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Yang Y, Wang J, Wan J, Cheng Q, Cheng Z, Zhou X, Wang O, Shi K, Wang L, Wang B, Zhu X, Chen J, Feng D, Liu Y, Jahan-Mihan Y, Haddock AN, Edenfield BH, Peng G, Hohenstein JD, McCabe CE, O'Brien DR, Wang C, Ilyas SI, Jiang L, Torbenson MS, Wang H, Nakhleh RE, Shi X, Wang Y, Bi Y, Gores GJ, Patel T, Ji B. PTEN deficiency induces an extrahepatic cholangitis-cholangiocarcinoma continuum via aurora kinase A in mice. J Hepatol 2024; 81:120-134. [PMID: 38428643 PMCID: PMC11259013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.018] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The PTEN-AKT pathway is frequently altered in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). We aimed to evaluate the role of PTEN in the pathogenesis of eCCA and identify novel therapeutic targets for this disease. METHODS The Pten gene was genetically deleted using the Cre-loxp system in biliary epithelial cells. The pathologies were evaluated both macroscopically and histologically. The characteristics were further analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription PCR, cell culture, and RNA sequencing. Some features were compared to those in human eCCA samples. Further mechanistic studies utilized the conditional knockout of Trp53 and Aurora kinase A (Aurka) genes. We also tested the effectiveness of an Aurka inhibitor. RESULTS We observed that genetic deletion of the Pten gene in the extrahepatic biliary epithelium and peri-ductal glands initiated sclerosing cholangitis-like lesions in mice, resulting in enlarged and distorted extrahepatic bile ducts in mice as early as 1 month after birth. Histologically, these lesions exhibited increased epithelial proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. With aging, the lesions progressed from low-grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Trp53 inactivation further accelerated disease progression, potentially by downregulating senescence. Further mechanistic studies showed that both human and mouse eCCA showed high expression of AURKA. Notably, the genetic deletion of Aurka completely eliminated Pten deficiency-induced extrahepatic bile duct lesions. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Aurka alleviated disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Pten deficiency in extrahepatic cholangiocytes and peribiliary glands led to a cholangitis-to-cholangiocarcinoma continuum that was dependent on Aurka. These findings offer new insights into preventive and therapeutic interventions for extrahepatic CCA. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The aberrant PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is commonly observed in human extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), a disease with a poor prognosis. In our study, we developed a mouse model mimicking cholangitis to eCCA progression by conditionally deleting the Pten gene via Pdx1-Cre in epithelial cells and peribiliary glands of the extrahepatic biliary duct. The conditional Pten deletion in these cells led to cholangitis, which gradually advanced to dysplasia, ultimately resulting in eCCA. The loss of Pten heightened Akt signaling, cell proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, epigenetic signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell dysplasia, and cellular senescence. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of Aurka successfully halted disease progression. This model will be valuable for testing novel therapies and unraveling the mechanisms of eCCA tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jianhua Wan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Qianqian Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zenong Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xueli Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Oliver Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Kelvin Shi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Lingxiang Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jiaxiang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Dongfeng Feng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ashley N Haddock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Guang Peng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Chantal E McCabe
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R O'Brien
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sumera I Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Liuyan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Raouf E Nakhleh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Xuemei Shi
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Baoan Ji
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
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Abstract
All cancers arise from normal cells whose progeny acquire the cancer-initiating mutations and epigenetic modifications leading to frank tumorigenesis. The identity of those "cells-of-origin" has historically been a source of controversy across tumor types, as it has not been possible to witness the dynamic events giving rise to human tumors. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer provide an invaluable substitute, enabling researchers to interrogate the competence of various naive cellular compartments to initiate tumors in vivo. Researchers using these models have relied on lineage-specific promoters, knowledge of preneoplastic disease states in humans, and technical advances allowing more precise manipulations of the mouse germline. These approaches have given rise to the emerging view that multiple lineages within a given organ may generate tumors with similar histopathology. Here, we review some of the key studies leading to this conclusion in solid tumors and highlight the biological and clinical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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3
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Alexander WB, Wang W, Hill MA, O'Dell MR, Ruffolo LI, Guo B, Jackson KM, Ullman N, Friedland SC, McCall MN, Patel A, Figueroa-Guilliani N, Georger M, Belt BA, Whitney-Miller CL, Linehan DC, Murphy PJ, Hezel AF. Smad4 restricts injury-provoked biliary proliferation and carcinogenesis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050358. [PMID: 38415925 PMCID: PMC10924230 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a deadly and heterogeneous type of cancer characterized by a spectrum of epidemiologic associations as well as genetic and epigenetic alterations. We seek to understand how these features inter-relate in the earliest phase of cancer development and through the course of disease progression. For this, we studied murine models of liver injury integrating the most commonly occurring gene mutations of CCA - including Kras, Tp53, Arid1a and Smad4 - as well as murine hepatobiliary cancer models and derived primary cell lines based on these mutations. Among commonly mutated genes in CCA, we found that Smad4 functions uniquely to restrict reactive cholangiocyte expansion to liver injury through restraint of the proliferative response. Inactivation of Smad4 accelerates carcinogenesis, provoking pre-neoplastic biliary lesions and CCA development in an injury setting. Expression analyses of Smad4-perturbed reactive cholangiocytes and CCA lines demonstrated shared enriched pathways, including cell-cycle regulation, MYC signaling and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that Smad4 may act via these mechanisms to regulate cholangiocyte proliferation and progression to CCA. Overall, we showed that TGFβ/SMAD4 signaling serves as a critical barrier restraining cholangiocyte expansion and malignant transformation in states of biliary injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B. Alexander
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Margaret A. Hill
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Michael R. O'Dell
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Luis I. Ruffolo
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Katherine M. Jackson
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Nicholas Ullman
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Scott C. Friedland
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Matthew N. McCall
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ankit Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - Mary Georger
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Brian A. Belt
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Christa L. Whitney-Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David C. Linehan
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Patrick J. Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Aram F. Hezel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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4
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Zhu X, Yang Y, Feng D, Wang O, Chen J, Wang J, Wang B, Liu Y, Edenfield BH, Haddock AN, Wang Y, Patel T, Bi Y, Ji B. Albumin promoter-driven FlpO expression induces efficient genetic recombination in mouse liver. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G495-G503. [PMID: 38469630 PMCID: PMC11376971 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00263.2023] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Tissue-specific gene manipulations are widely used in genetically engineered mouse models. A single recombinase system, such as the one using Alb-Cre, has been commonly used for liver-specific genetic manipulations. However, most diseases are complex, involving multiple genetic changes and various cell types. A dual recombinase system is required for conditionally modifying different genes sequentially in the same cell or inducing genetic changes in different cell types within the same organism. A FlpO cDNA was inserted between the last exon and 3'-UTR of the mouse albumin gene in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC-Alb-FlpO). The founders were crossed with various reporter mice to examine the efficiency of recombination. Liver cancer tumorigenesis was investigated by crossing the FlpO mice with FSF-KrasG12D mice and p53frt mice (KPF mice). BAC-Alb-FlpO mice exhibited highly efficient recombination capability in both hepatocytes and intrahepatic cholangiocytes. No recombination was observed in the duodenum and pancreatic cells. BAC-Alb-FlpO-mediated liver-specific expression of mutant KrasG12D and conditional deletion of p53 gene caused the development of liver cancer. Remarkably, liver cancer in these KPF mice manifested a distinctive mixed hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma phenotype. A highly efficient and liver-specific BAC-Alb-FlpO mouse model was developed. In combination with other Cre lines, different genes can be manipulated sequentially in the same cell, or distinct genetic changes can be induced in different cell types of the same organism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A liver-specific Alb-FlpO mouse line was generated. By coupling it with other existing CreERT or Cre lines, the dual recombinase approach can enable sequential gene modifications within the same cell or across various cell types in an organism for liver research through temporal and spatial gene manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Dongfeng Feng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Oliver Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Jiaxiang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Jiale Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Brandy H Edenfield
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Ashley N Haddock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Baoan Ji
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
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5
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McGreevy O, Bosakhar M, Gilbert T, Quinn M, Fenwick S, Malik H, Goldring C, Randle L. The importance of preclinical models in cholangiocarcinoma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024:108304. [PMID: 38653585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108304] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an adenocarcinoma of the hepatobiliary system with a grim prognosis. Incidence is rising globally and surgery is currently the only curative treatment, but is only available for patients who are fit and diagnosed in an early-stage of disease progression. Great importance has been placed on developing preclinical models to help further our understanding of CCA and potential treatments to improve therapeutic outcomes. Preclinical models of varying complexity and cost have been established, ranging from more simplistic in vitro 2D CCA cell lines in culture, to more complex in vivo genetically engineered mouse models. Currently there is no single model that faithfully recaptures the complexities of human CCA and the in vivo tumour microenvironment. Instead a multi-model approach should be used when designing preclinical trials to study CCA and potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen McGreevy
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mohammed Bosakhar
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Timothy Gilbert
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK; Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, L7 8XP, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marc Quinn
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK; Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, L7 8XP, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen Fenwick
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, L7 8XP, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hassan Malik
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, L7 8XP, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Goldring
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Laura Randle
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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6
