1
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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2
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Chen S, Zhou B, Huang W, Li Q, Yu Y, Kuang X, Huang H, Wang W, Xie P. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP44 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling and PDL1 expression. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:830. [PMID: 38097536 PMCID: PMC10721641 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06358-y] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. Research into the key genes that maintain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is crucial for the treatment of HCC. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 44 (USP44), a member of the deubiquitinase family, as a novel regulator of HCC progression. The tumor suppressive function of USP44 was evaluated in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Through quantitative proteomics examination, we demonstrated that USP44 inhibits HCC PDL1 expression by downregulating the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that USP44 directly interacts with Itch, an E3 ligase involved in Hh signaling, and promotes the deubiquitination and stabilization of Itch. These events result in the proteasomal degradation of Gli1 and subsequent inactivation of Hh signaling, which ultimately suppresses PDL1 expression and the progression of HCC. Furthermore, the HCC tissue microarray was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate the pathological relevance of the USP44/Itch/Gli1/PDL1 axis. Finally, the Gli1 inhibitor GANT61 was found to act in synergy with anti-PDL1 therapy. Overall, USP44 can act as a suppressive gene in HCC by modulating Hh signaling, and co-inhibition of Gli1 and PDL1 might be an effective novel combination strategy for treating HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Binghai Zhou
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Ye Yu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xiuqing Kuang
- Department of Physical Examination, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Huabin Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China.
| | - Peiyi Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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3
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Wang Y, Deng B. Hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular mechanism, targeted therapy, and biomarkers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:629-652. [PMID: 36729264 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. The biological process of HCC is complex, with multiple factors leading to the broken of the balance of inactivation and activation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, the abnormal activation of molecular signaling pathways, the differentiation of HCC cells, and the regulation of angiogenesis. Due to the insidious onset of HCC, at the time of first diagnosis, less than 30% of HCC patients are candidates for radical treatment. Systematic antitumor therapy is the hope for the treatment of patients with middle-advanced HCC. Despite the emergence of new systemic therapies, survival rates for advanced HCC patients remain low. The complex pathogenesis of HCC has inspired researchers to explore a variety of biomolecular targeted therapeutics targeting specific targets. Correct understanding of the molecular mechanism of HCC occurrence is key to seeking effective targeted therapy. Research on biomarkers for HCC treatment is also advancing. Here, we explore the molecular mechanism that are associated with HCC development, summarize targeted therapies for HCC, and discuss potential biomarkers that may drive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baocheng Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
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4
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Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Medhat A, Spector I. Short-chain fatty acids in cancer pathogenesis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:677-698. [PMID: 37432606 PMCID: PMC10584782 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10117-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process that can be viewed as a cellular and immunological shift away from homeostasis in response to selected infectious agents, mutations, diet, and environmental carcinogens. Homeostasis, which contributes importantly to the definition of "health," is maintained, in part by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites of specific gut bacteria. Alteration in the composition of gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, is often a major risk factor for some two dozen tumor types. Dysbiosis is often characterized by diminished levels of SCFAs in the stool, and the presence of a "leaky gut," permitting the penetration of microbes and microbial derived molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) through the gut wall, thereby triggering chronic inflammation. SCFAs attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta, and by promoting the differentiation of naïve T cells into T regulatory cells, which down-regulate immune responses by immunomodulation. SCFA function epigenetically by inhibiting selected histone acetyltransferases that alter the expression of multiple genes and the activity of many signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, Hippo, and Notch) that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. SCFAs block cancer stem cell proliferation, thereby potentially delaying or inhibiting cancer development or relapse by targeting genes and pathways that are mutated in tumors (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MET) and by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors (e.g., by up-regulating PTEN and p53). When administered properly, SCFAs have many advantages compared to probiotic bacteria and fecal transplants. In carcinogenesis, SCFAs are toxic against tumor cells but not to surrounding tissue due to differences in their metabolic fate. Multiple hallmarks of cancer are also targets of SCFAs. These data suggest that SCFAs may re-establish homeostasis without overt toxicity and either delay or prevent the development of various tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, 1975933411, Iran
| | - Ira Spector
- SFA Therapeutics, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, USA
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5
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Mao X, Cheung KS, Peng C, Mak LY, Cheng HM, Fung J, Peleg N, Leung HHW, Kumar R, Lee JH, Shlomai A, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Steatosis, HBV-related HCC, cirrhosis, and HBsAg seroclearance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatology 2022; 77:1735-1745. [PMID: 36111362 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection are common etiologies of HCC. The impact of hepatic steatosis on HCC in CHB, as well as its relationship with the development of cirrhosis, fibrosis, and HBsAg seroclearance, remains controversial. APPROACH AND RESULTS Data from observational studies were collected through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 1, 2022. Outcomes of interest included the association of hepatic steatosis with HCC, cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis, and HBsAg seroclearance, expressed in terms of pooled ORs. Additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of findings. A total of 34 studies with 68,268 patients with CHB were included. Hepatic steatosis was associated with higher odds of HCC (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.26; I2 = 72.5%), with the association remaining consistent in Asia (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08-2.25), studies with a median follow-up duration of ≥5 years (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.57-5.08), exclusion of alcohol use (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.91), and biopsy-proven steatosis (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.61-5.06), although no significant association was noted among nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated patients (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.62-1.77). Steatosis was associated with the development of cirrhosis (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.16; I2 = 0%) and HBsAg seroclearance (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58-3.10; I2 = 49.0%). CONCLUSIONS Hepatic steatosis was associated with an increased risk of HCC and cirrhosis among patients with CHB but with a higher chance of achieving a functional cure, highlighting the importance of identifying concomitant steatosis in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengzhi Peng
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Ming Cheng
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Noam Peleg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Howard H-W Leung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rajneesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Amir Shlomai
- Department of Medicine D and The Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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6
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Qin H, Yuan B, Huang W, Wang Y. Utilizing Gut Microbiota to Improve Hepatobiliary Tumor Treatments: Recent Advances. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924696. [PMID: 35924173 PMCID: PMC9339707 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatobiliary tumors, which include cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and gallbladder cancer, are common cancers that have high morbidity and mortality rates and poor survival outcomes. In humans, the microbiota is comprised of symbiotic microbial cells (10-100 trillion) that belong to the bacterial ecosystem mainly residing in the gut. The gut microbiota is a complicated group that can largely be found in the intestine and has a dual role in cancer occurrence and progression. Previous research has focused on the crucial functions of the intestinal microflora as the main pathophysiological mechanism in HCC development. Intestinal bacteria produce a broad range of metabolites that exhibit a variety of pro- and anticarcinogenic effects on HCC. Therefore, probiotic alteration of the gut microflora could promote gut flora balance and help prevent the occurrence of HCC. Recent evidence from clinical and translational studies suggests that fecal microbiota transplant is one of the most successful therapies to correct intestinal bacterial imbalance. We review the literature describing the effects and mechanisms of the microbiome in the gut in the context of HCC, including gut bacterial metabolites, probiotics, antibiotics, and the transplantation of fecal microbiota, and discuss the potential influence of the microbiome environment on cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Our findings are expected to reveal therapeutic targets for the prevention of hepatobiliary tumors, and the development of clinical treatment strategies, by emphasizing the function of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baowen Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Yan Wang,
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Yan Wang,
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7
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Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
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8
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Jin B, He S, Dang Y, Zhao T, Jin Z. The Emerging Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870316. [PMID: 35464958 PMCID: PMC9023792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is one of the key pathways that is indispensable for many developmental processes and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated HH signaling could lead to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis in a variety of tissues via inherited or sporadic mutation, gene overexpression, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that HH signaling is targeted by viruses to facilitate viral transcription, immune evasion, and uncontrolled growth, leading to effective viral replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we will summarize recent advances in functional interaction between HH signaling and different types of viruses, particularly focusing on the pathological role of HH signaling in viral infections and related diseases.
