Dopamine-induced SULT1A3/4 promotes EMT and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma

An integrated investigation of sulfotransferases (SULTs) in hepatocellular carcinoma and identification of the role of SULT2A1 on stemness

The cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are phase II conjugating enzymes, which are widely expressed in the liver and mainly mediate the sulfation of numerous xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. However, the role of various SULTs genes has not been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to analyze the expression and potential functional roles of SULTs genes in HCC and to identify the role of SULT2A1 in HCC stemness as well as the possible mechanism. We found that all of the 12 SULTs genes were differentially expressed in HCC. Moreover, clinicopathological features and survival rates were also investigated. Multivariate regression analysis showed that SULT2A1 and SULT1C2 could be used as independent prognostic factors in HCC. SULT1C4, SULT1E1, and SULT2A1 were significantly associated with immune infiltration. SULT2A1 deficiency in HCC promoted chemotherapy resistance and stemness maintenance. Mechanistically, silencing of SULT2A1 activated the AKT signaling pathway, on the one hand, promoted the expression of downstream stemness gene c-Myc, on the other hand, facilitated the NRF2 expression to reduce the accumulation of ROS, and jointly increased HCC stemness. Moreover, knockdown NR1I3 was involved in the transcriptional regulation of SULT2A1 in stemness maintenance. In addition, SULT2A1 knockdown HCC cells promoted the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thereby exerting a potential stroma remodeling effect. Our study revealed the expression and role of SULTs genes in HCC and identified the contribution of SULT2A1 to the initiation and progression of HCC.

Knockdown of sulfotransferase 2B1 suppresses cell migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells via targeting annexin A9

BACKGROUND

Sulfotransferase family 2B member 1 (SULT2B1) has been reported to play oncogenic role in many types of cancers. Nevertheless, the role that SULT2B1 played in ovarian cancer (OC) and the hidden molecular mechanism is obscure.

METHODS

Expression of SULT2B1 in OC was analyzed by GEPIA database. qRT-PCR and western blot (WB) was applied for the appraisement of SULT2B1 and Annexin A9 (ANXA9) in OC cell lines. The capabilities of cells to proliferate, migrate and invade were assessed with CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, along with transwell assay. Cell apoptotic level was estimated utilizing flow cytometry. WB was employed for the evaluation of migration- and apoptosis-related proteins. Bioinformatic analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were used to predict and verify the combination of SULT2B1 and ANXA9.

RESULTS

The data showed that SULT2B1 and ANXA9 were upregulated in OC cells. SULT2B1 depletion suppressed the proliferative, migrative, and invasive capabilities of SKOV3 cells but facilitated the cell apoptosis. SULT2B1-regulated ANXA9 expression and were proved to bind to ANXA9. Additionally, ANXA9 deficiency exhibited the same impacts on cell migrative, invasive capability and apoptotic level as SULT2B1 silencing. Moreover, ANXA9 overexpression reversed the inhibitory impacts of SULT2B1 silencing on the proliferative, migrative, invasive, and apoptotic capabilities of SKOV3 cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, SULT2B1 silencing repressed OC progression by targeting ANXA9.

Plumbagin Regulates Snail to Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in vivo and in vitro

Background/Aims

Plumbagin (PL) has been shown to effe ctively inhibit autophagy, suppressing invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PL on tumor growth factor (TGF)-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC.

Methods

Huh-7 cells were cultured, and in vivo models of EMT and HCC-associated lung metastasis were developed through tail vein and in situ injections of tumor cells. In vivo imaging and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate HCC modeling and lung metastasis. After PL intervention, the expression levels of Snail, vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin in the liver were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and Western blot. An in vitro TGF-β-induced cell EMT model was used to detect Snail, vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin mRNA levels through a polymerase chain reaction. Their protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot.

Results

In vivo experiments demonstrated that PL significantly reduced the expression of Snail, vimentin, and N-cadherin, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin at the protein levels, effectively inhibiting HCC and lung metastasis. In vitro experiments confirmed that PL up-regulated epithelial cell markers, down-regulated mesenchymal cell markers, and inhibited EMT levels in HCC cells.

Conclusion

PL inhibits Snail expression, up-regulates E-cadherin expression, and down-regulates N-cadherin and vimentin expression, preventing EMT in HCC cells and reducing lung metastasis.