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Feng Y, Zhao M, Wang L, Li L, Lei JH, Zhou J, Chen J, Wu Y, Miao K, Deng CX. The heterogeneity of signaling pathways and drug responses in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with distinct genetic mutations. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:34. [PMID: 38212325 PMCID: PMC10784283 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06406-7] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common malignancy among primary liver cancers, with an increasing overall incidence and poor prognosis. The intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity of ICC makes it difficult to find efficient drug therapies. Therefore, it is essential to identify tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes that induce ICC formation and progression. Here, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-wide screening in a liver-specific Smad4/Pten knockout mouse model (Smad4co/co;Ptenco/co;Alb-Cre, abbreviated as SPC), which normally generates ICC after 6 months, and detected that mutations in Trp53, Fbxw7, Inppl1, Tgfbr2, or Cul3 markedly accelerated ICC formation. To illustrate the potential mechanisms, we conducted transcriptome sequencing and found that multiple receptor tyrosine kinases were activated, which mainly upregulated the PI3K pathway to induce cell proliferation. Remarkably, the Cul3 mutation stimulated cancer progression mainly by altering the immune microenvironment, whereas other mutations promoted the cell cycle. Moreover, Fbxw7, Inppl1, Tgfbr2, and Trp53 also affect inflammatory responses, apelin signaling, mitotic spindles, ribosome biogenesis, and nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways, respectively. We further examined FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of liver cancer and performed high-throughput drug screening of the gene-mutant organoids. Different drug responses and promising drug therapies, including chemotherapy and targeted drugs, have been discovered for ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijian Wang
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ling Li
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Josh Haipeng Lei
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jingbo Zhou
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Kai Miao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
- Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
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7
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Dibra D, Gagea M, Qi Y, Chau GP, Su X, Lozano G. p53R245W Mutation Fuels Cancer Initiation and Metastases in NASH-driven Liver Tumorigenesis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2640-2652. [PMID: 38047594 PMCID: PMC10761659 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a significant global health concern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are common risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are closely associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity and diabetes. The TP53 tumor suppressor is the most frequently mutated gene in liver cancers, with half of these alterations being missense mutations. These mutations produce highly abundant proteins in cancer cells which have both inhibitory effects on wildtype (WT) p53, and gain-of-function (GOF) activities that contribute to tumor progression. A Western diet increases p53 activity in the liver. To elucidate the functional consequences of Trp53 mutations in a NASH-driven liver tumorigenesis model, we generated somatic mouse models with Trp53 deletion or the missense hotspot mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes and placed mice on a high-fat, choline-deficient diet. p53R245W in the presence of diet increased fatty liver, compensatory proliferation in the liver parenchyma, and enriched genes of tumor-promoting pathways such as KRAS signaling, MYC, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition when compared with controls in the premalignant liver. Moreover, p53R245W suppressed transcriptional activity of WT p53 in the liver in vivo under metabolic challenges, and shortened survival and doubling of HCC incidence as compared with control heterozygous mice. Complete loss of Trp53 also significantly accelerated liver tumor incidence and lowered time-to-tumor development compared with WT controls. p53R245W GOF properties increased carcinoma initiation, fueled mixed hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastatic disease. Collectively, our in vivo studies indicate that p53R245W has stronger tumor promoting activities than Trp53 loss in the context of NASH. SIGNIFICANCE Using somatic NASH-driven mouse models with p53 deletion or mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes, we discovered that p53R245W increased carcinoma initiation, fueled hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denada Dibra
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mihai Gagea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuan Qi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gilda P. Chau
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaoping Su
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Guillermina Lozano
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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8
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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9
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Zohud O, Lone IM, Nashef A, Iraqi FA. Towards system genetics analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using the mouse model, cellular platform, and clinical human data. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:537-558. [PMID: 38129938 PMCID: PMC10757216 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12367] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is a leading global malignancy. Every year, More than 830 000 people are diagnosed with HNSCC globally, with more than 430 000 fatalities. HNSCC is a deadly diverse malignancy with many tumor locations and biological characteristics. It originates from the squamous epithelium of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. The most frequently impacted regions are the tongue and larynx. Previous investigations have demonstrated the critical role of host genetic susceptibility in the progression of HNSCC. Despite the advances in our knowledge, the improved survival rate of HNSCC patients over the last 40 years has been limited. Failure to identify the molecular origins of development of HNSCC and the genetic basis of the disease and its biological heterogeneity impedes the development of new therapeutic methods. These results indicate a need to identify more genetic factors underlying this complex disease, which can be better used in early detection and prevention strategies. The lack of reliable animal models to investigate the underlying molecular processes is one of the most significant barriers to understanding HNSCC tumors. In this report, we explore and discuss potential research prospects utilizing the Collaborative Cross mouse model and crossing it to mice carrying single or double knockout genes (e.g. Smad4 and P53 genes) to identify genetic factors affecting the development of this complex disease using genome-wide association studies, epigenetics, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, lncRNA, histone modifications, methylation, phosphorylation, and proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osayd Zohud
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Iqbal M. Lone
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Aysar Nashef
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryBaruch Padeh Medical CenterPoriyaIsrael
- Azrieli Faculty of MedicineBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat GanIsrael
| | - Fuad A. Iraqi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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10
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Qahaz N, Lone IM, Khadija A, Ghnaim A, Zohud O, Nun NB, Nashef A, Abu El-Naaj I, Iraqi FA. Host Genetic Background Effect on Body Weight Changes Influenced by Heterozygous Smad4 Knockout Using Collaborative Cross Mouse Population. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16136. [PMID: 38003328 PMCID: PMC10671513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216136] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and its attendant conditions have become major health problems worldwide, and obesity is currently ranked as the fifth most common cause of death globally. Complex environmental and genetic factors are causes of the current obesity epidemic. Diet, lifestyle, chemical exposure, and other confounding factors are difficult to manage in humans. The mice model is helpful in researching genetic BW gain because genetic and environmental risk factors can be controlled in mice. Studies in mouse strains with various genetic backgrounds and established genetic structures provide unparalleled opportunities to find and analyze trait-related genomic loci. In this study, we used the Collaborative Cross (CC), a large panel of recombinant inbred mouse strains, to present a predictive study using heterozygous Smad4 knockout profiles of CC mice to understand and effectively identify predispositions to body weight gain. Male C57Bl/6J Smad4+/- mice were mated with female mice from 10 different CC lines to create F1 mice (Smad4+/-x CC). Body weight (BW) was measured weekly until week 16 and then monthly until the end of the study (week 48). The heritability (H2) of the assessed traits was estimated and presented. Comparative analysis of various machine learning algorithms for predicting the BW changes and genotype of mice was conducted. Our data showed that the body weight records of F1 mice with different CC lines differed between wild-type and mutant Smad4 mice during the experiment. Genetic background affects weight gain and some lines gained more weight in the presence of heterozygous Smad4 knockout, while others gained less, but, in general, the mutation caused overweight mice, except for a few lines. In both control and mutant groups, female %BW had a higher heritability (H2) value than males. Additionally, both sexes with wild-type genotypes showed higher heritability values than the mutant group. Logistic regression provides the most accurate mouse genotype predictions using machine learning. We plan to validate the proposed method on more CC lines and mice per line to expand the literature on machine learning for BW prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayrouz Qahaz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Iqbal M. Lone
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Aya Khadija
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Aya Ghnaim
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Osayd Zohud
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Nadav Ben Nun
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
| | - Aysar Nashef
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel; (A.N.); (I.A.E.-N.)
| | - Imad Abu El-Naaj
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel; (A.N.); (I.A.E.-N.)
| | - Fuad A. Iraqi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.Q.); (I.M.L.); (A.K.); (A.G.); (O.Z.); (N.B.N.)
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11
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Manzano-Núñez F, Prates Tiago Aguilar L, Sempoux C, Lemaigre FP. Biliary Tract Cancer: Molecular Biology of Precursor Lesions. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:472-484. [PMID: 37944999 DOI: 10.1055/a-2207-9834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer is a devastating malignancy of the bile ducts and gallbladder with a dismal prognosis. The study of precancerous lesions has received considerable attention and led to a histopathological classification which, in some respects, remains an evolving field. Consequently, increasing efforts have been devoted to characterizing the molecular pathogenesis of the precursor lesions, with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression, and with the ultimate goal of meeting the challenges of early diagnosis and treatment. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms that initiate and promote the development of precursor lesions of intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and of gallbladder carcinoma. It addresses the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic landscape of these precursors and provides an overview of animal and organoid models used to study them. In conclusion, this review summarizes the known molecular features of precancerous lesions in biliary tract cancer and highlights our fragmentary knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of tumor initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christine Sempoux
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Shirakami Y, Kato J, Ohnishi M, Taguchi D, Maeda T, Ideta T, Kubota M, Sakai H, Tomita H, Tanaka T, Shimizu M. A Novel Mouse Model of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Induced by Azoxymethane. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14581. [PMID: 37834032 PMCID: PMC10572168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary cancer of the liver and has a poor prognosis. Various animal models, including carcinogen-induced and genetically engineered rodent models, have been established to clarify the mechanisms underlying cholangiocarcinoma development. In the present study, we developed a novel mouse model of malignant lesions in the biliary ducts induced by the administration of the carcinogen azoxymethane to obese C57BLKS/J-db/db mice. A histopathological analysis revealed that the biliary tract lesions in the liver appeared to be an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with higher tumor incidence, shorter experimental duration, and a markedly increased incidence in obese mice. Molecular markers analyzed using a microarray and a qPCR indicated that the cancerous lesions originated from the cholangiocytes and developed in the inflamed livers. These findings indicated that this is a novel mouse model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the context of steatohepatitis. This model can be used to provide a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of cholangiocarcinoma and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Junichi Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Masaya Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Daisuke Taguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Toshihide Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Takayasu Ideta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Hiroyasu Sakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan;
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Department of Pathological Diagnosis, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu 500-8513, Japan;
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; (J.K.); (M.O.); (D.T.); (T.M.); (T.I.); (M.K.); (H.S.); (M.S.)
