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Tutusaus A, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Boix L, Rider P, Subías S, García de Frutos P, Colell A, Marí M, Reig M, Morales A. Induction of the Inflammasome Pathway by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Provides an Actionable Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1491. [PMID: 38672578 PMCID: PMC11048610 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081491] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib and regorafenib have been standard systemic treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous data associated sorafenib with inflammasome activation. However, the role of the inflammasome in sorafenib and regorafenib signaling has not been described in liver cancer patients. For this purpose, we analyzed inflammasome-related transcriptomic changes in a murine HCC model. Our data confirmed inflammasome activation after both TKI treatments, sharing a similar pattern of increased gene expression. According to human database results, transcriptional increase of inflammasome genes is associated with poorer prognosis for male liver cancer patients, suggesting a sex-dependent role for inflammasome activation in HCC therapy. In biopsies of HCC and its surrounding tissue, we detected durable increases in the inflammasome activation pattern after sorafenib or regorafenib treatment in male patients. Further supporting its involvement in sorafenib action, inflammasome inhibition (MCC950) enhanced sorafenib anticancer activity in experimental HCC models, while no direct in vitro effect was observed in HCC cell lines. Moreover, activated human THP-1 macrophages released IL-1β after sorafenib administration, while 3D Hep3B spheres displayed increased tumor growth after IL-1β addition, pointing to the liver microenvironment as a key player in inflammasome action. In summary, our results unveil the inflammasome pathway as an actionable target in sorafenib or regorafenib therapy and associate an inflammasome signature in HCC and surrounding tissue with TKI administration. Therefore, targeting inflammasome activation, principally in male patients, could help to overcome sorafenib or regorafenib resistance and enhance the efficacy of TKI treatments in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.S.-Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.S.-Z.); (L.B.)
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.S.-Z.); (L.B.)
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Rider
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Subías
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), IIBB-CSIC, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERCV, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
| | - María Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.S.-Z.); (L.B.)
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (P.R.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.S.-Z.); (L.B.)
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2
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Cornet M, Brulle-Soumare L, Bisio V, Deas O, Mussini C, Guettier C, Fabre M, Pigazzi M, Judde JG, Tordjmann T, Branchereau S, Cairo S. Modelling the impact of liver regeneration on hepatoblastoma patient-derived-xenograft tumor growth. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03020-x. [PMID: 38263451 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twenty percent of children with hepatoblastoma (HB) have lung metastasis at diagnosis. Treatment protocols recommend surgical removal of chemotherapy-refractory lung nodules, however no chronological order is established. As hepatectomy is followed by release of growth factors, it has been proposed that partial hepatectomy (PH) could boost local or distant residual tumor growth. METHODS To evaluate the impact of PH on distant tumor growth, PH was performed in mice subcutaneously implanted with a HB patient-derived xenograft (PDX). The influence of PH on tumor growth at primary site was assessed by performing PH concomitantly to HB PDXs orthotopic implantation. RESULTS Subcutaneously implanted HB PDX failed to show any influence of hepatectomy on tumor growth. Instead, intrahepatic tumor growth of one of the 4 HB PDXs implanted orthotopically was clearly enhanced. Cells derived from the hepatectomy-sensitive HB PDX exposed to hepatic growth factor (HGF) showed increased proliferation rate compared to cells derived from a hepatectomy-insensitive model, suggesting that the HGF/MET pathway could be one of the effectors of the crosstalk between liver regeneration and HB growth. CONCLUSION These results suggest that hepatectomy can contribute to HB growth in some patients, further studies will be necessary to identify biomarkers predictive of patient risk of PH-induced HB recurrence. IMPACT Key message: Cytokines and growth factors secreted following partial hepatectomy can contribute to intrahepatic tumor growth in some hepatoblastoma models. What does it add to the existing literature: It is the first article about the impact of liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy on hepatoblastoma local or distant tumoral growth in nude mice. What is the impact: It is important to identify the secreted factors that enhance tumor growth and to define biomarkers predictive of patient risk of partial hepatectomy-induced hepatoblastoma recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Cornet
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Paris-Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
- XenTech, Evry-Courcouronnes, France.
| | | | - Valeria Bisio
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Inserm U1160, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- Onco-Hematology Clinic and Lab, Women's and Children's Health department, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Charlotte Mussini
- Department of Pathology, Paris-Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Catherine Guettier
- Department of Pathology, Paris-Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Monique Fabre
- Department of Pathology, Paris Cité University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Martina Pigazzi
- Onco-Hematology Clinic and Lab, Women's and Children's Health department, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Padova, Italy
| | | | - Thierry Tordjmann
- Université Paris Saclay, Faculté des Sciences d'Orsay, INSERM U.1193, Orsay, France
| | - Sophie Branchereau
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Paris-Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Stefano Cairo
- XenTech, Evry-Courcouronnes, France.
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Padova, Italy.
- Champions Oncology, Hackensack, NJ, USA.