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9
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Ruan T, Sun Y, Zhang J, Sun J, Liu W, Prinz RA, Peng D, Liu X, Xu X. H5N1 infection impairs the alveolar epithelial barrier through intercellular junction proteins via Itch-mediated proteasomal degradation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:186. [PMID: 35233032 PMCID: PMC8888635 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03131-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus causes sporadic but fatal infections in humans. H5N1 virus infection leads to the disruption of the alveolar epithelial barrier, a pathologic change that often progresses into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia. The mechanisms underlying this remain poorly understood. Here we report that H5N1 viruses downregulate the expression of intercellular junction proteins (E-cadherin, occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) in several cell lines and the lungs of H5N1 virus-infected mice. H5N1 virus infection activates TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which then activates p38 and ERK to induce E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch expression and to promote occludin ubiquitination and degradation. Inhibition of the TAK1-Itch pathway restores the intercellular junction structure and function in vitro and in the lungs of H5N1 virus-infected mice. Our study suggests that H5N1 virus infection impairs the alveolar epithelial barrier by downregulating the expression of intercellular junction proteins at the posttranslational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ruan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuling Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Richard A Prinz
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | - Daxin Peng
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiufan Liu
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiulong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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10
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Li L, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Tao Y, Shen C, Li R, Ma Z, Li J, Wang Z. Cancer Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote HCC Tumorigenesis Through Hedgehog Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756205. [PMID: 34692546 PMCID: PMC8529041 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 80% of primary liver cancers and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in many countries. Cancer cell-derived exosomes are shown to mediate communications between cancer cells and the microenvironment, promoting tumorigenesis. Hedgehog signaling pathway plays important roles in cancer development of HCC. Methods Exosomes were isolated from culture medium of HCC cell lines PLC/PRF/5 and MHCC-97H and were found to promote cancer cell growth measured with cell proliferation and colony formation assay. HCC cells cultured with cancer cell-derived exosome had increased cancer stem cell (CSC) population demonstrated by increased cell sphere formation CSC marker expressions. Hedgehog protein Shh was found to be highly expressed in these two HCC cell lines and preferably carried by exosomes. When Shh was knocked down with shRNA, the resulting exosomes had a reduced effect on promoting cancer cell growth or CSC population increase compared to normal cell-derived exosomes. Results The ability of PLC/PRF/5 cells to form tumor in a xenograft model was increased by the addition of the exosomes from control cancer cells but not the exosomes from Shh knocked down cancer cells. Finally, the higher plasma Exo-Shh levels were associated with later tumor stages, higher histological grades, multiple tumors, and higher recurrence rates. Conclusion This study demonstrated that HCC cells secreted Shh via exosome and promote tumorigenesis through the activated Hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanbao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Conghuan Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Trivedi P, Patel SK, Bellavia D, Messina E, Palermo R, Ceccarelli S, Marchese C, Anastasiadou E, Minter LM, Felli MP. When Viruses Cross Developmental Pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691644. [PMID: 34422814 PMCID: PMC8375270 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of developmental pathways plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Tumor cells differ from normal cells in their sustained proliferation, replicative immortality, resistance to cell death and growth inhibition, angiogenesis, and metastatic behavior. Often they acquire these features as a consequence of dysregulated Hedgehog, Notch, or WNT signaling pathways. Human tumor viruses affect the cancer cell hallmarks by encoding oncogenic proteins, and/or by modifying the microenvironment, as well as by conveying genomic instability to accelerate cancer development. In addition, viral immune evasion mechanisms may compromise developmental pathways to accelerate tumor growth. Viruses achieve this by influencing both coding and non-coding gene regulatory pathways. Elucidating how oncogenic viruses intersect with and modulate developmental pathways is crucial to understanding viral tumorigenesis. Many currently available antiviral therapies target viral lytic cycle replication but with low efficacy and severe side effects. A greater understanding of the cross-signaling between oncogenic viruses and developmental pathways will improve the efficacy of next-generation inhibitors and pave the way to more targeted antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Trivedi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa M Minter
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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McBrearty N, Arzumanyan A, Bichenkov E, Merali S, Merali C, Feitelson M. Short chain fatty acids delay the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in HBx transgenic mice. Neoplasia 2021; 23:529-538. [PMID: 33945993 PMCID: PMC8111251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV encoded oncoprotein, HBx, alters the expression of host genes and the activity of multiple signal transduction pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC by multiple mechanisms independent of HBV replication. However, it is not clear which pathways are the most relevant therapeutic targets in hepatocarcinogenesis. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties, suggesting that they may block the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) to HCC, thereby identifying the mechanisms relevant to HCC development. This hypothesis was tested in HBx transgenic (HBxTg) mice fed SCFAs. Groups of HBxTg mice were fed with SCFAs or vehicle from 6 to 9 months of age and then assessed for dysplasia, and from 9 to 12 months of age and then assessed for HCC. Livers from 12 month old mice were then analyzed for changes in gene expression by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. SCFA-fed mice had significantly fewer dysplastic and HCC nodules compared to controls at 9 and 12 months, respectively. Pathway analysis of SCFA-fed mice showed down-regulation of signaling pathways altered by HBx in human CLD and HCC, including those involved in inflammation, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, epidermal growth factor, and Ras. SCFA treatment promoted increased expression of the tumor suppressor, disabled homolog 2 (DAB2). DAB2 depresses Ras pathway activity, which is constitutively activated by HBx. SCFAs also reduced cell viability in HBx-transfected cell lines in a dose-dependent manner while the viability of primary human hepatocytes was unaffected. These unique findings demonstrate that SCFAs delay the pathogenesis of CLD and development of HCC, and provide insight into some of the underlying mechanisms that are relevant to pathogenesis in that they are responsive to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen McBrearty
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eugene Bichenkov
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Salim Merali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Merali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Ruan T, Sun J, Liu W, Prinz RA, Peng D, Liu X, Xu X. H1N1 Influenza Virus Cross-Activates Gli1 to Disrupt the Intercellular Junctions of Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107801. [PMID: 32610119 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) primarily infects the airway and alveolar epithelial cells and disrupts the intercellular junctions, leading to increased paracellular permeability. Although this pathological change plays a critical role in lung tissue injury and secondary infection, the molecular mechanism of IAV-induced damage to the alveolar barrier remains obscure. Here, we report that Gli1, a transcription factor in the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, is cross-activated by the MAP and PI3 kinase pathways in H1N1 virus (PR8)-infected A549 cells and in the lungs of H1N1 virus-infected mice. Gli1 activation induces Snail expression, which downregulates the expression of intercellular junction proteins, including E-cadherin, ZO-1, and Occludin, and increases paracellular permeability. Inhibition of the Shh pathway restores the levels of Snail and intercellular junction proteins in H1N1-infected cells. Our study suggests that Gli1 activation plays an important role in disrupting the intercellular junctions and in promoting the pathogenesis of H1N1 virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ruan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC
| | - Richard A Prinz
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Daxin Peng
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PRC; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC
| | - Xiufan Liu
- Animal Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PRC; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC
| | - Xiulong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC; Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PRC.