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13
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Galvão FHF, Traldi MCC, Araújo RSS, Stefano JT, D'Albuquerque LAC, Oliveira CP. PRECLINICAL MODELS OF LIVER CÂNCER. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:383-392. [PMID: 37792769 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230302023-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
•In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis: classic models, new transgenic and combined models, that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. •Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches. •Cholangiocarcinoma has been highlighted, with an increase in prevalence. This review has an important role in understanding the pathophysiology and the development of new drugs. Background - This manuscript provides an overview of liver carcinogenesis in murine models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Objective - A review through MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to assess articles until August 2022.Methods - Search was conducted of the entire electronic databases and the keywords used was HCC, CCA, carcinogenesis, animal models and liver. Articles exclusion was based on the lack of close relation to the subject. Carcinogenesis models of HCC include HCC induced by senescence in transgenic animals, HCC diet-induced, HCC induced by chemotoxicagents, xenograft, oncogenes, and HCC in transgenic animals inoculated with B and C virus. The models of CCA include the use of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), thioacetamide (TAA), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CCA murine models may also be induced by: CCA cells, genetic manipulation, Smad4, PTEN and p53 knockout, xenograft, and DEN-left median bile duct ligation. Results - In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic, physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. Conclusion - Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Henrique Ferreira Galvão
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Clara Camargo Traldi
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Stefano
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Luiz Augusto Carneiro D'Albuquerque
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Claudia P Oliveira
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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14
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Selven H, Busund LTR, Andersen S, Pedersen MI, Lombardi APG, Kilvaer TK. High Expression of IRS-1, RUNX3 and SMAD4 Are Positive Prognostic Factors in Stage I-III Colon Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051448. [PMID: 36900240 PMCID: PMC10000923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051448] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a common malignancy and a major contributor to human morbidity and mortality. In this study, we explore the expression and prognostic impact of IRS-1, IRS-2, RUNx3, and SMAD4 in colon cancer. Furthermore, we elucidate their correlations with miRs 126, 17-5p, and 20a-5p, which are identified as potential regulators of these proteins. Tumor tissue from 452 patients operated for stage I-III colon cancer was retrospectively collected and assembled into tissue microarrays. Biomarkers' expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry and analyzed using digital pathology. In univariate analyses, high expression levels of IRS1 in stromal cytoplasm, RUNX3 in tumor (nucleus and cytoplasm) and stroma (nucleus and cytoplasm), and SMAD4 in tumor (nucleus and cytoplasm) and stromal cytoplasm were related to increased disease-specific survival (DSS). In multivariate analyses, high expression of IRS1 in stromal cytoplasm, RUNX3 in tumor nucleus and stromal cytoplasm, and high expression of SMAD4 in tumor and stromal cytoplasm remained independent predictors of improved DSS. Surprisingly, with the exception of weak correlations (0.2 < r < 0.25) between miR-126 and SMAD4, the investigated markers were mostly uncorrelated with the miRs. However, weak to moderate/strong correlations (0.3 < r < 0.6) were observed between CD3 and CD8 positive lymphocyte density and stromal RUNX3 expression. High expression levels of IRS1, RUNX3, and SMAD4 are positive prognostic factors in stage I-III colon cancer. Furthermore, stromal expression of RUNX3 is associated with increased lymphocyte density, suggesting that RUNX3 is an important mediator during recruitment and activation of immune cells in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallgeir Selven
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lill-Tove Rasmussen Busund
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sigve Andersen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mona Irene Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Karsten Kilvaer
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-905-24-635
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15
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Calvisi DF, Boulter L, Vaquero J, Saborowski A, Fabris L, Rodrigues PM, Coulouarn C, Castro RE, Segatto O, Raggi C, van der Laan LJW, Carpino G, Goeppert B, Roessler S, Kendall TJ, Evert M, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Valle JW, Vogel A, Bridgewater J, Borad MJ, Gores GJ, Roberts LR, Marin JJG, Andersen JB, Alvaro D, Forner A, Banales JM, Cardinale V, Macias RIR, Vicent S, Chen X, Braconi C, Verstegen MMA, Fouassier L. Criteria for preclinical models of cholangiocarcinoma: scientific and medical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-022-00739-y. [PMID: 36755084 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy that develops at any point along the biliary tree. CCA has a poor prognosis, its clinical management remains challenging, and effective treatments are lacking. Therefore, preclinical research is of pivotal importance and necessary to acquire a deeper understanding of CCA and improve therapeutic outcomes. Preclinical research involves developing and managing complementary experimental models, from in vitro assays using primary cells or cell lines cultured in 2D or 3D to in vivo models with engrafted material, chemically induced CCA or genetically engineered models. All are valuable tools with well-defined advantages and limitations. The choice of a preclinical model is guided by the question(s) to be addressed; ideally, results should be recapitulated in independent approaches. In this Consensus Statement, a task force of 45 experts in CCA molecular and cellular biology and clinicians, including pathologists, from ten countries provides recommendations on the minimal criteria for preclinical models to provide a uniform approach. These recommendations are based on two rounds of questionnaires completed by 35 (first round) and 45 (second round) experts to reach a consensus with 13 statements. An agreement was defined when at least 90% of the participants voting anonymously agreed with a statement. The ultimate goal was to transfer basic laboratory research to the clinics through increased disease understanding and to develop clinical biomarkers and innovative therapies for patients with CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Cancer Research UK Scottish Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Javier Vaquero
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Saborowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Digestive Disease Section, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signalling), UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Rui E Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oreste Segatto
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Raggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplantation Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Ludwigsburg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan W Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - John Bridgewater
- Department of Medical Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jose J G Marin
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alejandro Forner
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Liver Unit, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Silve Vicent
- University of Navarra, Centre for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumours, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chiara Braconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Monique M A Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplantation Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
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16
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Shiode Y, Kodama T, Shigeno S, Murai K, Tanaka S, Newberg JY, Kondo J, Kobayashi S, Yamada R, Hikita H, Sakamori R, Suemizu H, Tatsumi T, Eguchi H, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Takehara T. TNF receptor-related factor 3 inactivation promotes the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through NF-κB-inducing kinase-mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation. Hepatology 2023; 77:395-410. [PMID: 34995376 PMCID: PMC9869956 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a deadly but poorly understood disease, and its treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular drivers of ICC and search for therapeutic targets. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a Sleeping Beauty transposon-based in vivo insertional mutagenesis screen in liver-specific Pten -deficient mice and identified TNF receptor-related factor 3 ( Traf3 ) as the most significantly mutated gene in murine ICCs in a loss-of-function manner. Liver-specific Traf3 deletion caused marked cholangiocyte overgrowth and spontaneous development of ICC in Pten knockout and KrasG12D mutant mice. Hepatocyte-specific, but not cholangiocyte-specific, Traf3 -deficient and Pten -deficient mice recapitulated these phenotypes. Lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing suggested that these ICCs were derived from hepatocytes through transdifferentiation. TRAF3 and PTEN inhibition induced a transdifferentiation-like phenotype of hepatocyte-lineage cells into proliferative cholangiocytes through NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) up-regulation in vitro. Intrahepatic NIK levels were elevated in liver-specific Traf3 -deficient and Pten -deficient mice, and NIK inhibition alleviated cholangiocyte overgrowth. In human ICCs, we identified an inverse correlation between TRAF3 and NIK expression, with low TRAF3 or high NIK expression associated with poor prognosis. Finally, we showed that NIK inhibition by a small molecule inhibitor or gene silencing suppressed the growth of multiple human ICC cells in vitro and ICC xenografts in vivo. CONCLUSIONS TRAF3 inactivation promotes ICC development through NIK-mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation. The oncogenic TRAF3-NIK axis may be a potential therapeutic target for ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Shiode
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shigeno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Murai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Justin Y. Newberg
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jumpei Kondo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suemizu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Research, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nancy A. Jenkins
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Genetics Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Neal G. Copeland
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Genetics Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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17
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Matsumura K, Hayashi H, Uemura N, Ogata Y, Zhao L, Sato H, Shiraishi Y, Kuroki H, Kitamura F, Kaida T, Higashi T, Nakagawa S, Mima K, Imai K, Yamashita YI, Baba H. Thrombospondin-1 overexpression stimulates loss of Smad4 and accelerates malignant behavior via TGF-β signal activation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 26:101533. [PMID: 36115074 PMCID: PMC9483797 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101533] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant stroma and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) provide a favorable tumor microenvironment. Smad4 is known as tumor suppressor in several types of cancers including PDAC, and loss of Smad4 triggers accelerated cell invasiveness and metastatic potential. The thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) can act as a major activator of latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in vivo. However, the roles of TSP-1 and the mediator of Smad4 loss and TGF-β signal activation during PDAC progression have not yet been addressed. The aim is to elucidate the biological role of TSP-1 in PDAC progression. METHODS AND RESULTS High substrate stiffness stimulated TSP-1 expression in CAFs, and TSP-1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation with suppressed profibrogenic and activated stroma-related gene expressions in CAFs. Paracrine TSP-1 treatment for PDAC cells promoted cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) with activated TGF-β signals such as phosphorylated Akt and Smad2/3 expressions. Surprisingly, knockdown of DPC4 (Smad4 gene) induced TSP-1 overexpression with TGF-β signal activation in PDAC cells. Interestingly, TSP-1 overexpression also induced downregulation of Smad4 expression and enhanced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with LSKL peptide, which antagonizes TSP-1-mediated latent TGF-β activation, attenuated cell proliferation, migration and chemoresistance with enhanced apoptosis in PDAC cells. CONCLUSIONS TSP-1 derived from CAFs stimulates loss of Smad4 expression in cancer cells and accelerates malignant behavior by TGF-β signal activation in PDAC. TSP-1 could be a novel therapeutic target, not only for CAFs in stiff stroma, but also for cancer cells in the PDAC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Matsumura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Norio Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Liu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuta Shiraishi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kuroki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Fumimasa Kitamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Kaida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takaaki Higashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kosuke Mima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
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18
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Cai J, Choi K, Li H, Pulgar Prieto KD, Zheng Y, Pan D. YAP-VGLL4 antagonism defines the major physiological function of the Hippo signaling effector YAP. Genes Dev 2022; 36:1119-1128. [PMID: 36522128 PMCID: PMC9851404 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350127.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo-YAP signaling pathway plays a critical role in development, homeostasis, regeneration, and tumorigenesis by converging on YAP, a coactivator for the TEAD family DNA-binding transcription factors, to regulate downstream transcription programs. Given its pivotal role as the nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway, YAP is indispensable in multiple developmental and tissue contexts. Here we report that the essentiality of YAP in liver and lung development can be genetically bypassed by simultaneous inactivation of the TEAD corepressor VGLL4. This striking antagonistic epistasis suggests that the major physiological function of YAP is to antagonize VGLL4. We further show that the YAP-VGLL4 antagonism plays a widespread role in regulating Hippo pathway output beyond normal development, as inactivation of Vgll4 dramatically enhanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma formation in Nf2-deficient livers and ameliorated CCl4-induced damage in normal livers. Interestingly, Vgll4 expression is temporally regulated in development and regeneration and, in certain contexts, provides a better indication of overall Hippo pathway output than YAP phosphorylation. Together, these findings highlight the central importance of VGLL4-mediated transcriptional repression in Hippo pathway regulation and inform potential strategies to modulate Hippo signaling in cancer and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kyungsuk Choi
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Hongde Li
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Katiuska Daniela Pulgar Prieto
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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19
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Takayama H, Kobayashi S, Gotoh K, Sasaki K, Iwagami Y, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Akita H, Asaoka T, Noda T, Wada H, Takahashi H, Tanemura M, Doki Y, Eguchi H. Prognostic value of functional SMAD4 localization in extrahepatic bile duct cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:291. [PMID: 36088360 PMCID: PMC9463834 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02747-3] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
SMAD4 is a key mediator of TGFβ signaling and one of the mutated genes in extrahepatic bile duct cancer (eBDC). It has been also reported that SMAD4 has dual functions, in carcinogenesis via silencing and in tumor invasion/metastasis via signaling, depending on tumor stage. We previously visualized more nuclear transitioning functional SMAD4 at the tumor invasion front than the central lesion. So, we investigated the localization of functional SMAD4 (e.g., invasion area or metastasis lesion) and its association with chemotherapy and chemo-radiation therapy.