Farnesoid X receptor represses human sulfotransferase 1A3 expression through direct binding to the promoter

Human sulfotransferases 1A3 (SULT1A3) has received particular interest, due to their functions of catalyzing the sulfonation of numerous phenolic substrates, including bioactive endogenous molecules and therapeutic agents. However, the regulation of SULT1A3 expression and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the regulation effects of bile acid-activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) on SULT1A3 expression, and to shed light on the mechanism thereof. Our results demonstrated that FXR agonists (CDCA and GW4064) significantly inhibit the expression of SULT1A3 at mRNA and protein levels. In addition, overexpression of FXR led to decrease in SULT1A3 expression and knockdown of FXR significantly induced the expression of SULT1A3 in protein and mRNA levels, confirming that FXR expression manifestly showed negative regulatory effect on basal SULT1A3 expression. Furthermore, a combination of luciferase reporter gene and CHIP assays showed that FXR repressed SULT1A3 transcription through direct binding to the region at base pair positions -664 to -654. In conclusion, this study for the first time confirmed FXR was a negative transcriptional regulator of human SULT1A3 enzyme.

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

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

Impact of In Vitro Long-Term Low-Level DEHP Exposure on Gene Expression Profile in Human Granulosa Cells

Here, we applied a model of long-term exposure of human granulosa cells to low environmentally relevant levels of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). This approach provides more relevant data regarding the impact of DEHP on the function of human granulosa cells. The immortalized human granulosa cells HGrC1 were exposed to 50 nM and 250 nM DEHP for four weeks. The cells were collected every week to analyze the basal granulosa cells’ functions. A portion of the DEHP-exposed cells was stimulated with forskolin (FOR) for 48 h. Steroidogenesis was investigated using ELISA, whereas DNBQ sequencing and RT-qPCR were used to analyze gene expression. The results show that steroidogenesis was not affected by DEHP exposure. RNAsequencing shows that DEHP caused week- and concentration-specific changes in various genes and functions in HGrC1. Sulfotransferase family 1A member 3 (SULT1A3) and 4 (SULT1A4), which are involved in catecholamine metabolism, were the most prominent genes affected by DEHP under both the basal and FOR-stimulated conditions in all four weeks of exposure. This study showed, for the first time, that SULT1A3 and SULT1A4 are expressed in human granulosa cells, are regulated by FOR, and are affected by low-level DEHP exposure. These data provide new insight into the relationship between DEHP, SULT1A3, and SULT1A4 in human granulosa cells.

MCM6 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via the Notch Pathway: Clinical, Functional, and Genomic Insights

Objective

To evaluate the expression profile of MCM6 in HCC and the relationship between MCM6 level and clinicopathological parameters through bioinformatics analysis of several databases.

Methods

MCM expression level, clinical parameters, survival data, and gene set enrichment analysis were analyzed by bioinformatics database, including Oncomine™, UALCAN, HCCDB, TCGA, cBioPortal, and LinkedOmics. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and IHC staining were conducted to identify the expression of MCM6 in HCC compared to normal liver tissues.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the mRNA of MCM6 was obviously increased in multiple cancer types, especially in HCC. MCM6 level was positively associated with multiple clinical parameters (stage 3 and grades 3 and 4) and negatively associated with patient outcomes (overall survival). Moreover, enrichment of functions and signaling pathways analysis of MCM6 suggested that MCM6 might mediate DNA replication and cellular metabolism to promote the development and progression of HCC. Furthermore, IHC staining and western blotting indicated that the MCM6 was enhanced in HCC tissue, and MCM6 could promote HCC proliferation in activating Notch pathway via WB and bioinformatic analysis.

