Impact of Tight Junction Protein ZO-1 and TWIST Expression on Postoperative Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Bestrophin-4 relays HES4 and interacts with TWIST1 to suppress epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cells

Bestrophin isoform 4 (BEST4) is a newly identified subtype of the calcium-activated chloride channel family. Analysis of colonic epithelial cell diversity by single-cell RNA-sequencing has revealed the existence of a cluster of BEST4+ mature colonocytes in humans. However, if the role of BEST4 is involved in regulating tumour progression remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that BEST4 overexpression attenuates cell proliferation, colony formation, and mobility in colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro, and impedes the tumour growth and the liver metastasis in vivo. BEST4 is co-expressed with hairy/enhancer of split 4 (HES4) in the nucleus of cells, and HES4 signals BEST4 by interacting with the upstream region of the BEST4 promoter. BEST4 is epistatic to HES4 and downregulates TWIST1, thereby inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC. Conversely, knockout of BEST4 using CRISPR/Cas9 in CRC cells revitalises tumour growth and induces EMT. Furthermore, the low level of the BEST4 mRNA is correlated with advanced and the worse prognosis, suggesting its potential role involving CRC progression.

Co-targeting CDK 4/6 and C-MYC/STAT3/CCND1 axis and inhibition of tumorigenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in triple negative breast cancer by Pt(II) complexes bearing NH3 as trans-co-ligand

In search of potential anticancer agents, we synthesized SNO-donor salicylaldimine main ligand-based Pt(II) complexes bearing NH3 as co-ligand at trans-position (C1-C6). These complexes showed similarity in structure with transplatin as the two N donor atoms of the main ligand and NH3 co-ligand were coordinated to Pt in trans position to each other. Each complex with different substituents on the main ligand was characterized thoroughly by detailed spectroscopic and spectrophotometric methods. Four of these complexes were studied in solid state by single crystal X-ray analysis. The stability of reference complex C1 was measured in solution state in DMSO‑d6 or its mixture with D2O using 1H NMR methods. These complexes were further investigated for their anticancer activity in triple-negative-breast (TNBC) cells including MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-436 cells. All these complexes showed satisfactory cytotoxic effect as revealed by the MTT results. Importantly, the highly active complex C4 anticancer effect was compared to the standard chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Functionally, C4 suppressed invasion, spheroids formation ability and clonogenic potential of cancer cells. C4 showed synergistic anticancer effect when used in combination with palbociclib, JQ1 and paclitaxel in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, C4 inhibited cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 pathway and targeted the expressions of MYC/STAT3/CCND1/CNNE1 axis. Furthermore, C4 suppressed the EMT signaling pathway that suggested a role of C4 in the inhibition of TNBC metastasis. Our findings may pave further in detailed mechanistic study on these complexes as potential chemotherapeutic agents in different types of human cancers.

Tight Junction Proteins as Therapeutic Targets to Treat Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In the last decade tight junction proteins exposed at the surface of liver or cancer cells have been uncovered as mediators of liver disease biology: Claudin-1 and Occludin are host factors for hepatitis C virus entry and Claudin-1 has been identified as a driver for liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, Claudins have emerged as therapeutic targets for liver disease and HCC. CLDN1 expression is upregulated in liver fibrosis and HCC. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting Claudin-1 have completed preclinical proof-of-concept studies for treatment of liver fibrosis and HCC and are currently in clinical development for advanced liver fibrosis. Claudin-6 overexpression is associated with an HCC aggressive phenotype and treatment resistance. Claudin-6 mAbs or chimeric antigen receptor-T cells therapies are currently being clinically investigated for Claudin-6 overexpressing tumors. In conclusion, targeting Claudin proteins offers a novel clinical opportunity for the treatment of patients with advanced liver fibrosis and HCC.

Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint

Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.

Role of zonula occludens in gastrointestinal and liver cancers

A growing body of evidence suggests that tight junction (TJ) proteins play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TJ proteins primarily maintain the epithelial and endothelial cells intact together through integral proteins however, recent reports suggest that they also regulate gene expression necessary for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis through adapter proteins such as zonula occludens (ZO). ZO proteins are membrane-associated cytosolic scaffolding proteins that modulate cell proliferation by interacting with several transcription factors. Reduced ZO proteins in GI cancer and HCC are correlated with tumor development and poor prognosis. Pubmed has searched for using the keyword ZO and gastric cancer, ZO and cancer, and ZO and HCC for the last ten years to date. This review summarized the role of ZO proteins in cell proliferation and their expression in GI cancer and HCC. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions targeting ZO in GI and liver cancers are reviewed.

