61-379-2782
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6
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Yoon JS, Lee CW. Protein phosphatases regulate the liver microenvironment in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1799-1813. [PMID: 36380016 PMCID: PMC9722691 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00883-0] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complicated heterogeneous organ composed of different cells. Parenchymal cells called hepatocytes and various nonparenchymal cells, including immune cells and stromal cells, are distributed in liver lobules with hepatic architecture. They interact with each other to compose the liver microenvironment and determine its characteristics. Although the liver microenvironment maintains liver homeostasis and function under healthy conditions, it also shows proinflammatory and profibrogenic characteristics that can induce the progression of hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis, eventually changing to a protumoral microenvironment that contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to recent studies, phosphatases are involved in liver diseases and HCC development by regulating protein phosphorylation in intracellular signaling pathways and changing the activities and characteristics of liver cells. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the importance of protein phosphatases in HCC development and in the regulation of the cellular components in the liver microenvironment and to show their significance as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Sup Yoon
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351 Republic of Korea
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7
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Li X, Lin J, Pan Y, Cui P, Xia J. Identification of a Liver Progenitor Cell-Related Genes Signature Predicting Overall Survival for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211041425. [PMID: 34866477 PMCID: PMC8652186 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211041425] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) play significant roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no studies on the value of LPC-related genes for evaluating HCC prognosis exist. We developed a gene signature of LPC-related genes for prognostication in HCC. Methods: To identify LPC-related genes, we analyzed mRNA expression arrays from a dataset (GSE57812 & GSE 37071) containing LPCs, mature hepatocytes, and embryonic stem cell samples. HCC RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to prognosis through DEG analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to construct the LPC-related gene prognostic model in the TCGA training dataset. This model was validated in the TCGA testing set and an external dataset (International Cancer Genome Consortium [ICGC] dataset). Finally, we investigated the relationship between this prognostic model with tumor-node-metastasis stage, tumor grade, and vascular invasion of HCC. Results: Overall, 1770 genes were identified as LPC-related genes, of which 92 genes were identified as DEGs in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, we randomly assigned patients from the TCGA dataset to the training and testing cohorts. Twenty-six DEGs correlated with overall survival (OS) in the univariate Cox regression analysis. Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed in the TCGA training set, and a 3-gene signature was constructed to stratify patients into 2 risk groups: high-risk and low-risk. Patients in the high-risk group had significantly lower OS than those in the low-risk group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the signature's predictive capacity. Moreover, the risk score was confirmed to be an independent predictor for patients with HCC. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the LPC-related gene signature can be used for prognostication in HCC. Thus, targeting LPCs may serve as a therapeutic alternative for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Li
- 26468Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqong Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuguo Pan
- 26468Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Cui
- 26468Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintang Xia
- 26468Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Wang H, Zhang Q, Cui W, Li W, Zhang J. Circ_0004018 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-1197/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:2125-2136. [PMID: 34570663 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1962633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of primary liver cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to be a crucial player in multiple cancers. However, a large number of circRNAs remain to be explored. Our study focused on investigating hsa_circ_0004018 in HCC. Firstly, we conducted quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) to find that circ_0004018 was down-regulated in HCC cells. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein levels of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and related factors of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. From the results of functional assays, we found that overexpression of circ_0004018 significantly inhibited the proliferative and migratory capacities of HCC cells. The regulatory mechanism of circ_0004018 in HCC was determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays, thereby we knew that circ_0004018 regulated PTEN by sequestering microRNA-1197 (miR-1197) to modulate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, rescue assays verified that circ_0004018 participated in modulation of cell proliferation and migration in HCC via sponging miR-1197 and regulating PTEN. In conclusion, circ_0004018 suppresses the proliferation and migration of HCC cells via sponging miR-1197 to inactivate the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Abbreviations: HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; circRNAs: Circular RNAs; PTEN: Phosphatase and tensin homologue; miR-1197: microRNA-1197; ceRNA: competitive endogenous RNA; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; EMEM: Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium; RT-qPCR: Quantitative real-time PCR; EdU: 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine; FISH: Fluorescent in situ hybridization; RIP: RNA immunoprecipitation; 3'-UTR: 3'-untranslated region; Wt: wild-type; Mut; mutant type; gDNA: genomic DNA; Act D: Actinomycin D; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase; AKT: protein kinase; lncRNAs: long non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenyu Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenlan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jimei Zhang
