1
|
Dantzer C, Dif L, Vaché J, Basbous S, Billottet C, Moreau V. Specific features of ß-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02849-7. [PMID: 39261716 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02849-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CTNNB1, encoding the ß-catenin protein, is a key oncogene contributing to liver carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adult, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, mainly due to mutations of the CTNNB1 gene, is observed in a significant subset of HCC. In this review, we first resume the major recent advances in HCC classification with a focus on CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass. We present the regulatory mechanisms involved in β-catenin stabilisation, transcriptional activity and binding to partner proteins. We then describe specific phenotypic characteristics of CTNNB1-mutated HCC thanks to their unique gene expression patterns. CTNNB1-mutated HCC constitute a full-fledged subclass of HCC with distinct pathological features such as well-differentiated cells with low proliferation rate, association to cholestasis, metabolic alterations, immune exclusion and invasion. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to target ß-catenin-mutated liver tumours and innovative perspectives for future drug developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Dif
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justine Vaché
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin X, Wang S, Luo L, Yan F, He Q. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Potential for advancement. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116463. [PMID: 39102994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are highly prevalent cancers that threaten human health worldwide. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of GICs. Numerous interventions targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in GICs are currently being tested in clinical trials with promising results. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs that effectively target this pathway. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of clinical therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GICs. By integrating data from bioinformatics databases and recent literature from the past five years, we examine the heterogeneous expression and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes and proteins in GICs. Specifically, we focus on expression patterns, mutation frequencies, and clinical prognoses to understand their implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, we discuss recent clinical trial efforts targeting this pathway. Understanding the inhibitors currently under clinical investigation may help optimize foundational research and clinical strategies. We hope that elucidating the current status of precision therapeutic stratification for patients targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will guide future innovations in precision medicine for GICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xizhi Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China
| | - Sijie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| | - Fangjie Yan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
VanSant-Webb C, Low HK, Kuramoto J, Stanley CE, Qiang H, Su AY, Ross AN, Cooper CG, Cox JE, Summers SA, Evason KJ, Ducker GS. Phospholipid isotope tracing suggests β-catenin-driven suppression of phosphatidylcholine metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024; 1869:159514. [PMID: 38795827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2024.159514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are among the most frequently observed oncogenic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Profound alterations in lipid metabolism, including increases in fatty acid oxidation and transformation of the phospholipidome, occur in HCC with CTNNB1 mutations, but it is unclear what mechanisms give rise to these changes. We employed untargeted lipidomics and targeted isotope tracing to measure phospholipid synthesis activity in an inducible human liver cell line expressing mutant β-catenin, as well as in transgenic zebrafish with activated β-catenin-driven HCC. In both models, activated β-catenin expression was associated with large changes in the lipidome including conserved increases in acylcarnitines and ceramides and decreases in triglycerides. Lipid isotope tracing analysis in human cells revealed a reduction in phosphatidylcholine (PC) production rates as assayed by choline incorporation. We developed lipid isotope tracing analysis for zebrafish tumors and observed reductions in phosphatidylcholine synthesis by both the CDP-choline and PEMT pathways. The observed changes in the β-catenin-driven HCC phospholipidome suggest that zebrafish can recapitulate conserved features of HCC lipid metabolism and may serve as a model for identifying future HCC-specific lipid metabolic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad VanSant-Webb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hayden K Low
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Junko Kuramoto
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Claire E Stanley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hantao Qiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Audrey Y Su
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexis N Ross
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Chad G Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - James E Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Gregory S Ducker
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Repáraz D, Casares N, Fuentes A, Navarro F. Establishment of a murine hepatocellular carcinoma model by hydrodynamic injection and characterization of the immune tumor microenvironment. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 185:79-97. [PMID: 38556453 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms. Current treatments for HCC, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have limited efficacy, highlighting the urgent need for better therapies. Immunotherapies, including anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), and more recently, the combination of anti-PD-L1 and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies, have shown efficacy against HCC, resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, these immunotherapies only show efficiency in a small proportion of patients, meaning there is a great need to improve and optimize treatments against HCC. Accurate animal models that mimic human HCC are necessary to help better understand the nature of these tumors, which in turn will allow the development and testing of new treatments. Existing pre-clinical HCC models can be divided into non-genetic and genetic models. Non-genetic models involve implanting human or murine HCC cell lines or inducing tumors using chemical compounds or dietary modifications. These models have limitations, including slow tumor development and a lack of resemblance to human HCC. Genetic models, on the other hand, manipulate gene expression to induce HCC in mice and provide a better understanding of the effects of specific genes on tumor development. One method commonly used to generate HCC is hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI), which consists of the delivery of oncogenes directly to the liver, resulting in expression and subsequent hepatocyte transformation. Usually, Sleeping Beauty transposase-containing plasmids are used to achieve stable and long-term gene expression. Once the HCC tumor is generated, and a proper tumor microenvironment (TME) is established, it is important to study the immune compartment of the TME, which plays a crucial role in HCC development and response to treatment. Techniques like flow cytometry can be used to analyze the immune cell populations in HCC tumors and assess their impact on tumor development and survival in mice. In this article, we thoroughly describe an example of the methodology to successfully generate HCC murine models via HTVI, and we propose a way to characterize the immune TME by flow cytometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Repáraz
- Radio-Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Noelia Casares
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Andrea Fuentes
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hung MH, Wang XW. Targeting WNT/β-Catenin via Modulating EZH2 Function: A New Chapter in the Treatment of β-Catenin Mutant Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancer Res 2023; 83:3498-3500. [PMID: 37747420 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In a recent study, Rialdi and colleagues identified a specific vulnerability in β-catenin mutant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via EZH2-mediated suppression of WNT signaling and revealed the selective anti-HCC activity of WNTinib, a chemical derivative of regorafenib and sorafenib in targeting this vulnerability. Their discoveries highlight the role of EZH2 in modulating WNT signaling and suggest an implication of WNTinihb as a small-molecule inhibitor for the treatment of HCC with activated WNT/β-catenin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Hsin Hung
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
VanSant-Webb C, Low HK, Kuramoto J, Stanley CE, Qiang H, Su A, Ross AN, Cooper CG, Cox JE, Summers SA, Evason KJ, Ducker GS. Phospholipid isotope tracing reveals β-catenin-driven suppression of phosphatidylcholine metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.12.562134. [PMID: 37904922 PMCID: PMC10614757 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.12.562134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are among the most frequently observed oncogenic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC with CTNNB1 mutations show profound alterations in lipid metabolism including increases in fatty acid oxidation and transformation of the phospholipidome, but it is unclear how these changes arise and whether they contribute to the oncogenic program in HCC. Methods We employed untargeted lipidomics and targeted isotope tracing to quantify phospholipid production fluxes in an inducible human liver cell line expressing mutant β-catenin, as well as in transgenic zebrafish with activated β-catenin-driven HCC. Results In both models, activated β-catenin expression was associated with large changes in the lipidome including conserved increases in acylcarnitines and ceramides and decreases in triglycerides. Lipid flux analysis in human cells revealed a large reduction in phosphatidylcholine (PC) production rates as assayed by choline tracer incorporation. We developed isotope tracing lipid flux analysis for zebrafish and observed similar reductions in phosphatidylcholine synthesis flux accomplished by sex-specific mechanisms. Conclusions The integration of isotope tracing with lipid abundances highlights specific lipid class transformations downstream of β-catenin signaling in HCC and suggests future HCC-specific lipid metabolic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad VanSant-Webb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Hayden K Low
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Junko Kuramoto
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Claire E Stanley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Hantao Qiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Audrey Su