Immunomodulation by probiotics and prebiotics in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary malignancy in patients suffering from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Recent attention has been paid to the involvement of the gut-liver axis (GLA) in HCC pathogenesis. This axis results from a bidirectional, anatomical and functional relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the liver. Moreover, the complex network of interactions between the intestinal microbiome and the liver plays a crucial role in modulation of the HCC-tumor microenvironment, contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC by exposing the liver to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides, DNA, peptidoglycans and flagellin. Indeed, the alteration of gut microflora may disturb the intestinal barrier, bringing several toll-like receptor ligands to the liver thus activating the inflammatory response. This review explores the new therapeutic opportunities that may arise from novel insights into the mechanisms by which microbiota immunomodulation, represented by probiotics, and prebiotics, affects HCC through the GLA.

CHPF Regulates the Aggressive Phenotypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the Modulation of the Decorin and TGF-β Pathways

Simple Summary

Altered extracellular chondroitin sulfate (CS) contributes to tumor progression in many cancers. CHPF is a key enzyme supporting the elongation of CS. Here we showed that CHPF was frequently downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues, and its downregulation was associated with poor overall survival. CHPF regulated aggressive phenotypes of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and the TGF-β pathway involved in the phenotypical changes. Mechanistically, CHPF modified CS on decorin (DCN), which could facilitate DCN accumulation surrounding HCC cells, and modulate activation of TGF-β pathway. Indeed, the expression of DCN were positively associated with CHPF levels in primary HCC tissue. The research proposed novel insights into the significance of CHPF, which modified DCN and modulated TGF-β signaling.

Abstract

Aberrant composition of glycans in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and abnormal expression of extracellular matrix proteins are hallmarks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the mechanisms responsible for establishing the TME remain unclear. We demonstrate that the chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF), an enzyme that mediates the elongation of chondroitin sulfate (CS), is a critical elicitor of the malignant characteristics of HCC as it modifies the potent tumor suppressor, decorin (DCN). CHPF expression is frequently downregulated in HCC tumors, which is associated with the poor overall survival of HCC patients. We observed that restoring CHPF expression suppressed HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TGF-β signaling is associated with CHPF-induced phenotype changes. We found that DCN, as a TGF-β regulator, is modified by CHPF, and that it affects the distribution of DCN on the surface of HCC cells. Importantly, our results confirm that CHPF and DCN expression levels are positively correlated in primary HCC tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that CHPF dysregulation contributes to the malignancy of HCC cells, and our study provides novel insights into the significance of CS, which affects DCN expression in the TME.

IGF2BP3 and miR191-5p synergistically increase HCC cell invasiveness by altering ZO-1 expression

Early studies have indicated that insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3/IMP3) may affect the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the detailed underlying mechanisms, particularly its linkage to tight junction protein-mediated cell invasion, remain unclear. The present study revealed that IGF2BP3 increased HCC cell invasiveness by suppressing zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression, via direct binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR). Analysis of the molecular mechanisms demonstrated that IGF2BP3 binds to the overlapping targets of IGF2BP3-RNA cross-linkage and microRNA (miR)191-5p targeting sites, and promotes the formation of an miR191-5p-induced RNA-induced silencing complex. The knockdown of IGF2BP3 or the addition of a miR-191-5p inhibitor decreased cellular invasiveness and increased ZO-1 expression. Analysis of the human HCC database also confirmed the association between IGF2BP3 and HCC progression. Collectively, these preclinical findings suggest that IGF2BP3 increases HCC cell invasiveness by promoting the miR191-5p-induced suppression of ZO-1 signaling. This newly identified signaling effect on small molecule targeting may aid in the development of novel strategies with which to inhibit HCC progression more effectively.

Tight Junction Proteins and the Biology of Hepatobiliary Disease

Tight junctions (TJ) are intercellular adhesion complexes on epithelial cells and composed of integral membrane proteins as well as cytosolic adaptor proteins. Tight junction proteins have been recognized to play a key role in health and disease. In the liver, TJ proteins have several functions: they contribute as gatekeepers for paracellular diffusion between adherent hepatocytes or cholangiocytes to shape the blood-biliary barrier (BBIB) and maintain tissue homeostasis. At non-junctional localizations, TJ proteins are involved in key regulatory cell functions such as differentiation, proliferation, and migration by recruiting signaling proteins in response to extracellular stimuli. Moreover, TJ proteins are hepatocyte entry factors for the hepatitis C virus (HCV)—a major cause of liver disease and cancer worldwide. Perturbation of TJ protein expression has been reported in chronic HCV infection, cholestatic liver diseases as well as hepatobiliary carcinoma. Here we review the physiological function of TJ proteins in the liver and their implications in hepatobiliary diseases.