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14
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Iriana S, Asha K, Repak M, Sharma-Walia N. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Cancers and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 33494284 PMCID: PMC7864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is primarily involved in embryonic gut development, smooth muscle differentiation, cell proliferation, adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair following injury, and tissue polarity during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. GLIoma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc-finger transcription factors and smoothened (SMO) are the signal transducers of the SHH pathway. Both SHH ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms activate GLI proteins. Various transcriptional mechanisms, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, proteolytic processing, SUMOylation, and acetylation), and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling control the activity of SHH signaling pathway proteins. The dysregulated SHH pathway is associated with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, GLIomas, medulloblastomas, leukemias, and tumors of breast, lung, skin, prostate, brain, gastric, and pancreas. While extensively studied in development and sarcomas, GLI family proteins play an essential role in many host-pathogen interactions, including bacterial and viral infections and their associated cancers. Viruses hijack host GLI family transcription factors and their downstream signaling cascades to enhance the viral gene transcription required for replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss a distinct role(s) of GLI proteins in the process of tumorigenesis and host-pathogen interactions in the context of viral infection-associated malignancies and cancers due to other causes. Here, we emphasize the potential of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway targeting as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic approach, which in the future could also be tested in infection-associated fatalities.
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15
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Studies on the Efficacy, Potential Cardiotoxicity and Monkey Pharmacokinetics of GLP-26 as a Potent Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010114. [PMID: 33467678 PMCID: PMC7830897 DOI: 10.3390/v13010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While treatment options are available for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is currently no cure. Anti-HBV nucleoside analogs and interferon-alpha 2b rarely clear HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), requiring lifelong treatment. Recently, we identified GLP-26, a glyoxamide derivative which modulates HBV capsid assembly. The impact of GLP-26 on viral replication and integrated DNA was assessed in an HBV nude mouse model bearing HBV transfected AD38 xenografts. At day 45 post-infection, GLP-26 reduced HBV titers by 2.3–3 log10 versus infected placebo-treated mice. Combination therapy with GLP-26 and entecavir reduced HBV log10 titers by 4.6-fold versus placebo. Next, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) in cynomolgus monkeys administered GLP-26 via IV (1 mg/kg) or PO (5 mg/kg). GLP-26 was found to have 34% oral bioavailability, with a mean input time of 3.17 h. The oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 380.7 ng/mL, observed 0.67 h after administration (~30-fold > in vitro EC90 corrected for protein binding), with a mean terminal elimination half-life of 2.4 h and a mean area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of 1660 ng·hr/mL. GLP-26 was 86.7% bound in monkey plasma. Lastly, GLP-26 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile confirmed in primary human cardiomyocytes. Thus, GLP-26 warrants further preclinical development as an add on to treatment for HBV infection.
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16
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Ding J, Li HY, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Wu J. Hedgehog Signaling, a Critical Pathway Governing the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010123. [PMID: 33440657 PMCID: PMC7826706 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a classic morphogen in controlling embryonic development and tissue repairing. Aberrant activation of Hh signaling has been well documented in liver cancer, including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. The present review aims to update the current understanding on how abnormal Hh signaling molecules modulate initiation, progression, drug resistance and metastasis of HCC. The latest relevant literature was reviewed with our recent findings to provide an overview regarding the molecular interplay and clinical relevance of the Hh signaling in HCC management. Hh signaling molecules are involved in the transformation of pre-carcinogenic lesions to malignant features in chronic liver injury, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Activation of GLI target genes, such as ABCC1 and TAP1, is responsible for drug resistance in hepatoma cells, with a CD133−/EpCAM− surface molecular profile, and GLI1 and truncated GLI1 account for the metastatic feature of the hepatoma cells, with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases. A novel bioassay for the Sonic Hh ligand in tissue specimens may assist HCC diagnosis with negative α-fetoprotein and predict early microvascular invasion. In-depth exploration of the Hh signaling deepens our understanding of its molecular modulation in HCC initiation, drug sensitivity and metastasis, and guides precise management of HCC on an individual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing’an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-215-423-7705; Fax: +86-216-422-7201
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17
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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18
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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19
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Dimri M, Satyanarayana A. Molecular Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020491. [PMID: 32093152 PMCID: PMC7072513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex biological process and is often diagnosed at advanced stages with no effective treatment options. With advances in tumor biology and molecular genetic profiling, several different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms have been identified as responsible for initiating and promoting HCC. Targeting these critical pathways, which include the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation and the hedgehog signaling pathway has led to the identification of novel therapeutics for HCC treatment. In this review, we elaborated on our current understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the development and initiation of HCC and anticipate the potential targets for therapeutic drug development.
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20
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Lin SS. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Organogenesis, Tumors, and Tumor Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030758. [PMID: 31979397 PMCID: PMC7037908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian embryonic development, primary cilia transduce and regulate several signaling pathways. Among the various pathways, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most significant. SHH signaling remains quiescent in adult mammalian tissues. However, in multiple adult tissues, it becomes active during differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. Moreover, aberrant activation of SHH signaling occurs in cancers of the skin, brain, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, colon, breast, lung, prostate, and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment or stroma could affect tumor development and metastasis. One hypothesis has been proposed, claiming that the pancreatic epithelia secretes SHH that is essential in establishing and regulating the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in promoting cancer progression. The SHH signaling pathway is also activated in the cancer stem cells (CSC) of several neoplasms. The self-renewal of CSC is regulated by the SHH/Smoothened receptor (SMO)/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog I (GLI) signaling pathway. Combined use of SHH signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy/radiation therapy/immunotherapy is therefore key in targeting CSCs.
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21
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Successful stories of drug repurposing for cancer therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. DRUG REPURPOSING IN CANCER THERAPY 2020. [PMCID: PMC7471801 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819668-7.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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22
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Jeng KS, Jeng CJ, Jeng WJ, Sheen IS, Li SY, Leu CM, Tsay YG, Chang CF. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway as a potential target to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4377-4384. [PMID: 31611946 PMCID: PMC6781692 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis involves numerous interlinked factors and processes, including the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which participates in the carcinogenesis, progression, invasiveness, recurrence and cancer stem cell maintenance of HCC. The Shh signaling pathway is activated by ligands that bind to their receptor protein, Protein patched homolog (Ptch). The process of Shh ligand binding to Ptch weakens the inhibition of smoothened homolog (SMO) and activates signal transduction via glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) transcription factors. The overexpression of Shh pathway molecules, including Shh, Ptch-1, Gli and SMO has been indicated in patients with HCC. It has also been suggested that the Shh signaling pathway exhibits cross-talk between numerous other signaling pathways. The inactivation of the Shh signaling pathway reduces HCC growth, increases radio-sensitivity and increases the beneficial effect of chemotherapy in HCC treatment. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway may be an effective target therapy that can be used in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Yun Li
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chuen-Miin Leu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yeou-Guang Tsay
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
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23
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Heo CK, Hwang HM, Lee HJ, Kwak SS, Yoo JS, Yu DY, Lim KJ, Lee S, Cho EW. Serum anti-EIF3A autoantibody as a potential diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11059. [PMID: 31363116 PMCID: PMC6667438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated autoantibodies are promising diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of tumors. We have screened a novel tumor-associated autoantibody in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model mice. Its target antigen was identified as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A) by proteomic analysis, and the elevated expression of EIF3A in HCC tissues of tumor model mice as well as human patients was shown. Also, its existence in tumor-derived exosomes was revealed, which seem to be the cause of tumor-associated autoantibody production. To use serum anti-EIF3A autoantibody as biomarker, ELISA detecting anti-EIF3A autoantibody in human serum was performed using autoantibody-specific epitope. For the sensitive detection of serum autoantibodies its specific conformational epitopes were screened from the random cyclic peptide library, and a streptavidin antigen displaying anti-EIF3A autoantibody-specific epitope, XC90p2(-CPVRSGFPC-), was used as capture antigen. It distinguished patients with HCC (n = 102) from healthy controls (n = 0285) with a sensitivity of 79.4% and specificity of 83.5% (AUC = 0.87). Also, by simultaneously detecting with other HCC biomarkers, including alpha-fetoprotein, HCC diagnostic sensitivity improved from 79.4% to 85%. Collectively, we suggest that serum anti-EIF3A autoantibody is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC and the combinational detection of related biomarkers can enhance the accuracy of the cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Kyu Heo
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.,College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Hai-Min Hwang
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.,College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Hye-Jung Lee
- Proteometech Inc., 1101 Wooree Venture Town, 466 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.,Graduate Program for Nanomedical Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Sang-Seob Kwak
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Jong-Shin Yoo
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 YeonGuDanji-Ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28119, South Korea
| | - Dae-Yeul Yu
- Disease Model Research Laboratory, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Kook-Jin Lim
- Proteometech Inc., 1101 Wooree Venture Town, 466 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Soojin Lee
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea.
