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Hourani T, Sharma A, Luwor RB, Achuthan AA. Transforming growth factor-β in tumor microenvironment: Understanding its impact on monocytes and macrophages for its targeting. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39377520 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2411998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
TGF-β is a pivotal cytokine that orchestrates various aspects of cancer progression, including tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in cancer biology, focusing on its intricate interactions with monocytes and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We specifically discuss how TGF-β modulates monocyte and macrophage activities, leading to immunosuppression and tumor progression. We conclude with the current translational and clinical efforts targeting TGF-β, recognizing the promising role of this strategy in immunooncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana Hourani
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rodney B Luwor
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia
- Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Adrian A Achuthan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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2
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Childs A, Aidoo-Micah G, Maini MK, Meyer T. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101130. [PMID: 39308986 PMCID: PMC11414669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global healthcare challenge, with >1 million patients predicted to be affected annually by 2025. In contrast to other cancers, both incidence and mortality rates continue to rise, and HCC is now the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for advanced HCC, with trials demonstrating a superior overall survival benefit compared to sorafenib in the first-line setting. Combination therapy with either atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) or durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) and tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4) is now recognised as standard of care for advanced HCC. More recently, two phase III studies of ICI-based combination therapy in the early and intermediate disease settings have successfully met their primary end points of improved recurrence- and progression-free survival, respectively. Despite these advances, and in contrast to other tumour types, there remain no validated predictive biomarkers of response to ICIs in HCC. Ongoing research efforts are focused on further characterising the tumour microenvironment in order to select patients most likely to benefit from ICI and identify novel therapeutic targets. Herein, we review the current understanding of the immune landscape in which HCC develops and the evidence for ICI-based therapeutic strategies in HCC. Additionally, we describe the state of biomarker development and novel immunotherapy approaches in HCC which have progressed beyond the pre-clinical stage and into early-phase trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Childs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gloryanne Aidoo-Micah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Meyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, UK
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3
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Li M, Jiao S, Zhang Y. Monitoring Partial EMT Dynamics through Cell Mechanics Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy. Anal Chem 2024; 96:14835-14842. [PMID: 39238086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) accompanied by a reduction in elasticity to initiate metastasis. However, in vivo, tumor cells typically exhibit partial EMT rather than fully EMT. Whether cell mechanics can accurately identify the status of partial EMT, especially the dynamic process, remains unclear. To elucidate the relationship between cell mechanics and partial EMT, we employed scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) to analyze the dynamic changes in cell mechanics during the TGFβ-induced partial EMT of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Cells undergoing partial EMT, characterized by increased expression of EMT transcription factors, Snai1 and Zeb1, and EMT-related genes, Fn1 and MMP9, while retaining the expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin (E-cad) and EpCAM, did not exhibit significant changes in cell morphology, suggesting that morphological changes alone were inadequate for identifying partial EMT status. However, cell elasticity markedly decreased in partial EMT cells, and this reduction was reversed with the reversible transition of partial EMT. These findings suggest a strong correlation between cell mechanics and the dynamic process of partial EMT, indicating that cell mechanics could serve as a valuable label-free marker for identifying the status of partial EMT while preserving the physiological characteristics of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufang Zhang
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Xueqia Zhang
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Mingkun Li
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Shuopei Jiao
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
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4
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Liu K, Tian F, Chen X, Liu B, Tian S, Hou Y, Wang L, Han M, Peng S, Tan Y, Pan Y, Chu Z, Li J, Che L, Chen D, Wen L, Qin Z, Li X, Xiang J, Bian X, Liu Q, Ye X, Wang T, Wang B. Stabilization of TGF-β Receptor 1 by a Receptor-Associated Adaptor Dictates Feedback Activation of the TGF-β Signaling Pathway to Maintain Liver Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402327. [PMID: 38981014 PMCID: PMC11425868 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway regulates cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug sensitivity, whereas it remains largely unknown how feedback regulatory mechanisms are hijacked to fuel drug-resistant CSCs. Through a genome-wide CRISPR activation screen utilizing stem-like drug-resistant properties as a readout, the TGF-β receptor-associated binding protein 1 (TGFBRAP1) is identified as a TGF-β-inducible positive feedback regulator that governs sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and promotes liver cancer stemness. By interacting with and stabilizing the TGF-β receptor type 1 (TGFBR1), TGFBRAP1 plays an important role in potentiating TGF-β signaling. Mechanistically, TGFBRAP1 competes with E3 ubiquitin ligases Smurf1/2 for binding to TGFΒR1, leading to impaired receptor poly-ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Moreover, hyperactive TGF-β signaling in turn up-regulates TGFBRAP1 expression in drug-resistant CSC-like cells, thereby constituting a previously uncharacterized feedback mechanism to amplify TGF-β signaling. As such, TGFBRAP1 expression is correlated with TGFΒR1 levels and TGF-β signaling activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, as well as overall survival and disease recurrence in multiple HCC cohorts. Therapeutically, blocking TGFBRAP1-mediated stabilization of TGFBR1 by selective inhibitors alleviates Regorafenib resistance via reducing CSCs. Collectively, targeting feedback machinery of TGF-β signaling pathway may be an actionable approach to mitigate drug resistance and liver cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Fanxuan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- School of MedicineChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Biyin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Shuoran Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Yongying Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- Department of PathologyDaping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Mengyi Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Shiying Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- School of MedicineChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Yuting Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- School of MedicineChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- School of MedicineChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Zhaole Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Linrong Che
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Liangzhi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Xianfeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Junyu Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Xiu‐wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400038P. R. China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- School of MedicineChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400038P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Ye
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400042P. R. China
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)Chongqing400038P. R. China
- Jinfeng LaboratoryChongqing401329P. R. China
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5
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Shaaban A, Scott SS, Greenlee AN, Binda N, Noor A, Webb A, Guo S, Purdy N, Pennza N, Habib A, Mohammad SJ, Smith SA. Atrial fibrillation in cancer, anticancer therapies, and underlying mechanisms. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 194:118-132. [PMID: 38897563 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.06.005] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmic complication in cancer patients and can be exacerbated by traditional cytotoxic and targeted anticancer therapies. Increased incidence of AF in cancer patients is independent of confounding factors, including preexisting myocardial arrhythmogenic substrates, type of cancer, or cancer stage. Mechanistically, AF is characterized by fast unsynchronized atrial contractions with rapid ventricular response, which impairs ventricular filling and results in various symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Due to increased blood stasis, a consequence of both cancer and AF, concern for stroke increases in this patient population. To compound matters, cardiotoxic anticancer therapies themselves promote AF; thereby exacerbating AF morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. In this review, we examine the relationship between AF, cancer, and cardiotoxic anticancer therapies with a focus on the shared molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms linking these disease processes. We also explore the potential role of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in the management of anticancer-therapy-induced AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Shaaban
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shane S Scott
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashley N Greenlee
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nkongho Binda
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ali Noor
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Averie Webb
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shuliang Guo
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Najhee Purdy
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas Pennza
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Alma Habib
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Somayya J Mohammad
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sakima A Smith
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Bob and Corrinne Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Shao YY, Hsieh MS, Lee YH, Hsu HW, Wo RR, Wang HY, Cheng AL, Hsu CH. Cyclin dependent kinase 9 inhibition reduced programmed death-ligand 1 expression and improved treatment efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34289. [PMID: 39100490 PMCID: PMC11296019 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody is a standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor expression of PD-L1 can be induced upon stimulus. Because cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibition reduces the expression of inducible proteins, we explored the influence of CDK9 inhibition on PD-L1 expression in HCC cells. We found that PD-L1 expression was low in HCC cells; however, IFN-γ treatment increased this expression. CDK9 inhibitors AZD4573 and atuveciclib reduced the IFN-γ induced PD-L1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. CDK9 knockdown yielded similar results, but CDK9 overexpression reversed the influence of the CDK9 inhibitors. In the orthotopic mouse model, mice treated with a CDK9 inhibitor and an anti-PD-L1 antibody had significantly smaller tumors and exhibited longer survival than mice treated with either agent. In conclusion, CDK9 inhibition could reduce the expression of PD-L1 in HCC cells. Using both CDK9 inhibitors and anti-PD-L1 antibodies is more effective than using either agent alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yun Shao
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Taipei City, 106, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Min-Shu Hsieh
- Department of Pathology and Graduate Institute of Pathology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Taipei City, 106, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Pathology and Graduate Institute of Pathology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Hsu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Rita Robin Wo
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Taipei City, 106, R.O.C, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1, Sec. 1, Ren'ai Rd., Taipei City, 10051, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chun-Shan S Road, Taipei City, 10002, R.O.C, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Taipei City, 106, R.O.C, Taiwan
