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Wang H, Qian YW, Dong H, Cong WM. Pathologic assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of immunotherapy: a narrative review. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:472-493. [PMID: 38911201 PMCID: PMC11190517 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy has achieved impressive success in various cancer types. Several ICIs have been unprecedentedly approved as the treatment regimens for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent decade. Meanwhile, numerous clinical trials are being performed to exploit more ICIs into initially unresectable HCC and postoperative HCC to expectantly induce adequate tumor downstaging for further resection or implement adjuvant treatment for relapse-free survival, respectively. In this review, we aim to summarize some pragmatic histomorphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular pathologic parameters which promisingly indicate the response of neoadjuvant/conversion ICI-related therapy and predict the efficacy of adjuvant/therapeutic ICI-related therapy for HCC. Methods We searched PubMed using the terms hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor, immune checkpoint blockade, conversion therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, biomarker, pathologic evaluation, pathologic assessment till February 2023. Key Content and Findings Although there is no consensus regarding the pathologic evaluation of relevant HCC specimens, it is encouraging that a few of studies have concentrated on this field, and moreover, the methods and parameters noted on other cancer types are also worthy of reference. For the pathologic assessment of HCC specimens underwent immunotherapy, a suitable sampling scheme, identifying immunotherapy-related pathologic response, and quantification of pathologic response rate should be emphasized. For the patients of HCC who are scheduled to receive immunotherapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structure, programmed cell death ligand 1, Wnt/β-catenin, microsatellite instability and mismatch repair, tumor mutational burden and tumor neoantigen, as well as some other signaling pathways are the potential predictive biomarkers of treatment response of ICI. Conclusions The management of HCC in the era of immunotherapy arises a brand-new pathological challenge that is to provide an immunotherapy-related diagnostic report. Albeit many related researches are preclinical or insufficient, they may tremendously alter the immunotherapy strategy of HCC in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Wen Qian
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ming Cong
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Ling T, Li S, Chen H, Wang Q, Shi J, Li Y, Bao W, Liang K, Piao HL. Lysine-372-dependent SUMOylation inhibits the enzymatic activity of glutamine synthases. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23319. [PMID: 38010918 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301462rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine synthetase (GS) is a crucial enzyme involved in de novo synthesis of glutamine and participates in several biological processes, including nitrogen metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and amino acid synthesis. Post-translational modification makes GS more adaptable to the needs of cells, and acetylation modification of GS at double sites has attracted considerable attention. Despite very intensive research, how SUMOylation affects GS activity at a molecular level remains unclear. Here, we report that previously undiscovered GS SUMOylation which is deficient mutant K372R of GS exhibits more bluntness under glutamine starvation. Mechanistically, glutamine deprivation triggers the GS SUMOylation, and this SUMOylation impaired the protein stability of GS, within a concomitant decrease in enzymatic activity. In addition, we identified SAE1, Ubc9, and PIAS1 as the assembly enzymes of GS SUMOylation respectively. Furthermore, Senp1/2 functions as a SUMO-specific protease to reverse the SUMOylation of GS. This study provides the first evidence that SUMOylation serves as a regulatory mechanism for determining the GS enzymatic activity, contributing to understanding the GS regulation roles in various cellular and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ling
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of analytical chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyi Li
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Qiuping Wang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of analytical chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Bao
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of analytical chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kunming Liang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of analytical chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ye Y, Yu B, Wang H, Yi F. Glutamine metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1242059. [PMID: 37635935 PMCID: PMC10452011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1242059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with limited management strategies and poor prognosis. Metabolism alternations have been frequently unveiled in HCC, including glutamine metabolic reprogramming. The components of glutamine metabolism, such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, metabolites, and metabolite transporters, are validated to be potential biomarkers of HCC. Increased glutamine consumption is confirmed in HCC, which fuels proliferation by elevated glutamate dehydrogenase or upstream signals. Glutamine metabolism also serves as a nitrogen source for amino acid or nucleotide anabolism. In addition, more glutamine converts to glutathione as an antioxidant in HCC to protect HCC cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, glutamine metabolic reprogramming activates the mTORC signaling pathway to support tumor cell proliferation. Glutamine metabolism targeting therapy includes glutamine deprivation, related enzyme inhibitors, and transporters inhibitors. Together, glutamine metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in HCC identification, proliferation, and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bodong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengming Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
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Pećina-Šlaus N, Aničić S, Bukovac A, Kafka A. Wnt Signaling Inhibitors and Their Promising Role in Tumor Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076733. [PMID: 37047705 PMCID: PMC10095594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In a continuous search for the improvement of antitumor therapies, the inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway has been recognized as a promising target. The altered functioning of the Wnt signaling in human tumors points to the strategy of the inhibition of its activity that would impact the clinical outcomes and survival of patients. Because the Wnt pathway is often mutated or epigenetically altered in tumors, which promotes its activation, inhibitors of Wnt signaling are being intensively investigated. It has been shown that knocking down specific components of the Wnt pathway has inhibitory effects on tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Thus, similar effects are expected from the application of Wnt inhibitors. In the last decades, molecules acting as inhibitors on the pathway’s specific molecular levels have been identified and characterized. This review will discuss the inhibitors of the canonical Wnt pathway, summarize knowledge on their effectiveness as therapeutics, and debate their side effects. The role of the components frequently mutated in various tumors that are principal targets for Wnt inhibitors is also going to be brought to the reader’s attention. Some of the molecules identified as Wnt pathway inhibitors have reached early stages of clinical trials, and some have only just been discovered. All things considered, inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway shows potential for the development of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Pećina-Šlaus