| | - Eun-Wie Cho
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea. .,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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24
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In Vivo Study on the Effects of Xiaoaiping on the Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4738243. [PMID: 31341493 PMCID: PMC6612394 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4738243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Xiaoaiping on the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vivo and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods A subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model was established using Hep3B-derived HCC cells. The mice were randomly assigned to the 100 mg/kg Xiaoaiping or 100 μL/20 g normal saline (control) groups (n =3/sex/group) for daily intragastric administration for 14 days. The tumor size was closely monitored during the dosing phase. After the treatment period, the tumor tissues were weighed and harvested for mRNA and protein isolation. qPCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of cancer stemness markers (epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM], cluster of differentiation [CD13], CD90, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 [ALDH1], CD44, and CD45), totipotency factors (sex determining region Y-box 2 [Sox2], Nanog, and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 [Oct4]), and genes involved in the Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling pathways. Key Findings The tumor size and weight were significantly reduced in the nude mice treated with 100 mg/kg Xiaoaiping when compared with the controls. The Xiaoaiping effects on the stemness markers and totipotency factors included decreased expression of EpCAM, CD24, CD47, Sox2, Oct4, and sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), as well as increased expression of CD13 and ALDH1. In addition, Xiaoaiping inhibited the Hippo, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Conclusion Xiaoaiping significantly inhibited the growth of HCC xenograft in nude mice. These antitumor effects may be mediated by modulating the expression of multiple stemness markers and totipotency factors and inhibition of the Hippo, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling pathways.
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Dynamic expression of ZNF382 and its tumor-suppressor role in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Oncogene 2019; 38:4804-4819. [PMID: 30804458 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Zinc-finger protein 382 (ZNF382), which belongs to zinc-finger protein family, has been documented to be downregulated in certain types of cancer. However, its role in HCC remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that ZNF382 expression was significantly elevated in HBV-infected liver cirrhosis tissues relative to HBV-negative normal liver tissues at protein levels, but not at mRNA levels, and was positively correlated with the levels of HBV DNA and hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx). Further studies revealed that ZNF382 was a target of miR-6867, and HBx promoted the translation of ZNF382 during HBV chronic infection through Erk-mediated miR-6867 inhibition. In addition, our data showed that ZNF382 was frequently downregulated by promoter methylation in HBV-related HCCs relative to HBV-infected liver cirrhosis tissues, and decreased expression of ZNF382 was strongly correlated with poor survival in early-stage HCC patients. Functional studies demonstrated that ZNF382 was a potent tumor suppressor in HCC cells through inhibiting cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, and inducing cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, ZNF382 exerted its tumor-suppressor functions in HCC through transcriptionally repressing its downstream targets such as Fos proto-oncogene (FOS), Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), disheveled segment polarity protein 2 (DVL2), and frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1), thereby impairing the activities of activating protein 1 (AP-1) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and activating p53 signaling. Altogether, our data show that ZNF382 acts as a tumor suppressor, and is co-regulated by HBx and epigenetic mechanism in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Yang Z, Li J, Feng G, Wang Y, Yang G, Liu Y, Zhang S, Feng J, Zhang X. Hepatitis B virus X protein enhances hepatocarcinogenesis by depressing the targeting of NUSAP1 mRNA by miR- 18b. Cancer Biol Med 2019; 16:276-287. [PMID: 31516748 PMCID: PMC6713641 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2018.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism whereby HBx modulates the targeting of NUSAP1 by miR-18b to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods We employed an integrated approach of bioinformatics analysis and molecular experiments in hepatoma cells, HBV transgenic mice, and clinical liver cancer tissues to investigate the role of HBx-regulated miR-18b in the development of liver cancer. Results In this study, we report that the HBx-mediated tumor suppressor miR-18b modulates hepatocarcinogenesis during the host-HBV interaction. The expression levels of miR-18b were lower in clinical HBV-positive liver cancer tissues and liver tissues of HBV-transgenic mice. Interestingly, HBx inhibited miR-18b expression by inducing the methylation of CpG islands in its promoter. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that HBx enhanced hepatocarcinogenesis by increasing the expression of target genes of miR-18b. Moreover, we identified nucleolar spindle-associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) as one of the target genes of miR-18b. NUSAP1 was expressed at high levels in liver cancer tissues. Interestingly, HBx up-regulated NUSAP1 by suppressing miR-18b. Functionally, miR-18b significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells by depressing NUSAP1 levels in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions Thus, we conclude that the targeting of NUSAP1 mRNA by the tumor suppressor miR-18b is controlled by HBx-modulated promoter methylation during the host-virus interaction, leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which HBx-mediated miRNAs modulate hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Yang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guoxing Feng
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuqin Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jinyan Feng
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Wang N, Wang S, Li MY, Hu BG, Liu LP, Yang SL, Yang S, Gong Z, Lai PBS, Chen GG. Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview and promising therapeutic strategies. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918816287. [PMID: 30622654 PMCID: PMC6304707 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918816287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is ascribed to the resistance of HCC cells to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after curative therapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a small subset of cancer cells which have high capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent advances in the field of liver CSCs (LCSCs) have enabled the identification of CSC surface markers and the isolation of CSC subpopulations from HCC cells. Given their central role in cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance, LCSCs constitute a therapeutic opportunity to achieve cure and prevent relapse of HCC. Thus, it is necessary to develop therapeutic strategies to selectively and efficiently target LCSCs. Small molecular inhibitors targeting the core stemness signaling pathways have been actively pursued and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Other alternative therapeutic strategies include targeting LCSC surface markers, interrupting the CSC microenvironment, and altering the epigenetic state. In this review, we summarize the properties of CSCs in HCC and discuss novel therapeutic strategies that can be used to target LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuozhou Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck
Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of
Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong,
China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bao-guang Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The
Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong,
China
| | - Li-ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas
Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen
People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng-li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical
College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan
District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province,
China
| | - Zhongqin Gong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Paul B. S. Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
| | - George G. Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Hwang HM, Heo CK, Lee HJ, Kwak SS, Lim WH, Yoo JS, Yu DY, Lim KJ, Kim JY, Cho EW. Identification of anti-SF3B1 autoantibody as a diagnostic marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2018; 16:177. [PMID: 29954402 PMCID: PMC6025833 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1546-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated (TA) autoantibodies, which are generated by the immune system upon the recognition of abnormal TA antigens, are promising biomarkers for the early detection of tumors. In order to detect autoantibody biomarkers effectively, antibody-specific epitopes in the diagnostic test should maintain the specific conformations that are as close as possible to those presenting in the body. However, when using patients' serum as a source of TA autoantibodies the characterization of the autoantibody-specific epitope is not easy due to the limited amount of patient-derived serum. METHODS To overcome these limits, we constructed a B cell hybridoma pool derived from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model HBx-transgenic mouse and characterized autoantibodies derived from them as tumor biomarkers. Their target antigens were identified by mass spectrometry and the correlations with HCC were examined. With the assumption that TA autoantibodies generated in the tumor mouse model are induced in human cancer patients, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) based on the characteristics of mouse TA autoantibodies were developed for the detection of autoantibody biomarkers in human serum. To mimic natural antigenic structures, the specific epitopes against autoantibodies were screened from the phage display cyclic random heptapeptide library, and the streptavidin antigens fused with the specific epitopes were used as coating antigens. RESULTS In this study, one of HCC-associated autoantibodies derived from HBx-transgenic mouse, XC24, was characterized. Its target antigen was identified as splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) and the high expression of SF3B1 was confirmed in HCC tissues. The specific peptide epitopes against XC24 were selected and, among them, XC24p11 cyclic peptide (-CDATPPRLC-) was used as an epitope of anti-SF3B1 autoantibody ELISA. With this epitope, we could effectively distinguish between serum samples from HCC patients (n = 102) and healthy subjects (n = 85) with 73.53% sensitivity and 91.76% specificity (AUC = 0.8731). Moreover, the simultaneous detection of anti-XC24p11 epitope autoantibody and AFP enhanced the efficiency of HCC diagnosis with 87.25% sensitivity and 90.59% specificity (AUC = 0.9081). CONCLUSIONS ELISA using XC24p11 peptide epitope that reacts against anti-SF3B1 autoantibody can be used as a novel test to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Min Hwang