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3
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Slater K, Bosch R, Smith KF, Jahangir CA, Garcia-Mulero S, Rahman A, O’Connell F, Piulats JM, O’Neill V, Horgan N, Coupland SE, O’Sullivan J, Gallagher WM, Villanueva A, Kennedy BN. 1,4-dihydroxy quininib modulates the secretome of uveal melanoma tumour explants and a marker of oxidative phosphorylation in a metastatic xenograft model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1036322. [PMID: 36698840 PMCID: PMC9868667 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1036322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular cancer with propensity for liver metastases. The median overall survival (OS) for metastatic UM (MUM) is 1.07 years, with a reported range of 0.84-1.34. In primary UM, high cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1) expression associates with poor outcomes. CysLT1 antagonists, quininib and 1,4-dihydroxy quininib, alter cancer hallmarks of primary and metastatic UM cell lines in vitro. Here, the clinical relevance of CysLT receptors and therapeutic potential of quininib analogs is elaborated in UM using preclinical in vivo orthotopic xenograft models and ex vivo patient samples. Immunohistochemical staining of an independent cohort (n = 64) of primary UM patients confirmed high CysLT1 expression significantly associates with death from metastatic disease (p = 0.02; HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.08-4.78), solidifying the disease relevance of CysLT1 in UM. In primary UM samples (n = 11) cultured as ex vivo explants, 1,4-dihydroxy quininib significantly alters the secretion of IL-13, IL-2, and TNF-α. In an orthotopic, cell line-derived xenograft model of MUM, 1,4-dihydroxy quininib administered intraperitoneally at 25 mg/kg significantly decreases ATP5B expression (p = 0.03), a marker of oxidative phosphorylation. In UM, high ATP5F1B is a poor prognostic indicator, whereas low ATP5F1B, in combination with disomy 3, correlates with an absence of metastatic disease in the TCGA-UM dataset. These preclinical data highlight the diagnostic potential of CysLT1 and ATP5F1B in UM, and the therapeutic potential of 1,4-dihydroxy quininib with ATP5F1B as a companion diagnostic to treat MUM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Slater
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosa Bosch
- Xenopat S.L., Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kaelin Francis Smith
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chowdhury Arif Jahangir
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Garcia-Mulero
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERESP, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arman Rahman
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O’Connell
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Josep M. Piulats
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Cancer (ICO), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)-OncoBell, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Noel Horgan
- Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah E. Coupland
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jacintha O’Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William M. Gallagher
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Xenopat S.L., Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Chemoresistance and Predictive Factors Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,*Correspondence: Breandán N. Kennedy,
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4
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Li S, Chen S, Dong Z, Song X, Li X, Huang Z, Li H, Huang L, Zhuang G, Lan R, Guo M, Li W, Saw PE, Zhang L. Concurrent silencing of TBCE and drug delivery to overcome platinum-based resistance in liver cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:967-981. [PMID: 36970197 PMCID: PMC10031151 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy resistance is a key factor of poor prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, RNAseq analysis revealed that elevated tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) expression is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. High expression of TBCE contributes to worse prognoses and earlier recurrence among liver cancer patients. Mechanistically, TBCE silencing significantly affects cytoskeleton rearrangement, which in turn increases cisplatin-induced cycle arrest and apoptosis. To develop these findings into potential therapeutic drugs, endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) were developed to simultaneously encapsulate TBCE siRNA and cisplatin (DDP) to reverse this phenomena. NPs (siTBCE + DDP) concurrently silenced TBCE expression, increased cell sensitivity to platinum treatment, and subsequently resulted in superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Taken together, NP-mediated delivery and the co-treatment of siTBCE + DDP proved to be effective in reversing chemotherapy resistance of DDP in multiple tumor models.
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5
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Hage C, Hoves S, Ashoff M, Schandl V, Hört S, Rieder N, Heichinger C, Berrera M, Ries CH, Kiessling F, Pöschinger T. Characterizing responsive and refractory orthotopic mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma in cancer immunotherapy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219517. [PMID: 31291357 PMCID: PMC6619768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has a high mortality rate due to limited treatment options. Hence, the response of HCC to different cancer immunotherapies is being intensively investigated in clinical trials. Immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) show promising results, albeit for a minority of HCC patients. Mouse models are commonly used to evaluate new therapeutic agents or regimens. However, to make clinical translation more successful, better characterized preclinical models are required. We therefore extensively investigated two immune-competent orthotopic HCC mouse models, namely transplanted Hep-55.1c and transgenic iAST, with respect to morphological, immunological and genetic traits and evaluated both models' responsiveness to immunotherapies. Hep-55.1c tumors were characterized by rich fibrous stroma, high mutational load and pronounced immune cell infiltrates, all of which are features of immune-responsive tumors. These characteristics were less distinct in iAST tumors, though these were highly vascularized. Cell depletion revealed that CD8+ T cells from iAST mice do not affect tumor growth and are tumor tolerant. This corresponds to the failure of single and combined ICB targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4. In contrast, combining anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 showed significant antitumor efficacy in the Hep-55.1c mouse model. Collectively, our data comprehensively characterize two immune-competent HCC mouse models representing ICB responsive and refractory characteristics. Our characterization confirms these models to be suitable for preclinical investigation of novel cancer immunotherapy approaches that aim to either deepen preexisting immune responses or generate de novo immunity against the tumor.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CTLA-4 Antigen/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor/methods
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Hage
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoves
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Mailin Ashoff
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Veronika Schandl
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hört
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Natascha Rieder
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Heichinger
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Berrera
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carola H. Ries
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pöschinger
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
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6