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7
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Asoka AS, Kolikkandy A, Nair B, Kamath AJ, Sethi G, Nath LR. Role of Culinary Indian Spices in the Regulation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Inflammation-Induced Liver Cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300793. [PMID: 38766929 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300793] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from various etiologies, such as Hepatitis B and C, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. About 80 to 90% of HCC cases possess cirrhosis, which is brought on by persistent liver inflammation. TGF-β is a multifunctional polypeptide molecule that acts as a pro-fibrogenic marker, inflammatory cytokine, immunosuppressive agent, and pro-carcinogenic growth factor during the progression of HCC. The preclinical and clinical evidence illustrates that TGF-β can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting progression and hepatocyte immune evasion. Therefore, targeting the TGF-β pathway can be a promising therapeutic option against HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS We carry out a systemic analysis of eight potentially selected culinary Indian spices: Turmeric, Black pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Fenugreek, Red pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, and their bioactives in regulation of the TGF-β pathway against liver cancer. CONCLUSION Turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, possess the highest therapeutic potential in treating inflammation-induced HCC and they also have the maximum number of ongoing in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Sarija Asoka
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Anusha Kolikkandy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Adithya J Kamath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
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8
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Li J, Wang W, Li S, Qiao Z, Jiang H, Chang X, Zhu Y, Tan H, Ma X, Dong Y, He Z, Wang Z, Liu Q, Yao S, Yang C, Yang M, Cao L, Zhang J, Li W, Wang W, Yang Z, Rong P. Smad2/3/4 complex could undergo liquid liquid phase separation and induce apoptosis through TAT in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:176. [PMID: 38769521 PMCID: PMC11106862 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most significant causes of mortality due to cancer-related deaths. It has been previously reported that the TGF-β signaling pathway may be associated with tumor progression. However, the relationship between TGF-β signaling pathway and HCC remains to be further elucidated. The objective of our research was to investigate the impact of TGF-β signaling pathway on HCC progression as well as the potential regulatory mechanism involved. METHODS We conducted a series of bioinformatics analyses to screen and filter the most relevant hub genes associated with HCC. E. coli was utilized to express recombinant protein, and the Ni-NTA column was employed for purification of the target protein. Liquid liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein in vitro, and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) were utilized to verify whether the target proteins had the ability to drive force LLPS. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were utilized to assess gene expression levels. Transcription factor binding sites of DNA were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) qPCR. Flow cytometry was employed to examine cell apoptosis. Knockdown of target genes was achieved through shRNA. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assays, and nude mice tumor transplantation were utilized to test cell proliferation ability in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found that Smad2/3/4 complex could regulate tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) expression, and this regulation could relate to LLPS. CHIP qPCR results showed that the key targeted DNA binding site of Smad2/3/4 complex in TAT promoter region is -1032 to -1182. In addition. CCK-8, colony formation, and nude mice tumor transplantation assays showed that Smad2/3/4 complex could repress cell proliferation through TAT. Flow cytometry assay results showed that Smad2/3/4 complex could increase the apoptosis of hepatoma cells. Western blot results showed that Smad2/3/4 complex would active caspase-9 through TAT, which uncovered the mechanism of Smad2/3/4 complex inducing hepatoma cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION This study proved that Smad2/3/4 complex could undergo LLPS to active TAT transcription, then active caspase-9 to induce hepatoma cell apoptosis in inhibiting HCC progress. The research further elucidate the relationship between TGF-β signaling pathway and HCC, which contributes to discover the mechanism of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Station of Medical Aspects of Specific Environments, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wendi Wang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sang Li
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Xenotransplantation of Human Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengkang Qiao
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoyue Jiang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyue Chang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaning Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongpei Tan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqian Dong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenhu He
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shanhu Yao
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cejun Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Cao
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China.
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Chronic Disease Occurrence and Nutrition Intervention, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China.
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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9
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Jiang Z, Dai C. Potential Treatment Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Sensitization to Sorafenib. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:257-266. [PMID: 36815094 PMCID: PMC9939808 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s396231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is highly malignant, has a low sensitivity to chemotherapy, and is associated with poor patient prognosis. The last 3 years have seen the emergence of promising targeted therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For over 10 years, before the discovery of lenvatinib, sorafenib was only first-line therapeutic agent available for the treatment of advanced HCC. However, several clinical studies have shown that a considerable proportion liver cancer patients are insensitive to sorafenib. Very few patients actually substantially benefit from treatment with sorafenib, and the overall efficacy of the drug has not been satisfactory; therefore, sorafenib has attracted considerable research attention. This study, which is based on previous studies and reports, reviews the potential mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance and summarizes combination therapies and potential drugs that can be used to sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chaoliu Dai, Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, Email
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10
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Chen C, Wang Z, Ding Y, Qin Y. Tumor microenvironment-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133308. [PMID: 36845131 PMCID: PMC9950271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, the emergency of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the management of HCC. Especially, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-PD1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has been approved by the FDA as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Despite great breakthrough in systemic therapy, HCC continues to portend a poor prognosis owing to drug resistance and frequent recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC is a complex and structured mixture characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, collectively contributing to the immunosuppressive milieu that in turn prompts HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment coexists and interacts with various immune cells to maintain the development of HCC. It is widely accepted that a dysfunctional tumor-immune ecosystem can lead to the failure of immune surveillance. The immunosuppressive TME is an external cause for immune evasion in HCC consisting of 1) immunosuppressive cells; 2) co-inhibitory signals; 3) soluble cytokines and signaling cascades; 4) metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment; 5) the gut microbiota that affects the immune microenvironment. Importantly, the effectiveness of immunotherapy largely depends on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Also, the gut microbiota and metabolism profoundly affect the immune microenvironment. Understanding how TME affects HCC development and progression will contribute to better preventing HCC-specific immune evasion and overcoming resistance to already developed therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce immune evasion of HCC underlying the role of immune microenvironment, describe the dynamic interaction of immune microenvironment with dysfunctional metabolism and the gut microbiome, and propose therapeutic strategies to manipulate the TME in favor of more effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Lominadze Z, Hill K, Shaik MR, Canakis JP, Bourmaf M, Adams-Mardi C, Abutaleb A, Mishra L, Shetty K. Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Liver Transplantation: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032358. [PMID: 36768686 PMCID: PMC9917203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging field of immuno-oncology has brought exciting developments in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has also raised urgent questions about the role of immunotherapy in the setting of liver transplantation, both before and after transplant. A growing body of evidence points to the safety and efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents as potential adjuncts for successful down-staging of advanced HCCs to allow successful transplant in carefully selected patients. For patients with recurrent HCC post-transplant, immunotherapy has a limited, yet growing role. In this review, we describe optimal regimens in the setting of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurabi Lominadze
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Kareen Hill
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Justin P. Canakis
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Mohammad Bourmaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Cyrus Adams-Mardi
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Ameer Abutaleb
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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12
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Torregrosa C, Chorin F, Beltran EEM, Neuzillet C, Cardot-Ruffino V. Physical Activity as the Best Supportive Care in Cancer: The Clinician's and the Researcher's Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5402. [PMID: 36358820 PMCID: PMC9655932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidisciplinary supportive care, integrating the dimensions of exercise alongside oncological treatments, is now regarded as a new paradigm to improve patient survival and quality of life. Its impact is important on the factors that control tumor development, such as the immune system, inflammation, tissue perfusion, hypoxia, insulin resistance, metabolism, glucocorticoid levels, and cachexia. An increasing amount of research has been published in the last years on the effects of physical activity within the framework of oncology, marking the appearance of a new medical field, commonly known as "exercise oncology". This emerging research field is trying to determine the biological mechanisms by which, aerobic exercise affects the incidence of cancer, the progression and/or the appearance of metastases. We propose an overview of the current state of the art physical exercise interventions in the management of cancer patients, including a pragmatic perspective with tips for routine practice. We then develop the emerging mechanistic views about physical exercise and their potential clinical applications. Moving toward a more personalized, integrated, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary management, by trying to understand the different interactions between the cancer and the host, as well as the impact of the disease and the treatments on the different organs, this seems to be the most promising method to improve the care of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Torregrosa
- Oncologie Digestive, Département d’Oncologie Médicale Institut Curie, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin—Université Paris Saclay, 35, rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
- Département de Chirurgie Digestive et Oncologique, Hôpital Universitaire Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 9 avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Frédéric Chorin
- Laboratoire Motricité Humaine, Expertise, Sport, Santé (LAMHESS), HEALTHY Graduate School, Université Côte d’Azur, 06205 Nice, France
- Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, 06205 Nice, France
| | - Eva Ester Molina Beltran
- Oncologie Digestive, Département d’Oncologie Médicale Institut Curie, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin—Université Paris Saclay, 35, rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Cindy Neuzillet
- Oncologie Digestive, Département d’Oncologie Médicale Institut Curie, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin—Université Paris Saclay, 35, rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
- GERCOR, 151 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Victoire Cardot-Ruffino
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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13
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Zhu Y, Qin LX. Strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:420-429. [PMID: 35977874 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Recently, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. However, anti-PD-1 therapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab as a single agent did not meet their predefined end points of overall survival in the KEYNOTE-240 and CheckMate 459 trials. It is urgent to understand the immunological rationale and explore novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ICIs with other therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, or local therapy, has been demonstrated to improve overall response rate and survival. In addition, modulating tumor microenvironment is a potential way to overcome the primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarized the latest findings in the immune microenvironment, the mechanisms of their synergistic effects when combined with anti-VEGF agents or TKIs, as well as other kinds of immune treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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14
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Pedersen RS, Nissen NI, Jensen C, Thorlacius-Ussing J, Manon-Jensen T, Olesen ML, Langholm LL, Diab HMH, Jorgensen LN, Hansen CP, Chen IM, Johansen JS, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Plasma Kallikrein-Activated TGF-β Is Prognostic for Poor Overall Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Associates with Increased Fibrogenesis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091315. [PMID: 36139154 PMCID: PMC9496221 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a hard-to-treat cancer due to the collagen-rich (fibrotic) and immune-suppressed microenvironment. A major driver of this phenomenon is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). TGF-β is produced in an inactive complex with a latency-associated protein (LAP) that can be cleaved by plasma kallikrein (PLK), hereby releasing active TGF-β. The aim of this study was to evaluate LAP cleaved by PLK as a non-invasive biomarker for PDAC and tumor fibrosis. An ELISA was developed for the quantification of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β in the serum of 34 patients with PDAC (stage 1−4) and 20 healthy individuals. Biomarker levels were correlated with overall survival (OS) and compared to serum type III collagen (PRO-C3) and type VI collagen (PRO-C6) pro-peptides. PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β was higher in patients with PDAC compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). High levels (>median) of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β were associated with poor OS in patients with PDAC independent of age and stage (HR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.22−5.44, p = 0.0135). High levels of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β were associated with high PRO-C3 and PRO-C6, indicating a relationship between the PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β fragment, TGF-β activity, and tumor fibrosis. If these preliminary results are validated, circulating PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β may be a biomarker for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus S. Pedersen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hadi M. H. Diab
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars N. Jorgensen
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten P. Hansen
- Department of Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inna M. Chen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Julia S. Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Tian X, Yan T, Liu F, Liu Q, Zhao J, Xiong H, Jiang S. Link of sorafenib resistance with the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:991052. [PMID: 36071839 PMCID: PMC9441942 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.991052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties, is the first-line treatment for patients with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effect remains limited due to sorafenib resistance. Only about 30% of HCC patients respond well to the treatment, and the resistance almost inevitably happens within 6 months. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify effective approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome. According to recent studies, tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune escape play critical roles in tumor occurrence, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. The relevant mechanisms were focusing on hypoxia, tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells, and immunosuppressive molecules. In this review, we focus on sorafenib resistance and its relationship with liver cancer immune microenvironment, highlighting the importance of breaking sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Tian
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tinghao Yan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
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16
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Protein Regulator of Cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) Upregulation Promotes Immune Suppression in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7073472. [PMID: 35983074 PMCID: PMC9381293 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7073472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a malignant cancer with widespread prevalence. The suppressive immune environment causes largely refractory to current treatment. The protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is an essential gene for cytokinesis and is involved in cancer pathogenesis. However, the functions of PRC1 have been barely clarified, especially in LIHC. Here, we investigated the expression, prognostic value, and functions of PRC1 in LIHC. Pan-cancer analysis revealed the overexpression of PRC1 in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Four LIHC datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database confirmed the PRC1 overexpression in LIHC. The mRNA and protein levels of PRC1 in LIHC cells were higher than in normal liver cells. The overexpression of PRC1 predicted progressed clinical stage and poor prognosis of LIHC. We further investigated the functions of PRC1 by performing the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of its coexpressing genes. High PRC1 expression was associated with increased genome instability of LIHC. Moreover, PRC1 was positively correlated with the infiltration of suppressive immune cells like T regulatory cells (Tregs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and was negatively correlated with the effector immune cells' infiltration, including B cells and CD8+ T cells. In addition, PRC1 was positively correlated with the expression of tumor immune checkpoint molecules. Taken together, PRC1 overexpression contributes to the genome instability and the suppressive immune microenvironment of LIHC. Thus, PRC1 has the potential to be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target of LIHC.
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17
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Qi W, Bai Y, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Chen H. BUB1 predicts poor prognosis and immune status in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2022; 130:371-382. [PMID: 35255180 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of the tumour immune microenvironment promotes individualized immunotherapy regimens and screens dominant populations suitable for immunotherapy. Therefore, potential molecular markers were investigated to make an overall assessment of the immune microenvironment status of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). In this study, a total of 121 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and DEGs were enriched in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, myogenesis, and p53 pathways. A total of 20 hub genes were selected and a strong correlation was identified between these hub genes and prognosis. The expression of budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 (BUB1) was found to be upregulated in LIHC and was strongly related to immune cells and immune checkpoint molecule expression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) indicated that BUB1 expression was higher in LIHC tissues than in normal liver tissues. BUB1 knockdown resulted in reduced proliferation and vertical migration ability of LIHC cells, and reduced the expression of phospho-SMAD family member 2 and phospho-SMAD family member 3 proteins. IHC showed that BUB1 expression was accompanied by immune cell infiltration into LIHC tissues. These results suggest that BUB1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for LIHC and as an indicator of its immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Qi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Bai
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Le Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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18
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Foerster F, Gairing SJ, Ilyas SI, Galle PR. Emerging immunotherapy for HCC: A guide for hepatologists. Hepatology 2022; 75:1604-1626. [PMID: 35253934 PMCID: PMC9117522 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HCC is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC comprises nearly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer. Approximately half of all patients with HCC receive systemic therapy during their disease course, particularly in the advanced stages of disease. Immuno-oncology has been paradigm shifting for the treatment of human cancers, with strong and durable antitumor activity in a subset of patients across a variety of malignancies including HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibody, has become first-line therapy for patients with advanced HCC. Beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viroimmunotherapy and adoptive T-cell transfer are currently under investigation. The tumor immune microenvironment of HCC has significant immunosuppressive elements that may affect response to immunotherapy. Major unmet challenges include defining the role of immunotherapy in earlier stages of HCC, evaluating combinatorial strategies that use targeting of the immune microenvironment plus immune checkpoint inhibition, and identifying treatment strategies for patients who do not respond to the currently available immunotherapies. Herein, we review the rationale, mechanistic basis and supporting preclinical evidence, and available clinical evidence for immunotherapies in HCC as well as ongoing clinical trials of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Foerster
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sumera Irie Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Huang KW, Lee PC, Chao Y, Su CW, Lee IC, Lan KH, Chu CJ, Hung YP, Chen SC, Hou MC, Huang YH. Durable objective response to sorafenib and role of sequential treatment in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221099401. [PMID: 35646162 PMCID: PMC9134461 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221099401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The response rate to sorafenib is limited for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Little is known about the long-term outcomes of objective responders. The role of second-line therapies on the survival of sorafenib-responders is unclear. We aimed to delineate the long-term outcomes and the role of subsequent treatment after responding to sorafenib. Methods From September 2012 to December 2019, 922 patients who received sorafenib treatment for unresectable HCC were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 21 (2.3%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 54 (5.9%) had a partial response (PR) based on mRECIST criteria. Factors associated with survivals were analyzed. Results During the median follow-up of 35.3 months, the median duration of response was 18.3 months (range: 2.3-45.5) for patients achieving CR and 10.0 months (range: 1.9-60.3) for PR. The median overall survival (OS) was 39.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.4-50.5] including values not yet estimable for CR and 25.8 months for PR. Patients who experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) had better median OS than those without (44.9 versus 18.1 months, p = 0.003). Eventually, 53 patients developed tumor progression; 30 patients received second-line systemic treatment including nivolumab (n = 8), regorafenib (n = 15), and chemotherapy (n = 7). Sorafenib-nivolumab sequential therapy provided the best median OS versus sorafenib-regorafenib and sorafenib-chemotherapy in these patients (55.8, 39.5, and 25.5 months), respectively. Conclusions The response is durable for advanced HCC patients with CR or PR to sorafenib. Subsequent immunotherapy seems to provide the best survival. This information is important for characterizing outcomes of sorafenib-responders and the choice of sequential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Wei Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Medicine, Taipei City Hospital