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134 South Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Heo
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134 South Korea
| | - Hye Jung Lee
- Proteometech Inc., 1101 Wooree Venture Town, 466 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07573 South Korea
- Graduate Program for Nanomedical Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 South Korea
| | - Sang-Seob Kwak
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Won-Hee Lim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Jong-Shin Yoo
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 YeonGuDanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28119 South Korea
| | - Dae-Yuel Yu
- Disease Model Research Laboratory, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Kook Jin Lim
- Proteometech Inc., 1101 Wooree Venture Town, 466 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07573 South Korea
- Graduate Program for Nanomedical Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 South Korea
| | - Jeong-Yoon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134 South Korea
| | - Eun-Wie Cho
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
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C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through induction of cancer and stem cell-like properties. Oncotarget 2018; 7:24005-17. [PMID: 27006468 PMCID: PMC5029680 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor relapse after chemotherapy typifies hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is believed to be attributable to residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive initial treatment. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has long been linked to the development of HCC. Upon infection, random HBV genome integration can lead to truncation of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein at the C-terminus. The resulting C-terminal-truncated HBx (HBx-ΔC) was previously shown to confer enhanced invasiveness and diminished apoptotic response in HCC cells. Here, we found HBx-ΔC to promote the appearance of a CD133 liver CSC subset and confer cancer and stem cell-like features in HCC. HBx-ΔC was exclusively detected in HCC cell lines that were raised from patients presented with a HBV background with concomitant CD133 expression. Stable overexpression of the naturally occurring HBx-ΔC mutants, HBx-Δ14 or HBx-Δ35, in HCC cells Huh7 and immortalized normal liver cells MIHA resulted in a significant increase in the cells ability to self-renew, resist chemotherapy and targeted therapy, migrate and induce angiogenesis. MIHA cells with the mutants stably overexpressed also resulted in the induction of CD133, mediated through STAT3 activation. RNA sequencing profiling of MIHA cells with or without HBx-ΔC mutants stably overexpressed identified altered FXR activation. This, together with rescue experiments using a selective FXR inhibitor suggested that C-terminal truncated HBx can mediate cancer stemness via FXR activation. Collectively, we find C-terminal truncated HBx mutants to confer cancer and stem cell-like features in vitro and to play an important role in driving tumor relapse in HCC.
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30
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Shi C, Huang D, Lu N, Chen D, Zhang M, Yan Y, Deng L, Lu Q, Lu H, Luo S. Aberrantly activated Gli2-KIF20A axis is crucial for growth of hepatocellular carcinoma and predicts poor prognosis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:26206-19. [PMID: 27036048 PMCID: PMC5041975 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma-associated oncogene 2 (Gli2), a primary transcriptional regulator of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, is essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and survival. However, the underlying molecular mechanism and crucial downstream targets of Gli2 in human HCC are not fully understood. Here, we report the identification of kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) as a novel downstream target of Gli2, which is important for HCC proliferation and tumor growth. Inhibition of Hh signaling leads to a remarkable decrease of KIF20A expression in HCC cells, whereas overexpression of Gli2 elevates KIF20A expression by activating Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1)-MMB complex-mediated transcription of this kinesin gene. Gli2-induced HCC cell growth requires enhanced expression of KIF20A, and knockdown of Gli2 or KIF20A represses the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Correlated with these results, analyses of clinical HCC samples show that Gli2, FoxM1 and KIF20A are highly elevated in primary HCC samples and represent significant risk factors for HCC recurrence and survival. Conclusion: KIF20A is an important downstream target gene of Hh signaling. And, the Gli2-KIF20A axis is essential for the proliferation and growth of human HCC cells. Our study also suggests Gli2-KIF20A axis as a potential target for future therapeutic intervention and as an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shi
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dengliang Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Nonghua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minhong Zhang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yehong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Libin Deng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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31
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in the growth, development, and homeostatis of many tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. Much of what is known about Hh signaling is in the context of embryonic development and tumor formation. However, a growing body of evidence is emerging indicating that Hh signaling is also involved in postnatal processes such as tissue repair and adult immune responses. To that extent, Hh signaling has also been shown to be a target for some pathogens that presumably utilize the pathway to control the local infected environment. In this review, we discuss what is currently known regarding pathogenic interactions with Hh signaling and speculate on the reasons for this pathway being a target. We also hope to shed light on the possibility of using small molecule modulators of Hh signaling as effective therapies for a wider range of human diseases beyond their current use in a limited number of cancers.
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Smelkinson MG, Guichard A, Teijaro JR, Malur M, Loureiro ME, Jain P, Ganesan S, Zúñiga EI, Krug RM, Oldstone MB, Bier E. Influenza NS1 directly modulates Hedgehog signaling during infection. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006588. [PMID: 28837667 PMCID: PMC5587344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional NS1 protein of influenza A viruses suppresses host cellular defense mechanisms and subverts other cellular functions. We report here on a new role for NS1 in modifying cell-cell signaling via the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Genetic epistasis experiments and FRET-FLIM assays in Drosophila suggest that NS1 interacts directly with the transcriptional mediator, Ci/Gli1. We further confirmed that Hh target genes are activated cell-autonomously in transfected human lung epithelial cells expressing NS1, and in infected mouse lungs. We identified a point mutation in NS1, A122V, that modulates this activity in a context-dependent fashion. When the A122V mutation was incorporated into a mouse-adapted influenza A virus, it cell-autonomously enhanced expression of some Hh targets in the mouse lung, including IL6, and hastened lethality. These results indicate that, in addition to its multiple intracellular functions, NS1 also modifies a highly conserved signaling pathway, at least in part via cell autonomous activities. We discuss how this new Hh modulating function of NS1 may influence host lethality, possibly through controlling cytokine production, and how these new insights provide potential strategies for combating infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margery G. Smelkinson
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Annabel Guichard
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - John R. Teijaro
- Immunology and Microbial Science, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Meghana Malur
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Eugenia Loureiro
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein - CONICET, Saladillo, Argentina
| | - Prashant Jain
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sundar Ganesan
- Biological Imaging Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elina I. Zúñiga
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Krug
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael B. Oldstone
- Immunology and Microbial Science, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yılmaz Y, Güneş A, Topel H, Atabey N. Signaling Pathways as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocarcinogenesis. J Gastrointest Cancer 2017; 48:225-237. [PMID: 28819741 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-017-9958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yeliz Yılmaz
- Izmir International Biomedicine & Genome Institute (iBG-izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayşim Güneş
- Izmir International Biomedicine & Genome Institute (iBG-izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Topel
- Izmir International Biomedicine & Genome Institute (iBG-izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Neşe Atabey
- Izmir International Biomedicine & Genome Institute (iBG-izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.