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Alexis N Ross
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Chad G Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - James E Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health. Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah. Salt Lake City UT, 84112 USA
| | - Gregory S Ducker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine. Salt Lake City UT, 84112, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah. Salt Lake City UT, 84112 USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schaeffer S, Gupta B, Calatayud AL, Calderaro J, Caruso S, Hirsch TZ, Pelletier L, Zucman-Rossi J, Rebouissou S. RSK2 inactivation cooperates with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation to promote hepatocarcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2023; 79:704-716. [PMID: 37201672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Recurrent somatic mutations of the RPS6KA3 gene encoding for the serine/threonine kinase RSK2 were identified in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), suggesting its tumour-suppressive function. Our goal was to demonstrate the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 in the liver and investigate the functional consequences of its inactivation. METHODS We analysed a series of 1,151 human HCCs for RSK2 mutations and 20 other driver genetic alterations. We then modelled RSK2 inactivation in mice in various mutational contexts recapitulating or not those naturally found in human HCC, using transgenic mice and liver-specific carcinogens. These models were monitored for liver tumour appearance and subjected to phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses. Functional consequences of RSK2 rescue were also investigated in a human RSK2-deficient HCC cell line. RESULTS RSK2-inactivating mutations are specific to human HCC and frequently co-occur with AXIN1-inactivating or β-catenin-activating mutations. Modelling of these co-occurrences in mice showed a cooperative effect in promoting liver tumours with transcriptomic profiles recapitulating those of human HCCs. By contrast, there was no cooperation in liver tumour induction between RSK2 loss and BRAF-activating mutations chemically induced by diethylnitrosamine. In human liver cancer cells, we also showed that RSK2 inactivation confers some dependency to the activation of RAS/MAPK signalling that can be targeted by MEK inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 and its specific synergistic effect in hepatocarcinogenesis when its loss of function is specifically combined with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation. Furthermore, we identified the RAS/MAPK pathway as a potential therapeutic target for RSK2-inactivated liver tumours. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated the tumour suppressor role of RSK2 in the liver and showed that its inactivation specifically synergises with AXIN1 inactivation or β-catenin activation to promote the development of HCC with similar transcriptomic profiles as found in humans. Furthermore, this study highlights that activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway is one of the key signalling pathways mediating the oncogenic effect of RSK2 inactivation that can be targeted with already available anti-MEK therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schaeffer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Barkha Gupta
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Line Calatayud
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, APHP, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Théo Z Hirsch
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Laura Pelletier
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Sandra Rebouissou
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang L, Piao Y, Guo F, Wei J, Chen Y, Dai X, Zhang X. Current progress of pig models for liver cancer research. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115256. [PMID: 37536038 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical trials play critical roles in assessing the safety and efficiency of novel therapeutic strategies for human diseases including live cancer. However, most therapeutic strategies that were proved to be effective in preclinical cancer models failed in human clinical trials due to the lack of appropriate disease animal models. Therefore, it is of importance and urgent to develop a precise animal model for preclinical cancer research. Liver cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers with low 5-year survival rate. Recently, porcine attracted increasing attentions as animal model in biomedical research. Porcine liver cancer model may provide a promising platform for biomedical research due to their similarities to human being in body size, anatomical characteristics, physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the advantages and disadvantages, rationale, current status and progress of pig models for liver cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuexian Piao
- Invasive Technology Nursing Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiarui Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Domènech Omella J, Cortesi EE, Verbinnen I, Remmerie M, Wu H, Cubero FJ, Roskams T, Janssens V. A Novel Mouse Model of Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma Induced by Diethylnitrosamine and Loss of Ppp2r5d. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4193. [PMID: 37627221 PMCID: PMC10453342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164193] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) can be classified in hepatocellular (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). The molecular mechanisms involved in PLC development and phenotype decision are still not well understood. Complete deletion of Ppp2r5d, encoding the B56δ subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), results in spontaneous HCC development in mice via a c-MYC-dependent mechanism. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of Ppp2r5d in an independent mouse model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Ppp2r5d deletion (heterozygous and homozygous) accelerated HCC development, corroborating its tumor-suppressive function in liver and suggesting Ppp2r5d may be haploinsufficient. Ppp2r5d-deficient HCCs stained positively for c-MYC, consistent with increased AKT activation in pre-malignant and tumor tissues of Ppp2r5d-deficient mice. We also found increased YAP activation in Ppp2r5d-deficient tumors. Remarkably, in older mice, Ppp2r5d deletion resulted in cHCC-CCA development in this model, with the CCA component showing increased expression of progenitor markers (SOX9 and EpCAM). Finally, we observed an upregulation of Ppp2r5d in tumors from wildtype and heterozygous mice, revealing a tumor-specific control mechanism of Ppp2r5d expression, and suggestive of the involvement of Ppp2r5d in a negative feedback regulation restricting tumor growth. Our study highlights the tumor-suppressive role of mouse PP2A-B56δ in both HCC and cHCC-CCA, which may have important implications for human PLC development and targeted treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Domènech Omella
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Emanuela E. Cortesi
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.E.C.); (T.R.)
| | - Iris Verbinnen
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Michiel Remmerie
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
| | - Hanghang Wu
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (F.J.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (F.J.C.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Network on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Roskams
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.E.C.); (T.R.)
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Janssens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.D.O.); (I.V.); (M.R.)
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bakrania A, To J, Zheng G, Bhat M. Targeting Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nanomedicine. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2023; 2:948-963. [PMID: 39130774 PMCID: PMC11307499 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a high-fatality cancer with a 5-year survival of 22%. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway presents as one of the most upregulated pathways in HCC. However, it has so far not been targetable in the clinical setting. Therefore, studying new targets of this signaling cascade from a therapeutic aspect could enable reversal, delay, or prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis. Although enormous advancement has been achieved in HCC research and its therapeutic management, since HCC often occurs in the context of other liver diseases such as cirrhosis leading to liver dysfunction and/or impaired drug metabolism, the current therapies face the challenge of safely and effectively delivering drugs to the HCC tumor site. In this review, we discuss how a targeted nano drug delivery system could help minimize the off-target toxicities of conventional HCC therapies as well as enhance treatment efficacy. We also put forward the current challenges in HCC nanomedicine along with some potential therapeutic targets from the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that could be used for HCC therapy. Overall, this review will provide an insight to the current advances, limitations and how HCC nanomedicine could change the landscape of some of the undruggable targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey To
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li J, Wang X, Ren M, He S, Zhao Y. Advances in experimental animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15261-15276. [PMID: 37248746 PMCID: PMC10417182 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6163] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious early symptoms, easy metastasis, postoperative recurrence, poor drug efficacy, and a high drug resistance rate when surgery is missed, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Research on the pathogenesis and drugs is particularly important for clinical treatment. Animal models are crucial for basic research, which is conducive to studying pathogenesis and drug screening more conveniently and effectively. An appropriate animal model can better reflect disease occurrence and development, and the process of anti-tumor immune response in the human body. This review summarizes the classification, characteristics, and advances in experimental animal models of HCC to provide a reference for researchers on model selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Galvão FHF, Traldi MCC, Araújo RSS, Stefano JT, D'Albuquerque LAC, Oliveira CP. PRECLINICAL MODELS OF LIVER CÂNCER. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:383-392. [PMID: 37792769 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230302023-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