Yang-Ming branch, Taipei
| | - Pei-Chang Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General
Hospital, Taipei
| | - Chien-Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - I-Cheng Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - Keng-Hsin Lan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine,
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei
| | - Chi-Jen Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - Yi-Ping Hung
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans
General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - San-Chi Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of
Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans
General Hospital, Taipei
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University, Taipei
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of
Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai
Road, Beitou District, 11217 Taipei
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20
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Jin X, Zhang S, Wang N, Guan L, Shao C, Lin Y, Liu J, Li Y. High Expression of TGF-β1 Contributes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis via Regulating Tumor Immunity. Front Oncol 2022; 12:861601. [PMID: 35547872 PMCID: PMC9082360 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.861601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is essential in initialization and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, a treatment targeting TGF-β pathway may be a promising option for HCC control. Methods First, publicly available RNA-seq datasets and clinical characteristics of 374 HCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were downloaded. Then, Cox regression analysis and LASSO analysis were used to construct a prognostic model for TGF-β family genes. The area under the curve (AUC) of the risk signature was calculated to evaluate the predictive power of the model. Cox regression analysis was applied to predict whether TGF-β1 can be an independent prognosis factor for HCC. Next, hazard ratio and survival analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between TGF-β1 expression and survival time. Furthermore, differential expression level of TGF-β1 in HCC tissues and cells was determined. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified the top significantly activated and inhibited signal pathways related to high expression of TGF-β1. Finally, the CIBERSORT tool was adopted to correlate the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) with TGF-β1 expression in HCC cohorts. Results Cox regression analysis and LASSO analysis revealed that seven TGF-β family members (including TGF-β1) could be used as prognostic factors for HCC. Interestingly, TGF-β1 was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic factor of HCC. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the high expression of TGF-β1 in HCC cell lines and tissues, which is significantly related to pathological classifications, poor prognosis, and short survival time. Finally, GSEA and CIBERSORT analyses suggested that TGF-β1 may interact with various immune cells and influence the prognosis of HCC patients through Tregs and γδ T cells. Conclusion We established a novel prognostic prediction method to predict the risk scores of TGF-β genes in HCC prognosis. TGF-β1 is highly expressed in HCC cell lines and tissues, correlates to poor prognosis, and thus can be used as a potential biomarker to predict HCC prognosis. We showed that TGF-β1 may play its roles in HCC prognosis by modulating the immune microenvironment of tumor cells. Our data may shed more light on better understanding the role of TGF-β1 in HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuairan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuanli Shao
- Emergency Department, Bengbu First People's Hospital, Bengbu, China
| | - Yingbo Lin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jianping Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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21
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Bourayou E, Golub R. Signaling Pathways Tuning Innate Lymphoid Cell Response to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846923. [PMID: 35281021 PMCID: PMC8904901 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide and its incidence continues to rise globally. Various causes can lead to its development such as chronic viral infections causing hepatitis, cirrhosis or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The contribution of immune cells to HCC development and progression has been extensively studied when it comes to adaptive lymphocytes or myeloid populations. However, the role of the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) is still not well defined. ILCs are a family of lymphocytes comprising five subsets including circulating Natural Killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s and lymphocytes tissue-inducer cells (LTi). Mostly located at epithelial surfaces, tissue-resident ILCs and NK cells can rapidly react to environmental changes to mount appropriate immune responses. Here, we provide an overview of their roles and actions in HCC with an emphasis on the importance of diverse signaling pathways (Notch, TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin…) in the tuning of their response to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Bourayou
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1223, Lymphocyte and Immunity Unit, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Golub
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1223, Lymphocyte and Immunity Unit, Paris, France
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22
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Marin JJG, Romero MR, Herraez E, Asensio M, Ortiz-Rivero S, Sanchez-Martin A, Fabris L, Briz O. Mechanisms of Pharmacoresistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Drugs but Old Problems. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:87-103. [PMID: 34544160 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis when diagnosed at advanced stages in which curative treatments are no longer applicable. A small group of these patients may still benefit from transarterial chemoembolization. The only therapeutic option for most patients with advanced HCC is systemic pharmacological treatments based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy. Available drugs only slightly increase survival, as tumor cells possess additive and synergistic mechanisms of pharmacoresistance (MPRs) prior to or enhanced during treatment. Understanding the molecular basis of MPRs is crucial to elucidate the genetic signature underlying HCC resistome. This will permit the selection of biomarkers to predict drug treatment response and identify tumor weaknesses in a personalized and dynamic way. In this article, we have reviewed the role of MPRs in current first-line drugs and the combinations of immunotherapeutic agents with novel TKIs being tested in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J G Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Herraez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Ortiz-Rivero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Liver Center (YLC), School of Medicine, Yale University New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Lin YT, Wu HC. The efficacy of sorafenib after progression on atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2311-3006.362637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
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24
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Kharbanda A, Tran P, Zhang L, Leung YK, Li HY, Frett B. Discovery of 4-aminoquinolines as highly selective TGFβR1 inhibitors with an attenuated MAP4K4 profile for potential applications in immuno-oncology. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113763. [PMID: 34419892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contains high concentrations of TGFβ, a crucial immunosuppressive cytokine. TGFβ stimulates immune escape by promoting peripheral immune tolerance to avoid tumoricidal attack. Small-molecule inhibitors of TGFβR1 are a prospective method for next-generation immunotherapies. In the present study, we identified selective 4-aminoquinoline-based inhibitors of TGFβR1 through structural and rational-based design strategies. This led to the identification of compound 4i, which was found to be selective for TGFβR1 with the exception of MAP4K4 in the kinase profiling assay. The compound was then further optimized to remove MAP4K4 activity, since MAP4K4 is vital for proper T-cell function and its inhibition could exacerbate tumor immunosuppression. Optimization efforts led to compound 4s that inhibited TGFβR1 at an IC50 of 0.79 ± 0.19 nM with 2000-fold selectivity against MAP4K4. Compound 4s represents a highly selective TGFβR1 inhibitor that has potential applications in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupreet Kharbanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Phuc Tran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lingtian Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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25
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Chu PY, Chan SH. Cure the Incurable? Recent Breakthroughs in Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5295. [PMID: 34771459 PMCID: PMC8582442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215295] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HCC usually arises from a chronic inflammation background, driven by several factors including fatty liver, HBV/HCV viral infection and metabolic syndrome. Systemic treatment for advanced HCC remains disappointing due to its strong resistance to chemotherapy and even to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Recently, the use of ICI therapy has revolutionized the systemic treatment of advanced HCC. For the first time, clinical trials testing ICIs, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD1/PDL1 reported a survival benefit in patients with sorafenib resistance. However, it took four more years to find the right combination regimen to use ICI in combination with the anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab to substantially prolong overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced HCC after sorafenib. This review provides a comprehensive history of ICI therapy in HCC, up-to-date information on the latest ICI clinical trials, and discusses the recent development of novel ICIs that would potentially lead to a new checkpoint blockade therapy for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Chu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei 242, Taiwan
- Department of Health Food, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua 510, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsuan Chan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medial University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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26
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Rico Montanari N, Anugwom CM, Boonstra A, Debes JD. The Role of Cytokines in the Different Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194876. [PMID: 34638361 PMCID: PMC8508513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-homeostatic cytokine expression during hepatocellular carcinogenesis, together with simple and inexpensive cytokine detection techniques, has opened up its use as potential biomarkers, from cancer detection to prognosis. However, carcinogenic programs during cancer progression are not linear. Therefore, cytokines with prognostic potential in one stage may not be relevant in another. Here, we reviewed cytokines with clinical potential in different settings during hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary form of liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Early detection remains the most effective strategy in HCC management. However, the spectrum of underlying liver diseases preceding HCC, its genetic complexity, and the lack of symptomatology in early stages challenge early detection. Regardless of underlying etiology, unresolved chronic inflammation is a common denominator in HCC. Hence, many inflammatory molecules, including cytokines, have been investigated as potential biomarkers to predict different stages of HCC. Soluble cytokines carry cell-signaling functions and are easy to detect in the bloodstream. However, its biomarkers’ role remains limited due to the dysregulation of immune parameters related to the primary liver process and their ability to differentiate carcinogenesis from the underlying disease. In this review, we discuss and provide insight on cytokines with clinical relevance for HCC differentiating those implicated in tumor formation, early detection, advanced disease, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Rico Montanari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Division of Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.R.M.); (C.M.A.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Chimaobi M. Anugwom
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Division of Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.R.M.); (C.M.A.)