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Cervello M, Augello G, Cusimano A, Emma MR, Balasus D, Azzolina A, McCubrey JA, Montalto G. Pivotal roles of glycogen synthase-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 65:59-76. [PMID: 28619606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and represents the second most frequently cancer and third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. At advanced stage, HCC is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and with very limited response to common therapies. Therefore, there is still the need for new effective and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies. Molecular-targeted therapies hold promise for HCC treatment. One promising molecular target is the multifunctional serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). The roles of GSK-3β in HCC remain controversial, several studies suggested a possible role of GSK-3β as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC, whereas, other studies indicate that GSK-3β is a potential therapeutic target for this neoplasia. In this review, we will focus on the different roles that GSK-3 plays in HCC and its interaction with signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC, such as Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (HH), and TGF-β pathways. In addition, the pivotal roles of GSK3 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Emma
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Balasus
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Biomedic Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiBiMIS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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35
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Resveratrol inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression driven by hepatic stellate cells by targeting Gli-1. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 434:17-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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36
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Lan X, Wen H, Cheng K, Plagov A, Marashi Shoshtari SS, Malhotra A, Singhal PC. Hedgehog pathway plays a vital role in HIV-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of podocyte. Exp Cell Res 2017; 352:193-201. [PMID: 28159470 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is characterized by heavy proteinuria, rapidly progressive renal failure, and distinct morphological features in the kidney. HIV-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critically important for the progression of kidney injury. In this study, we tested the role of hedgehog pathway in the HIV-induced EMT and fibrosis of kidney. We used the Tg26 mice, the abundantly used HIVAN mouse model, to investigate the activation of hedgehog pathway by HIV. Western blotting and real time PCR results showed that renal tissue expression of hedgehog pathway related molecules, including hedgehog homologous (Shh, Ihh, Dhh), PTCH, and Gli1, were increased in HIVAN (Tg26) mice; while immunofluorescent staining displayed localization PTCH expression in podocytes. For in vitro studies, we used recombinant sonic hedgehog (Shh) and HIV for their expression by podocytes. Both the methods activated the hedgehog pathway, enhanced the expression of EMT markers, and decreased impermeability. Overexpression of Gli1 by human podocytes also augmented their expression of EMT markers. On the other hand, the blockade of hedgehog pathway with Gant 58, a specific blocker for Gli1-induced transcription, dramatically decreased HIV-induced podocyte EMT and permeability. These results indicate that hedgehog pathway plays an important role in HIV-induced podocyte injury. The present study provides mechanistical insight into a new target for therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqian Lan
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA.
| | - Hongxiu Wen
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Kang Cheng
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Andrei Plagov
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | | | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA.
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37
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Li W, Miao S, Miao M, Li R, Cao X, Zhang K, Huang G, Fu B. Hedgehog Signaling Activation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2016; 34:424-430. [PMID: 27657189 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2016.1227442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have established that hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediates tumor-stroma interaction and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Here, we demonstrated that activation of Hh signaling in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 by Huh-7-derived sonic Hh led to increased secretion of angiogenic factors and promoted angiogenesis in vitro. The activated LX-2 also enhanced vascular mimicry of hepatoma cells. Furthermore, co-injection of Huh-7 and LX-2 significantly accelerated tumor growth with enhanced angiogenesis compared with Huh-7 alone, which could be partly abrogated by Hh signaling inhibitor. Collectively, our data showed that paracrine Hh signaling mediated pro-angiogenic function of HSC and enhanced hepatoma growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Shuanlin Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Manyuan Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Renshuan Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Xiaopeng Cao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Kun Zhang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Genzuan Huang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Bin Fu
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
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38
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Gerling M, Büller NVJA, Kirn LM, Joost S, Frings O, Englert B, Bergström Å, Kuiper RV, Blaas L, Wielenga MCB, Almer S, Kühl AA, Fredlund E, van den Brink GR, Toftgård R. Stromal Hedgehog signalling is downregulated in colon cancer and its restoration restrains tumour growth. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12321. [PMID: 27492255 PMCID: PMC4980446 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A role for Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been proposed. In CRC and other solid tumours, Hh ligands are upregulated; however, a specific Hh antagonist provided no benefit in a clinical trial. Here we use Hh reporter mice to show that downstream Hh activity is unexpectedly diminished in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer, and that downstream Hh signalling is restricted to the stroma. Functionally, stroma-specific Hh activation in mice markedly reduces the tumour load and blocks progression of advanced neoplasms, partly via the modulation of BMP signalling and restriction of the colonic stem cell signature. By contrast, attenuated Hh signalling accelerates colonic tumourigenesis. In human CRC, downstream Hh activity is similarly reduced and canonical Hh signalling remains predominantly paracrine. Our results suggest that diminished downstream Hh signalling enhances CRC development, and that stromal Hh activation can act as a colonic tumour suppressor. The Hedgehog signalling pathway can drive tumorigenesis. Here, the authors show that in a colitis-associated colon cancer model downstream Hedgehog signalling is restricted to the stroma and its over-activation can inhibit tumorigenesis, associated with activation of BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gerling
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Nikè V J A Büller
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 69-71, AZ1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard M Kirn
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Joost
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Oliver Frings
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benjamin Englert
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Åsa Bergström
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Raoul V Kuiper
- Core Facility for Morphologic Phenotype Analysis, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Hälsovägen 7-9, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Leander Blaas
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mattheus C B Wielenga
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 69-71, AZ1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Almer
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Erik Fredlund
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gijs R van den Brink
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 69-71, AZ1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rune Toftgård
- Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Hälsovägen 7, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
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39
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Granato M, Zompetta C, Vescarelli E, Rizzello C, Cardi A, Valia S, Antonelli G, Marchese C, Torrisi MR, Faggioni A, Cirone M. HCV derived from sera of HCV-infected patients induces pro-fibrotic effects in human primary fibroblasts by activating GLI2. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30649. [PMID: 27476557 PMCID: PMC4967919 DOI: 10.1038/srep30649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver fibrosis, especially in developing countries. The process is characterized by the excess accumulation of ECM that may lead, over time, to hepatic cirrhosis, liver failure and also to hepatocarcinoma. The direct role of HCV in promoting fibroblasts trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts, the major fibrogenic cells, has not been fully clarified. In this study, we found that HCV derived from HCV-infected patients infected and directly induced the trans-differentiation of human primary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, promoting fibrogenesis. This effect correlated with the activation of GLI2, one of the targets of Hedgehog signaling pathway previously reported to be involved in myofibroblast generation. Moreover, GLI2 activation by HCV correlated with a reduction of autophagy in fibroblasts, that may further promoted fibrosis. GLI2 inhibition by Gant 61 counteracted the pro-fibrotic effects and autophagy inhibition mediated by HCV, suggesting that targeting HH/GLI2 pathway might represent a promising strategy to reduce the HCV-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Granato
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - C Zompetta
- Dept. of Molecular medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - E Vescarelli
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - C Rizzello
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - A Cardi
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - S Valia
- Dept. of Molecular medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - G Antonelli
- Dept. of Molecular medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - C Marchese
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M R Torrisi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Dept. Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Sant' Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - A Faggioni
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M Cirone
- Dept. of Experimental medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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40
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Zhang X, Lv L, Ouyang X, Zhang S, Fang J, Cai L, Li D. Association of TIP30 expression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HBV infection. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2180-9. [PMID: 27418384 PMCID: PMC5055146 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of TIP30, a tumor suppressor, has been observed in many cancers. In this study, we have evaluated the expression of TIP30 in the tissues of 209 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and their adjacent tissues by using a high‐density tissue microarray, and analyzed its correlation with the clinical pathological parameters of the patients. The results revealed negative or weak expression of TIP30 in 43.5% (91/209) of the HCC tissues, and in only 27% (56/209) of the adjacent tissues. The expression level of TIP30 in HCC was inversely correlated with serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels, HBV infection, and tumor differentiation. Multivariate analysis for survival indicated that serum HBV infection was the most significant predictor of poor prognosis in HCC (P = 0.0023), and TIP30 expression and tumor differentiation were also independent indicators in this respect (P = 0.0364 and P = 0.0397, respectively). Patients with medium or high expression levels of TIP30 (TIP30++/+++) had a better 5‐year overall survival rate than those with low/negative (TIP30+/−) expression (P < 0.001). TIP30+/−/HBV+ patients had the worst 5‐year overall survival rate, whereas TIP30++/+++/HBV− patients had the best. To further explore the correlation between TIP30 and HBV infection in HCC, HBV+ hepatoblastoma cell‐line HepG2 2.2.15 and HCC cell‐line Hep3B were used. Upon silencing of HBV, we observed an upregulation of TIP30 and decreased cell proliferation. In the in vivo studies, we found that the mice inoculated with HepG2 2.2.15 cells with HBV silencing had a prolonged tumor latency and a longer life span, as compared to the control mice inoculated with untreated control cells. In conclusion, the results suggest that downregulation of TIP30 may result from HBV infection, and subsequently promotes the progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Lizhi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Xuenong Ouyang
- Department of Oncology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Shi'an Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Jian Fang
- Department of Hepatology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Lirong Cai
- Department of Hepatology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Department of Hepatology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Command, Fuzhou 350025, China.