Methods
We performed SMAD4 immunostaining on 98 resected eBDC specimens and evaluated the presence of the functional form of nuclear SMAD4 at the central lesion, invasion front, and metastatic lymph node. We also examined the influence on chemotherapy after recurrence (n = 33) and neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy (NAC-RT, n = 21) and the prognostic value of using retrospective data.
Results
In 73 patients without NAC-RT, 8.2% had loss of SMAD4 expression and 23.3% had heterogeneous expression. Patients without SMAD4 expression at any site had significantly poorer overall survival (OS) than other patients (P = 0.014). Expression of SMAD4 at the invasion front was related to better survival (recurrence-free survival [RFS] P = 0.033; OS P = 0.047), and no SMAD4 expression at the metastatic lymph node was related to poorer OS (P = 0.011). The patients who had high SMAD4 expression had poorer prognosis after recurrence (RFS P = 0.011; OS P = 0.056). At the residual cancer in the resected specimen, SMAD4 was highly expressed after NAC-RT (P = 0.039).
Conclusions
Loss of SMAD4 protein expression was a poor prognostic factor in eBDC at resectable stage. However, the intensity of functional SMAD4 in eBDC is a marker of resistance to chemo-radiotherapy and malignant potential at advanced stages.
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20
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Bu FT, Jia PC, Zhu Y, Yang YR, Meng HW, Bi YH, Huang C, Li J. Emerging therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:191-206. [PMID: 35859692 PMCID: PMC9271983 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response that results from various chronic damages. If the causes of damage are not removed or effective treatments are not given in a timely manner, it will progress to cirrhosis, even liver cancer. Currently, there are no specific medical therapies for liver fibrosis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy, one of the frontiers of modern medicine, has gained more attention in many fields due to its high safety profile, low immunogenicity, long-term efficacy in mediating gene expression, and increasingly known tropism. Notably, increasing evidence suggests a promising therapeutic potential for AAV-mediated gene therapy in different liver fibrosis models, which helps to correct abnormally changed target genes in the process of fibrosis and improve liver fibrosis at the molecular level. Moreover, the addition of cell-specific promoters to the genome of recombinant AAV helps to limit gene expression in specific cells, thereby producing better therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis. However, animal models are considered to be powerless predictive of tissue tropism, immunogenicity, and genotoxic risks in humans. Thus, AAV-mediated gene therapy will face many challenges. This review systemically summarizes the recent advances of AAV-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis, especially focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of transferred genes, and presents prospective challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Hui Bi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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21
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Hilburn CF, Pitman MB. The Cytomorphologic and Molecular Assessment of Bile Duct Brushing Specimens. Surg Pathol Clin 2022; 15:469-478. [PMID: 36049829 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biliary duct brushing cytology is the standard of care for the assessment of bile duct strictures but suffers from low sensitivity for the detection of a high-risk stricture. Pathologic diagnosis of strictures is optimized by integration of cytomorphology and molecular analysis with fluorescence in situ hybridization or next-generation sequencing. Bile duct cancers are genetically heterogeneous, requiring analysis of multiple gene panels to increase sensitivity. Using molecular analysis as an ancillary test for bile duct brushing samples aids in the identification of mutations that support the diagnosis of a high-risk stricture as well as the identification of actionable mutations for targeted therapies currently in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with bile duct cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F Hilburn
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Martha B Pitman
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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22
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Li M, Zhou X, Wang W, Ji B, Shao Y, Du Q, Yao J, Yang Y. Selecting an Appropriate Experimental Animal Model for Cholangiocarcinoma Research. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:700-710. [PMID: 36062286 PMCID: PMC9396327 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive biliary tree malignancy with intrahepatic and extra-hepatic subtypes that differ in molecular pathogeneses, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis. The overall prognosis and patient survival remains poor because of lack of early diagnosis and effective treatments. Preclinical in vivo studies have become increasingly paramount as they are helpful not only for the study of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of CCA but also for developing novel and effective therapeutic approaches of this fatal cancer. Recent advancements in cell and molecular biology have made it possible to mimic the pathogenicity of human CCA in chemical-mechanical, infection-induced inflammatory, implantation, and genetically engineered animal models. This review is intended to help investigators understand the particular strengths and weaknesses of the currently used in vivo animal models of human CCA and their related modeling techniques to aid in the selection of the one that is the best for their research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xueli Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Baoan Ji
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Yu Shao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Qianyu Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jinghao Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Correspondence to: Yan Yang, Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0887-2770. Tel: +86-552-3086178, Fax: +86-552-3074480, E-mail:
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23
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Liu S, Huang F, Ru G, Wang Y, Zhang B, Chen X, Chu L. Mouse Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Classification, Advancement, and Application. Front Oncol 2022; 12:902820. [PMID: 35847898 PMCID: PMC9279915 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.902820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the subtype of liver cancer with the highest incidence, which is a heterogeneous malignancy with increasing incidence rate and high mortality. For ethical reasons, it is essential to validate medical clinical trials for HCC in animal models before further consideration on humans. Therefore, appropriate models for the study of the pathogenesis of the disease and related treatment methods are necessary. For tumor research, mouse models are the most commonly used and effective in vivo model, which is closer to the real-life environment, and the repeated experiments performed on it are closer to the real situation. Several mouse models of HCC have been developed with different mouse strains, cell lines, tumor sites, and tumor formation methods. In this review, we mainly introduce some mouse HCC models, including induced model, gene-edited model, HCC transplantation model, and other mouse HCC models, and discuss how to choose the appropriate model according to the purpose of the experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Ru
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Chu,
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24
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FoxO3 restricts liver regeneration by suppressing the proliferation of hepatocytes. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:33. [PMID: 35750775 PMCID: PMC9232540 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon injury, the liver is capable of substantial regeneration from the original tissue until an appropriate functional size. The underlying mechanisms controlling the liver regeneration processes are not well elucidated. Previous studies have proposed that the transcription factor FoxO3 is involved in various liver diseases, but its exact role in the regulation of liver regeneration remains largely unclear. To directly test the detailed role of FoxO3 in liver regeneration, both a constitutive Albumin-Cre driver line and adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-Tbg-Cre (AAV-Cre)-injected adult FoxO3fl/fl mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Our data demonstrate that FoxO3 deletion accelerates liver regeneration primarily by limiting polyploidization and promoting the proliferation of hepatocytes during liver regeneration. RNA-seq analysis indicates that FoxO3 deficiency greatly alters the expression of gene sets associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis during liver regeneration. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR (ChIP-PCR) and luciferase reporter assays reveal that FoxO3 promotes the expression of Nox4 but suppresses the expression of Nr4a1 in hepatocytes. AAV8 virus-mediated overexpression of Nox4 and knockdown of Nr4a1 significantly suppressed hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in FoxO3-deficient mice. We demonstrate that FoxO3 negatively controls hepatocyte proliferation through Nox4 upregulation and Nr4a1 downregulation, thereby ensuring appropriate functional regeneration of the liver. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the therapeutic mechanisms of FoxO3 in liver damage and repair.