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Aničić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Bukovac
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Kafka
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Leung RWH, Lee TKW. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215468. [PMID: 36358885 PMCID: PMC9656505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3400-8799; Fax: +852-2364-9932
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van Belzen IAEM, van Tuil M, Badloe S, Strengman E, Janse A, Verwiel ETP, van der Leest DFM, de Vos S, Baker-Hernandez J, Groenendijk A, de Krijger R, Kerstens HHD, Drost J, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Tops BBJ, Holstege FCP, Kemmeren P, Hehir-Kwa JY. Molecular Characterization Reveals Subclasses of 1q Gain in Intermediate Risk Wilms Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194872. [PMID: 36230794 PMCID: PMC9564324 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194872] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chromosomal alterations and other structural variants have been recurrently identified in Wilms tumors (WT) and are promising biomarkers for risk stratification. Chromosome 1q gain occurs in one in three WTs and is associated with poor prognosis, but its impact on tumor biology remains unknown. Here, we investigated the mutational mechanisms and functional effects of chromosomal alterations in WTs, and in particular 1q gain. We identified subgroups of tumors with typical activated biological processes: muscle differentiation, immune system, kidney development and proliferation. Combining these subgroups with genomic data showed that tumors with 1q gain occur in all subgroups and can be associated with different functional effects. Also, 1q gain tumors differ in mutational mechanisms and co-occurring tumor-specific mutations. In conclusion, we identified subgroups of tumors with 1q gain and therefore propose that incorporating expression data in risk stratification could improve the clinical utility of 1q gain. Abstract Chromosomal alterations have recurrently been identified in Wilms tumors (WTs) and some are associated with poor prognosis. Gain of 1q (1q+) is of special interest given its high prevalence and is currently actively studied for its prognostic value. However, the underlying mutational mechanisms and functional effects remain unknown. In a national unbiased cohort of 30 primary WTs, we integrated somatic SNVs, CNs and SVs with expression data and distinguished four clusters characterized by affected biological processes: muscle differentiation, immune system, kidney development and proliferation. Combined genome-wide CN and SV profiles showed that tumors profoundly differ in both their types of 1q+ and genomic stability and can be grouped into WTs with co-occurring 1p−/1q+, multiple chromosomal gains or CN neutral tumors. We identified 1q+ in eight tumors that differ in mutational mechanisms, subsequent rearrangements and genomic contexts. Moreover, 1q+ tumors were present in all four expression clusters reflecting activation of various biological processes, and individual tumors overexpress different genes on 1q. In conclusion, by integrating CNs, SVs and gene expression, we identified subgroups of 1q+ tumors reflecting differences in the functional effect of 1q gain, indicating that expression data is likely needed for further risk stratification of 1q+ WTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc van Tuil
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shashi Badloe
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Strengman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Janse
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sam de Vos
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alissa Groenendijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Krijger
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marry M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMCU-Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital—Child Health, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan B. J. Tops
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Kemmeren
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht and Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (J.Y.H.-K.)
| | - Jayne Y. Hehir-Kwa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (J.Y.H.-K.)
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7
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Zeng F, Dai H, Li X, Guo L, Jia N, Yang J, Huang D, Zeng H, Chen W, Zhang L, Qin G. Preoperative radiomics model using gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting β-catenin mutation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:916126. [PMID: 36185240 PMCID: PMC9523364 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.916126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare and evaluate radiomics models to preoperatively predict β-catenin mutation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Ninety-eight patients who underwent preoperative gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced MRI were retrospectively included. Volumes of interest were manually delineated on arterial phase, portal venous phase, delay phase, and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images. Radiomics features extracted from different combinations of imaging phases were analyzed and validated. A linear support vector classifier was applied to develop different models. Results Among all 15 types of radiomics models, the model with the best performance was seen in the RHBP radiomics model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of the RHBP radiomics model in the training and validation cohorts were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–0.93), 0.75, 1.0, and 0.65 and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63–0.93), 0.73, 0.67, and 0.76, respectively. The combined model integrated radiomics features in the RHBP radiomics model, and signatures in the clinical model did not improve further compared to the single HBP radiomics model with AUCs of 0.86 and 0.76. Good calibration for the best RHBP radiomics model was displayed in both cohorts; the decision curve showed that the net benefit could achieve 0.15. The most important radiomics features were low and high gray-level zone emphases based on gray-level size zone matrix with the same Shapley additive explanation values of 0.424. Conclusion The RHBP radiomics model may be used as an effective model indicative of HCCs with β-catenin mutation preoperatively and thus could guide personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Dai