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41
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Tu KS, Yao YM. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and related signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:2131-2142. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i14.2131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common forms of liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Although numerous therapeutic strategies have been employed to treat this fatal disease, the prognosis of HCC patients remains dismal with a low 5-year survival rate of approximately 30%. Postoperative recurrence and metastasis of HCC are the leading cause of poor prognosis. Metastasis has been thought to rely on non-motile epithelial tumor cells acquiring characteristics of mesenchymal cells, which are more migratory. This change is known as the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT has been considered one of the main reasons for the invasion and metastasis of HCC. Notably, increasing evidence indicates that several signaling pathways participate in the regulation of EMT in HCC. In the current review, we will discuss the current progress in research of EMT and its related signaling pathways in HCC.
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42
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Zhu M, Guo J, Li W, Lu Y, Fu S, Xie X, Xia H, Dong X, Chen Y, Quan M, Zheng S, Xie K, Li M. Hepatitis B virus X protein induces expression of alpha-fetoprotein and activates PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in liver cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:12196-208. [PMID: 25682869 PMCID: PMC4494932 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV)-X protein (HBx) induces malignant transformation of liver cells, and elevated expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a significant biomarker of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the role of AFP in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory impact of AFP expression on HBx-mediated malignant transformation of human hepatocytes. We found that HBV induced the expression of AFP before that of oncogenes, e.g., Src, Ras and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), and AFP activated protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in HBV-related HCC tissues and in human liver cells transfected with HBx. Cytoplasmic AFP interacted with and inhibited phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway and promoting mTOR-mediated stimulation of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and therefore led to the activation of the promoters of Src, CXCR4, and Ras genes. On the contrary, reduced expression of AFP by siRNA resulted in the repression of p-mTOR, pAKT, Src, CXCR4, and Ras in human malignant liver cells. Taken together, for the first time our study indicates that HBx-induced AFP expression critically promote malignant transformation in liver cells through the activation of PI3K/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Shigan Fu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Xieju Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Hua Xia
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
| | - Ming Quan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Tumor Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P. R. China
| | - Keping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P. R. China
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43
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Zoheir KMA, Abd-Rabou AA, Harisa GI, Ashour AE, Ahmad SF, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Abdel-Hamied HE, Abd-Allah AR, Kumar A. Gene expression of IQGAPs and Ras families in an experimental mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma: a mechanistic study of cancer progression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:8821-8831. [PMID: 26464624 PMCID: PMC4583856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
IQGAPs genes play critical role in either induction or suppression of cancer and its progression, however the relationship between Ras genes and these genes are still unclear. In this study, we tried to understand the mechanistic action of IQGAPs genes and its correlation with Ras genes in mouse hepatic cancer model. The genetic expressions of IQGAP1, IQGAP2, IQGAP3, Hras, Kras, Nras, Mras, Caspase3, and BAX were followed in both hepatocellular carcinoma and normal liver cells of Balbc mice. Genotoxic agent diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic cancer model was induced in male mice and recorded the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma by morphological and histological changes in the liver. It was observed that mRNA expressions of IQGAP1, Hras, Kras, Nras, Mras, Caspase3, and BAX genes were highly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells when compared with normal liver cells, additionally their expressions increased by concentrating the dose of DEN. While, the expressions of IQGAP2 and IQGAP3 were significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma cells when compared with normal liver cells, as well as their expressions decreased more with increasing the dose of DEN. It was concluded from this study that IQGAP1 has a strong signaling relationship with Ras genes in induction of cancer and it is considered as a key gene for induction or suppression of the hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairy MA Zoheir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Cell Biology, National Research Centre (12622)Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abd-Rabou
- Department of Hormones, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre (12622)Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamaleldin I Harisa
- Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy (Boys section), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelkader E Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud UniversityP.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala E Abdel-Hamied
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo, Egypt
| | - Adel R Abd-Allah
- Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy (Boys section), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo, Egypt
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Vitiligo Research Chair, College of Medicine, King Saud UniversityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
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44
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Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits tumor suppressor miR-205 through inducing hypermethylation of miR-205 promoter to enhance carcinogenesis. Neoplasia 2014; 15:1282-91. [PMID: 24339740 DOI: 10.1593/neo.131362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which HBV X protein (HBx) plays crucial roles. MicroRNAs are involved in diverse biologic functions and in carcinogenesis by regulating gene expression. In the present study, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanism by which HBx enhances hepatocarcinogenesis. We found that miR-205 was downregulated in 33 clinical HCC tissues in comparison with adjacent noncancerous hepatic tissues. The expression levels of miR-205 were inversely correlated with those of HBx in abovementioned tissues. Then, we demonstrated that HBx was able to suppress miR-205 expression in hepatoma and liver cells. We validated that miR-205 directly targeted HBx mRNA. Ectopic expression of miR-205 downregulated HBx, whereas depletion of endogenous miR-205 upregulated HBx in hepatoma cells. Notably, our data revealed that HBx downregulated miR-205 through inducing hypermethylation of miR-205 promoter in the cells. In terms of function, the forced miR-205 expression remarkably inhibited the HBx-enhanced proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that miR-205 is a potential tumor-suppressive gene in HCC. HBx-transgenic mice showed that miR-205 was downregulated in the liver. Importantly, HBx was able to abrogate the effect of miR-205 on tumor suppression in carcinogenesis. Therefore, we conclude that HBx is able to inhibit tumor suppressor miR-205 to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis through inducing hypermethylation of miR-205 promoter during their interaction. Therapeutically, miR-205 may be useful in the treatment of HCC.