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25
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Younger NT, Wilson ML, Martinez Lyons A, Jarman EJ, Meynert AM, Grimes GR, Gournopanos K, Waddell SH, Tennant PA, Wilson DH, Guest RV, Wigmore SJ, Acosta JC, Kendall TJ, Taylor MS, Sproul D, Mill P, Boulter L. In Vivo Modeling of Patient Genetic Heterogeneity Identifies New Ways to Target Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1548-1559. [PMID: 35074757 PMCID: PMC9359731 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive malignancy of the bile ducts within the liver characterized by high levels of genetic heterogeneity. In the context of such genetic variability, determining which oncogenic mutations drive ICC growth has been difficult, and developing modes of patient stratification and targeted therapies remains challenging. Here we model the interactions between rare mutations with more common driver genes and combine in silico analysis of patient data with highly multiplexed in vivo CRISPR-spCas9 screens to perform a functional in vivo study into the role genetic heterogeneity plays in driving ICC. Novel tumor suppressors were uncovered, which, when lost, cooperate with the RAS oncoprotein to drive ICC growth. Focusing on a set of driver mutations that interact with KRAS to initiate aggressive, sarcomatoid-type ICC revealed that tumor growth relies on Wnt and PI3K signaling. Pharmacologic coinhibition of Wnt and PI3K in vivo impeded ICC growth regardless of mutational profile. Therefore, Wnt and PI3K activity should be considered as a signature by which patients can be stratified for treatment independent of tumor genotype, and inhibitors of these pathways should be levied to treat ICC. SIGNIFICANCE This work shows that, despite significant genetic heterogeneity, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma relies on a limited number of signaling pathways to grow, suggesting common therapeutic vulnerabilities across patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T. Younger
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mollie L. Wilson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anabel Martinez Lyons
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Edward J. Jarman
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Meynert
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme R. Grimes
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Gournopanos
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Scott H. Waddell
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A. Tennant
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David H. Wilson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel V. Guest
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Wigmore
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Carlos Acosta
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J. Kendall
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin S. Taylor
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Sproul
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pleasantine Mill
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Mishra S, Kumari S, Srivastava P, Pandey A, Shukla S, Husain N. Genomic profiling of gallbladder carcinoma: Targetable mutations and pathways involved. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 232:153806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Marcus R, Ferri-Borgogno S, Hosein A, Foo WC, Ghosh B, Zhao J, Rajapakshe K, Brugarolas J, Maitra A, Gupta S. Oncogenic KRAS Requires Complete Loss of BAP1 Function for Development of Murine Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225709. [PMID: 34830866 PMCID: PMC8616431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary biliary malignancy that harbors a dismal prognosis. Oncogenic mutations of KRAS and loss-of-function mutations of BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) have been identified as recurrent somatic alterations in ICC. However, an autochthonous genetically engineered mouse model of ICC that genocopies the co-occurrence of these mutations has never been developed. By crossing Albumin-Cre mice bearing conditional alleles of mutant Kras and/or floxed Bap1, Cre-mediated recombination within the liver was induced. Mice with hepatic expression of mutant KrasG12D alone (KA), bi-allelic loss of hepatic Bap1 (BhomoA), and heterozygous loss of Bap1 in conjunction with mutant KrasG12D expression (BhetKA) developed primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but no discernible ICC. In contrast, mice with homozygous loss of Bap1 in conjunction with mutant KrasG12D expression (BhomoKA) developed discrete foci of HCC and ICC. Further, the median survival of BhomoKA mice was significantly shorter at 24 weeks when compared to the median survival of ≥40 weeks in BhetKA mice and approximately 50 weeks in BhomoA and KA mice (p < 0.001). Microarray analysis performed on liver tissue from KA and BhomoKA mice identified differentially expressed genes in the setting of BAP1 loss and suggests that deregulation of ferroptosis might be one mechanism by which loss of BAP1 cooperates with oncogenic Ras in hepato-biliary carcinogenesis. Our autochthonous model provides an in vivo platform to further study this lethal class of neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Marcus
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sammy Ferri-Borgogno
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Abdel Hosein
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
- Advocate Aurora Health, Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
| | - Wai Chin Foo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Bidyut Ghosh
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Kimal Rajapakshe
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
| | - James Brugarolas
- Kidney Cancer Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sonal Gupta
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (A.H.); (B.G.); (J.Z.); (K.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.)
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Hasebe K, Yamaguchi J, Kokuryo T, Yokoyama Y, Ochiai Y, Nagino M, Ebata T. Trefoil factor family 2 inhibits cholangiocarcinogenesis by regulating the PTEN pathway in mice. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:1496-1505. [PMID: 34644378 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab093] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2) is one of three trefoil factor family proteins and is expressed abundantly in the gastrointestinal epithelium. Recent studies have shown that TFF2 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric and pancreatic carcinogenesis; however, little is known about its function in cholangiocarcinogenesis. To investigate the function of TFF2 in cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC), immunohistochemistry of surgically resected human CCC samples was performed. TFF2 expression was upregulated in the early stage and lost in the late stage of cholangiocarcinogenesis, suggesting the association of TFF2 and CCC. A TFF2 expression vector was then transfected into a CCC cell line (HuCCT1) in vitro, revealing that TFF2 functions as a tumor suppressor not only by inhibiting proliferation and invasion but also by promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, PTEN signaling activity was downregulated by TFF2, suggesting an association between TFF2 and PTEN. Next, hepatic carcinogenesis model mice (KC; albumin-Cre/Lox-Stop-Lox KRAS G12D) were bred with TFF2-knockout mice to generate a TFF2-deficient mouse model (KC/TFF2 -/-). Although the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was not different between KC/TFF2 -/- mice and control mice, biliary intraepithelial neoplasm (BilIN), the precursor of CCC, was frequently found in the biliary epithelium of KC/TFF2 -/- mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that BilIN samples from these mice did not express PTEN. In addition, two KC/TFF2 -/- mice developed CCC adjacent to BilIN, suggesting that TFF2 functions to inhibit the development of CCC in vivo. These results indicate that TFF2 acts as a tumor suppressor to inhibit the development of CCC by regulating PTEN activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Hasebe
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junpei Yamaguchi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshio Kokuryo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yokoyama
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ochiai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masato Nagino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ebata
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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29
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Zhao M, Quan Y, Zeng J, Lyu X, Wang H, Lei JH, Feng Y, Xu J, Chen Q, Sun H, Xu X, Lu L, Deng CX. Cullin3 deficiency shapes tumor microenvironment and promotes cholangiocarcinoma in liver-specific Smad4/Pten mutant mice. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4176-4191. [PMID: 34803491 PMCID: PMC8579464 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.67379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC), the most lethal type of liver cancer, remains very difficult to treat due to an incomplete understanding of the cancer initiation and progression mechanisms and no effective therapeutic drugs. Thus, identification of genomic drivers and delineation of the underlying mechanisms are urgently needed. Here, we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in liver-specific Smad4/Pten knockout mice (Smad4co/co;Ptenco/co;Alb-Cre, abbreviated as SPC), and identified 15 putative tumor suppressor genes, including Cullin3 (Cul3), whose deficiency increases protein levels of Nrf2 and Cyclin D1 that accelerate cholangiocytes expansion leading to the initiation of CC. Meanwhile, Cul3 deficiency also increases the secretion of Cxcl9 in stromal cells to attract T cells infiltration, and increases the production of Amphiregulin (Areg) mediated by Nrf2, which paracrinely induces inflammation in the liver, and promotes accumulation of exhausted PD1high CD8 T cells at the expenses of their cytotoxic activity, allowing CC progression. We demonstrate that the anti-PD1/PD-L1 blockade inhibits CC growth, and the effect is enhanced by combining with sorafenib selected from organoid mediated drug sensitive test. This model makes it possible to further identify more liver cancer suppressors, study molecular mechanisms, and develop effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yingyao Quan
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xueying Lyu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Josh Haipeng Lei
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yangyang Feng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
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30
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Boonnate P, Vaeteewoottacharn K, Kariya R, Fujikawa S, Boonmars T, Pinlaor S, Pairojkul C, Okada S. Mucin-producing hamster cholangiocarcinoma cell line, Ham-2, possesses the aggressive cancer phenotypes with liver and lung metastases. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:825-834. [PMID: 34549357 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00608-z] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive bile duct cancer. Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) infection is a significant cause of CCA in the Greater Mekong subregion. Currently, there is no standard chemotherapeutic regimen for CCA. A unique hamster carcinogenesis model of O. viverrini-associated CCA was established. Molecular targets identified from the hamster CCA-comparative model are valuable for target identification and validation. Hamster CCA was induced by the administration of O. viverrini metacercariae and N-nitrosodimethylamine. Hamster-derived cancer cells were isolated and continuously cultured for more than 6 months. Ham-2 cell line was established and characterized in vitro and in vivo. Ham-2 exhibited chromosome hyperploidy. A comparative study with previously established cell line, Ham-1, demonstrated that Ham-2 acquired slower growth, higher adhesion, higher migration, and resistance to doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In BALB/c Rag-2/Jak3 double-deficient (BRJ) mice, Ham-2 subcutaneous transplantation formed mucin-producing cancers, which morphologically resemble human tubular cholangiocarcinoma. Intravenous-injected Ham-2 established the metastatic nodules in the lungs and livers of BRJ mice. Altogether, a new hamster cholangiocarcinoma cell line, Ham-2, which acquired more aggressive phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, was established. This cell line might be a valuable tool for comparative drug target identification and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyanard Boonnate
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medicine and Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medicine and Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan. .,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. .,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
| | - Ryusho Kariya
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medicine and Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sawako Fujikawa
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medicine and Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Thidarut Boonmars
- Department of Parasitology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Chawalit Pairojkul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medicine and Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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Loss of Smad4 promotes aggressive lung cancer metastasis by de-repression of PAK3 via miRNA regulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4853. [PMID: 34381046 PMCID: PMC8357888 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 is mutated in human lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism by which Smad4 loss-of-function (LOF) accelerates lung cancer metastasis is yet to be elucidated. Here, we generate a highly aggressive lung cancer mouse model bearing conditional KrasG12D, p53fl/fl LOF and Smad4fl/fl LOF mutations (SPK), showing a much higher incidence of tumor metastases than the KrasG12D, p53fl/fl (PK) mice. Molecularly, PAK3 is identified as a downstream effector of Smad4, mediating metastatic signal transduction via the PAK3-JNK-Jun pathway. Upregulation of PAK3 by Smad4 LOF in SPK mice is achieved by attenuating Smad4-dependent transcription of miR-495 and miR-543. These microRNAs (miRNAs) directly bind to the PAK3 3'UTR for blockade of PAK3 production, ultimately regulating lung cancer metastasis. An inverse correlation between Smad4 and PAK3 pathway components is observed in human lung cancer. Our study highlights the Smad4-PAK3 regulation as a point of potential therapy in metastatic lung cancer.