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Blumer T, Fofana I, Matter MS, Wang X, Montazeri H, Calabrese D, Coto-Llerena M, Boldanova T, Nuciforo S, Kancherla V, Tornillo L, Piscuoglio S, Wieland S, Terracciano LM, Ng CKY, Heim MH. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts Established From Needle Biopsies Preserve the Characteristics of the Originating Tumors. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:971-986. [PMID: 31334445 PMCID: PMC6601318 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Treatment options for patients with advanced‐stage disease are limited. A major obstacle in drug development is the lack of an in vivo model that accurately reflects the broad spectrum of human HCC. Patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) tumor mouse models could overcome the limitations of cancer cell lines. PDX tumors maintain the genetic and histologic heterogeneity of the originating tumors and are used for preclinical drug development in various cancers. Controversy exists about their genetic and molecular stability through serial passaging in mice. We aimed to establish PDX models from human HCC biopsies and to characterize their histologic and molecular stability during serial passaging. A total of 54 human HCC needle biopsies that were derived from patients with various underlying liver diseases and tumor stages were transplanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient, nonobese, diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency gamma‐c mice; 11 successfully engrafted. All successfully transplanted HCCs were Edmondson grade III or IV. HCC PDX tumors retained the histopathologic, transcriptomic, and genomic characteristics of the original HCC biopsies over 6 generations of retransplantation. These characteristics included Edmondson grade, expression of tumor markers, tumor gene signature, tumor‐associated mutations, and copy number alterations. Conclusion: PDX mouse models can be established from undifferentiated HCCs, with an overall success rate of approximately 20%. The transplanted tumors represent the entire spectrum of the molecular landscape of HCCs and preserve the characteristics of the originating tumors through serial passaging. HCC PDX models are a promising tool for preclinical personalized drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Blumer
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Isabel Fofana
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Xueya Wang
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Hesam Montazeri
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of Tehran Tehran Iran
| | - Diego Calabrese
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Mairene Coto-Llerena
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Tujana Boldanova
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clarunis, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Sandro Nuciforo
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Venkatesh Kancherla
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Luigi Tornillo
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Clarunis, Department of Biomedicine University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Stefan Wieland
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Luigi M Terracciano
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Charlotte K Y Ng
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Institute of Pathology University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Department for Biomedical Research University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clarunis, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
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7
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He S, Hu B, Li C, Lin P, Tang WG, Sun YF, Feng FYM, Guo W, Li J, Xu Y, Yao QL, Zhang X, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Fan J, Li YX, Li H, Yang XR. PDXliver: a database of liver cancer patient derived xenograft mouse models. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:550. [PMID: 29743053 PMCID: PMC5944069 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and characterized by heterogeneity and drug resistance. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have been widely used in cancer research because they reproduce the characteristics of original tumors. However, the current studies of liver cancer PDX mice are scattered and the number of available PDX models are too small to represent the heterogeneity of liver cancer patients. To improve this situation and to complement available PDX models related resources, here we constructed a comprehensive database, PDXliver, to integrate and analyze liver cancer PDX models. Description Currently, PDXliver contains 116 PDX models from Chinese liver cancer patients, 51 of them were established by the in-house PDX platform and others were curated from the public literatures. These models are annotated with complete information, including clinical characteristics of patients, genome-wide expression profiles, germline variations, somatic mutations and copy number alterations. Analysis of expression subtypes and mutated genes show that PDXliver represents the diversity of human patients. Another feature of PDXliver is storing drug response data of PDX mice, which makes it possible to explore the association between molecular profiles and drug sensitivity. All data can be accessed via the Browse and Search pages. Additionally, two tools are provided to interactively visualize the omics data of selected PDXs or to compare two groups of PDXs. Conclusion As far as we known, PDXliver is the first public database of liver cancer PDX models. We hope that this comprehensive resource will accelerate the utility of PDX models and facilitate liver cancer research. The PDXliver database is freely available online at: http://www.picb.ac.cn/PDXliver/
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng He
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ping Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei-Guo Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang-You-Min Feng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qian-Lan Yao
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Xue Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computing Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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8
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Restoring miR122 in human stem-like hepatocarcinoma cells, prompts tumor dormancy through Smad-independent TGF-β pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 7:71309-71329. [PMID: 27612430 PMCID: PMC5342080 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
miR122 is the prevalent miRNA in adult healthy liver and it is responsible for liver stem cell differentiation towards hepatocyte lineage. Its expression is frequently lost in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied the effects of restoring miR122 expression in a distinctive cell line derived from human HCC-BCLC9 cells-with a solid stem-like cell profile, high tumor initiating ability and undetectable miR122 expression. We generated a stable BCLC9 cell line that expresses miR122 (BCLC9-miR122). Restitution of miR122 in BCLC9 cells, decreases cell proliferation rate and reduces significantly tumor size in vivo. BCLC9-miR122 cells down-regulate expression of MYC, KLF4, FOXM1, AKT2 and AKT3 genes and up-regulate FOXO1 and FOXO3A gene expression. In addition, miR122 transfected cells decreased AKT2 kinase activation while decreased FOXO1 and FOXO3A protein inactivation. Reduction in tumor size in BCLC9-miR122 associated with an increase in p38MAPK protein expression and activation leading to a low phospho-ERK1/2 to phospho-p38 ratio. Treatment of miR122 positive cells with an inhibitor of TGFBR1 activation, abolished tumor dormancy program and recovered cell proliferation rate through a Smad-independent TGF-β response. HCC stem-like cells can be directed towards cell differentiation and tumor dormancy by restoring miR122 expression. We demonstrate, for the first time, that dormancy program is achieved through a Smad-independent TGF-β pathway. Reestablishing miR122 expression is a promising therapeutic strategy that would work concurrently reducing tumor aggressiveness and decreasing disease recurrence.