- Biology College, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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9
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Menz A, Bauer R, Kluth M, Marie von Bargen C, Gorbokon N, Viehweger F, Lennartz M, Völkl C, Fraune C, Uhlig R, Hube-Magg C, De Wispelaere N, Minner S, Sauter G, Kind S, Simon R, Burandt E, Clauditz T, Lebok P, Jacobsen F, Steurer S, Wilczak W, Krech T, Marx AH, Bernreuther C. Diagnostic and prognostic impact of cytokeratin 19 expression analysis in human tumors: a tissue microarray study of 13,172 tumors. Hum Pathol 2021; 115:19-36. [PMID: 34102222 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression in normal and cancerous tissues, 15,977 samples from 122 tumor types and 608 samples of 76 normal tissue types were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In normal tissues, CK19 expression occurred in epithelial cells of most glandular organs but was strictly limited to the basal cell layer of nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium and absent in the skin. CK19 expression in ≥90% of cases was seen in 34% of the tumor entities including the adenocarcinomas of the pancreas (99.4%), colorectum (99.8%), esophagus (98.7%), and stomach (97.7%), as well as breast cancer (90.0%-100%), high-grade serous (99.1%) or endometrioid (97.8%) ovarian cancer, and urothelial carcinoma (92.6%-100%). A low CK19 positivity rate (0.1-10%) was seen in 5 of 122 tumor entities including hepatocellular carcinoma and seminoma. A comparison of tumor versus normal tissue findings demonstrated that upregulation and downregulation of CK19 can occur in cancer and that both alterations can be linked to unfavorable phenotypes. CK19 downregulation was linked to high grade (p = 0.0017) and loss of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-expression (p < 0.0001 each) in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. CK19 upregulation was linked to nodal metastases in neuroendocrine tumors and papillary thyroid carcinomas (p < 0.05 each) and to poor grade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (p < 0.05). CK19 upregulation was particularly common in squamous cell carcinomas. We concluded that CK19 IHC might separate primary liver cell carcinoma from liver metastases, seminoma from other testicular tumors, and helps in the detection of early neoplastic transformation in squamous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Menz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rifka Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara Marie von Bargen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Gorbokon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cosima Völkl
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ria Uhlig
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Noémi De Wispelaere
- Department and Clinic of Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Kind
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49076 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, 90766 Fuerth Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Wang W, Xu S, Di Y, Zhang Z, Li Q, Guo K, Lv Y, Wang B. Novel role of LINC01013/miR-6795-5p/FMNL3 axis in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cell features. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:652-662. [PMID: 33847733 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are major contributors to tumor initiation, recurrence, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some long non-coding RNAs have been reported as modulators of stem-like properties in cancer cells. However, the role of LINC01013 in liver CSCs has not yet been clarified. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the expression pattern and functions of LINC01013 in HCC. HCC tissues and normal controls were collected, and the expression pattern of LINC01013 and miR-6795-5p was identified by quick real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation, and spheroid formation were performed to measure cell viability, proliferation, and self-renewal of HCC cell lines. The expression of stem markers was detected by western blot analysis. The effect of LINC01013 on viability, proliferation, and stem-like properties was detected through gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. The direct interaction among LINC01013, miR-6795-5p, and FMNL3 was testified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Tumor-bearing mice were constructed to ascertain the functions of LINC01013 in vivo. HCC tissues showed increased LINC01013 and FMNL3 expression, while it showed a decreased miR-6795-5p expression as compared to the relative controls. Moreover, the high level of LINC01013 was closely related to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. LINC01013 directly binds to miR-6795-5p and subsequently relieves FMNL3. Silencing LINC01013, FMNL3, or overexpression of miR-6795-5p could suppress spheroid and colony formation, proliferation, as well as expression of stemness markers in HepG2 and SNU-182 cells. LINC01013 knockdown suppressed growth and stem-like traits of HCC cells in vivo by reducing FMNL3 expression. LINC01013/miR-6795-5p/FMNL3 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of General Surgery, Bazhong Central Hospital, Bazhong 636000, China
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Shicheng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Bazhong Central Hospital, Bazhong 636000, China
| | - Ying Di
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Bazhong Central Hospital, Bazhong 636000, China
| | - Qingshan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
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11