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32
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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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Sato K, Baiocchi L, Kennedy L, Zhang W, Ekser B, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G. Current Advances in Basic and Translational Research of Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133307. [PMID: 34282753 PMCID: PMC8269372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is highly malignant biliary tract cancer, which is characterized by limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Basic science studies to seek therapies for CCA are also limited due to lack of gold-standard experimental models and heterogeneity of CCA resulting in various genetic alterations and origins of tumor cells. Recent studies have developed new experimental models and techniques that may facilitate CCA studies leading to the development of novel treatments. This review summarizes the update in current basic studies of CCA. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of biliary tract cancer emerging from the biliary tree. CCA is the second most common primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma and is highly aggressive resulting in poor prognosis and patient survival. Treatment options for CCA patients are limited since early diagnosis is challenging, and the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiotherapy is also limited because CCA is a heterogeneous malignancy. Basic research is important for CCA to establish novel diagnostic testing and more effective therapies. Previous studies have introduced new techniques and methodologies for animal models, in vitro models, and biomarkers. Recent experimental strategies include patient-derived xenograft, syngeneic mouse models, and CCA organoids to mimic heterogeneous CCA characteristics of each patient or three-dimensional cellular architecture in vitro. Recent studies have identified various novel CCA biomarkers, especially non-coding RNAs that were associated with poor prognosis or metastases in CCA patients. This review summarizes current advances and limitations in basic and translational studies of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.K.); (H.F.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-317-278-4227
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.K.); (H.F.); (G.A.)
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (W.Z.); (B.E.)
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (W.Z.); (B.E.)
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA;
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.K.); (H.F.); (G.A.)
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.K.); (H.F.); (G.A.)
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Chen J, Debebe A, Zeng N, Kopp J, He L, Sander M, Stiles BL. Transformation of SOX9 + cells by Pten deletion synergizes with steatotic liver injury to drive development of hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11823. [PMID: 34083580 PMCID: PMC8175600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX9 (Sex-determining region Y Box 9) is a well-characterized transcription factor that is a marker for progenitor cells in various tissues. In the liver, cells delineated by SOX9 are responsible for regenerating liver parenchyma when cell proliferation is impaired following chronic injury. However, whether these SOX9+ cells play a role in liver carcinogenesis has not been fully understood, although high SOX9 expression has been linked to poor survival outcome in liver cancer patients. To address this question, we developed a liver cancer mouse model (PtenloxP/loxP; Sox9-CreERT+; R26RYFP) where tumor suppressor Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) is deleted in SOX9+ cells following tamoxifen injection. In this paper, we employ lineage-tracing to demonstrate the tumorigenicity potential of the Pten-, SOX9+ cells. We show that these cells are capable of giving rise to mixed-lineage tumors that manifest features of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our results suggest that PTEN loss induces the transformation of SOX9+ cells. We further show that to activate these transformed SOX9+ cells, the presence of liver injury is crucial. Liver injury, induced by hepatotoxin 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) or high-fat diet (HFD), substantially increases tumor incidence and accelerates liver carcinogenesis from SOX9+ cells in Pten null mice but not in control mice. We further examine the mechanisms underlying tumor formation in this model to show that concurrent with the induction of niche signal (i.e., Wnt signaling), liver injury significantly stimulates the expansion of tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Together, these data show that (1) SOX9+ cells have the potential to become TICs following the primary transformation (i.e. Pten deletion) and that (2) liver injury is necessary for promoting the activation and proliferation of transformed SOX9+ cells, resulting in the genesis of mixed-lineage liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Chen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anketse Debebe
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ni Zeng
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Janel Kopp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lina He
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Maike Sander
- Department of Pediatrics and Cellar and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Recent Advances in Implantation-Based Genetic Modeling of Biliary Carcinogenesis in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102292. [PMID: 34064809 PMCID: PMC8151177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is often refractory to conventional therapeutics and is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. In addition, the pathogenesis of BTC is not fully understood, despite recent advances in cancer genome analysis. To address these issues, the development of fine disease models is critical for BTC. Although still limited in number, there are various platforms for genetic models of BTC owing to newly emerging technology. Among these, implantation-based models have recently drawn attention for their convenience, flexibility, and scalability. To highlight the relevance of this approach, we comprehensively summarize the advantages and disadvantages of BTC models developed using diverse approaches. Currently available research data on intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma are presented in this review. This information will likely help in selecting the optimal models for various applications and develop novel innovative models based on these technologies. Abstract Epithelial cells in the biliary system can develop refractory types of cancers, which are often associated with inflammation caused by viruses, parasites, stones, and chemicals. Genomic studies have revealed recurrent genetic changes and deregulated signaling pathways in biliary tract cancer (BTC). The causal roles have been at least partly clarified using various genetically engineered mice. Technical advances in Cre-LoxP technology, together with hydrodynamic tail injection, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in vivo electroporation, and organoid culture have enabled more precise modeling of BTC. Organoid-based genetic modeling, combined with implantation in mice, has recently drawn attention as a means to accelerate the development of BTC models. Although each model may not perfectly mimic the disease, they can complement one another, or two different approaches can be integrated to establish a novel model. In addition, a comparison of the outcomes among these models with the same genotype provides mechanistic insights into the interplay between genetic alterations and the microenvironment in the pathogenesis of BTCs. Here, we review the current status of genetic models of BTCs in mice to provide information that facilitates the wise selection of models and to inform the future development of ideal disease models.