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9
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Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of norcantharidin-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 174:282-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Coto-Llerena M, Koutsoudakis G, Boix L, López-Oliva JM, Caro-Pérez N, Fernández-Carrillo C, González P, Gastaminza P, Bruix J, Forns X, Pérez-Del-Pulgar S. Permissiveness of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines for hepatitis C virus entry and replication. Virus Res 2017; 240:35-46. [PMID: 28751105 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a globally prevalent pathogen and is associated with high death rates and morbidity. Since its discovery in 1989, HCV research has been impeded by the lack of a robust infectious cell culture system and thus in vitro studies on diverse genetic backgrounds are hampered because of the limited number of hepatoma cell lines which are able to support different aspects of the HCV life cycle. In the current study, we sought to expand the limited number of permissive cells capable of supporting the diverse phases of the HCV life cycle. Initially, we screened a panel of new hepatoma-derived cell lines, designated BCLC-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -9 and -10 cells, for their ability to express essential HCV receptors and subsequently to support HCV entry by using the well-characterized HCV pseudoparticle system (HCVpp). Apart from BCLC-9, all BCLC cell lines were permissive for HCVpp infection. Next, BCLC cells were subjected to short- and long-term HCV RNA replication studies using HCV subgenomic replicons. Interestingly, only BCLC-1, -5 and -9 cells, supported short-term HCV RNA replication, but the latter were excluded from further studies since they were refractory for HCV entry. BCLC-1, -5 were able to support long-term HCV replication too; yet BCLC-5 cells supported the highest long-term HCV RNA replication levels. Furthermore, cured BCLC-5 clones from HCV subgenomic replicon, showed increased permissiveness for HCV RNA replication. Strikingly, we were unable to detect endogenous BCLC-5 miR122 expression - an important HCV host factor- and as expected, the exogenous expression of miR122 in BCLC-5 cells increased their permissiveness for HCV RNA replication. However, this cell line was unable to produce HCV infectious particles despite ectopic expression of apolipoprotein E, which in other hepatoma cell lines has been shown to be sufficient to enable the HCV secretion process, suggesting a lack of other host cellular factor(s) and/or the presence of inhibitory factor(s). In conclusion, the establishment of these new permissive cell lines for HCV entry and replication, which possess a different genetic background compared to the well-established models, expands the current repertoire of hepatoma cell lines susceptible to the study of the HCV life cycle and also will aid to further elucidate the cellular determinants that modulate HCV replication, assembly and egress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Gastaminza
- Centro Nacional De Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Wu T, Heuillard E, Lindner V, Bou About G, Ignat M, Dillenseger JP, Anton N, Dalimier E, Gossé F, Fouré G, Blindauer F, Giraudeau C, El-Saghire H, Bouhadjar M, Calligaro C, Sorg T, Choquet P, Vandamme T, Ferrand C, Marescaux J, Baumert TF, Diana M, Pessaux P, Robinet E. Multimodal imaging of a humanized orthotopic model of hepatocellular carcinoma in immunodeficient mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35230. [PMID: 27739457 PMCID: PMC5064389 DOI: 10.1038/srep35230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of multimodal strategies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma requires tractable animal models allowing for advanced in vivo imaging. Here, we characterize an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model based on the injection of luciferase-expressing human hepatoma Huh-7 (Huh-7-Luc) cells in immunodeficient mice. Luciferase allows for an easy repeated monitoring of tumor growth by in vivo bioluminescence. The intrahepatic injection was more efficient than intrasplenic or intraportal injection in terms of survival, rate of orthotopic engraftment, and easiness. A positive correlation between luciferase activity and tumor size, evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, allowed to define the endpoint value for animal experimentation with this model. Response to standard of care, sorafenib or doxorubicin, were similar to those previously reported in the literature, with however a strong toxicity of doxorubicin. Tumor vascularization was visible by histology seven days after Huh-7-Luc transplantation and robustly developed at day 14 and day 21. The model was used to explore different imaging modalities, including microtomography, probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy, full-field optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound imaging. Tumor engraftment was similar after echo-guided intrahepatic injection as after laparotomy. Collectively, this orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model enables the in vivo evaluation of chemotherapeutic and surgical approaches using multimodal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Emilie Heuillard
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Véronique Lindner
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Mihaela Ignat
- Pôle Hépatodigestif, Unité Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Research Institute against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Dillenseger
- University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Functional Unit 6237, Preclinical Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), ICube, MMB team, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Medical Faculty, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Anton
- University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 7199, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | | | - Francine Gossé
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gael Fouré
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Franck Blindauer
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Céline Giraudeau
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Hussein El-Saghire
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mourad Bouhadjar
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Cynthia Calligaro
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Tania Sorg
- Mouse Clinical Institute, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Philippe Choquet
- University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Functional Unit 6237, Preclinical Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), ICube, MMB team, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Medical Faculty, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Vandamme