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation of cells found within tumors that exhibit properties of self-renewal, like normal stem cells. CSCs have been defined as a crucial factor involved in driving cancer relapse, chemoresistance and metastasis. Prominin-1 (CD133) is one of the most well-characterized markers of CSCs in various tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CD133+ cells have been demonstrated to be involved in metastasis, tumorigenesis, tumor recurrence, and resistance to treatment in HCC. CD133-related clinical prognosis prediction, and targeted therapy have highlighted the clinical significance of CD133 in HCC. However, there remains controversy over the role of CD133 in experimental and clinical research involving HCC. In this article, we summarize the fundamental cell biology of CD133 in HCC cells and discuss the important characteristics of CD133+ in HCC cells. Furthermore, the prognostic value of CD133, and therapeutic strategies for its targeting in HCC, is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Nishida N, Sakai K, Morita M, Aoki T, Takita M, Hagiwara S, Komeda Y, Takenaka M, Minami Y, Ida H, Ueshima K, Nishio K, Kudo M. Association between Genetic and Immunological Background of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Expression of Programmed Cell Death-1. Liver Cancer 2020. [PMID: 32999869 DOI: 10.1159/000506352.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) refractory to conventional therapies. To enhance the efficacy of this treatment, immunological and molecular characteristics of HCC with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) should be explored. Methods Clinical backgrounds, PD-L1 expression, and the amount of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs) were analyzed in 154 HCCs. The expression of 3 stem cell markers and co-inhibitory receptors on tumor cells and TIMCs, respectively, were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Somatic mutations in the 409 cancer-associated genes and TERT promoter were determined; HCCs were classified based on the presence of gene alterations affecting the 8 oncogenic pathways. The results were validated using the dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Results The expression of PD-L1 in the HCCs was positively correlated with progressive tumor features, the presence of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), and the mutations of genes involving the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. Although CD8+ cells were densely infiltrated in PD-L1-positive tumors, these TIMCs frequently expressed multiple co-inhibitory receptors. However, a subset of PD-L1-positive tumors characterized by activating mutations of the PI3K-Akt pathway showed a low degree of TIMCs. Conversely, PD-L1-negative HCCs were associated with mutations in the β-catenin pathway and a small number of TIMCs, although the expression of co-inhibitory receptors was rare. Conclusions PD-L1-positive HCCs frequently showed an inflamed phenotype with stem cell features; a subset of PD-L1-positive HCCs with mutations in the PI3K-Akt pathway showed a non-inflamed phenotype. In HCCs with dense infiltration of TIMCs, CD8+ cells expressed multiple co-inhibitory receptors, suggesting T cell exhaustion. On the other hand, PD-L1-negative HCCs showed mutations leading to β-catenin activation and exhibited a non-inflamed background. These characteristics should be taken into consideration for developing novel combination therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Hagiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Yoriaki Komeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Mamoru Takenaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Yasunori Minami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kazuomi Ueshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.,Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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13
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Zhao C, Wang B, Liu E, Zhang Z. Loss of PTEN expression is associated with PI3K pathway-dependent metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:131. [PMID: 32831114 PMCID: PMC7444061 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic reprogramming, in which energetic metabolism changes from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, is well-accepted as a hallmark of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A growing body of evidence suggests the involvement of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the control of metabolic reprogramming. In this study, we attempt to investigate whether loss of PTEN, a recognized tumor suppressor, drives metabolic reprogramming of HCC. Methods Cancerous liver tissues were surgically resected from 128 HCC patients, with 43 adjacent noncancerous liver tissues as control. Aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) was reflected by measurements of glucose uptake and lactate production, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse was observed by JC-1 staining, glycolytic rate and mitochondrial respiration were evaluated by determining glycolytic proton efflux rate (glycoPER) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in cultured human HHCC cells. Results Reciprocal expression of PTEN and PI3K was determined in cancer liver tissues. Overexpression of PTEN suppressed the Warburg effect, as evidenced by reductions in glucose uptake and lactate production, maintenance of mitochondrial function, and transformation of energetic metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation in cultured PTEN-negative HHCC cells. Importantly, 740 Y-P, a PI3K agonist that leads to activation of the PI3K pathway, partially abrogated the function of PTEN and reprogramed glucose metabolism in cultured HHCC cells. Conclusions The discovery that loss of PTEN allows the tumor metabolic program has been a major advance in understanding the carcinogenesis of HCC. Video abstract
Graphical abstract Graphic abstract showing that loss of PTEN regulates the tumor metabolic program in hepatocellular carcinoma. Loss of PTEN leads to activation of the PI3K pathway enhances the Warburg effect, thereby promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanzong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Enyu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Zongli Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
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14
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Walcher L, Kistenmacher AK, Suo H, Kitte R, Dluczek S, Strauß A, Blaudszun AR, Yevsa T, Fricke S, Kossatz-Boehlert U. Cancer Stem Cells-Origins and Biomarkers: Perspectives for Targeted Personalized Therapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1280. [PMID: 32849491 PMCID: PMC7426526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 406] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis has gained increasing interest over the last decades. In particular, the analysis of biomarkers in cancer patients within the pre- and post-therapeutic period is required to identify several types of cells, which carry a risk for a disease progression and subsequent post-therapeutic relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive tumor initiation and can cause relapses. At the time point of tumor initiation, CSCs originate from either differentiated cells or adult tissue resident stem cells. Due to their importance, several biomarkers that characterize CSCs have been identified and correlated to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. However, CSCs have