•In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis: classic models, new transgenic and combined models, that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. •Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches. •Cholangiocarcinoma has been highlighted, with an increase in prevalence. This review has an important role in understanding the pathophysiology and the development of new drugs. Background - This manuscript provides an overview of liver carcinogenesis in murine models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Objective - A review through MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to assess articles until August 2022.Methods - Search was conducted of the entire electronic databases and the keywords used was HCC, CCA, carcinogenesis, animal models and liver. Articles exclusion was based on the lack of close relation to the subject. Carcinogenesis models of HCC include HCC induced by senescence in transgenic animals, HCC diet-induced, HCC induced by chemotoxicagents, xenograft, oncogenes, and HCC in transgenic animals inoculated with B and C virus. The models of CCA include the use of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), thioacetamide (TAA), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CCA murine models may also be induced by: CCA cells, genetic manipulation, Smad4, PTEN and p53 knockout, xenograft, and DEN-left median bile duct ligation. Results - In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic, physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. Conclusion - Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Henrique Ferreira Galvão
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Clara Camargo Traldi
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Stefano
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Luiz Augusto Carneiro D'Albuquerque
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Claudia P Oliveira
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baokbah TAS. Attenuation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model by combination therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study. J Histotechnol 2023; 46:5-16. [PMID: 36214360 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2129935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model. Normal healthy and DEN-induced (HCC) rats were divided into five groups. Group I healthy rats served as normal control, Group II untreated HCC rats, Group III HCC rats administered diacerein, Group IV HCC rats administered AuNP, and Group V HCC rats administered diacerein and AuNP. All treatments were given once daily for 4 weeks. Liver morphology and necroinflammation in all groups were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome for fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry assays for expression of TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin, and caspase-3. Liver sections from Group II HCC rats showed loss of lobular architecture, thick fibrous tissue deposition, leukocyte infiltration, degenerated hepatocytes and HCC neoplastic nodules surrounded by extensive fibrosis. Group II had high expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and β-catenin, and low caspase-3 expression as compared to Group I. HCC rats treated with the combined therapy of diacerein and AuNP (Group V) showed markedly decreased HCC lesions, significant necroinflammation reduction (p ˂ 0.05) and 90% reduction in fibrosis as compared to Group II HCC + diacerein. This combined therapy also reduced (p ˂ 0.05) TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression and increased caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, diacerein combined with AuNP synergistically attenuated the severity of HCC lesions by reducing necroinflammation and fibrosis, decreased TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression, and increased caspase-3 expression for apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tourki A S Baokbah
- Department of Medical Emergency Services, Al-Qunfudah Health Sciences College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Revamping the innate or innate-like immune cell-based therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: new mechanistic insights and advanced opportunities. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 40:84. [PMID: 36680649 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-01948-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A cancerous tumour termed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by inflammation and subsequently followed by end-stage liver disease and necrosis of the liver. The liver's continuous exposure to microorganisms and toxic molecules affects the immune response because normal tissue requires some immune tolerance to be safeguarded from damage. Several innate immune cells are involved in this process of immune system activation which includes dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. The liver is an immunologic organ with vast quantities of innate and innate-like immune cells subjected to several antigens (bacteria, fungal or viral) through the gut-liver axis. Tumour-induced immune system engagement may be encouraged or suppressed through innate immunological systems, which are recognized promoters of liver disease development in pre-HCC conditions such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, ultimately resulting in HCC. Immune-based treatments containing several classes of drugs have transformed the treatment of several types of cancers in recent times. The effectiveness of such immunotherapies relies on intricate interactions between lymphocytes, tumour cells, and neighbouring cells. Even though immunotherapy therapy has already reported to possess potential effect to treat HCC, a clear understanding of the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune cell pathways still need to be clearly understood for better exploitation of the same. The identification of predictive biomarkers, understanding the progression of the disease, and the invention of more efficient combinational treatments are the major challenges in HCC immunotherapy. The functions and therapeutic significance of innate immune cells, which have been widely implicated in HCC, in addition to the interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses during the pathogenesis, have been explored in the current review.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mohapatra P, Chandrasekaran N. Wnt/β-catenin targeting in liver carcinoma through nanotechnology-based drug repurposing: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113713. [PMID: 36126453 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113713] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most widespread in the world, with a high fatality rate and poor prognosis.However,surgicalresction,thermal/radiofrequencyablation,chemo/radioembolization and pathway targeting to the cancer cells are all possible options for treating Liver Carcinoma. Unfortunately, once the tumour has developed and spread, diagnosis often occurs too late. The targeted therapy has demonstrated notable, albeit modest, efficacy in some patients with advanced HCC. This demonstrates the necessity of creating additional focused treatments and, in pursuit of this end, the need to find ever-more pathways as prospective targets. Despite the critical need, there are currently no Wnt signalling directed therapy on the research field, only a few methods have progressed beyond the early stage of clinical studies. In the present study, we report that repurposing of drug previously licensed for other diseases is one possible strategy inhibit malignant cell proliferation and renewal by removing individuals protein expression in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Particularly β-catenin complex is present in Liver cancer, where tumour necrosis factor is indispensable for the complex formation and β-catenin interactions are disrupted upon drug in nano-carrier through nanotechnology. This study findings not only highlight that repurposing drug could improve liver cancer treatment outcomes but also focused to character traits and functions of the Wnt signalling cascade's molecular targets and how they could be used to get anti-tumour results method to targeting Wnt/β-catenin in liver carcinoma.
Collapse
|
17
|
Loesch R, Caruso S, Paradis V, Godard C, Gougelet A, Renault G, Picard S, Tanaka I, Renoux-Martin Y, Perret C, Taketo MM, Zucman-Rossi J, Colnot S. Deleting the β-catenin degradation domain in mouse hepatocytes drives hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma-like tumor growth. J Hepatol 2022; 77:424-435. [PMID: 35257829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One-third of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) harbor mutations activating the β-catenin pathway, predominantly via mutations in the CTNNB1 gene itself. Mouse models of Apc loss-of-function are widely used to mimic β-catenin-dependent tumorigenesis. Given the low prevalence of APC mutations in human HCCs, we aimed to generate liver tumors through CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion (βcatΔex3). We then compared βcatΔex3 liver tumors with liver tumors generated via frameshift in exon 15 of Apc (Apcfs-ex15). METHODS We used hepatocyte-specific and inducible mouse models generated through either a Cre-Lox or a CRISPR/Cas9 approach using adeno-associated virus vectors. Tumors generated by the Cre-Lox models were phenotypically analyzed using immunohistochemistry and were selected for transcriptomic analysis by RNA-sequencing (RNAseq). Mouse RNAseq data were compared to human RNAseq data (8 normal tissues, 48 HCCs, 9 hepatoblastomas) in an integrative analysis. Tumors generated via CRISPR were analyzed using DNA sequencing and immuno-histochemistry. RESULTS Mice with CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion in hepatocytes developed liver tumors indistinguishable from Apcfs-ex15 liver tumors. Both Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models induced growth of phenotypically distinct tumors (differentiated or undifferentiated). Integrative analysis of human and mouse tumors showed that differentiated mouse tumors cluster with well-differentiated human CTNNB1-mutated tumors. Conversely, undifferentiated mouse tumors cluster with human mesenchymal hepatoblastomas and harbor activated YAP signaling. CONCLUSION Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models both induce growth of tumors that are transcriptionally similar to either well-differentiated and β-catenin-activated human HCCs or mesenchymal hepatoblastomas. LAY SUMMARY New and easy-to-use transgenic mouse models of primary liver cancers have been generated, with mutations in the gene encoding beta-catenin, which are frequent in both adult and pediatric primary liver cancers. The mice develop both types of cancer, constituting a strong preclinical model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Loesch
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | | | - Cecile Godard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Gilles Renault
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut COCHIN, F-75014, France; Plateforme Imageries du Vivant, Université de Paris, France
| | - Simon Picard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Ingrid Tanaka
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Yoan Renoux-Martin
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | | | | | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | - Sabine Colnot