- University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 7199, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- French Blood Agency Bourgogne/Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France.,INSERM, U 1098, 25000 Besançon, France.,Université de Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Jacques Marescaux
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Pôle Hépatodigestif, Unité Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Research Institute against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Pôle Hépatodigestif, Unité Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michele Diana
- IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Research Institute against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Pessaux
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Pôle Hépatodigestif, Unité Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Research Institute against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Robinet
- INSERM, U 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,IHU-Strasbourg, Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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12
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Kim JU, Shariff MIF, Crossey MME, Gomez-Romero M, Holmes E, Cox IJ, Fye HKS, Njie R, Taylor-Robinson SD. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Review of disease and tumor biomarkers. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:471-484. [PMID: 27057305 PMCID: PMC4820639 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i10.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy and now the second commonest global cause of cancer death. HCC tumorigenesis is relatively silent and patients experience late symptomatic presentation. As the option for curative treatments is limited to early stage cancers, diagnosis in non-symptomatic individuals is crucial. International guidelines advise regular surveillance of high-risk populations but the current tools lack sufficient sensitivity for early stage tumors on the background of a cirrhotic nodular liver. A number of novel biomarkers have now been suggested in the literature, which may reinforce the current surveillance methods. In addition, recent metabonomic and proteomic discoveries have established specific metabolite expressions in HCC, according to Warburg’s phenomenon of altered energy metabolism. With clinical validation, a simple and non-invasive test from the serum or urine may be performed to diagnose HCC, particularly benefiting low resource regions where the burden of HCC is highest.
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13
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Gu Q, Zhang B, Sun H, Xu Q, Tan Y, Wang G, Luo Q, Xu W, Yang S, Li J, Fu J, Chen L, Yuan S, Liang G, Ji Q, Chen SH, Chan CC, Zhou W, Xu X, Wang H, Fang DD. Genomic characterization of a large panel of patient-derived hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft tumor models for preclinical development. Oncotarget 2015; 6:20160-76. [PMID: 26062443 PMCID: PMC4652995 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack of clinically relevant tumor models dramatically hampers development of effective therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Establishment of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models that faithfully recapitulate the genetic and phenotypic features of HCC becomes important. In this study, we first established a cohort of 65 stable PDX models of HCC from corresponding Chinese patients. Then we showed that the histology and gene expression patterns of PDX models were highly consistent between xenografts and case-matched original tumors. Genetic alterations, including mutations and DNA copy number alterations (CNAs), of the xenografts correlated well with the published data of HCC patient specimens. Furthermore, differential responses to sorafenib, the standard-of-care agent, in randomly chosen xenografts were unveiled. Finally, in the models expressing high levels of FGFR1 gene according to the genomic data, FGFR1 inhibitor lenvatinib showed greater efficacy than sorafenib. Taken together, our data indicate that PDX models resemble histopathological and genomic characteristics of clinical HCC tumors, as well as recapitulate the differential responses of HCC patients to the standard-of-care treatment. Overall, this large collection of PDX models becomes a clinically relevant platform for drug screening, biomarker discovery and translational research in preclinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Gu
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Hongye Sun
- Genome Center, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Genome Center, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Yexiong Tan
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Guan Wang
- Genome Center, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Qin Luo
- Genome Center, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Shuqun Yang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Jian Li
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Jing Fu
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Lei Chen
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Shengxian Yuan
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Guibai Liang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Qunsheng Ji
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Shu-Hui Chen
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Chi-Chung Chan
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Weiping Zhou
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200131 China
| | - Douglas D. Fang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131 China
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14
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Establishment of animal models with orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2014; 48:173-9. [PMID: 25177373 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-014-0288-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Many researchers have investigated HCC at the level of genes, ribonucleic acid, proteins, cells, and animals. The resultant development of animal models and monitoring methods has improved the effectiveness of guidelines provided to researchers working with preclinical HCC models. HCC in animal models and clinical patients is monitored by various current imaging modalities such as ultrasound (US) imaging, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI). These techniques are currently used for both preclinical and clinical assessment, and provide valuable diagnostic information. In this article, we have mainly reviewed the established animal models and the assessment of orthotopic HCC using imaging modalities. Additionally, we have introduced a method of orthotopic HCC rat model developed in our laboratory. We have furthermore evaluated the occurrence of tumor mass using molecular imaging techniques.