Conclusion

This study actually revealed the expression and related functions of MCM6 in HCC. Furthermore, MCM6 is a carcinogenic role in activating Notch pathway to promote HCC cell proliferation, which may be a new prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Association of Hepatitis C Virus Replication with the Catecholamine Biosynthetic Pathway

A bidirectional negative relationship between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and gene expression of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) was previously shown in the liver and attributed at least to an association of DDC with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we report that the biosynthesis and uptake of catecholamines restrict HCV replication in hepatocytes, while HCV has developed ways to reduce catecholamine production. By employing gene silencing, chemical inhibition or induction of the catecholamine biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes and transporters, and by applying the substrates or the products of the respective enzymes, we unravel the role of the different steps of the pathway in viral infection. We also provide evidence that the effect of catecholamines on HCV is strongly related with oxidative stress that is generated by their autoxidation in the cytosol, while antioxidants or treatments that lower cytosolic catecholamine levels positively affect the virus. To counteract the effect of catecholamines, HCV, apart from the already reported effects on DDC, causes the down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase that encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis and suppresses dopamine beta-hydroxylase mRNA and protein amounts, while increasing the catecholamine degradation enzyme monoamine oxidase. Moreover, the NS4B viral protein is implicated in the effect of HCV on the ratio of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer and a ~120 kDa DDC complex, while the NS5A protein has a negative effect on total DDC protein levels.

Traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A focus on epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which endows epithelial cells with mesenchymal properties, plays an important role in the early stages of metastasis. Conventional cancer therapies have promising effects, but issues remain, such as high rates of metastasis and drug resistance. Thus, exploring and evaluating new therapies is an urgent need. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been acknowledged for their multi-target and coordinated intervention effects against HCC. Accumulating evidence indicates that TCM can inhibit the malignancy of cells and the progression of EMT in HCC. However, studies on the effects of TCM on EMT in HCC are scarce. In this review, we summarized recent developments in anti-EMT TCMs and formulae, focusing on their underlying pharmacological mechanisms, to provide a foundation for further research on the exact mechanisms through which TCM affects EMT in HCC.

Dopamine Pathway Mediated by DRD5 Facilitates Tumor Growth via Enhancing Warburg Effect in Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is among the most malignant cancers globally due to its aggressiveness and poor survival. To set off from the inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment, we analyzed tumor tissues of EC patients with or without lymphatic metastasis to explore the importance of cancer cell derived neurotransmitters. Results have emphasized that the accumulation of dopamine but not other neurotransmitters could be observed in EC tumor tissue of patients, especially those who are bearing lymphatic metastasis. Transcriptional analysis of mentioned tissues was also performed to filter out key enzymes involved in dopamine pathway including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DOPA decarboxylase (DCC), monoamine oxidase (MAO), etc. Further analysis on tumor tissues of patients indicated that dopamine receptor D5 was aberrantly upregulated and co-located with TH. Both in vitro and in vivo tests have demonstrated that dopamine could stimulate the proliferation and outgrowth of EC tumor cells via the DRD5 mediated pathway. The exploration of mechanism has unveiled that activation of the dopamine pathway significantly enhanced the uptake of glucose and production of lactate of EC tumor cells. It can also facilitate the extracellular acid rate (ECAR), dedicating that DRD5-mediated activated dopamine pathway could effectively form and trigger Warburg effect, which is modulated by the cross-talk of mTOR and AKT pathway. Our results would unveil the relationship between cancer derived neurotransmitters and inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment, thus provide potential therapeutic targets and novel clinical strategy towards metastatic EC.

Integrin α7 knockdown suppresses cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of integrin α7 (ITGA7) on regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). ITGA7 mRNA and protein expression in human normal liver epithelial cells and HCC cell lines were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. ITGA7 small interfering RNA [siRNA; ITGA7-knockdown (KD) group] and nonsense siRNA (control group) were transfected into Huh7 cells and SNU449 cells, respectively. ITGA7 mRNA and protein expression (RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively), cell proliferation (Cell Counting Kit-8 assay), apoptosis (annexin V/propidium iodide assay), migration (wound scratch assay) and invasion (Transwell assay) were then detetected. E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and V-cadherin levels (RT-qPCR and western blotting) were also assessed. ITGA7 mRNA and protein expression levels were increased in Li7, Huh7, SKHEP1 and SNU449 cells compared with THLE-3 cells. Following transfection, ITGA7 mRNA and protein expression was lower in the ITGA7-KD group compared with that in the control group in both Huh7 and SNU449 cells, indicating successful transfection. In the ITGA7-KD group, cell proliferation decreased at 48 and 72 h, cell apoptosis rates increased at 48 h, cell migration rate was reduced at 24 h and cell invasion decreased at 24 h compared with the control group. Additionally, increased E-cadherin but decreased α-SMA, vimentin and V-cadherin mRNA and protein expression levels were observed in the ITGA7-KD group compared with the control group at 24 h. In conclusion, ITGA7 knockdown suppressed HCC progression and inhibited EMT in HCC in vitro, implying that ITGA7 might be a novel treatment target for HCC.