- Health Partners Digestive Care, Saint Paul, MN 55130, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Jose D. Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Division of Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.R.M.); (C.M.A.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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27
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Huang W, Chen Q, Dai J, Zhang Y, Yi Y, Wei X, Wu Z. miR-744-5p suppresses tumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1811-1822. [PMID: 34532130 PMCID: PMC8421904 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, miR-744-5p has been shown to be associated with tumor development, but the underlying mechanism by which miR-744-5p affects HCC remains unclear. Thus, this study sought to explore the molecular mechanism governing the function of miR-744-5p in HCC. METHODS The expression of miR-744-5p in HCC tissues/cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Colony-formation, cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8), Transwell, and wound-healing assays were used to assess the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Additionally, the interaction between miR-744-5p and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) was detected using a dual-luciferase reporter and a Western-blot analysis. RESULTS miR-744-5p expression was shown to be significantly reduced in HCC tissues and cells. The overexpression of miR-744-5p not only significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, but also significantly reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition-induced invasion. A luciferase reporter assay validated the ability of miR-744-5p to directly target TGF-β1. Further, the overexpression of TGF-β1 appeared to abolish the inhibitive effect of miR-744-5p mimics on HCC development. CONCLUSIONS As per our findings, it was revealed that miR-744-5p suppresses HCC proliferation and invasion by regulating the TGF-β1 signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Traumatology, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangweng Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuke Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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28
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Gough NR, Xiang X, Mishra L. TGF-β Signaling in Liver, Pancreas, and Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cancer. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:434-452.e15. [PMID: 33940008 PMCID: PMC8841117 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic alterations affecting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling are exceptionally common in diseases and cancers of the gastrointestinal system. As a regulator of tissue renewal, TGF-β signaling and the downstream SMAD-dependent transcriptional events play complex roles in the transition from a noncancerous disease state to cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Furthermore, this pathway also regulates the stromal cells and the immune system, which may contribute to evasion of the tumors from immune-mediated elimination. Here, we review the involvement of the TGF-β pathway mediated by the transcriptional regulators SMADs in disease progression to cancer in the digestive system. The review integrates human genomic studies with animal models that provide clues toward understanding and managing the complexity of the pathway in disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Gough
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Xiyan Xiang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Lopa Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York; Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
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29
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
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30
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Xuan YZ, Jin CR, Yang KJ. TGF-β downregulation overcomes gemcitabine resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2021; 29:179-187. [PMID: 32741805 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-201456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms by which oral cancer acquires resistance to gemcitabine. METHODS Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells were treated with gemcitabine upon infection or with a lentivirus harboring short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeted to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Then, Western blot, ELISA, migration assay, MTT assay, and animal experiments were used to explore the mechanism of resistance to gemcitabine treatment. RESULTS After the treatment of non-transfected cells with gemcitabine, NF-κB and AKT activities were increased, which may have induced the OSCC resistance to gemcitabine. Then, we found that TGF-β downregulation effectively reduced NF-κB and AKT phosphorylation levels after the administration of gemcitabine and increased the OSCC sensitivity to gemcitabine, resulting in cell death and the blunting of OSCC resistance to gemcitabine. The EMT was also reduced by TGF-β downregulation combined with gemcitabine treatment. CONCLUSION Cellular levels of TGF-β constitute an important factor in gemcitabine resistance and TGF-β silencing might represent a novel and potent strategy for overcoming OSCC resistance to gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ze Xuan
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China.,Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Ri Jin
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China.,Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Kang-Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Yanbian University College of Basic Medicine, Yanji, Jilin, China
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31
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Kharbanda A, Zhang L, Saha D, Tran P, Xu K, Li MO, Leung YK, Frett B, Li HY. Discovery and biological evaluation of phthalazines as novel non-kinase TGFβ pathway inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 223:113660. [PMID: 34246853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ is crucial for the homeostasis of epithelial and neural tissues, wound repair, and regulating immune responses. Its dysregulation is associated with a vast number of diseases, of which modifying the tumor microenvironment is one of vital clinical interest. Despite various attempts, there is still no FDA-approved therapy to inhibit the TGFβ pathway. Major mainstream approaches involve impairment of the TGFβ pathway via inhibition of the TGFβRI kinase. With the purpose to identify non-receptor kinase-based inhibitors to impair TGFβ signaling, an in-house chemical library was enriched, through a computational study, to eliminate TGFβRI kinase activity. Selected compounds were screened against a cell line engineered with a firefly luciferase gene under TGFβ-Smad-dependent transcriptional control. Results indicated moderate potency for a molecule with phthalazine core against TGFβ-Smad signaling. A series of phthalazine compounds were synthesized and evaluated for potency. The most promising compound (10p) exhibited an IC50 of 0.11 ± 0.02 μM and was confirmed to be non-cytotoxic up to 12 μM, with a selectivity index of approximately 112-fold. Simultaneously, 10p was confirmed to reduce the Smad phosphorylation using Western blot without exhibiting inhibition on the TGFβRI enzyme. This study identified a novel small-molecule scaffold that targets the TGFβ pathway via a non-receptor-kinase mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupreet Kharbanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Lingtian Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Debasmita Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Phuc Tran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
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32
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Radwan E, Shaltout AS, Mansor SG, Shafik EA, Abbas WA, Shehata MR, Ali M. Evaluation of circulating microRNAs-211 and 25 as diagnostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4601-4610. [PMID: 34132944 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. MicroRNAs are short single stranded non-coding RNAs that play important roles in carcinogenesis, tumor growth and tumor survival. Circulating microRNAs are increasingly becoming efficient and important biomarkers for several types of cancers. Herein, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic potentials of plasma microRNA-211 and microRNA-25 in colorectal cancer patients. Forty-four patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 40 healthy controls were recruited for the present study. Expressions of circulating microRNAs -211 and 25 were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Expression of transforming growth factor-beta, a key factor in tumorigenesis and a key inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients' tissue and plasma. Our results demonstrated upregulated expressions of plasma microRNAs-211 and 25 correlated with the high transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) expression in patients. In addition, plasma levels were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the reliability of microRNAs-211 and 25 for discriminating colorectal cancer patients from healthy individuals. MicroRNA-211 and microRNA-25 might have a tumorigenic role in colorectal cancer and their plasma levels could be potential biomarkers in its diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Radwan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.,Department of Biochemistry, Sphinx University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Asmaa S Shaltout
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shima Gafar Mansor
- Department of Oncological Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Engy A Shafik
- Department of Oncological Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Wael A Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Maha Ali
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.