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15
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Mingorance L, Friesland M, Coto-Llerena M, Pérez-del-Pulgar S, Boix L, López-Oliva JM, Bruix J, Forns X, Gastaminza P. Selective inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection by hydroxyzine and benztropine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:3451-60. [PMID: 24709263 PMCID: PMC4068423 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02619-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major biomedical problem worldwide as it causes severe liver disease in millions of humans around the world. Despite the recent approval of specific drugs targeting HCV replication to be used in combination with alpha interferon (IFN-α) and ribavirin, there is still an urgent need for pangenotypic, interferon-free therapies to fight this genetically diverse group of viruses. In this study, we used an unbiased screening cell culture assay to interrogate a chemical library of compounds approved for clinical use in humans. This system enables identifying nontoxic antiviral compounds targeting every aspect of the viral life cycle, be the target viral or cellular. The aim of this study was to identify drugs approved for other therapeutic applications in humans that could be effective components of combination therapies against HCV. As a result of this analysis, we identified 12 compounds with antiviral activity in cell culture, some of which had previously been identified as HCV inhibitors with antiviral activity in cell culture and had been shown to be effective in patients. We selected two novel HCV antivirals, hydroxyzine and benztropine, to characterize them by determining their specificity and genotype spectrum as well as by defining the step of the replication cycle targeted by these compounds. We found that both compounds effectively inhibited viral entry at a postbinding step of genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 without affecting entry of other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mingorance
- Centro Nacional De Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martina Friesland
- Centro Nacional De Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel López-Oliva
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Gastaminza
- Centro Nacional De Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Chan HH, Chu TH, Chien HF, Sun CK, Wang EM, Pan HB, Kuo HM, Hu TH, Lai KH, Cheng JT, Tai MH. Rapid induction of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma in immune-competent rats by non-invasive ultrasound-guided cells implantation. BMC Gastroenterol 2010; 10:83. [PMID: 20649994 PMCID: PMC2918526 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-10-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The fact that prognoses remain poor in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma highlights the demand for suitable animal models to facilitate the development of anti-cancer medications. This study employed a relatively non-invasive approach to establish an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model in immune-competent rats. This was done by ultrasound-guided implantation of cancer cells and the model was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of short-term and low-dose epirubicin chemotherapy. Methods Rat Novikoff hepatoma cells were injected percutaneously into the liver lobes of Sprague-Dawley rats under the guidance of high resolution ultrasound. The implantation rate and the correlation between dissected and ultrasound-measured tumor sizes were evaluated. A similar induction procedure was performed by means of laparotomy in a different group of rats. Pairs of tumor measurement were compared by ultrasound and computerized tomography scan. Rats with a successful establishment of the tumor were divided into the treatment (7-day low-dose epirubicin) group and the control group. The tumor sizes were non-invasively monitored by the same ultrasound machine. Blood and tumor tissues from tumor-bearing rats were examined by biochemical and histological analysis respectively. Results Ultrasound-guided implantation of Novikoff hepatoma cells led to the formation of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma in 60.4% (55/91) of the Sprague-Dawley rats. Moreover, tumor sizes measured by ultrasound significantly correlated with those measured by calipers after sacrificing the animals (P < 0.00001). The rate of tumor induction by ultrasound-guided implantation was comparable to that of laparotomy (55/91, 60.4% vs. 39/52, 75%) and no significant difference in sizes of tumor was noted between the two groups. There was a significant correlation in tumor size measurement by ultrasound and computerized tomography scan. In tumor-bearing rats, short-term and low-dose epirubicin chemotherapy caused a significant reduction in tumor growth, and was found to be associated with enhanced apoptosis and attenuated proliferation as well as a decrease in the microvessel density in tumors. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided implantation of Novikoff hepatoma cells is an effective means of establishing orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley rats. Short-term and low-dose epirubicin chemotherapy had perturbed tumor progression by inducing apoptosis and neovascularization blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Hung Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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17
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Tovar V, Alsinet C, Villanueva A, Hoshida Y, Chiang DY, Solé M, Thung S, Moyano S, Toffanin S, Mínguez B, Cabellos L, Peix J, Schwartz M, Mazzaferro V, Bruix J, Llovet JM. IGF activation in a molecular subclass of hepatocellular carcinoma and pre-clinical efficacy of IGF-1R blockage. J Hepatol 2010; 52:550-9. [PMID: 20206398 PMCID: PMC3662876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Revised: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS IGF signaling has a relevant role in a variety of human malignancies. We analyzed the underlying molecular mechanisms of IGF signaling activation in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; BCLC class 0 or A) and assessed novel targeted therapies blocking this pathway. METHODS An integrative molecular dissection of the axis was conducted in a cohort of 104 HCCs analyzing gene and miRNA expression, structural aberrations, and protein activation. The therapeutic potential of a selective IGF-1R inhibitor, the monoclonal antibody A12, was assessed in vitro and in a xenograft model of HCC. RESULTS Activation of the IGF axis was observed in 21% of early HCCs. Several molecular aberrations were identified, such as overexpression of IGF2 -resulting from reactivation of fetal promoters P3 and P4-, IGFBP3 downregulation and allelic losses of IGF2R (25% of cases). A gene signature defining IGF-1R activation was developed. Overall, activation of IGF signaling in HCC was significantly associated with mTOR signaling (p=0.035) and was clearly enriched in the Proliferation subclass of the molecular classification of HCC (p=0.001). We also found an inverse correlation between IGF activation and miR-100/miR-216 levels (FDR<0.05). In vitro studies showed that A12-induced abrogation of IGF-1R activation and downstream signaling significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation. In vivo, A12 delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival, reducing proliferation rates and inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Integrative genomic analysis showed enrichment of activation of IGF signaling in the Proliferation subclass of HCC. Effective blockage of IGF signaling with A12 provides the rationale for testing this therapy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Tovar