CircSMYD4 regulates proliferation, migration and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by sponging miR-584-5p

Background

There is evidence that circSMYD4 is differentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role of circSMYD4 in the occurrence and development of HCC and its specific molecular mechanism.

Methods

The expressions of related genes and proteins in the development of HCC were detected by real-time quantitative-PCR and Western blot. HCC cells treated with RNase R and Actinomycin D were used to examine the stability of circSMYD4. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down assay, luciferase assay and Spearman correlation analysis were performed to evaluate the interaction between circSMYD4 and miRNA. Cell Counting Kit-8, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, Transwell, flow cytometry, nude tumor formation experiment, and immunohistochemistry were employed to analyze the function of circSMYD4 in HCC. A rescue experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of miR-584-5p on the physiological functions of cells.

Results

CircSMYD4 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cells, and was not easily affected by RNase R and Actinomycin D. The abundances of circSMYD4 and SMYD4 in the cytoplasm were significantly higher than in the nucleus. Up-regulation of circSMYD4 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro, while it inhibited tumor growth, promoted apoptosis-related proteins, and suppressed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in vivo. CircSMYD4 could be used as a miRNA sponge to target miR-584-5p. In addition, miR-584-5p overexpression partially reversed the regulatory effect of circSMYD4 on HCC.

Conclusion

CircSMYD4 prevents the development of HCC through regulating multiple signaling pathways such as metastasis and apoptosis by sponging miR-584-5p.

Identification of the DNA Replication Regulator MCM Complex Expression and Prognostic Significance in Hepatic Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The microliposome maintenance (MCM) complex, MCM2-7, is revealed to be involved in multiple cellular processes and plays a key role in the development and progression of human cancers. However, the MCM complex remains poorly elaborated in hepatic carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

In the study, we found the mRNA and protein level by bioinformatics. We also explored the prognostic value, genetic alteration, interaction network, and functional enrichment of MCM2-7. The MCM expression and correlation among these MCMs in HCC cell lines were identified by western blot.

RESULTS

MCM2-7 was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. The high level of MCM2-7 had a positive correlation with poor prognosis. However, MCM2-7 alterations were not correlated with poor OS. MCMs were both increased in HCC cell lines compared to the normal hepatocyte cell line. Furthermore, the positive correlation was found among MCMs in HCC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

The MCM complex was increased in HCC tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with prognosis, which might be important biomarkers for HCC.

Long noncoding RNAs, ENST00000598996 and ENST00000524265, are correlated with favorable prognosis and act as potential tumor suppressors in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a serious malignancy worldwide due to its distant metastasis and high recurrence rates. Increasing evidence has indicated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and progression in multiple malignancies. However, their clinical significances, biological functions and molecular mechanisms in BC remain poorly understood. Hence, the present study investigated the expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs in five BC tissues and the corresponding adjacent normal specimens using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of 103 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified, including 35 upregulated and 68 downregulated ones in BC tissues. Similarly, a total of 2,756 DE-mRNAs were detected, including 1,467 upregulated and 1,289 downregulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses, and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network analyses suggested that these dysregulated lncRNAs are potentially implicated in the onset and progression of BC. Subsequently, four lncRNAs (upregulated ENST00000433108; downregulated ENST00000598996, ENST00000524265 and ENST00000398461) and two mRNAs (upregulated CCNB1 and CDK1) in 64 pairs of BC and adjacent normal tissues and four BC cell lines were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and these results were consistent with the sequencing data. Additionally, Fisher's exact test, Kaplan-Meier plots, and Cox regression analyses were used for elucidating the clinical values of ENST00000598996 and ENST00000524265. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess their diagnostic values. The low expression level of ENST00000598996 and ENST00000524265 was correlated with unfavorable clinicopathological parameters, and shorter progression-free and overall survival time, whereas, ENST00000433108 was not associated with either. The in vitro functional experiments also revealed that the overexpression of ENST00000598996 and ENST00000524265 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of BC cells. Collectively, the results of the present study provide a novel landscape of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in BC. In addition, the results also indicated that ENST00000598996 and ENST00000524265 may serve as tumor suppressors, potential diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic predictors for patients with BC.