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33
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Kim BG, Malek E, Choi SH, Ignatz-Hoover JJ, Driscoll JJ. Novel therapies emerging in oncology to target the TGF-β pathway. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:55. [PMID: 33823905 PMCID: PMC8022551 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway governs key cellular processes under physiologic conditions and is deregulated in many pathologies, including cancer. TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that acts in a cell- and context-dependent manner as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor. As a tumor promoter, the TGF-β pathway enhances cell proliferation, migratory invasion, metastatic spread within the tumor microenvironment and suppresses immunosurveillance. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling contributes to drug resistance, tumor escape and undermines clinical response to therapy. Based upon a wealth of preclinical studies, the TGF-β pathway has been pharmacologically targeted using small molecule inhibitors, TGF-β-directed chimeric monoclonal antibodies, ligand traps, antisense oligonucleotides and vaccines that have been now evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of TGF-β pathway antagonists from multiple drug classes that have been evaluated in completed and ongoing trials. We highlight Vactosertib, a highly potent small molecule TGF-β type 1 receptor kinase inhibitor that is well-tolerated with an acceptable safety profile that has shown efficacy against multiple types of cancer. The TGF-β ligand traps Bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional conjugate that binds TGF-β and PD-L1), AVID200 (a computationally designed trap of TGF-β receptor ectodomains fused to an Fc domain) and Luspatercept (a recombinant fusion that links the activin receptor IIb to IgG) offer new ways to fight difficult-to-treat cancers. While TGF-β pathway antagonists are rapidly emerging as highly promising, safe and effective anticancer agents, significant challenges remain. Minimizing the unintentional inhibition of tumor-suppressing activity and inflammatory effects with the desired restraint on tumor-promoting activities has impeded the clinical development of TGF-β pathway antagonists. A better understanding of the mechanistic details of the TGF-β pathway should lead to more effective TGF-β antagonists and uncover biomarkers that better stratify patient selection, improve patient responses and further the clinical development of TGF-β antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Gyu Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ehsan Malek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Ignatz-Hoover
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Driscoll
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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34
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Sangro B, Sarobe P, Hervás-Stubbs S, Melero I. Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:525-543. [PMID: 33850328 PMCID: PMC8042636 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 657] [Impact Index Per Article: 219.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangro
- grid.411730.00000 0001 2191 685XLiver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain ,grid.411730.00000 0001 2191 685XDepartment of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
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35
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Resident Memory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1273:39-68. [PMID: 33119875 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49270-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are strategically positioned within the epithelial layers of many tissues to provide enduring site-specific immunological memory. This unique T-cell lineage is endowed with the capacity to rapidly respond to tissue perturbations and has a well-documented role in eradicating pathogens upon reexposure. Emerging evidence has highlighted a key role for TRM cells in cancer immunity. Single-cell approaches have identified TRM cells among other CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) subsets, and their presence is a positive indicator of clinical outcome in cancer patients. Furthermore, recent preclinical studies have elegantly demonstrated that TRM cells are a critical component of the antitumor immune response. Given their unique functional abilities, TRM cells have emerged as a potential immunotherapeutic target. Here, we discuss TRM cells in the framework of the cancer-immunity cycle and in the context of the T cell- and non-T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironments (TME). We highlight how their core features make TRM cells uniquely suited to function within the metabolically demanding TME. Finally, we consider potential therapeutic avenues that target TRM cells to augment the antitumor immune response.
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36
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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37
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A Phase 2 Study of Galunisertib (TGF-β1 Receptor Type I Inhibitor) and Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 10:e00056. [PMID: 31295152 PMCID: PMC6708671 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor type I potentiated the activity of sorafenib in preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Galunisertib is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of TGF-β1 receptor type I, which demonstrated activity in a phase 2 trial as second-line HCC treatment.
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38
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Mancuso F, Lage S, Rasero J, Díaz-Ramón JL, Apraiz A, Pérez-Yarza G, Ezkurra PA, Penas C, Sánchez-Diez A, García-Vazquez MD, Gardeazabal J, Izu R, Mujika K, Cortés J, Asumendi A, Boyano MD. Serum markers improve current prediction of metastasis development in early-stage melanoma patients: a machine learning-based study. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1705-1718. [PMID: 32485045 PMCID: PMC7400797 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis development represents an important threat for melanoma patients, even when diagnosed at early stages and upon removal of the primary tumor. In this scenario, determination of prognostic biomarkers would be of great interest. Serum contains information about the general status of the organism and therefore represents a valuable source for biomarkers. Thus, we aimed to define serological biomarkers that could be used along with clinical and histopathological features of the disease to predict metastatic events on the early‐stage population of patients. We previously demonstrated that in stage II melanoma patients, serum levels of dermcidin (DCD) were associated with metastatic progression. Based on the relevance of the immune response on the cancer progression and the recent association of DCD with local and systemic immune response against cancer cells, serum DCD was analyzed in a new cohort of patients along with interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17A, interferon γ (IFN‐γ), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐ β), and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). We initially recruited 448 melanoma patients, 323 of whom were diagnosed as stages I‐II according to AJCC. Levels of selected cytokines were determined by ELISA and Luminex, and obtained data were analyzed employing machine learning and Kaplan–Meier techniques to define an algorithm capable of accurately classifying early‐stage melanoma patients with a high and low risk of developing metastasis. The results show that in early‐stage melanoma patients, serum levels of the cytokines IL‐4, GM‐CSF, and DCD together with the Breslow thickness are those that best predict melanoma metastasis. Moreover, resulting algorithm represents a new tool to discriminate subjects with good prognosis from those with high risk for a future metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Mancuso
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Sergio Lage
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Javier Rasero
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - José Luis Díaz-Ramón
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Aintzane Apraiz
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Gorka Pérez-Yarza
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Pilar Ariadna Ezkurra
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Cristina Penas
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-Diez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gardeazabal
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rosa Izu
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Karmele Mujika
- Department of Medical Oncology, Onkologikoa Hospital, Donostia, Spain.,Biodonostia Institute, Donostia, Spain
| | - Jesús Cortés
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Aintzane Asumendi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - María Dolores Boyano
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
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Marin JJ, Macias RI, Monte MJ, Romero MR, Asensio M, Sanchez-Martin A, Cives-Losada C, Temprano AG, Espinosa-Escudero R, Reviejo M, Bohorquez LH, Briz O. Molecular Bases of Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061663. [PMID: 32585893 PMCID: PMC7352164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor outcome of patients with non-surgically removable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, is mainly due to the high refractoriness of this aggressive tumor to classical chemotherapy. Novel pharmacological approaches based on the use of inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs), mainly sorafenib and regorafenib, have provided only a modest prolongation of the overall survival in these HCC patients. The present review is an update of the available information regarding our understanding of the molecular bases of mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) with a significant impact on the response of HCC to existing pharmacological tools, which include classical chemotherapeutic agents, TKIs and novel immune-sensitizing strategies. Many of the more than one hundred genes involved in seven MOC have been identified as potential biomarkers to predict the failure of treatment, as well as druggable targets to develop novel strategies aimed at increasing the sensitivity of HCC to pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J.G. Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
| | - Rocio I.R. Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J. Monte
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R. Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Candela Cives-Losada
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Alvaro G. Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Ricardo Espinosa-Escudero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Maria Reviejo
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Laura H. Bohorquez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
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TGF-β1-mediated repression of SLC7A11 drives vulnerability to GPX4 inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:406. [PMID: 32471991 PMCID: PMC7260246 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
System xc− contributes to glutathione (GSH) synthesis and protects cells against ferroptosis by importing cystine and exchanging it with glutamate. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induces redox imbalance; however, its role in system xc− regulation remains poorly understood. The present study was the first to show that TGF-β1 repressed the protein and mRNA levels of xCT, a catalytic subunit of system xc−, in PLC/PRF/5, Huh7, Huh6, and HepG2 cells with an early TGF-β1 gene signature but not in SNU387, SNU449, SNU475, and SK-Hep1 cells with a late TGF-β1 gene signature. TGF-β1 treatment for 24 h reduced xCT expression in a dose-dependent manner but this TGF-β1-induced repression was blunted by pretreatment with a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor. TGF-β1-mediated xCT repression was prevented by Smad3, but not Smad2 or Smad4, knockdown, whereas it was enhanced by Smad3 overexpression. TGF-β1 decreased GSH levels in control cells but not xCT-overexpressed cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PLC/PRF/5 cells and enhanced tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ROS levels in Huh7 cells; these changes were reversed by xCT overexpression. TGF-β1 treatment ultimately induced the ferrostatin-1- and deferoxamine-dependent lipid peroxidation after 2 days and 8 days in PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells but not in SNU475 and SK-Hep1 cells. Pre-treatment of TGF-β1 for 2 days enhanced the reduction of cell viability induced by RSL3, a GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor, in PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells. In conclusion, TGF-β1 represses xCT expression via Smad3 activation and enhances lipid peroxidation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells with an early TGF-β1 signature, which would benefit from the targeting of GPX4.