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Clara Alsinet
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | - Manel Solé
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Swan Thung
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Susana Moyano
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara Toffanin
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.,Liver Cancer Group. Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatriz Mínguez
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Laia Cabellos
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Judit Peix
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Liver Cancer Group. Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jordi Bruix
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- BCLC Group. [HCC Translational Lab, Liver Unit and Pathology Department], Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program. Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA). Generalitat de Catalunya. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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18
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Ding FX, Wang F, Lu YM, Li K, Wang KH, He XW, Sun SH. Multiepitope peptide-loaded virus-like particles as a vaccine against hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2009; 49:1492-502. [PMID: 19206147 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To develop a hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapeutic vaccine that can induce a broad but specific immune response and significant antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro, we inserted HBV X protein (HBx)-derived epitopes HBx(52-60), HBx(92-100), and HBx(115-123); a novel subdominant cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope HBx(140-148); and the universal T helper epitope pan human leukocyte antigen DR-binding epitope into HBV core protein to form multiepitope peptide-loaded virus-like particles (VLPs). CTL responses against epitope-loaded VLPs were elicited by priming with VLP-pulsed dendritic cells in both HLA-A*0201 transgenic (Tg) mice and peripheral blood lymphocytes from HLA-A2(+)/HBx(+) HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The multiepitope peptide-loaded VLPs demonstrated significantly higher immunogenicity in Tg mice than any single responsive epitope. Significant antitumor effects were demonstrated both with primary cultured autologous HCC cells in vitro and tumor-bearing Tg mice in vivo in an HLA-A2-restricted and epitope-specific fashion. CONCLUSION The significant antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro demonstrate the potential of multiepitope peptide-loaded VLPs as a vaccine against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Xiang Ding
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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19
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Experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma: developments and evolution. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2009; 135:969-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-009-0591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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20
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Molecularly characterised xenograft tumour mouse models: valuable tools for evaluation of new therapeutic strategies for secondary liver cancers. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2009:437284. [PMID: 19300524 PMCID: PMC2655652 DOI: 10.1155/2009/437284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Revised: 11/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop and evaluate new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human cancers, well-characterised preclinical model systems are a prerequisite. To this aim, we have established xenotransplantation mouse models and corresponding cell cultures from surgically obtained secondary human liver tumours. Established xenograft tumours were patho- and immunohistologically characterised, and expression levels of cancer-relevant genes were quantified in paired original and xenograft tumours and the derivative cell cultures applying RT-PCR-based array technology. Most of the characteristic morphological and immunohistochemical features of the original tumours were shown to be maintained. No differences were found concerning expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. Interestingly, cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase encoding genes appeared to be expressed differentially. Thus, the established models are closely reflecting pathohistological and molecular characteristics of the selected human tumours and may therefore provide useful tools for preclinical analyses of new antitumour strategies in vivo.
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Abstract
Angiogenesis and disruption of liver vascular architecture have been linked to progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer (HCC) in chronic liver diseases, which contributes both to increased hepatic vascular resistance and portal hypertension and to decreased hepatocyte perfusion. On the other hand, recent evidence shows that angiogenesis modulates the formation of portal-systemic collaterals and the increased splanchnic blood flow which are involved in the life threatening complications of cirrhosis. Finally, angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth of tumours, suggesting that interference with angiogenesis may prevent or delay the development of HCC. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of liver angiogenesis and on the consequences of angiogenesis in chronic liver disease. On the other hand, it presents the different strategies that have been used in experimental models to counteract excessive angiogenesis and its potential role in preventing transition to cirrhosis, development of portal hypertension and its consequences, and its application in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Fernández
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Generation and modulation of hepatocellular carcinoma circulating cells: a new experimental model. J Surg Res 2008; 150:183-9. [PMID: 18708197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish a new experimental model of human hepatocellular carcinoma by orthotopic implantation of tumoral cells with its subsequent removal, to generate and modulate circulating tumoral cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF, and Mahlavu) were orthotopically implanted under the Glisson's capsule of the left lateral lobe of the liver in a total of 56 non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Tumor removal was performed 30 d after injection, and a laparotomy without tumor removal was done in control mice. Generation of circulating cells was monitored by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-HLA antibody. RESULTS In 26 mice implanted with Mahlavu cells, 20 developed a unique tumor allowing a resection (77%), which was technically feasible in 80% of cases. The overall perioperative mortality was 30% (3/10) after resection; no mortality was observed in the control group. The circulating tumoral cells decreased dramatically after resection of the tumor as compared with control mice. CONCLUSION This new model is feasible and may be an interesting useful tool to study the hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic process and is consistent with the human clinical practice.