Diagnostic value of the γ-glutamyltransferase and alanine transaminase ratio, alpha-fetoprotein, and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common type of malignancy with a poor prognosis. Identification and utilisation of markers for monitoring and diagnosis are urgently needed. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) have been proved to be efficient biomarkers for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The combination of the two markers could improve the detection rate. However, these indicators cannot meet the need of clinical diagnosis.It is necessary to discover novel serological markers and more cost-effective, appropriate combination of these markers for the diagnosis and surveillance of HBV-related HCC. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) to alanine amino transferase (ALT) ratio alone or in combination with AFP and PIVKA-II for HBV-related HCC. 234 patients with HBV-related HCC and 396 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were enrolled in this study and approved by the institutional review board. Our results showed levels of AFP and PIVKA-II, and γ-GT/ALT ratio in cases with early-stage HCC, HCC, HCC plus HBV DNA positivity, and HCC plus HBV DNA negativity were higher than those in the corresponding CHB control group. Additionally, the levels of serum AFP and PIVKA-II, and the γ-GT/ALT ratio were positively correlated with tumour sizes in patients with HBV-related HCC. The areas under the ROC curves (AUROCs) of the γ-GT/ALT ratio in patients with early-stage HCC, HCC, HCC plus HBV DNA positivity, and HCC plus HBV DNA negativity were 0.795, 0.846,0.855, and 0.837, respectively; AUROCs of combination of the γ-GT/ALT ratio and PIVKA-II were 0.858, 0.928, 0.948, and 0.902, respectively; AUROCs of combination of the γ-GT/ALT ratio and AFP were 0.822, 0.886, 0.896, and 0.873, respectively;AUROCs of combination of the γ-GT/ALT ratio and PIVKA-II with AFP were 0.857, 0.928, 0.946, and 0.907, respectively, and AUROCs of combination of PIVKA-II and AFP were 0.804, 0.904, 0.942, and 0.863, respectively. In conclusion, the γ-GT/ALT ratio was a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC and that the combination of AFP and PIVKA-II with the γ-GT/ALT ratio could improve the diagnostic value of these biomarkers for HBV-related HCC. Moreover, the ratio of γ-GT/ALT may be a useful index in monitoring patients for progression of HBV-related HCC.

Propofol‑induced miR‑125a‑5p inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer by suppressing LIN28B

Propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent during surgery, has relatively widespread pharmacological actions. Previous studies have reported that propofol may act as an antitumor drug in several cancer types, such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanism in ovarian cancer remain unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the pharmacological effect of propofol on microRNAs (miRNAs) in ovarian cancer treatment. Propofol (1, 5 or 10 µg/ml) was used to treat A2780 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. The MTT assay was used to detect cell viability, while wound healing and Transwell assays were utilized to assess the invasive and migratory abilities. The bioinformatics prediction approach identified differentially expressed miRNAs (miRs) that were used in Gene Ontology, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The expression levels of miR‑125a‑5p and lin‑28 homolog B (LIN28B) were evaluated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). A luciferase assay was performed to identify the relationship between miR‑125a‑5p and LIN28B. Western blotting was conducted to measure the protein expression of LIN28B. It was demonstrated that propofol significantly upregulated miR‑125a‑5p to exert its antitumor activity. RT‑qPCR results suggested that propofol could upregulate miR‑125a‑5p and LIN28B expression levels in ovarian cancer cell lines. Western blot analysis also indicated that propofol could enhance the expression of LIN28B in ovarian cancer cell lines. The luciferase assay identified that miR‑125a‑5p could directly inhibit the expression of LIN28B to suppress proliferation and metastasis in ovarian cancer. In conclusion, these results suggested that propofol inhibited ovarian cancer proliferation and metastasis by enhancing miR‑125a‑5p, which targets LIN28B.