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45
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Distinctive pharmacological differences between liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and Hep3B. Cytotechnology 2014; 67:1-12. [PMID: 25002206 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-014-9761-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As cellular models for in vitro liver cancer and toxicity studies, HepG2 and Hep3B are the two most frequently used liver cancer cell lines. Because of their similarities they are often treated as the same in experimental studies. However, there are many differences that have been largely over-sighted or ignored between them. In this review, we summarize the differences between HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines that can be found in the literature based on PubMed search. We particularly focus on the differential gene expression, differential drug responses (chemosensitivity, cell cycle and growth inhibition, and gene induction), signaling pathways associated with these differences, as well as the factors in governing these differences between HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines. Based on our analyses of the available data, we suggest that neither HBx nor p53 may be the crucial factor to determine the differences between HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines although HBx regulates the expression of the majority of genes that are differentially expressed between HepG2 and Hep3B. Instead, the different maturation stages in cancer development of the original specimen between HepG2 and Hep3B may be responsible for the differences between them. This review provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences between HepG2 and Hep3B and help investigators especially the beginners in the areas of liver cancer research and drug metabolism to fully understand, and thus better use and interpret the data from these two cell lines in their studies.
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Tai BJ, Yao M, Wang L, Qian Q, Shi Y, Yu DD, Lu SL, Yao DF. Down-regulation of glypican-3 gene transcription inhibits hepatoma cell invasion and angiogenesis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:2221-2228. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i16.2221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether down-regulation of glypican-3 (GPC-3) gene transcription by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) inhibits hepatoma MHCC-97H cell invasion and angiogenesis.
METHODS: Specific GPC-3 shRNAs were transfected into MHCC-97H cells. GPC-3 mRNA and protein expression was analyzed by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Hepatoma cell proliferation was detected by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and sulforhodamine B assay, and cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell assays.
RESULTS: After MHCC-97H cells were transfected with shRNA1, GPC-3 mRNA expression was down-regulated by 75.6% (t = 15.473, P < 0.001), cell proliferation was inhibited significantly, and cell migration and invasion were decreased. β-catenin expression was down-regulated by 67.7%, and glioma-associated oncogene 1 (Gli1) expression was up-regulated by 53.5% in MHCC-97H cells. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly decreased (54.2%, t = 46.746, P < 0.001) in cells transfected with shRNA1 compared with control cells.
CONCLUSION: shRNA-mediated GPC-3 knockdown inhibits the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of hepatoma cells possibly through Wnt/β-catenin and Hh signaling pathways.
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Zhang W, Lu Z, Kong G, Gao Y, Wang T, Wang Q, Cai N, Wang H, Liu F, Ye L, Zhang X. Hepatitis B virus X protein accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis with partner survivin through modulating miR-520b and HBXIP. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:128. [PMID: 24886421 PMCID: PMC4046021 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays crucial roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We have reported that HBx is able to up-regulate survivin in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The oncopreotein hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP), a target of miR-520b, is involved in the development of cancer. In this study, we focus on the investigation of hepatocarcinogenesis mediated by HBx. METHODS The expression of HBx and survivin was examined in the liver tissues of HBx-Tg mice. The effect of HBx/survivin on the growth of LO2-X-S cells was determined by colony formation and transplantation in nude mice. The effect of HBx/survivin on promoter of miR-520b was determined by Western blot analysis, luciferase reporter gene assay, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), respectively. The expression of HBx, survivin and HBXIP was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR in clinical HCC tissues, respectively. The DNA demethylation of HBXIP promoter was examined. The functional influence of miR-520b and HBXIP on proliferation of hepatoma cells was analyzed by MTT, colony formation, EdU and transplantation in nude mice in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS In this study, we provided evidence that HBx up-regulated survivin in the liver cancer tissues of HBx-Tg mice aged 18 M. The engineered LO2 cell lines with survivin and/or HBx were successfully established, termed LO2-X-S. MiR-520b was down-regulated in LO2-X-S cells and clinical HCC tissues. Our data revealed that HBx survivin-dependently down-regulated miR-520b through interacting with Sp1 in the cells. HBXIP was highly expressed in LO2-X-S cells, liver cancer tissues of HBx-Tg mice aged 18 M and clinical HCC tissues (75.17%, 112/149). The expression level of HBXIP was positively associated with those of HBx or survivin in clinical HCC tissues. In addition, we showed that HBx survivin-dependently up-regulated HBXIP through inducing demethylation of HBXIP promoter in LO2-X-S cells and clinical HCC tissues. In function, low level miR-520b and high level HBXIP mediated by HBx with partner survivin contributed to the growth of LO2-X-S cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION HBx accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis with partner survivin through modulating tumor suppressor miR-520b and oncoprotein HBXIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Zhanping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Guangyao Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Yuen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Na Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Honghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Fabao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
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Involvement of DNA damage response pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:153867. [PMID: 24877058 PMCID: PMC4022277 DOI: 10.1155/2014/153867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been known as one of the most lethal human malignancies, due to the difficulty of early detection, chemoresistance, and radioresistance, and is characterized by active angiogenesis and metastasis, which account for rapid recurrence and poor survival. Its development has been closely associated with multiple risk factors, including hepatitis B and C virus infection, alcohol consumption, obesity, and diet contamination. Genetic alterations and genomic instability, probably resulted from unrepaired DNA lesions, are increasingly recognized as a common feature of human HCC. Dysregulation of DNA damage repair and signaling to cell cycle checkpoints, known as the DNA damage response (DDR), is associated with a predisposition to cancer and affects responses to DNA-damaging anticancer therapy. It has been demonstrated that various HCC-associated risk factors are able to promote DNA damages, formation of DNA adducts, and chromosomal aberrations. Hence, alterations in the DDR pathways may accumulate these lesions to trigger hepatocarcinogenesis and also to facilitate advanced HCC progression. This review collects some of the most known information about the link between HCC-associated risk factors and DDR pathways in HCC. Hopefully, the review will remind the researchers and clinicians of further characterizing and validating the roles of these DDR pathways in HCC.
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Zhu MY, Xia H, Li MS. Alpha fetoprotein can induce malignant transformation of liver cells and be used as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:1070-1075. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i8.1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and widely used as a golden tumor marker for diagnosing HCC since the AFP gene is activated in the early stage of malignant transformation of liver cells. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the role of AFP in hepatocarcinogenesis remain poorly understood. Recently, we found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) preferentially induces the expression of AFP when triggering malignant transformation of hepatocytes, and AFP activates phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling by inhibiting the activity of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN). Our results also indicated that AFP not only impedes all-trans retinoid acid receptor-β (RAR-β) regulated expression of target genes, but also blocks the transduction of apoptotic signaling by suppressing the activity of Caspase3. Inhibited expression of AFP is able to augment HCC sensitivity to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL) and all-trans retinoid acid. These data indicate that AFP can drive the malignant transformation of liver cells and antagonize apoptosis induced by agents for HCC. Taken together, these findings suggest that AFP may drive the malignant transformation of liver cells and can be used as a target for therapy of HCC.
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Feitelson MA, Bonamassa B, Arzumanyan A. The roles of hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein in virus replication and the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:293-306. [PMID: 24387282 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.867947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. More than 350 million people are at risk for HCC, and with few treatment options available, therapeutic approaches to targets other than the virus polymerase will be needed. This review suggests that the HBV-encoded X protein, HBx, would be an outstanding target because it contributes to the biology and pathogenesis of HBV in three fundamental ways. AREAS COVERED First, HBx is a trans-activating protein that stimulates virus gene expression and replication, thereby promoting the development and persistence of the carrier state. Second, HBx partially blocks the development of immune responses that would otherwise clear the virus, and protects infected hepatocytes from immune-mediated destruction. Thus, HBx contributes to the development of CLD without virus clearance. Third, HBx alters patterns of host gene expression that make possible the emergence of HCC. The selected literature cited is from the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed and Medline). EXPERT OPINION Understanding the mechanisms, whereby HBx supports virus replication and promotes pathogenesis, suggests that HBx will be an important therapeutic target against both virus replication and CLD aimed at the chemoprevention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Feitelson
- Temple University, College of Science and Technology, Department of Biology , Room 409 BioLife Science Building, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 , USA +1 215 204 8434 ; +1 215 204 8359 ;
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