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Molecular targeted drugs, comprehensive classification and preclinical models for the implementation of precision immune oncology in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Clin Oncol 2022; 27:1101-1109. [PMID: 35633441 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-022-02174-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality. Recent progress in molecular targeted drugs including multikinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated substantial survival improvement in patients with advanced HCC, but it remains as a challenging issue to discover surrogate markers for precisely distinguishing responders and non-responders. Genome-based medicine has changed cancer treatment from empirical use of cytotoxic agents to theoretical use of molecular targeted drugs in various types of cancer, while not in HCC due to lack of druggable targets. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis reveal that HCC is divided into three major subtypes, proliferative, CTNNB1-mutated and metabolic disease-associated, with distinctive molecular and immunological features, and an increasing number of studies provide evidence for the close correlation between the subtype and the response to molecular targeted drugs using both of clinical data and preclinical models. Dozens of immunocompetent mouse models, such as hydrodynamic tail vain injection models and implantable syngeneic models, reflect molecular characteristics and tumor immune microenvironment of the subtypes, and help us to evaluate the efficacy of single and combination therapies and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resistance to them. Thus, the consensus classification and relevant preclinical models could accelerate the establishment of predictive biomarkers and the development of subtype-specific therapies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu C, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X. β-Catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154515. [PMID: 35166233 PMCID: PMC8843739 DOI: 10.1172/jci154515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the main genetic alterations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive genomic analyses have revealed that gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, and loss-of-function mutation of AXIN1 occur in approximately 35% of human HCC samples. Human HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway demonstrate unique gene expression patterns and pathological features. Activated Wnt/β-catenin synergizes with multiple signaling cascades to drive HCC formation, and it functions through its downstream effectors. Therefore, strategies targeting Wnt/β-catenin have been pursued as possible therapeutics against HCC. Here, we review the genetic alterations and oncogenic roles of aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the implication of this pathway in HCC diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kotiyal S, Evason KJ. Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164202. [PMID: 34439356 PMCID: PMC8393605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Moon H, Ro SW. MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3026. [PMID: 34204242 PMCID: PMC8234271 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. Recently, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of human HCC cases; however, activating mutations in RAS and RAF genes are rarely found in HCC, which are major genetic events leading to the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in other cancers. This suggests that there is an alternative mechanism behind the activation of the signaling pathway in HCC. Here, we will review recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathway in the context of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moon H, Ro SW. Ras Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling and Kinase Suppressor of Ras as Therapeutic Targets for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2021; 21:1-11. [PMID: 37384270 PMCID: PMC10035721 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.21.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high incidence cancer and a major health concern worldwide. Among the many molecular signaling pathways that are dysregulated in HCC, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK) signaling pathway has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. Mutations in Ras and Raf genes which are known to activate the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway have been infrequently detected in human HCC; however, the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of HCC cases, suggesting an alternative mechanism for the activation of the signaling pathway. Kinase suppressor of Ras acts as a molecular scaffold for facilitating the assembly of Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway components and has been implicated in the regulation of this signaling pathway. In this review, we provide important insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Moon
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Kyung Hee University College of Life Sciences, Yongin, Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Kyung Hee University College of Life Sciences, Yongin, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ramai D, Tai W, Rivera M, Facciorusso A, Tartaglia N, Pacilli M, Ambrosi A, Cotsoglou C, Sacco R. Natural Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020184. [PMID: 33673113 PMCID: PMC7918599 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its global incidence is increasing which makes NASH an epidemic and a public health threat. Due to repeated insults to the liver, patients are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The progression of NASH to HCC was initially defined according to a two-hit model which involved the development of steatosis, followed by lipid peroxidation and inflammation. However, current research defines a “multi-hit” or “multi-parallel hit” model which synthesizes several contributing pathways involved in progressive fibrosis and oncogenesis. This perspective considers the effects of cellular, genetic, immunologic, metabolic, and endocrine pathways leading up to HCC which underscores the complexity of this condition. This article will provide an updated review of the pathogenic mechanisms leading from NASH to HCC as well as an exploration of the role of biomarkers and screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Ramai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Waqqas Tai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Michelle Rivera
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Tartaglia
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Mario Pacilli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonio Ambrosi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Christian Cotsoglou
- General Surgey Unit, Department of Surgery, ASST-Vimercate, 20871 Vimercate, Italy;
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Role of Autophagy in Liver Cancer: Crosstalk in Signaling Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120432. [PMID: 33260729 PMCID: PMC7760785 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal-dependent pathway for degrading cytoplasmic proteins, macromolecules, and organelles. Autophagy-related genes (Atgs) are the core molecular machinery in the control of autophagy, and several major functional groups of Atgs coordinate the entire autophagic process. Autophagy plays a dual role in liver cancer development via several critical signaling pathways, including the PI3K-AKT-mTOR, AMPK-mTOR, EGF, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, p53, and NF-κB pathways. Here, we review the signaling pathways involved in the cross-talk between autophagy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and analyze the status of the development of novel HCC therapy by targeting the core molecular machinery of autophagy as well as the key signaling pathways. The induction or the inhibition of autophagy by the modulation of signaling pathways can confer therapeutic benefits to patients. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-link of autophagy and HCC may extend to translational studies that may ultimately lead to novel therapy and regimen formation in HCC treatment.
Collapse
|
26
|
Braeuning A, Pavek P. β-catenin signaling, the constitutive androstane receptor and their mutual interactions. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3983-3991. [PMID: 33097968 PMCID: PMC7655584 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02935-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant signaling through β-catenin is an important determinant of tumorigenesis in rodents as well as in humans. In mice, xenobiotic activators of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a chemo-sensing nuclear receptor, promote liver tumor growth by means of a non-genotoxic mechanism and, under certain conditions, select for hepatocellular tumors which contain activated β-catenin. In normal hepatocytes, interactions of β-catenin and CAR have been demonstrated with respect to the induction of proliferation and drug metabolism-related gene expression. The molecular details of these interactions are still not well understood. Recently it has been hypothesized that CAR might activate β-catenin signaling, thus providing a possible explanation for some of the observed phenomena. Nonetheless, many aspects of the molecular interplay of the two regulators have still not been elucidated. This review briefly summarizes our current knowledge about the interplay of CAR and β-catenin. By taking into account data and observations obtained with different mouse models and employing different experimental approaches, it is shown that published data also contain substantial evidence that xenobiotic activators of CAR do not activate, or do even inhibit signaling through the β-catenin pathway. The review highlights new aspects of possible ways of interaction between the two signaling cascades and will help to stimulate scientific discussion about the crosstalk of β-catenin signaling and the nuclear receptor CAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Braeuning
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Petr Pavek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
He S, Tang S. WNT/β-catenin signaling in the development of liver cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110851. [PMID: 33080466 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved and tightly controlled molecular mechanism that regulates embryonic development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. Of note, accumulating evidence has shown that the aberrant of WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes the development and/or progression of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults. There are two different WNT signaling pathways have been identified, which were termed non-canonical and canonical pathways, the latter involving the activation of β-catenin. β-catenin, acting as an intracellular signal transducer in the WNT signaling pathway, is encoded by CTNNB1 and plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. In the past research, most liver tumors have mutations in genes encoding key components of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, several of other signaling pathways also can crosswalk with β-catenin. In this review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling in the development and pathophysiology of liver cancers, as well as in the development of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai He