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Elkoshi Z. "High Treg" Inflammations Promote (Most) Non-Hematologic Cancers While "Low Treg" Inflammations Promote Lymphoid Cancers. J Inflamm Res 2020; 13:209-221. [PMID: 32547153 PMCID: PMC7247720 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s249384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an earlier publication, a binary classification of chronic diseases has been proposed. Chronic diseases were classified as “high Treg” or “low Treg” diseases depending on whether the pro-inflammatory or the anti-inflammatory arms of the immune response are deficient. The present work uses this model to analyze the interplay between cancer and the immune system, based on published literature. The work leans upon the etiology of alcohol and tobacco-related malignancies. The main conclusions are: triggers of specific “high Treg” immune reaction promote most non-hematologic cancers, whereas triggers of “low Treg” immune reaction promote lymphomas. The opposite is also true: triggers of specific “high Treg” immune reaction suppress lymphoma, whereas triggers of “low Treg” immune reaction suppress non-hematologic cancers. Both lymphoma and autoimmune diseases are “low Treg” conditions. For this reason, both are promoted by the same panel of “low Treg” bacteria and parasites and are inhibited by “high Treg” triggers. For example, alcohol consumption, a “high Treg” trigger, protects against lymphoma and autoimmune hypothyroidism. In addition, the same immune-modulatory drugs are effective in the treatment of both lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. Like other cancers, lymphoma transforms from a “low Treg” type at early stage of the disease into a “high Treg” type at advanced stages. However, lymphoma is distinguished from most other cancers by the length of time it dwells at an indolent “low Treg” state (many years) before lymphoma cells sensitivity to transforming growth factor-beta is impaired. This impairment stimulates the switch from “low Treg” into “high Treg” response and results in immune escape. The application of this analysis to the pharmacological activity of checkpoint inhibitors forecasts that checkpoint inhibitors would not be effective in low-grade, indolent lymphomas. As of now, checkpoint inhibitors are approved for the treatment of advanced lymphoma only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeev Elkoshi
- Research and Development Department, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Haifa, Israel
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Giannelli G, Santoro A, Kelley RK, Gane E, Paradis V, Cleverly A, Smith C, Estrem ST, Man M, Wang S, Lahn MM, Raymond E, Benhadji KA, Faivre S. Biomarkers and overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TGF-βRI inhibitor galunisertib. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0222259. [PMID: 32210440 PMCID: PMC7094874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling is involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We followed changes in biomarkers during treatment of patients with HCC with the TGF-βRI/ALK5 inhibitor galunisertib. Methods This phase 2 study (NCT01246986) enrolled second-line patients with advanced HCC into one of two cohorts of baseline serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Part A (AFP ≥1.5x ULN) or Part B (AFP <1.5x ULN). Baseline and postbaseline levels of AFP, TGF-β1, E-cadherin, selected miRNAs, and other plasma proteins were monitored. Results The study enrolled 149 patients (Part A, 109; Part B, 40). Median OS was 7.3 months in Part A and 16.8 months in Part B. Baseline AFP, TGF-β1, E-cadherin, and an additional 16 plasma proteins (such as M-CSF, IL-6, ErbB3, ANG-2, neuropilin-1, MIP-3 alpha, KIM-1, uPA, IL-8, TIMP-1, ICAM-1, Apo A-1, CA-125, osteopontin, tetranectin, and IGFBP-1) were found to correlate with OS. In addition, a range of miRs were found to be associated with OS. In AFP responders (21% of patients in Part A with decrease of >20% from baseline) versus non-responders, median OS was 21.5 months versus 6.8 months (p = 0.0015). In TGF-β1 responders (51% of all patients) versus non-responders, median OS was 11.2 months versus 5.3 months (p = 0.0036). Conclusions Consistent with previous findings, both baseline levels and changes from baseline of circulating AFP and TGF-β1 function as prognostic indicators of survival. Future trials are needed to confirm and extend these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, “s. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Robin K. Kelley
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ed Gane
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Ann Cleverly
- Eli Lilly and Company, Windlesham, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Smith
- Eli Lilly and Company, Windlesham, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Shawn T. Estrem
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael Man
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shuaicheng Wang
- BioStat Solutions, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael M. Lahn
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Eric Raymond
- Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital Center, Paris, France
| | - Karim A. Benhadji
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Park MS, Park HJ, An YJ, Choi JH, Cha G, Lee HJ, Park SJ, Dewang PM, Kim DK. Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling of 2,4-disubstituted-5-(6-alkylpyridin-2-yl)-1 H-imidazoles as ALK5 inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:702-712. [PMID: 32164459 PMCID: PMC7144182 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1734799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 2,4-disubstituted-5-(6-alkylpyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazoles, 7a–c, 11a–h, and 16a–h has been synthesised and evaluated for their ALK5 inhibitory activity in an enzyme assay and in a cell-based luciferase reporter assay. Incorporation of a quinoxalin-6-yl moiety and a methylene linker at the 4- and 2-position of the imidazole ring, respectively, and a m-CONH2 substituent in the phenyl ring generated a highly potent and selective ALK5 inhibitor 11e. Docking model of ALK5 in complex with 11e showed that it fitted well in the ATP-binding pocket with favourable interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung-Soon Park
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Young Jae An
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Hun Choi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Geunyoung Cha
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So-Jung Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Purushottam M Dewang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae-Kee Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Tsilimigras DI, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Moris D, Pawlik TM. Liver Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1296:227-241. [PMID: 34185296 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59038-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently been recognized as an important part of tumor development and growth. TME is a dynamic system orchestrated by immune, cancer and inflammatory cells, as well as the stromal tissue and surrounding extracellular matrix. While TME of primary hepatic tumors is usually characterized by a strong inflammatory background, the TME of liver metastases typically consists of otherwise healthy liver tissue. Chronic inflammation and hypoxia are key to the development and progression of primary liver cancer. The injury caused by chronic inflammation creates a condition of immune evasion that initiates a cascade of events that eventually leads to liver carcinogenesis.With liver metastases, primary tumors "prime" the target organs via secreting factors that induce expansion of myeloid cell populations and create a solid ground for successful cancer settlement. Once in the liver, metastatic cells begin a neovascularization process that is driven mainly by VEGF and FGF. Due to high mortality rates associated with liver cancer, as well as the limited effective treatment options for advanced disease, new therapies are urgently needed. Targeting a single molecule in a number of interactions between the tumor and the TME is highly unlikely to reduce tumor growth. Future trials should focus on combination therapies (i.e. targeted therapies combined with immunotherapy) to treat liver malignancies efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dimitrios Moris
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Ueshima E, Nishiofuku H, Takaki H, Hirata Y, Kodama H, Tanaka T, Kichikawa K, Yamakado K, Okada T, Sofue K, Yamaguchi M, Sugimoto K, Murakami T. Hepatic Artery Embolization Induces the Local Overexpression of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in a Rat Hepatoma Model. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:63-72. [PMID: 32071910 PMCID: PMC7024851 DOI: 10.1159/000502774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The underlying mechanism involved in the recurrence of hepatoma after hepatic arterial embolization (HAE) is not adequately examined. An immunosuppressive cytokine, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), can lead to tumor progression and is affected by hypoxia in various cancers. The study aimed to assess the effect of HAE on the expression of TGF-β1 in a rat hepatoma model. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats bearing N1S1 hepatoma cells underwent HAE (HAE group, n = 5) or sham treatment (sham group, n = 4). The animals were euthanized at 48 h, and liver tissues were harvested. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed to compare the expression of TGF-β1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) between the HAE and sham groups. In vitro experiments with the N1S1 cell line were also performed under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions for 48 h, and the expression of TGF-β1 and HIF-1α was assessed with western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical data comparisons were performed by Student t test. RESULTS IHC showed that both the TGF-β1-positive and HIF-1α-positive tumor peripheral areas were larger in the HAE group (6.59 ± 2.49 and 10.26 ± 4.14%; p < 0.001, respectively) than in the sham group (0.34 ± 0.41 and 0.40 ± 0.84% respectively). Similarly, qPCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and HIF-1α were higher (1.95 ± 0.38-fold and 1.62 ± 0.37-fold; p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) in the HAE group than those in the sham group. TGF-β1 expression was suppressed when HIF-1α inhibitors were added (p = 0.001), and HIF-1α expression was upregulated when exogenous TGF-β1 was added (p = 0.033) in N1S1 cells. CONCLUSION HAE enhanced local TGF-β1 expression in a rat hepatoma model. In vitro experiments suggest that HAE-induced hypoxic stress may trigger the interdependent expression of TGF-β1 and HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Ueshima
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan,*Eisuke Ueshima, MD, PhD, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo (Japan), E-Mail
| | | | - Haruyuki Takaki
- cDepartment of Radiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hirata
- dDepartment of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kodama
- cDepartment of Radiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- bDepartment of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | | | - Koichiro Yamakado
- cDepartment of Radiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keitaro Sofue
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masato Yamaguchi
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Sugimoto
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takamichi Murakami
- aDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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Sanguinarine inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition via targeting HIF-1α/TGF-β feed-forward loop in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:939. [PMID: 31819036 PMCID: PMC6901539 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Hypoxia and excessive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) have been identified as inducers and target for EMT in HCC. Here, we show hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and TGF-β form a feed-forward loop to induce EMT in HCC cells. Further mechanistic study indicates under both hypoxia and TGF-β stimulation, Smad and PI3K-AKT pathways are activated. We show sanguinarine, a natural benzophenanthridine alkaloid, impairs the proliferation of nine kinds of HCC cell lines and the colony formation of HCC cells. In hypoxic and TGF-β cell models, sanguinarine inhibits HIF-1α signaling and the expression of EMT markers, translocation of Snail and activation of both Smad and PI3K-AKT pathways. Sanguinarine could also inhibit TGF-β-induced cell migration in HCC cells. In vivo studies reveal that the administration of sanguinarine inhibits tumor growth and HIF-1α signaling, inhibits the expression changes of EMT markers as well as Smad and PI3K-AKT pathway proteins. Our findings suggest that sanguinarine is a promising candidate targeting HIF-1α/TGF-β signaling to improve the treatment for HCC patients.