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Kasuga A, Semba T, Sato R, Nobusue H, Sugihara E, Takaishi H, Kanai T, Saya H, Arima Y. Oncogenic KRAS-expressing organoids with biliary epithelial stem cell properties give rise to biliary tract cancer in mice. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1822-1838. [PMID: 33068050 PMCID: PMC8088913 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14703] [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: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) arises from biliary epithelial cells (BECs) and includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), gallbladder cancer (GC), and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC). Although frequent KRAS mutations and epigenetic changes at the INK4A/ARF locus have been identified, the molecular pathogenesis of BTC is unclear and the development of corresponding anticancer agents remains inadequate. We isolated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)–positive BECs from the mouse intrahepatic bile duct, gallbladder, and extrahepatic bile duct, and established organoids derived from these cells. Introduction of activated KRAS and homozygous deletion of Ink4a/Arf in the cells of each organoid type conferred the ability to form lethal metastatic adenocarcinoma with differentiated components and a pronounced desmoplastic reaction on cell transplantation into syngeneic mice, indicating that the manipulated cells correspond to BTC–initiating cells. The syngeneic mouse models recapitulate the pathological features of human IHCC, GC, and EHCC, and they should therefore prove useful for the investigation of BTC carcinogenesis and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Tumor cells isolated from primary tumors formed organoids in three‐dimensional culture, and serial syngeneic transplantation of these cells revealed that their cancer stem cell properties were supported by organoid culture, but not by adherent culture. Adherent culture thus attenuated tumorigenic activity as well as the expression of both epithelial and stem cell markers, whereas the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)–related transcription factor genes and mesenchymal cell markers was induced. Our data show that organoid culture is important for maintenance of epithelial cell characteristics, stemness, and tumorigenic activity of BTC–initiating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Kasuga
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Semba
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryo Sato
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nobusue
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Sugihara
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Precision Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Takaishi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Arima
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Jia X, Sun B, Tu Q, Qi H, Li L, Liu X, Yan L, Dai H, Kong Q, Tang C, Zhao X. Smad4 deficiency substitutes Cdkn2b but not Cdkn2a downregulation in pancreatic cancer following induction of genetic events in adult mice. Pancreatology 2021; 21:418-427. [PMID: 33483239 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minor progress in pancreatic cancer treatment and prognosis implies that more reliable animal models are urgently needed to decipher its molecular mechanisms and preclinical research. We recently reported a genetically engineered adult mouse model where Cdkn2b downregulation was required together with Cdkn2a downregulation to inactivate the Rb pathway. Besides, the role of Smad4, which is mutated more frequently than Cdkn2b in human pancreatic cancer, was determined critical on the development of the pancreas tumor by some reports. However, the impact of Smad4 deficiency in combination with PDAC-relevant mutations, such as Cdkn2a when induced in adult pancreas has not been completely elucidated in mice. METHODS Lentiviral delivered oncogene/tumor suppressors in adult pancreas. The development of pancreatic cancer was monitored. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence were performed for pathological identification of the pancreatic cancer. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence and western blot were used to test gene expression. RESULTS Loss of Smad4 could cooperate with alterations of KRAS, Trp53, and Cdkn2a to induce pancreatic cancer in adult mice. The role of Smad4 was mainly in downregulating the expression of Cdkn2b and further inducing phosphorylation of the Rb1 protein. CONCLUSIONS These findings show an essential role of Smad4 deficiency in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) formation. This model better recapitulates the adult onset, clonal origin, and genetic alterations in human PDAC and can be simply generated on a large-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Jia
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models/Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiu Tu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital, Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huaxin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Central Laboratory of Yan'an Hospital, Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiuyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lanzhen Yan
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models/Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongjuan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qingpeng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models/Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Waddell SH, Boulter L. Developing models of cholangiocarcinoma to close the translational gap in cancer research. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:439-450. [PMID: 33513027 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1882993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy with abysmal prognosis and increasing global incidence. Individuals afflicted with CCA often remain asymptomatic until late stages of disease, resulting in very limited possibilities for therapeutic intervention. The emergence of numerous preclinical models in vitro and in vivo has expanded the tool kit for CCA researchers; nonetheless, how these tools can be best applied to understand CCA biology and accelerate drug development requires further scrutiny.Areas covered: The paper reviews the literature on animal and organoid models of CCA (available through PubMed between September 2020 and January 2021) and examines their investigational role in CCA therapeutics. Finally, the potential of these systems for screening therapeutics to improve CCA patient outcomes is illuminated.Expert Opinion: The expansion of CCA models has yielded a diverse and interesting tool kit for preclinical research. However, investigators should consider which tools are best suited to answer key preclinical questions for real progress. A combination of advanced in vitro cell systems and in vivo testing will be necessary to accelerate translational medicine in cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Waddell
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND GATA6, a transcription factor expressed in cholangiocytes, has been implicated in the response to liver injury. In biliary atresia, a disease characterized by extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, liver expression of GATA6 increases with pathological bile duct expansion and decreases after successful Kasai portoenterostomy. The aim of this study was to garner genetic evidence that GATA6 is involved in ductular formation/expansion. METHODS The murine Gata6 gene was conditionally deleted using Alb-cre, a transgene expressed in hepatoblasts (the precursors of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes) and mature hepatocytes. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was used to model biliary obstruction. RESULTS Alb-Cre;Gata6flox/flox mice were viable and fertile. Cre-mediated recombination of Gata6 in hepatocytes had little impact on cellular structure or function. GATA6 immunoreactivity was retained in a majority of biliary epithelial cells in adult Alb-Cre;Gata6flox/flox mice, implying that surviving cholangiocytes were derived from hepatoblasts that had escaped biallelic Cre-mediated recombination. Although GATA6 immunoreactivity was preserved in cholangiocytes, Alb-cre;Gata6flox/flox mice had a demonstrable biliary phenotype. A neutrophil-rich infiltrate surrounded newly formed bile ducts in neonatal Alb-Cre;Gata6flox/flox mice. Foci of fibrosis/necrosis, presumed to reflect patchy defects in bile duct formation, were observed in the livers of 37% of adult Alb-cre;Gata6flox/flox mice and 0% of controls (p < 0.05). Most notably, Alb-cre;Gata6flox/flox mice had an altered response to BDL manifest as reduced survival, impaired bile ductule proliferation, increased parenchymal necrosis, reduced fibrosis, and enhanced macrophage accumulation in the portal space. CONCLUSIONS GATA6 orchestrates intrahepatic biliary remodeling and mitigates liver injury following extrahepatic bile duct obstruction.
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Moeini A, Haber PK, Sia D. Cell of origin in biliary tract cancers and clinical implications. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100226. [PMID: 33665585 PMCID: PMC7902553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are aggressive epithelial malignancies that can arise at any point of the biliary tree. Albeit rare, their incidence and mortality rates have been rising steadily over the past 40 years, highlighting the need to improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. BTCs show high inter- and intra-tumour heterogeneity both at the morphological and molecular level. Such complex heterogeneity poses a substantial obstacle to effective interventions. It is widely accepted that the observed heterogeneity may be the result of a complex interplay of different elements, including risk factors, distinct molecular alterations and multiple potential cells of origin. The use of genetic lineage tracing systems in experimental models has identified cholangiocytes, hepatocytes and/or progenitor-like cells as the cells of origin of BTCs. Genomic evidence in support of the distinct cell of origin hypotheses is growing. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the histopathological subtyping of BTCs, discuss current genomic evidence and outline lineage tracing studies that have contributed to the current knowledge surrounding the cell of origin of these tumours.
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Key Words
- ARID1A, AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A
- BAP1, BRCA1-associated protein 1
- BRAF, v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B
- BTC, biliary tract cancer
- Biliary tract cancers
- CCA, cholangiocarcinoma
- CDKN2A/B, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B
- CK, cytokeratin
- CLC, cholangiolocarcinoma
- Cell of origin
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- CoH, Canal of Hering
- DCR, disease control rate
- ER, estrogen receptor
- ERBB2/3, Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2/3
- FGFR, fibroblast growth factor receptor
- FGFR2, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2
- GBC, gallbladder cancer
- GEMM, genetically engineered mouse models
- Genomics
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HPCs, hepatic progenitor cells
- IDH, isocitrate dehydrogenase
- KRAS, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog
- Lineage tracing
- MET, Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor
- MST1, Macrophage Stimulating 1
- NA, not applicable
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NGS, next-generation sequencing
- NR, not reported
- NTRK, Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1
- ORR, objective response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PBG, peribiliary gland
- PFS, progression- free survival
- PIK3CA, Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Alpha
- PLC, primary liver cancer
- PRKACA/B, Protein Kinase CAMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Alpha/Beta
- PROM1, Prominin 1
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Personalized therapy
- RNF43, Ring Finger Protein 43
- SMAD4, SMAD Family Member 4
- TBG, thyroid binding globulin
- TP53, Tumor Protein P53
- WHO, World Health Organization
- dCCA, distal cholangiocarcinoma
- eCCA, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
- iCCA, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
- mo, months
- pCCA, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
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Affiliation(s)
- Agrin Moeini
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - Philipp K Haber
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Sirica AE, Strazzabosco M, Cadamuro M. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Morpho-molecular pathology, tumor reactive microenvironment, and malignant progression. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:321-387. [PMID: 33579427 PMCID: PMC8800451 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a relatively rare, but highly lethal and biologically complex primary biliary epithelial cancer arising within liver. After hepatocellular carcinoma, iCCA is the second most common primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 10-20% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Over the last 10-20 years, iCCA has become the focus of increasing concern largely due to its rising incidence and high mortality rates in various parts of the world, including the United States. The challenges posed by iCCA are daunting and despite recent progress in the standard of care and management options for iCCA, the prognosis for this cancer continues to be dismal. In an effort to provide a framework for advancing our understanding of iCCA malignant aggressiveness and therapy resistance, this review will highlight key etiological, biological, molecular, and microenvironmental factors hindering more effective management of this hepatobiliary cancer. Particular focus will be on critically reviewing the cell origins and morpho-molecular heterogeneity of iCCAs, providing mechanistic insights into high risk fibroinflammatory cholangiopathies associated with iCCA development, and notably discussing the deleterious role played by the tumor reactive desmoplastic stroma in regulating iCCA malignant progression, lymphangiogenesis, and tumor immunobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse E Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Weng Y, Lieberthal TJ, Zhou VX, Lopez-Ichikawa M, Armas-Phan M, Bond TK, Yoshida MC, Choi WT, Chang TT. Liver epithelial focal adhesion kinase modulates fibrogenesis and hedgehog signaling. JCI Insight 2020; 5:141217. [PMID: 32910808 PMCID: PMC7605528 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an important mediator of extracellular matrix-integrin mechano-signal transduction that regulates cell motility, survival, and proliferation. As such, FAK is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target for malignant and fibrotic diseases, and numerous clinical trials of FAK inhibitors are underway. The function of FAK in nonmalignant, nonmotile epithelial cells is not well understood. We previously showed that hepatocytes demonstrated activated FAK near stiff collagen tracts in fibrotic livers. In this study, we examined the role of liver epithelial FAK by inducing fibrotic liver disease in mice with liver epithelial FAK deficiency. We found that mice that lacked FAK in liver epithelial cells developed more severe liver injury and worse fibrosis as compared with controls. Increased fibrosis in liver epithelial FAK-deficient mice was linked to the activation of several profibrotic pathways, including the hedgehog/smoothened pathway. FAK-deficient hepatocytes produced increased Indian hedgehog in a manner dependent on matrix stiffness. Furthermore, expression of the hedgehog receptor, smoothened, was increased in macrophages and biliary cells of hepatocyte-specific FAK-deficient fibrotic livers. These results indicate that liver epithelial FAK has important regulatory roles in the response to liver injury and progression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tammy T Chang
- Department of Surgery.,Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Massa A, Varamo C, Vita F, Tavolari S, Peraldo-Neia C, Brandi G, Rizzo A, Cavalloni G, Aglietta M. Evolution of the Experimental Models of Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082308. [PMID: 32824407 PMCID: PMC7463907 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, aggressive disease with poor overall survival. In advanced cases, surgery is often not possible or fails; in addition, there is a lack of effective and specific therapies. Multidisciplinary approaches and advanced technologies have improved the knowledge of CCA molecular pathogenesis, highlighting its extreme heterogeneity and high frequency of genetic and molecular aberrations. Effective preclinical models, therefore, should be based on a comparable level of complexity. In the past years, there has been a consistent increase in the number of available CCA models. The exploitation of even more complex CCA models is rising. Examples are the use of CRISPR/Cas9 or stabilized organoids for in vitro studies, as well as patient-derived xenografts or transgenic mouse models for in vivo applications. Here, we examine the available preclinical CCA models exploited to investigate: (i) carcinogenesis processes from initiation to progression; and (ii) tools for personalized therapy and innovative therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy and immune/targeted therapies. For each model, we describe the potential applications, highlighting both its advantages and limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Massa
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy; (A.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Varamo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.V.); (F.V.)