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Shilei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu Q, Li J, Zhang X, Liu Y, Liu Q, Xiao L, Zhang W, Wu H, Deng K, Xin H. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in tumour-bearing mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10525-10541. [PMID: 32798252 PMCID: PMC7521292 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of the cancer-related death in the world. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) have been characterized with a pluripotency, low immunogenicity and no tumorigenicity. Especially, the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of hAMSCs make them suitable for treating HCC. Here, we reported that hAMSCs administrated by intravenous injection significantly inhibited HCC through suppressing cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis in tumour-bearing mice with Hepg2 cells. Cell tracking experiments with GFP-labelled hAMSCs showed that the stem cells possessed the ability of migrating to the tumorigenic sites for suppressing tumour growth. Importantly, both hAMSCs and the conditional media (hAMSC-CM) have the similar antitumour effects in vitro, suggesting that hAMSCs-derived cytokines might be involved in their antitumour effects. Antibody array assay showed that hAMSCs highly expressed dickkopf-3 (DKK-3), dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Furthermore, the antitumour effects of hAMSCs were further confirmed by applications of the antibodies or the specific siRNAs of DKK-3, DKK-1 and IGFBP-3 in vitro. Mechanically, hAMSCs-derived DKK-3, DKK-1 and IGFBP-3 markedly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of Hepg2 cells through suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and IGF-1R-mediated PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, respectively. Taken together, our study demonstrated that hAMSCs possess significant antitumour effects in vivo and in vitro and might provide a novel strategy for HCC treatment clinically.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/antagonists & inhibitors
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/physiology
- Adipogenesis
- Amnion/cytology
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Female
- Genes, Reporter
- Hep G2 Cells/transplantation
- Humans
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/genetics
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/physiology
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/physiology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Male
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Nude
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Osteogenesis
- Paracrine Communication
- Pregnancy
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan‐Wen Liu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Jing‐Yuan Li
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- School of Life and ScienceNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Xiang‐Cheng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Qian‐Yu Liu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Ling Xiao
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Wen‐Jie Zhang
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Han‐You Wu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Ke‐Yu Deng
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- School of Life and ScienceNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Hong‐Bo Xin
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the TechnologiesInstitute of Translational MedicineNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- School of Life and ScienceNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Calvisi DF, Solinas A. Hepatoblastoma: current knowledge and promises from preclinical studies. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:42. [PMID: 32632393 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.12.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate for patients with metastatic hepatoblastoma (HB) is steadily increased in the last thirty years from 27% to 79%. These achievements result from accurate risk stratification and effective chemotherapy and surgical care. However, patients with poor prognosis require more effective therapies. Recent years have witnessed new insights on the biology of HB, setting the stage for molecular classification and new targets of therapy. We review here the molecular pathology of HB, focusing on the driver genes involved in the process of oncogenesis and the identification of novel targets. We also address the role of in vivo models in elucidating the mechanisms of development of this disease and the pre-clinical phase of new treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang G, Wang Q, Liang N, Xue H, Yang T, Chen X, Qiu Z, Zeng C, Sun T, Yuan W, Liu C, Chen Z, He X. Oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment determine the type of liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:313. [PMID: 32366840 PMCID: PMC7198508 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) may be mainly classified as the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC). The majority of PLC develops in the background of tumor microenvironment, such as inflammatory microenvironments caused by viral hepatitis, alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), and necroptosis-associated hepatic cytokine microenvironment caused by necroptosis of hepatocytes. However, the impact of different types of microenvironments on the phenotypes of PLC generated by distinct oncogenes is still unclear. In addition, the cell origin of different liver cancers have not been clarified, as far as we know. Recent researches show that mature hepatocytes retain phenotypic plasticity to differentiate into cholangiocytes. More importantly, our results initially demonstrated that HCC, ICC, and cHCC-ICC could originate from mature hepatocytes rather than liver progenitor cells (LPCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cholangiocytes in AKT-driven, AKT/NICD-driven and AKT/CAT-driven mouse PLC models respectively by using hydrodynamic transfection methodology. Therefore, liver tumors originated from mature hepatocytes embody a wide spectrum of phenotypes from HCC to CC, possibly including cHCC-ICC and HB. However, the underlying mechanism determining the cancer phenotype of liver tumors has yet to be delineated. In this review, we will provide a summary of the possible mechanisms for directing the cancer phenotype of liver tumors (i.e., ICC, HCC, and cHCC-ICC) in terms of oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this study initially revealed the cell origin of different types of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510220, China.,Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Hongyuan Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuguang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Zhaoyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Departmentof Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zheng zhou, 450052, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China. .,Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Zhangqian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China. .,State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shizu R, Yoshinari K. Nuclear receptor CAR-mediated liver cancer and its species differences. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:343-351. [PMID: 32202166 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1746268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The nuclear receptor CAR plays an important role in the regulation of hepatic responses to xenobiotic exposure, including the induction of hepatocyte proliferation and chemical carcinogenesis. Phenobarbital, a well-known liver cancer promoter, has been found to promote hepatocyte proliferation via CAR activation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which CAR induces liver carcinogenesis remain unknown. In addition, it is believed that CAR-mediated liver carcinogenesis shows a species difference; phenobarbital treatment induces hepatocyte proliferation and liver cancer in rodents but not in humans. However, the mechanisms are also unknown.Areas covered: Several reports indicate that the key oncogenic signaling pathways Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP are involved in CAR-mediated liver carcinogenesis. We introduce current data about the possible molecular mechanisms involved in CAR-mediated liver carcinogenesis and species differences by focusing on these two signaling pathways.Expert opinion: CAR may activate both the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP signaling pathways. The synergistic activation of both signaling pathways seems to be important for CAR-mediated liver cancer development. Low homology between the ligand binding domains of human CAR and rodent CAR might cause species differences in the interactions with proteins that control the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP pathways as well as liver cancer induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Shizu
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kouichi Yoshinari
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The Cancer Stem Cell in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030684. [PMID: 32183251 PMCID: PMC7140091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition of intra-tumoral cellular heterogeneity has given way to the concept of the cancer stem cell (CSC). According to this concept, CSCs are able to self-renew and differentiate into all of the cancer cell lineages present within the tumor, placing the CSC at the top of a hierarchical tree. The observation that these cells—in contrast to bulk tumor cells—are able to exclusively initiate new tumors, initiate metastatic spread and resist chemotherapy implies that CSCs are solely responsible for tumor recurrence and should be therapeutically targeted. Toward this end, dissecting and understanding the biology of CSCs should translate into new clinical therapeutic approaches. In this article, we review the CSC concept in cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
|
33
|
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010014. [PMID: 31861541 PMCID: PMC7016809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, comprising approximately 80% of cases. Murine models of HCC, such as chemically-induced models, xenograft models, and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, are valuable tools to reproduce human HCC biopathology and biochemistry. These models can be used to identify potential biomarkers, evaluate potential novel therapeutic drugs in pre-clinical trials, and develop molecular target therapies. Considering molecular target therapies, a novel approach has been developed to create genetically engineered murine models for HCC, employing hydrodynamics-based transfection (HT). The HT method, coupled with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system or the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool, has been used to rapidly and cost-effectively produce a variety of HCC models containing diverse oncogenes or inactivated tumor suppressor genes. The versatility of these models is expected to broaden our knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying human hepatocarcinogenesis, allowing the study of premalignant and malignant liver lesions and the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent advances in GEM models of HCC with an emphasis on new technologies.