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Giles BM, Underwood TT, Benhadji KA, Nelson DKS, Grobeck LM, Lin B, Wang S, Fill JA, Man M, Pitts KR, Bamberg A. Analytical Characterization of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Measurement of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Human Plasma. J Appl Lab Med 2019; 3:200-212. [DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2017.025619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)–signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for many disease states including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the pleiotropic effects of this pathway, patient selection and monitoring may be important. TGF-β1 is the most prevalent isoform, and an assay to measure plasma levels of TGF-β1 would provide a rational biomarker to assist with patient selection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analytically validate a colorimetric ELISA for the quantification of TGF-β1 in human plasma.
Methods
A colorimetric sandwich ELISA for TGF-β1 was analytically validated per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols by assessment of precision, linearity, interfering substances, and stability. A reference range for plasma TGF-β1 was established for apparently healthy individuals and potential applicability was demonstrated in HCC patients.
Results
Precision was assessed for samples ranging from 633 to 10822 pg/mL, with total variance ranging from 28.4% to 7.2%. The assay was linear across the entire measuring range, and no interference of common blood components or similar molecules was observed. For apparently healthy individuals, the average TGF-β1 level was 1985 ± 1488 pg/mL compared to 4243 ± 2003 pg/mL for HCC patients. Additionally, the TGF-β1 level in plasma samples was demonstrated to be stable across all conditions tested, including multiple freeze–thaw cycles.
Conclusions
The ELISA described in this report is suitable for the quantification of TGF-β1 in human plasma and for investigational use in an approved clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Boris Lin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | | | - Michael Man
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN
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Contextual Regulation of TGF-β Signaling in Liver Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101235. [PMID: 31614569 PMCID: PMC6829617 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related death worldwide. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that signals through membrane receptors and intracellular Smad proteins, which enter the nucleus upon receptor activation and act as transcription factors. TGF-β inhibits liver tumorigenesis in the early stage by inducing cytostasis and apoptosis, but promotes malignant progression in more advanced stages by enhancing cancer cell survival, EMT, migration, invasion and finally metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the multi-faceted roles of TGF-β in liver cancer has become a persistent pursuit during the last two decades. Contextual regulation fine-tunes the robustness, duration and plasticity of TGF-β signaling, yielding versatile albeit specific responses. This involves multiple feedback and feed-forward regulatory loops and also the interplay between Smad signaling and non-Smad pathways. This review summarizes the known regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in liver cancer, and how they channel, skew and even switch the actions of TGF-β during cancer progression.
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Shao YY, Li YS, Hsu HW, Lin H, Wang HY, Wo RR, Cheng AL, Hsu CH. Potent Activity of Composite Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibition against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101433. [PMID: 31561409 PMCID: PMC6827105 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cell cycle regulators are common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We tested the efficacy of composite inhibition of CDKs 1, 2, 5, and 9 through dinaciclib on HCC. In vitro, dinaciclib exhibited potent antiproliferative activities in HCC cell lines regardless of Rb or c-myc expression levels. Dinaciclib significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of Rb (target of CDKs 1 and 2), ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (target of CDK5), and RNA polymerase II (target of CDK9) in the HCC cells. In xenograft studies, mice receiving dinaciclib tolerated the treatment well without significant body weight changes and exhibited a significantly slower tumor growth rate than the mice receiving vehicles. RNA interference (RNAi) of CDKs 1 and 9 was more effective in inhibiting the cell proliferation of HCC cells than RNAi of CDKs 2 and 5. Overexpression of CDK9 significantly reduced the efficacy of dinaciclib in HCC cells, but overexpression of CDK1 did not. In conclusion, composite inhibition of CDKs 1, 2, 5, and 9 through dinaciclib exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo activity against HCC. CDK9 inhibition might be the crucial mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yun Shao
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Wei Hsu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Hang Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Han-Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Rita Robin Wo
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
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Faivre S, Santoro A, Kelley RK, Gane E, Costentin CE, Gueorguieva I, Smith C, Cleverly A, Lahn MM, Raymond E, Benhadji KA, Giannelli G. Novel transforming growth factor beta receptor I kinase inhibitor galunisertib (LY2157299) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2019; 39:1468-1477. [PMID: 30963691 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We assessed the activity of galunisertib, a small molecule inhibitor of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) receptor I, in second-line patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in two cohorts of baseline serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP). METHODS Patients with advanced HCC who progressed on or were ineligible to receive sorafenib, Child-Pugh A/B7 and ECOG PS ≤1 were enrolled into Part A (AFP ≥ 1.5× ULN) or Part B (AFP < 1.5× ULN). Patients were treated with 80 or 150 mg galunisertib BID for 14 days per 28-day cycle. Endpoints were time-to-progression (TTP) and changes in circulating AFP and TGF-β1 levels, as well as safety, pharmacokinetics, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Patients (n = 149) were enrolled with median age 65 years. Median TTP was 2.7 months (95% CI: 1.5-2.9) in Part A (n = 109) and 4.2 months (95% CI: 1.7-5.5) in Part B (n = 40). Median OS was 7.3 months (95% CI: 4.9-10.5) in Part A and 16.8 months (95% CI: 10.5-24.4) in Part B. OS was longer in AFP responders (>20% decrease from baseline, Part A) compared to non-responders (21.5 months vs 6.8 months). OS was longer in TGF-β1 responders (>20% decrease from baseline, all patients) compared to non-responders. The most common Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (n = 4) and fatigue, anaemia, increased bilirubin, hypoalbuminemia and embolism (each, n = 2). CONCLUSIONS Galunisertib treatment had a manageable safety profile in patients with HCC. Lower baseline AFP and a response in AFP or TGF-β1 levels (vs no response) correlated with longer survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01246986 at ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Armando Santoro
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Ed Gane
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Claire Smith
- Lilly Research Centre Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, UK
| | - Ann Cleverly
- Lilly Research Centre Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, UK
| | | | - Eric Raymond
- Centre Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| | | | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, Research Instituts "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
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