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, B3000 KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Vita
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Giuliana Cavalloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy; (A.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy; (A.M.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.V.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence:
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Zhu Y, Kwong LN. Insights Into the Origin of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma From Mouse Models. Hepatology 2020; 72:305-314. [PMID: 32096245 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhu
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lawrence N Kwong
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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D'Afonseca V, Arencibia AD, Echeverría-Vega A, Cerpa L, Cayún JP, Varela NM, Salazar M, Quiñones LA. Identification of Altered Genes in Gallbladder Cancer as Potential Driver Mutations for Diagnostic and Prognostic Purposes: A Computational Approach. Cancer Inform 2020; 19:1176935120922154. [PMID: 32546937 PMCID: PMC7249562 DOI: 10.1177/1176935120922154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognostic markers for cancer can assist in the evaluation of survival probability of patients and help clinicians to assess the available treatment modalities. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare tumor that causes 165 087 deaths in the world annually. It is the most common cancer of the biliary tract and has a particularly high incidence in Chile, Japan, and northern India. Currently, there is no accurate diagnosis test or effective molecular markers for GBC identification. Several studies have focused on the discovery of genetic alterations in important genes associated with GBC to propose novel diagnosis pathways and to create prognostic profiles. To achieve this, we performed data-mining of GBC in public repositories, harboring 133 samples of GBC, allowing us to describe relevant somatic mutations in important genes and to propose a genetic alteration atlas for GBC. In our results, we reported the 14 most altered genes in GBC: arid1a, arid2, atm, ctnnb1, erbb2, erbb3, kmt2c, kmt2d, kras, pik3ca, smad4, tert, tp53, and znf521 in samples from Japan, the United States, Chile, and China. Missense mutations are common among these genes. The annotations of many mutations revealed their importance in cancer development. The observed annotations mentioned that several mutations found in this repository are probably oncogenic, with a putative loss-of-function. In addition, they are hotspot mutations and are probably linked to poor prognosis in other cancers. We identified another 11 genes, which presented a copy number alteration in gallbladder database samples, which are ccnd1, ccnd3, ccne1, cdk12, cdkn2a, cdkn2b, erbb2, erbb3, kras, mdm2, and myc. The findings reported here can help to detect GBC cancer through the development of systems based on genetic alterations, for example, the development of a mutation panel specifically for GBC diagnosis, as well as the creation of prognostic profiles to accomplish the development of GBC and its prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vívian D'Afonseca
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ariel D Arencibia
- Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales (CenBio), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Alex Echeverría-Vega
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Leslie Cerpa
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics (CQF), Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology (DBOC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin-American network for Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan P Cayún
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics (CQF), Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology (DBOC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin-American network for Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nelson M Varela
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics (CQF), Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology (DBOC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin-American network for Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela Salazar
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Luis A Quiñones
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics (CQF), Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology (DBOC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin-American network for Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biliary tract cancers which include intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancer, are characterized by poor outcome. Therefore, identifying the molecular mechanisms of the disease has become a priority. However, such identification has to cope with extreme heterogeneity of the disease, which results from the variable anatomical location, the numerous cell types of origin and the high number of known genetic alterations. RECENT FINDINGS Animal models can develop invasive and metastatic tumours that recapitulate as faithfully as possible the molecular features of the human tumours. To generate animal models of cholangiocarcinoma, investigators resorted to the administration of carcinogens, induction of cholestasis, grafting of tumour cells and induction of genetic modifications. SUMMARY Here, we summarize the currently available genetically engineered animal models, and focus on mice and zebrafish. The experimental strategies that were selected to induce cholangiocarcinoma in a time-controlled and cell-type-specific manner are critically examined. We discuss their strengths and limitations while considering their relevance to human pathophysiology.
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Lange S, Engleitner T, Mueller S, Maresch R, Zwiebel M, González-Silva L, Schneider G, Banerjee R, Yang F, Vassiliou GS, Friedrich MJ, Saur D, Varela I, Rad R. Analysis pipelines for cancer genome sequencing in mice. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:266-315. [PMID: 31907453 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of human cancer have transformed our ability to link genetics, molecular mechanisms and phenotypes. Both reverse and forward genetics in mice are currently gaining momentum through advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methodologies to analyze sequencing data were, however, developed for humans and hence do not account for species-specific differences in genome structures and experimental setups. Here, we describe standardized computational pipelines specifically tailored to the analysis of mouse genomic data. We present novel tools and workflows for the detection of different alteration types, including single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (indels), copy-number variations (CNVs), loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and complex rearrangements, such as in chromothripsis. Workflows have been extensively validated and cross-compared using multiple methodologies. We also give step-by-step guidance on the execution of individual analysis types, provide advice on data interpretation and make the complete code available online. The protocol takes 2-7 d, depending on the desired analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lange
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Maresch
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Zwiebel
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura González-Silva
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
| | - Günter Schneider
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - George S Vassiliou
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Stem Cell Institute, Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cam bridge, UK
| | - Mathias J Friedrich
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Therapy, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ignacio Varela
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Tu T, Chen J, Chen L, Stiles BL. Dual-Specific Protein and Lipid Phosphatase PTEN and Its Biological Functions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036301. [PMID: 31548229 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) encodes a 403-amino acid protein with an amino-terminal domain that shares sequence homology with the actin-binding protein tensin and the putative tyrosine-protein phosphatase auxilin. Crystal structure analysis of PTEN has revealed a C2 domain that binds to phospholipids in membranes and a phosphatase domain that displays dual-specific activity toward both tyrosine (Y), serine (S)/threonine (T), as well as lipid substrates in vitro. Characterized primarily as a lipid phosphatase, PTEN plays important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell growth/survival as well as metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taojian Tu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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Lamarca A, Frizziero M, McNamara MG, Valle JW. Clinical and Translational Research Challenges in Biliary Tract Cancers. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4756-4777. [PMID: 31971102 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200123090153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary Tract Cancers (BTC) are rare malignancies with a poor prognosis. There are many challenges encountered in treating these patients in daily practice as well as in clinical, translational and basic research. OBJECTIVE This review summarises the most relevant challenges in clinical and translational research in BTCs and suggests potential solutions towards an improvement in quality of life and outcomes of patients diagnosed with such malignancies. FINDINGS The main challenge is the low number of patients with BTCs, complicated by the aggressive natural behaviour of cancer and the lack of funding sources for research. In addition, the clinical characteristics of these patients and the specific cancer-related complications challenge clinical research and clinical trial recruitment. It is worth highlighting that BTCs are a group of different malignancies (cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer and ampullary cancer) rather than a unique homogeneous disease. These subgroups differ not only in molecular aspects, but also in clinical and demographic characteristics. In addition, tailored imaging and quality of life assessment are required to tackle some of the issues specific to BTCs. Finally, difficulties in tissue acquisition both in terms of biopsy size and inclusion of sufficient tumour within the samples, may adversely impact translational and basic research. CONCLUSION Increasing awareness among patients and clinicians regarding BTC and the need for further research and treatment development may address some of the main challenges in BTC research. International collaboration is mandatory to progress the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Frizziero
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mairéad G McNamara
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Juan W Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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50
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Erice O, Vallejo A, Ponz-Sarvise M, Saborowski M, Vogel A, Calvisi DF, Saborowski A, Vicent S. Genetic Mouse Models as In Vivo Tools for Cholangiocarcinoma Research. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121868. [PMID: 31769429 PMCID: PMC6966555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a genetically and histologically complex disease with a highly dismal prognosis. A deeper understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of human CCA will increase our current knowledge of the disease and expedite the eventual development of novel therapeutic strategies for this fatal cancer. This endeavor is effectively supported by genetic mouse models, which serve as sophisticated tools to systematically investigate CCA pathobiology and treatment response. These in vivo models feature many of the genetic alterations found in humans, recapitulate multiple hallmarks of cholangiocarcinogenesis (encompassing cell transformation, preneoplastic lesions, established tumors and metastatic disease) and provide an ideal experimental setting to study the interplay between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma. This review is intended to serve as a compendium of CCA mouse models, including traditional transgenic models but also genetically flexible approaches based on either the direct introduction of DNA into liver cells or transplantation of pre-malignant cells, and is meant as a resource for CCA researchers to aid in the selection of the most appropriate in vivo model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Erice
- Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (O.E.); (A.V.)
| | - Adrian Vallejo
- Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (O.E.); (A.V.)
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael Saborowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute for Pathology, Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Anna Saborowski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.V.); Tel.: +49-511-532-9590 (A.S.); +34-948194700 (ext. 812029) (S.V.)
| | - Silvestre Vicent
- Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (O.E.); (A.V.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.V.); Tel.: +49-511-532-9590 (A.S.); +34-948194700 (ext. 812029) (S.V.)
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