The Role of Sulfotransferases in Liver Diseases

The cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are phase II conjugating enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a sulfonate group from the universal sulfate donor 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate to a nucleophilic group of their substrates to generate hydrophilic products. Sulfation has a major effect on the chemical and functional homeostasis of substrate chemicals. SULTs are widely expressed in metabolically active or hormonally responsive tissues, including the liver and many extrahepatic tissues. The expression of SULTs exhibits isoform-, tissue-, sex-, and development-specific regulations. SULTs display a broad range of substrates including xenobiotics and endobiotics. The expression of SULTs has been shown to be transcriptionally regulated by members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, pregnane X receptor, constitutive androstane receptor, vitamin D receptor, liver X receptors, farnesoid X receptor, retinoid-related orphan receptors, estrogen-related receptors, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α These nuclear receptors can be activated by numerous xenobiotics and endobiotics, such as fatty acids, bile acids, and oxysterols, many of which are substrates of SULTs. Due to their metabolism of xenobiotics and endobiotics, SULTs and their regulations are implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. This review is aimed to summarize the central role of major SULTs, including the SULT1 and SULT2 subfamilies, in the pathophysiology of liver and liver-related diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are indispensable in the homeostasis of xenobiotics and endobiotics. Knowing SULTs and their regulations are implicated in human diseases, it is hoped that genetic or pharmacological manipulations of the expression and/or activity of SULTs can be used to affect the clinical outcome of diseases.

Cancer Stem Cells: A Potential Breakthrough in HCC-Targeted Therapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cells with stem cell characteristics that produce both cancerous and non-tumorigenic cells in tumor tissues. The literature reports that CSCs are closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promote the malignant features of HCC such as high invasion, drug resistance, easy recurrence, easy metastasis, and poor prognosis. This review discusses the origin, molecular, and biological features, functions, and applications of CSCs in HCC in recent years; the goal is to clarify the importance of CSCs in treatment and explore their potential value in HCC-targeted therapy.

Aquaporin 9 inhibits growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is an essential aquaporin in the liver and located in the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes, but its roles on HCC has not been completely elucidated. This study investigated the regulatory functions of AQP9 in the pathogenesis of HCC. The expression levels of AQP9 were significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cells, which was also correlated with tumor size and number, TNM stage, five-year survival rate, lymphatic and distal metastasis within the patients. Furthermore, overexpressed AQP9 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. The levels of PCNA, E-cad, N-cad, α-SMA, DVL2, GSK-3β, cyclinD1 and β-catenin in HCC cells were reduced by overexpressed AQP9, while cell apoptosis was remarkably enhanced. Additionally, following the treatment with Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor (XAV939), the proliferative activity of HCC cells was significantly inhibited; PCNA and EMT-related markers were down-regulated; migration and invasion of cells were notably suppressed; cell apoptotic rate was decreased. Vice versa, after the cells were treated with Wnt/β-catenin inducer (SKL2001), the effects caused by overexpressed AQP9 were abrogated. In vivo studies indicated that tumor volume and weight were remarkably decreased in AQP9 overexpression group, where the levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling- and EMT-associated molecules were also reduced. Taken together, our results suggested that overexpressed AQP9 could inhibit growth and metastasis of HCC cells via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. AQP9 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with HCC.

Emerging Role of l-Dopa Decarboxylase in Flaviviridae Virus Infections

l-dopa decarboxylase (DDC) that catalyzes the biosynthesis of bioactive amines, such as dopamine and serotonin, is expressed in the nervous system and peripheral tissues, including the liver, where its physiological role remains unknown. Recently, we reported a physical and functional interaction of DDC with the major signaling regulator phosphoinosite-3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we provide compelling evidence for the involvement of DDC in viral infections. Studying dengue (DENV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection in hepatocytes and HCV replication in liver samples of infected patients, we observed a negative association between DDC and viral replication. Specifically, replication of both viruses reduced the levels of DDC mRNA and the ~120 kDa SDS-resistant DDC immunoreactive functional complex, concomitant with a PI3K-dependent accumulation of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer. Moreover, viral infection inhibited PI3K-DDC association, while DDC did not colocalize with viral replication sites. DDC overexpression suppressed DENV and HCV RNA replication, while DDC enzymatic inhibition enhanced viral replication and infectivity and affected DENV-induced cell death. Consistently, we observed an inverse correlation between DDC mRNA and HCV RNA levels in liver biopsies from chronically infected patients. These data reveal a novel relationship between DDC and Flaviviridae replication cycle and the role of PI3K in this process.