Collapse
|
34
|
Hwang JH, Yoon J, Cho YH, Cha PH, Park JC, Choi KY. A mutant KRAS-induced factor REG4 promotes cancer stem cell properties via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:2877-2890. [PMID: 31605540 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mutant KRAS provides a driving force for enhancement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics contributing transformation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells harboring adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations. Here, we identified the factors mediating the promotion of CSCs properties induced by KRAS mutation through microarray analyses of genes specifically induced in CRC spheroids harboring both KRAS and APC mutations. Among them, REG4 was identified as a key factor since CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of REG4 most significantly affected the stem cell characteristics in which CSCs markers were effectively suppressed. We show that REG4 mediates promotion of CSCs properties via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in various in vitro studies including tumor organoid systems. Furthermore, expression patterns of CSCs markers and REG4 correlated in intestinal tumors from Apcmin/+ /KrasG12D LA2 mice and in CRC patient tissues harboring both KRAS and APC mutations. The role of REG4 in the tumor-initiating capacity accompanied by enhancement of CSCs characteristics was also revealed by NSG mice xenograft system. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of REG4 in promoting CSCs properties induced by KRAS mutation, and provides a new therapeutic strategy for CRC harboring both APC and KRAS mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Ha Hwang
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junyong Yoon
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Cho
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pu-Hyeon Cha
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kang-Yell Choi
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,CK Biotechnology Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Genomic Perspective on Mouse Liver Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111648. [PMID: 31731480 PMCID: PMC6895968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting the most appropriate mouse model that best recapitulates human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) allows translation of preclinical mouse studies into clinical studies. In the era of cancer genomics, comprehensive and integrative analysis of the human HCC genome has allowed categorization of HCC according to molecular subtypes. Despite the variety of mouse models that are available for preclinical research, there is a lack of evidence for mouse models that closely resemble human HCC. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the accurate mouse models that represent human HCC based on molecular subtype as well as histologic aggressiveness. In this review, we summarize the mouse models integrated with human HCC genomic data to provide information regarding the models that recapitulates the distinct aspect of HCC biology and prognosis based on molecular subtypes.
Collapse
|
36
|
Flanagan DJ, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Wnt Signaling in Cancer: Not a Binary ON:OFF Switch. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5901-5906. [PMID: 31431458 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the March 1 issue of Cancer Research, we identified the Wnt receptor Fzd7 as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer. In summary, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of Wnt receptors, or genetic deletion of Fzd7, blocks the initiation and growth of gastric tumors. Inhibiting Fzd receptors, specifically Fzd7, inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells even in the presence of adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutation. Apc is located in the cytoplasm downstream of Fzd7 in the Wnt signaling cascade and APC mutations activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, therefore, this result seems counterintuitive. Here, we analyze this result in greater detail in the context of current knowledge of Wnt signaling and discuss the wider implications of this aspect of Wnt signaling in other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom. .,Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kim S, Jeong S. Mutation Hotspots in the β-Catenin Gene: Lessons from the Human Cancer Genome Databases. Mol Cells 2019; 42:8-16. [PMID: 30699286 PMCID: PMC6354055 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2018.0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of some cancers. The recent development of cancer genome databases has facilitated comprehensive and focused analyses on the mutation status of cancer-related genes. We have used these databases to analyze the CTNNB1 mutations assembled from different tumor types. High incidences of CTNNB1 mutations were detected in endometrial, liver, and colorectal cancers. This finding agrees with the oncogenic role of aberrantly activated β-catenin in epithelial cells. Elevated frequencies of missense mutations were found in the exon 3 of CTNNB1, which is responsible for encoding the regulatory amino acids at the N-terminal region of the protein. In the case of metastatic colorectal cancers, inframe deletions were revealed in the region spanning exon 3. Thus, exon 3 of CTNNB1 can be considered to be a mutation hotspot in these cancers. Since the N-terminal region of the β-catenin protein forms a flexible structure, many questions arise regarding the structural and functional impacts of hotspot mutations. Clinical identification of hotspot mutations could provide the mechanistic basis for an oncogenic role of mutant β-catenin proteins in cancer cells. Furthermore, a systematic understanding of tumor-driving hotspot mutations could open new avenues for precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sewoon Kim
- Graduate Department of Bioconvergence Science and Technology, Dankook University, Jukjeon, Yongin, Gyeonggi 16890,
Korea
| | - Sunjoo Jeong
- Graduate Department of Bioconvergence Science and Technology, Dankook University, Jukjeon, Yongin, Gyeonggi 16890,
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wu MY, Yiang GT, Cheng PW, Chu PY, Li CJ. Molecular Targets in Hepatocarcinogenesis and Implications for Therapy. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7080213. [PMID: 30104473 PMCID: PMC6112027 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7080213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis comprises of multiple, complex steps that occur after liver injury and usually involve several pathways, including telomere dysfunction, cell cycle, WNT/β-catenin signaling, oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis, and AKT/mTOR signaling. Following liver injury, gene mutations, accumulation of oxidative stress, and local inflammation lead to cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and necrosis. The persistence of this vicious cycle in turn leads to further gene mutation and dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-18, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, resulting in immune escape by means of the NF-κB and inflammasome signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize studies focusing on the roles of hepatocarcinogenesis and the immune system in liver cancer. In addition, we furnish an overview of recent basic and clinical studies to provide a strong foundation to develop novel anti-carcinogenesis targets for further treatment interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yu Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.
| | - Giuo-Teng Yiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Wen Cheng
- Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care & Management, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan.
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 704, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yao Y, Sun S, Wang J, Fei F, Dong Z, Ke AW, He R, Wang L, Zhang L, Ji MB, Li Q, Yu M, Shi GM, Fan J, Gong Z, Wang X. Canonical Wnt Signaling Remodels Lipid Metabolism in Zebrafish Hepatocytes following Ras Oncogenic Insult. Cancer Res 2018; 78:5548-5560. [PMID: 30065049 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is limited understanding of the effects of major oncogenic pathways and their combinatorial actions on lipid composition and transformation during hepatic tumorigenesis. Here, we report a negative correlation of Wnt/Myc activity with steatosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and perform in vivo functional studies using three conditional transgenic zebrafish models. Double-transgenic zebrafish larvae conditionally expressing human CTNNB1mt and zebrafish tcf7l2 or murine Myc together with krasv12 in hepatocytes led to severe hepatomegaly and significantly attenuated accumulation of lipid droplets and cell senescence triggered by krasv12 expression alone. UPLC-MS-based, nontargeted lipidomic profiling and transcriptome analyses revealed that Wnt/Myc activity promotes triacylglycerol to phospholipid transformation and increases unsaturated fatty acyl groups in phospholipids in a Ras-dependent manner. Small-scale screenings suggested that supplementation of certain free fatty acids (FA) or inhibition of FA desaturation significantly represses hepatic hyperplasia of double-transgenic larvae and proliferation of three human HCC cells with and without sorafenib. Together, our studies reveal novel Ras-dependent functions of Wnt signaling in remodeling the lipid metabolism of cancerous hepatocytes in zebrafish and identify the SCD inhibitor MK8245 as a candidate drug for therapeutic intervention.Significance: These findings identify FA desaturation as a significant downstream therapeutic target for antagonizing the combinatorial effects of Wnt and Ras signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/19/5548/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(19); 5548-60. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Yao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institutes of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Fei
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoru Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ai-Wu Ke