microRNA-16 Via Twist1 Inhibits EMT Induced by PM2.5 Exposure in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Epidemiological study has confirmed that PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) is associated with the incidence and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accordingly, this study was undertaken to investigate the pro-metastatic effects of PM2.5 on human HCC cell line SMMC-7721 in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells; scratch wound assay and transwell matrigel system has been used to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells; furthermore, effect of PM2.5 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SMMC-7721 cells were examined by examining the EMT markers vimentin, ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), and E-cadherin; furthermore, the roles of microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 in PM2.5 induced carcinogenic effects were also examined. Results of CCK-8 assay suggested that PM2.5 promoted the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. PM2.5 also markedly promoted the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells. Moreover, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was also triggered by PM2.5. On the other hand, microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 was found to be mediated by PM2.5, and miR-16 mimic could suppress the metastatic ability of SMMC-7721 cells exposure to PM2.5 via inversely regulating the expression of Twist1. Furthermore, dual Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the specifically binding of miR-16 to the predicted 3′-UTR of Twist1. The present study confirmed the pro-proliferative and pro-metastatic effect of PM2.5 on HCC cell line SMMC-7721. The possible mechanisms were EMT process induced by PM2.5 in SMMC-7721 cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in miR-16 and increase in Twist1 expression.

Ten years of research on the role of BVES/ POPDC1 in human disease: a review

Since the blood vessel epicardial substance or Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (BVES/POPDC1) was first identified in the developing heart by two independent laboratories in 1999, an increasing number of studies have investigated the structure, function, and related diseases of BVES/POPDC1. During the first 10 years following the discovery of BVES/POPDC1, studies focused mainly on its structure, expression patterns, and functions. Based on these studies, further investigations conducted over the previous decade examined the role of BVES/POPDC1 in human diseases, such as colitis, heart diseases, and human cancers. This review provides an overview of the structure and expression of BVES/POPDC1, mainly focusing on its potential role and mechanism through which it is involved in human cancers.

miR-431-5p alters the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers by targeting UROC28 in hepatoma cells

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA (miR)-431 plays an essential role in various human cancer types, particularly in the process of invasion. However, the function and mechanism of miR-431-5p in the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undefined.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-431-5p and its potential target protein UROC28 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tissues were detected, and the levels of EMT markers in vivo and in vitro were also detected.

RESULTS

MiR-431-5p was downregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues and associated with vascular invasion and tumor encapsulation. Furthermore, miR-431-5p was able to influence the epithelialto-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in HCCLM3 and HUH7 cells. Mechanistically, it was discovered that miR-431-5p repressed invasion by targeting UROC28. Furthermore, miR-431-5p influenced the EMT markers in HCCLM3 and HUH7 cells by downregulating UROC28 expression. Similarly, in vivo assays confirmed that miR-431-5p upregulation in HCC cells remarkably inhibited tumor proliferation and influenced the EMT markers.

CONCLUSION

The current study has demonstrated that the miR-431-5p/UROC28 axis acts possible influence on the EMT in HCC. Upregulation of miR-431-5p could be an original approach for inhibiting tumor invasion.

Increased systemic zonula occludens 1 associated with inflammation and independent biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent type of primary liver cancer, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Indeed, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well understood. Previous studies have shown evidence that tight junction (TJ) components were correlated with carcinogenesis and tumor development. Our aims were to determine the serum levels of tight junction protein Zonula Occludens (ZO)-1 and an inflammatory marker such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in HCC patients compared to healthy volunteers and also to identify the association between ZO-1 and inflammation in HCC.

Methods

Thirty HCC patients and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited in the current study. Clinical data regarding child class, BCLC staging, the number of lesions, tumor size, absence or presence of metastasis, cirrhosis and hepatitis infection were also collected in HCC patients. Plasma ZO-1 and serum hsCRP were analyzed by EIA and ELISA respectively and biochemical parameters by autoanalyser (AU680 Beckman Coulter, USA). Furthermore, hepatic ZO-1 protein expression and tissue localization were examined.

Results

Compared to healthy individuals, the serum levels of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated significantly (P < 0.0001) whilst serum albumin level was significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased in HCC patients. Furthermore, tight junction protein ZO-1 concentration was significantly elevated in HCC patients compared to control subjects (648 ± 183.8 vs. 396.4 ± 135.8 pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.0001). Serum hsCRP level was also significantly increased in HCC patients compared to control subjects (17.25 ± 3.57 vs. 5.54 ± 2.62 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.0001). Moreover, decreased protein expression of ZO-1 was found in liver tissue obtained from HCC patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show for the first time that the systemic concentration of ZO-1 was significantly elevated in HCC patients and is positively correlated with inflammatory markers. Thus, the current study showing evidence that inflammation promotes plasma ZO-1 concentration and raises the possibility that it could be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for HCC progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4484-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.