been shown to display a high plasticity, which changes their phenotypic and functional appearance. Such changes are induced by chemo- and radiotherapeutics as well as senescent tumor cells, which cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of senescence causes tumor shrinkage by modulating an anti-tumorigenic environment in which tumor cells undergo growth arrest and immune cells are attracted. Besides these positive effects after therapy, senescence can also have negative effects displayed post-therapeutically. These unfavorable effects can directly promote cancer stemness by increasing CSC plasticity phenotypes, by activating stemness pathways in non-CSCs, as well as by promoting senescence escape and subsequent activation of stemness pathways. At the end, all these effects can lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. This review provides an overview of the most frequently used CSC markers and their implementation as biomarkers by focussing on deadliest solid (lung, stomach, liver, breast and colorectal cancers) and hematological (acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia) cancers. Furthermore, it gives examples on how the CSC markers might be influenced by therapeutics, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and the tumor microenvironment. It points out, that it is crucial to identify and monitor residual CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and the pro-tumorigenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a therapy follow-up using specific biomarkers. As a future perspective, a targeted immune-mediated strategy using chimeric antigen receptor based approaches for the removal of remaining chemotherapy-resistant cells as well as CSCs in a personalized therapeutic approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Walcher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kistenmacher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Dluczek
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Strauß
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André-René Blaudszun
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Kossatz-Boehlert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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Nishida N, Sakai K, Morita M, Aoki T, Takita M, Hagiwara S, Komeda Y, Takenaka M, Minami Y, Ida H, Ueshima K, Nishio K, Kudo M. Association between Genetic and Immunological Background of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Expression of Programmed Cell Death-1. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:426-439. [PMID: 32999869 PMCID: PMC7506256 DOI: 10.1159/000506352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) refractory to conventional therapies. To enhance the efficacy of this treatment, immunological and molecular characteristics of HCC with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) should be explored. METHODS Clinical backgrounds, PD-L1 expression, and the amount of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs) were analyzed in 154 HCCs. The expression of 3 stem cell markers and co-inhibitory receptors on tumor cells and TIMCs, respectively, were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Somatic mutations in the 409 cancer-associated genes and TERT promoter were determined; HCCs were classified based on the presence of gene alterations affecting the 8 oncogenic pathways. The results were validated using the dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas. RESULTS The expression of PD-L1 in the HCCs was positively correlated with progressive tumor features, the presence of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), and the mutations of genes involving the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. Although CD8+ cells were densely infiltrated in PD-L1-positive tumors, these TIMCs frequently expressed multiple co-inhibitory receptors. However, a subset of PD-L1-positive tumors characterized by activating mutations of the PI3K-Akt pathway showed a low degree of TIMCs. Conversely, PD-L1-negative HCCs were associated with mutations in the β-catenin pathway and a small number of TIMCs, although the expression of co-inhibitory receptors was rare. CONCLUSIONS PD-L1-positive HCCs frequently showed an inflamed phenotype with stem cell features; a subset of PD-L1-positive HCCs with mutations in the PI3K-Akt pathway showed a non-inflamed phenotype. In HCCs with dense infiltration of TIMCs, CD8+ cells expressed multiple co-inhibitory receptors, suggesting T cell exhaustion. On the other hand, PD-L1-negative HCCs showed mutations leading to β-catenin activation and exhibited a non-inflamed background. These characteristics should be taken into consideration for developing novel combination therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- *Naoshi Nishida, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511 (Japan),
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16
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Serological Biomarkers for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Focus on Autoantibodies against Tumor-Associated Antigens Encoded by Cancer Driver Genes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051271. [PMID: 32443439 PMCID: PMC7280966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence manifests the occurrence of autoantibodies to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in the early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and previous studies have mainly focused on known TAAs. In the present study, protein microarrays based on cancer driver genes were customized to screen TAAs. Subsequently, autoantibodies against selected TAAs in sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 1175 subjects of three independent datasets (verification dataset, training dataset, and validation dataset). The verification dataset was used to verify the results from the microarrays. A logistic regression model was constructed within the training dataset; seven TAAs were included in the model and yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.831. The validation dataset further evaluated the model, exhibiting an AUC of 0.789. Remarkably, as the aggravation of HCC increased, the prediction probability (PP) of the model tended to decrease, the trend of which was contrary to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). For AFP-negative HCC patients, the positive rate of this model reached 67.3% in the training dataset and 50.9% in the validation dataset. Screening TAAs with protein microarrays based on cancer driver genes is the latest, fast, and effective method for finding indicators of HCC. The identified anti-TAA autoantibodies can be potential biomarkers in the early detection of HCC.