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Photonic Structures, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Photonic Structures, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Biao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Photonic Structures, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Ming Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Manegold P, Lai KKY, Wu Y, Teo JL, Lenz HJ, Genyk YS, Pandol SJ, Wu K, Lin DP, Chen Y, Nguyen C, Zhao Y, Kahn M. Differentiation Therapy Targeting the β-Catenin/CBP Interaction in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040095. [PMID: 29596326 PMCID: PMC5923350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although canonical Wnt signaling is known to promote tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer driven principally by mutant K-Ras, the detailed molecular mechanisms by which the Wnt effector β-catenin regulates such tumorigenesis are largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated that β-catenin’s differential usage of the Kat3 transcriptional coactivator cyclic AMP-response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP) over its highly homologous coactivator p300 increases self-renewal and suppresses differentiation in other types of cancer. Aim/methods: To investigate Wnt-mediated carcinogenesis in PDAC, we have used the specific small molecule CBP/β-catenin antagonist, ICG-001, which our lab identified and has extensively characterized, to examine its effects in human pancreatic cancer cells and in both an orthotopic mouse model and a human patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of PDAC. Results/conclusion: We report for the first time that K-Ras activation increases the CBP/β-catenin interaction in pancreatic cancer; and that ICG-001 specific antagonism of the CBP/β-catenin interaction sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells and tumors to gemcitabine treatment. These effects were associated with increases in the expression of let-7a microRNA; suppression of K-Ras and survivin; and the elimination of drug-resistant cancer stem/tumor-initiating cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Manegold
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Keane K Y Lai
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Southern California Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Yongfeng Wu
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Jia-Ling Teo
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Yuri S Genyk
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Stephen J Pandol
- Southern California Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Kaijin Wu
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - David P Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Yibu Chen
- Health Sciences Libraries, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Cu Nguyen
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Michael Kahn
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Center for Molecular Pathways and Drug Discovery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lemberger UJ, Fuchs CD, Karer M, Haas S, Stojakovic T, Schöfer C, Marschall HU, Wrba F, Taketo MM, Egger G, Trauner M, Österreicher CH. Hepatocyte specific expression of an oncogenic variant of β-catenin results in cholestatic liver disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86985-86998. [PMID: 27895309 PMCID: PMC5349966 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing and malignant transformation in different organs including the liver. The consequences of continuous β-catenin signaling in hepatocytes remain elusive. RESULTS Livers of Ctnnb1CA hep mice were characterized by disturbed liver architecture, proliferating cholangiocytes and biliary type of fibrosis. Serum ALT and bile acid levels were significantly increased in Ctnnb1CA hep mice. The primary bile acid synthesis enzyme Cyp7a1 was increased whereas Cyp27 and Cyp8b1 were reduced in Ctnnb1CA hep mice. Expression of compensatory bile acid transporters including Abcb1, Abcb4, Abcc2 and Abcc4 were significantly increased in Ctnnb1CA hep mice while Ntcp was reduced. Accompanying changes of bile acid transporters favoring excretion of bile acids were observed in intestine and kidneys of Ctnnb1CA hep mice. Additionally, disturbed bile acid regulation through the FXR-FGF15-FGFR4 pathway was observed in mice with activated β-catenin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice with a loxP-flanked exon 3 of the Ctnnb1 gene were crossed to Albumin-Cre mice to obtain mice with hepatocyte-specific expression of a dominant stable form of β-catenin (Ctnnb1CA hep mice). Ctnnb1CA hep mice were analyzed by histology, serum biochemistry and mRNA profiling. CONCLUSIONS Expression of a dominant stable form of β-catenin in hepatocytes results in severe cholestasis and biliary type fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula J Lemberger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Karer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Haas
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Schöfer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fritz Wrba
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gerda Egger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Jeong WJ, Ro EJ, Choi KY. Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-ERK pathways and an anti-cancer strategy via degradations of β-catenin and RAS by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. NPJ Precis Oncol 2018; 2:5. [PMID: 29872723 PMCID: PMC5871897 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-018-0049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways play important roles in the tumorigenesis of many different types of cancer, most notably colorectal cancer (CRC). Genes for these two pathways, such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and KRAS are frequently mutated in human CRC, and involved in the initiation and progression of the tumorigenesis, respectively. Moreover, recent studies revealed interaction of APC and KRAS mutations in the various stages of colorectal tumorigenesis and even in metastasis accompanying activation of the cancer stem cells (CSCs). A key event in the synergistic cooperation between Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-ERK pathways is a stabilization of both β-catenin and RAS especially mutant KRAS by APC loss, and pathological significance of this was indicated by correlation of increased β-catenin and RAS levels in human CRC where APC mutations occur as high as 90% of CRC patients. Together with the notion of the protein activity reduction by lowering its level, inhibition of both β-catenin and RAS especially by degradation could be a new ideal strategy for development of anti-cancer drugs for CRC. In this review, we will discuss interaction between the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-ERK pathways in the colorectal tumorigenesis by providing the mechanism of RAS stabilization by aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin. We will also discuss our small molecular anti-cancer approach controlling CRC by induction of specific degradations of both β-catenin and RAS via targeting Wnt/β-catenin pathway especially for the KYA1797K, a small molecule specifically binding at the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS)-domain of Axin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jeong Jeong
- 1Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,2Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Ji Ro
- 1Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,2Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang-Yell Choi
- 1Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,2Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lee SK, Hwang JH, Choi KY. Interaction of the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-ERK pathways involving co-stabilization of both β-catenin and RAS plays important roles in the colorectal tumorigenesis. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 68:46-54. [PMID: 29449169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer development is usually driven by multiple genetic and molecular alterations rather than by a single defect. In the human colorectal cancer (CRC), series of mutations of genes are involved in the different stages of tumorigenesis. For example, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and KRAS mutations have been known to play roles in the initiation and progression of the tumorigenesis, respectively. However, many studies indicate that mutations of these two genes, which play roles in the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, respectively, cooperatively interact in the tumorigenesis in several different cancer types including CRC. Both Apc and Kras mutations critically increase number and growth rate of tumors although single mutation of these genes does not significantly enhance the small intestinal tumorigenesis of mice. Both APC and KRAS mutations even result in the liver metastasis with inductions of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers in a mice xenograft model. In this review, we are going to describe the history for interaction between the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS/ERK pathways especially related with CRC, and provide the mechanical basis for the cross-talk between the two pathways. The highlight of the crosstalk involving the stability regulation of RAS protein via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling which is directly related with the cellular proliferation and transformation will be discussed. Activation status of GSK3β, a key enzyme involving both β-catenin and RAS degradations, is regulated by the status of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling dependent upon extracellular stimuli or intracellular abnormalities of the signaling components. The levels of both β-catenin and RAS proteins are co-regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and these proteins are overexpressed with a positive correlation in the tumor tissues of CRC patients. These results indicate that the elevation of both β-catenin and RAS proteins is pathologically significant in CRC. In this review, we also will discuss further involvement of the increments of both β-catenin and RAS especially mutant KRAS in the activation of CSCs and metastasis. Overall, the increments of β-catenin and RAS especially mutant KRAS by APC loss play important roles in the cooperative tumorigenesis of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Kyu Lee
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Ha Hwang
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kang-Yell Choi
- Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tan SH, Barker N. Wnt Signaling in Adult Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:21-79. [PMID: 29389518 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is integral to the homeostasis and regeneration of many epithelial tissues due to its critical role in adult stem cell regulation. It is also implicated in many epithelial cancers, with mutations in core pathway components frequently present in patient tumors. In this chapter, we discuss the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Wnt-regulated stem cells in homeostatic, regenerative and cancer contexts of the intestines, stomach, skin, and liver. We also examine the sources of Wnt ligands that form part of the stem cell niche. Despite the diversity in characteristics of various tissue stem cells, the role(s) of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is generally coherent in maintaining stem cell fate and/or promoting proliferation. It is also likely to play similar roles in cancer stem cells, making the pathway a salient therapeutic target for cancer. While promising progress is being made in the field, deeper understanding of the functions and signaling mechanisms of the pathway in individual epithelial tissues will expedite efforts to modulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer treatment and tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Hui Tan
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore
| | - Nick Barker