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Qin X, Zhang H, Zhou X, Wang C, Zhang H, Zhang X, Ye L. Proliferation and migration mediated by Dkk-1/Wnt/beta-catenin cascade in a model of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Transl Res 2007; 150:281-94. [PMID: 17964517 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2007.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 06/08/2007] [Accepted: 06/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Beta-catenin is a multifunctional protein acting as a key factor in the cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion system and in the Wnt signaling pathway. To demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, we established a metastatic subclone of human HCC H7402 cells, termed M-H7402, by isolating from transplantation of H7402 cells into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Based on the 2 parallel cell lines, we investigated the roles of dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in proliferation and migration of HCC cells. cDNA microarray showed that 24 genes were related to tumor metastasis differentially expressed between H7402 and M-H7402 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of beta-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 were upregulated, but Dkk-1 and nm23 were dramatically downregulated in M-H7402 cells, which suggests that the 2 cell lines were remarkably different in molecular events associated with metastasis. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of Dkk-1 by transfection was able to downregulate the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, and it also inhibited the growth and migration in M-H7402 cells. Although reduction of Dkk-1 expression by RNA interference was able to upregulate the expression of beta-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in H7402 cells, it also promoted beta-catenin translocation from cytoplasm into nuclei and increased the migration of the cells. Therefore, we conclude that Dkk-1/Wnt/beta-catenin cascade may mediate the proliferation and migration of HCC cells during the metastasis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Qin
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute For Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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24
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Lin RX, Wang ZY, Zhang N, Tuo CW, Liang QD, Sun YN, Wang SQ. Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma growth by antisense oligonucleotides to type I insulin-like growth factor receptor in vitro and in an orthotopic model. Hepatol Res 2007; 37:366-75. [PMID: 17441810 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00055.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM The type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) is overexpressed in many tumors including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is a critical signaling molecule for tumor cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, IGF-IR expression was down-regulated by phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (AS[S]ODN) to evaluate their specific effects on growth of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS HepG2 cells were transfected with different doses of AS[S]ODN, sense [S]ODN, mismatch [S]ODN, or Lipofectin for 72 h, and cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS assay. In vivo, an orthotopic transplant model of HCC was established in nude mice, which were then injected with AS[S]ODN, sense [S]ODN, 5-fluorouracil or saline. At the endpoint of treatment, the tumors were excised and evaluated. RESULTS Compared to sense and mismatched oligonucleotides, AS[S]ODN targeting to IGF-IR mRNA significantly inhibited hepatoma cell lines HepG2 proliferation and IGF-IR expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The in vivo results showed that systemic treatment also resulted in significant inhibition in tumor growth. Tumor growth in mice treated with AS[S]ODN (50 and 75 mg/kg per day) was significantly inhibited (71.81% and 61.74%, respectively) compared to the saline-treated group (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. The antitumor effect of IGF-IR AS[S]ODN was associated with down-regulation of IGF-IR in tumor xenografts. Furthermore, IGF-IR AS[S]ODN prevented liver recurrence tumor growth and metastasis in the lung, showing a dose-dependent response. The level of serum alpha-fetoprotein in AS[S]ODN-treated groups was also decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and a good correlation was observed between tumor volume and serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that IGF-IR AS[S]ODN can effectively and specifically inhibit HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Blockage of IGF-IR expression could be a promising therapeutic approach for the management of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xian Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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25
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Sun Y, Lin R, Dai J, Jin D, Wang SQ. Suppression of tumor growth using antisense oligonucleotide against survivin in an orthotopic transplant model of human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice. Oligonucleotides 2007; 16:365-74. [PMID: 17155911 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2006.16.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, deserves attention as a selective target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed in many cancers, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report a novel antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against survivin for its effectiveness against tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, and providing evidence in treatment for HCC. Initially, transfection of liver tumor cells HepG2 with ASO resulted in significant cells growth inhibition and reduction expression of survivin mRNA and protein, in a dose-dependent manner. Using caspase-3 protease activation assays, we observed that ASO has induced significantly greater apoptosis rate compared to control oligonucleotides. Furthermore, we used an orthotopic transplant model of HCC in nude mice to investigate the effect of ASO on tumor growth in vivo, and ASO reagents were delivered by intravenous injection. Interestingly, this systemic treatment also resulted in significant inhibition in tumor growth. Tumor growth in mice treated with ASO (50 and 75 mg/kg per day) was significantly inhibited (45.31% and 60.94%, respectively) compared with saline-injected group (p < 0.01), in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect of ASO on tumor growth was associated with downregulation of survivin in tumor xenografts. Moreover, the level of serum alpha-fetoprotein in ASO-treated groups was also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that the usefulness of survivin ASO could potentially be a promising gene therapy approach to treatment of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Caspase 3/metabolism
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Enzyme Activation/drug effects
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Survivin
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, PR China
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