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17
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Nishida N, Kudo M. Immune Phenotype and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1274. [PMID: 32443599 PMCID: PMC7281618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are promising approaches for treating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) refractory to conventional therapies. However, a recent clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed that anti-tumor responses to ICIs are not satisfactory in HCC cases. Therefore, it is critical to identify molecular markers to predict outcome and develop novel combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of ICIs. Recently, several attempts have been made to classify HCC based on genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses. These molecular classifications are characterized by unique clinical and histological features of HCC, as well immune phenotype. For example, HCCs exhibiting gene expression patterns with proliferation signals and stem cell markers are associated with the enrichment of immune infiltrates in tumors, suggesting immune-proficient characteristics for this type of HCC. However, the presence of activating mutations in β-catenin represents a lack of immune infiltrates and refractoriness to ICIs. Although the precise mechanism that links the immunological phenotype with molecular features remains controversial, it is conceivable that alterations of oncogenic cellular signaling in cancer may lead to the expression of immune-regulatory molecules and result in the acquisition of specific immunological microenvironments for each case of HCC. Therefore, these molecular and immune characteristics should be considered for the management of HCC using immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine; 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan;
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18
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Wang B, Song K, Chen L, Su H, Gao L, Liu J, Huang A. Targeted inhibition of ACK1 can inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Cell Biochem Funct 2020; 38:642-650. [PMID: 32162707 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Activated Cdc42-associated kinase 1 (ACK1) expression is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and other tumour tissues. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of ACK1 in HCC remains unclear. In this study, the expression of pTyr284-ACK1, pSer473-AKT and PTEN in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry, and its clinicopathological significance was analysed. Then, ACK1-targeted small molecule inhibitors AIM-100 and Dasatinib were used to treat cells SK-Hep-1 and HepG2, and changes in activity and biological behaviours of PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway were observed. The results showed that pTyr284-ACK1 protein was highly expressed in HCC tissues and was related to the poor prognosis of patients; the expression of pTyr284-ACK1 protein was positively correlated with pSer473-AKT and negatively correlated with PTEN. In addition, after treatment either with AIM-100 or Dasatinib, both proliferation of two cells and migration, invasion of SK-Hep-1 cells were all significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, ACK1, pTyr284-ACK1, pSer473-AKT, mTOR and EGFR were down-regulated; PTEN was up-regulated when analysed by western-blot in SK-Hep-1 cells. These results demonstrated that ACK1 may promote HCC development via PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Targeted inhibition of ACK1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour with high mortality. Our study showed that ACK1 and pTyr284-ACK1 are highly expressed in HCC and may promote HCC development through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Targeted inhibition of ACK1 expression with small inhibitors AIM-100 and Dasatinib may weaken tumour cells ability of proliferation, migration and invasion. Our results suggested that downregulation of ACK1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pathology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Institute of Oncology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Song
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pathology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Institute of Oncology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hongying Su
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Institute of Oncology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lingyun Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pathology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Aimin Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Institute of Oncology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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19
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Fang S, Zhang D, Weng W, Lv X, Zheng L, Chen M, Fan X, Mao J, Mao C, Ye Y, Xu M, Ji J. CPSF7 regulates liver cancer growth and metastasis by facilitating WWP2-FL and targeting the WWP2/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1867:118624. [PMID: 31837982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing within a gene can create different versions of an mRNA, called isoforms. CFIm, composed of a small subunit CFIm25 and two large subunits CFIm68 and CFIm59 (also known as CPSF7), has been proposed as an enhancer-dependent activator of mRNA 3' processing. In this study, we investigated the role of CPSF7 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Experimental evidence suggests that the expression level of CPSF7 is higher in liver cancer cells and tissues than in non-tumor hepatic cells and tissues. Furthermore, knockdown of CPSF7 effectively suppressed cell proliferation, migration and colony formation in liver cancer cells by inhibiting PTEN/AKT signaling. CPSF7 promoted WWP2-FL due to the presence of PTEN ubiquitination sites in this longer transcript. Taken together, we identified that CPSF7 regulates liver cancer growth by targeting WWP2-FL that in turn regulates AKT activation in a PTEN-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiji Fang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Dengke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Wei Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiuling Lv
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Liyun Zheng
- Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiaoxi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jianting Mao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Chenchen Mao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Yani Ye
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University/The Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui 323000, China.
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