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore; Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Russell JO, Monga SP. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Development, Homeostasis, and Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2017; 13:351-378. [PMID: 29125798 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-044010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an organ that performs a multitude of functions, and its health is pertinent and indispensable to survival. Thus, the cellular and molecular machinery driving hepatic functions is of utmost relevance. The Wnt signaling pathway is one such signaling cascade that enables hepatic homeostasis and contributes to unique hepatic attributes such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in almost every facet of liver biology. Furthermore, its aberrant activation is also a hallmark of various hepatic pathologies. In addition to its signaling function, β-catenin also plays a role at adherens junctions. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also influences the function of many different cell types. Due to this myriad of functions, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is complex, context-dependent, and highly regulated. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, its role in cell-cell adhesion and liver function, and the cell type-specific roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as it relates to liver physiology and pathobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
|
47
|
Annunziato S, Kas SM, Nethe M, Yücel H, Del Bravo J, Pritchard C, Bin Ali R, van Gerwen B, Siteur B, Drenth AP, Schut E, van de Ven M, Boelens MC, Klarenbeek S, Huijbers IJ, van Miltenburg MH, Jonkers J. Modeling invasive lobular breast carcinoma by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated somatic genome editing of the mammary gland. Genes Dev 2017; 30:1470-80. [PMID: 27340177 PMCID: PMC4926868 DOI: 10.1101/gad.279190.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Annunziato et al. describe a novel strategy for in vivo validation of candidate tumor suppressors implicated in invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC). Whereas intraductal injection of Cas9-encoding lentiviruses induced Cas9-specific immune responses and development of tumors that did not resemble ILC, lentiviral delivery of a Pten targeting sgRNA in mice with mammary gland-specific loss of E-cadherin and expression of Cas9 efficiently induced ILC development. Large-scale sequencing studies are rapidly identifying putative oncogenic mutations in human tumors. However, discrimination between passenger and driver events in tumorigenesis remains challenging and requires in vivo validation studies in reliable animal models of human cancer. In this study, we describe a novel strategy for in vivo validation of candidate tumor suppressors implicated in invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC), which is hallmarked by loss of the cell–cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. We describe an approach to model ILC by intraductal injection of lentiviral vectors encoding Cre recombinase, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, or both in female mice carrying conditional alleles of the Cdh1 gene, encoding for E-cadherin. Using this approach, we were able to target ILC-initiating cells and induce specific gene disruption of Pten by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated somatic gene editing. Whereas intraductal injection of Cas9-encoding lentiviruses induced Cas9-specific immune responses and development of tumors that did not resemble ILC, lentiviral delivery of a Pten targeting single-guide RNA (sgRNA) in mice with mammary gland-specific loss of E-cadherin and expression of Cas9 efficiently induced ILC development. This versatile platform can be used for rapid in vivo testing of putative tumor suppressor genes implicated in ILC, providing new opportunities for modeling invasive lobular breast carcinoma in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Annunziato
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjors M Kas
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Micha Nethe
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hatice Yücel
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Del Bravo
- Transgenic Core Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Colin Pritchard
- Transgenic Core Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rahmen Bin Ali
- Transgenic Core Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van Gerwen
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjørn Siteur
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Paulien Drenth
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Schut
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke van de Ven
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam C Boelens
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Klarenbeek
- Experimental Animal Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo J Huijbers
- Transgenic Core Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA), The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine H van Miltenburg
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Genomics Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kim W, Khan SK, Gvozdenovic-Jeremic J, Kim Y, Dahlman J, Kim H, Park O, Ishitani T, Jho EH, Gao B, Yang Y. Hippo signaling interactions with Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling repress liver tumorigenesis. J Clin Invest 2017. [PMID: 27869648 DOI: 10.1172/jci88486.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors develop through multiple steps of initiation and progression, and tumor initiation is of singular importance in tumor prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the molecular mechanism whereby a signaling network of interacting pathways restrains proliferation in normal cells and prevents tumor initiation is still poorly understood. Here, we have reported that the Hippo, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways form an interacting network to maintain liver size and suppress hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ablation of the mammalian Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 in liver led to rapid HCC formation and activated Yes-associated protein/WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (YAP/TAZ), STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling. Previous work has shown that abnormal activation of these downstream pathways can lead to HCC. Rigorous genetic experiments revealed that Notch signaling forms a positive feedback loop with the Hippo signaling effector YAP/TAZ to promote severe hepatomegaly and rapid HCC initiation and progression. Surprisingly, we found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation suppressed HCC formation by inhibiting the positive feedback loop between YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling. Furthermore, we found that STAT3 in hepatocytes is dispensable for HCC formation when mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 and 2 (Mst1 and Mst2) were removed. The molecular network we have identified provides insights into HCC molecular classifications and therapeutic developments for the treatment of liver tumors caused by distinct genetic mutations.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim W, Khan SK, Gvozdenovic-Jeremic J, Kim Y, Dahlman J, Kim H, Park O, Ishitani T, Jho EH, Gao B, Yang Y. Hippo signaling interactions with Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling repress liver tumorigenesis. J Clin Invest 2016; 127:137-152. [PMID: 27869648 DOI: 10.1172/jci88486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors develop through multiple steps of initiation and progression, and tumor initiation is of singular importance in tumor prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the molecular mechanism whereby a signaling network of interacting pathways restrains proliferation in normal cells and prevents tumor initiation is still poorly understood. Here, we have reported that the Hippo, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways form an interacting network to maintain liver size and suppress hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ablation of the mammalian Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 in liver led to rapid HCC formation and activated Yes-associated protein/WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (YAP/TAZ), STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling. Previous work has shown that abnormal activation of these downstream pathways can lead to HCC. Rigorous genetic experiments revealed that Notch signaling forms a positive feedback loop with the Hippo signaling effector YAP/TAZ to promote severe hepatomegaly and rapid HCC initiation and progression. Surprisingly, we found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation suppressed HCC formation by inhibiting the positive feedback loop between YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling. Furthermore, we found that STAT3 in hepatocytes is dispensable for HCC formation when mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 and 2 (Mst1 and Mst2) were removed. The molecular network we have identified provides insights into HCC molecular classifications and therapeutic developments for the treatment of liver tumors caused by distinct genetic mutations.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Proteins
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor/genetics
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor/metabolism
- Hippo Signaling Pathway
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Serine-Threonine Kinase 3
- Wnt Signaling Pathway
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
- beta Catenin/genetics
- beta Catenin/metabolism
Collapse
|
50
|
Liu LJ, Xie SX, Chen YT, Xue JL, Zhang CJ, Zhu F. Aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7486-7499. [PMID: 27672271 PMCID: PMC5011664 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i33.7486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. Several signaling pathways, including the wingless/int-1 (Wnt) signaling pathway, have been shown to be commonly activated in HCC. The Wnt signaling pathway can be triggered via both catenin β1 (CTNNB1)-dependent (also known as “canonical”) and CTNNB1-independent (often referred to as “non-canonical”) pathways. Specifically, the canonical Wnt pathway is one of those most frequently reported in HCC. Aberrant regulation from three complexes (the cell-surface receptor complex, the cytoplasmic destruction complex and the nuclear CTNNB1/T-cell-specific transcription factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor transcriptional complex) are all involved in HCC. Although the non-canonical Wnt pathway is rarely reported, two main non-canonical pathways, Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway and Wnt/Ca2+ pathway, participate in the regulation of hepatocarcinogenesis. Interestingly, the canonical Wnt pathway is antagonized by non-canonical Wnt signaling in HCC. Moreover, other signaling cascades have also been demonstrated to regulate the Wnt pathway through crosstalk in HCC pathogenesis. This review provides a perspective on the emerging evidence that the aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling is a critical mechanism for the development of HCC. Furthermore, crosstalk between different signaling pathways might be conducive to the development of novel molecular targets of HCC.
Collapse
|