- Hospital Office, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- Hospital Office, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xu Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Le Guo
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningyang Jia
- Department of Radiology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danping Huang
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Zhang, ; Genggeng Qin,
| | - Genggeng Qin
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Zhang, ; Genggeng Qin,
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Xu C, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X. β-Catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154515. [PMID: 35166233 PMCID: PMC8843739 DOI: 10.1172/jci154515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the main genetic alterations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive genomic analyses have revealed that gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, and loss-of-function mutation of AXIN1 occur in approximately 35% of human HCC samples. Human HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway demonstrate unique gene expression patterns and pathological features. Activated Wnt/β-catenin synergizes with multiple signaling cascades to drive HCC formation, and it functions through its downstream effectors. Therefore, strategies targeting Wnt/β-catenin have been pursued as possible therapeutics against HCC. Here, we review the genetic alterations and oncogenic roles of aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the implication of this pathway in HCC diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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Constitutive activation of canonical Wnt signaling disrupts choroid plexus epithelial fate. Nat Commun 2022; 13:633. [PMID: 35110543 PMCID: PMC8810795 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus secretes cerebrospinal fluid and is critical for the development and function of the brain. In the telencephalon, the choroid plexus epithelium arises from the Wnt- expressing cortical hem. Canonical Wnt signaling pathway molecules such as nuclear β-CATENIN are expressed in the mouse and human embryonic choroid plexus epithelium indicating that this pathway is active. Point mutations in human β-CATENIN are known to result in the constitutive activation of canonical Wnt signaling. In a mouse model that recapitulates this perturbation, we report a loss of choroid plexus epithelial identity and an apparent transformation of this tissue to a neuronal identity. Aspects of this phenomenon are recapitulated in human embryonic stem cell derived organoids. The choroid plexus is also disrupted when β-Catenin is conditionally inactivated. Together, our results indicate that canonical Wnt signaling is required in a precise and regulated manner for normal choroid plexus development in the mammalian brain.
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Rahadiani N, Andhini Retnowulan I, Stephanie M, Rini Handjari D, Krisnuhoni E. β-Catenin Expression and Its Association with Prognostic Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study on Alpha-fetoprotein, Histologic Grade, and Microvascular Invasion. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer. In addition to its high incidence, the disease burden is high due to its poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Some of the currently known clinicopathologic prognostic factors include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, histologic grade, and microvascular invasion. At the molecular level, β-catenin is one of the most common driver mutation found in HCC. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cellular processes related to initiation, growth, survival, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Although the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocarcinogenesis is known, clinical application warrants a greater understanding of the molecular characteristics and tumor phenotype, especially for determining the prognosis. This study aims to analyze the expression of β-catenin and its association with AFP, histologic grade, and microvascular invasion. Materials and methods. Thirty-five samples of surgically resected HCCs at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital were examined. Diagnoses were made based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings followed by β-catenin staining. β-catenin expression was analyzed to determine difference between variables. Results and conclusions. Here we show that β-catenin expression is significantly associated with low serum alpha-fetoprotein and well to moderate differentiation Implications. Strong nuclear β-catenin expression implies better prognosis in HCC.
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11
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Clinicopathological features of 70 desmoid-type fibromatoses confirmed by β-catenin immunohistochemical staining and CTNNB1 mutation analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250619. [PMID: 33914771 PMCID: PMC8084228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive neoplasm characterized by mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, which encodes the β-catenin protein. We reviewed 85 cases of DF and performed Sanger sequencing for detecting mutations in CTNNB1 and immunostaining for detecting β-catenin localization. We included 70 DF samples, of which 56 cases demonstrated nuclear β-catenin localization and 43 cases harboured CTNNB1 mutations. CTNNB1-mutant DF samples consistently displayed nuclear β-catenin expression and were derived from larger-sized tumours compared to samples with wild-type CTNNB1. When we further classified DF cases into 2 subgroups based on the type of specimen, excised specimens with nuclear β-catenin expression frequently displayed CTNNB1 mutation and no statistical correlation between nuclear β-catenin expression and CTNNB1 mutation was observed in biopsies. When we classified CTNNB1 mutation cases into 2 subgroups (DF with T41A or T41I, and DF with S45F or S45P), T41A or T41I mutations were observed more frequently in males than in females. Additionally, DF tumours harbouring S45F or S45P mutations were located more frequently in the abdominal wall than tumours with T41A or T41I mutations. In conclusion, CTNNB1 mutation correlates with nuclear β-catenin expression in larger or excised DF tumours, and DF harbouring CTNNB1 mutations manifest variable clinical presentations.
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12
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Muranushi R, Araki K, Harimoto N, Yokobori T, Hoshino K, Hagiwara K, Ishii N, Tsukagoshi M, Igarashi T, Watanabe A, Kubo N, Aishima S, Shirabe K. Unclassified hepatocellular adenoma with beta-catenin mutation: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2021; 7:46. [PMID: 33580445 PMCID: PMC7881073 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-021-01131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) subtypes are considered as risk factors for malignant transformation; thus, an accurate diagnosis is important. We report a case of resected HCA previously diagnosed as unclassified HCA using immunohistochemistry, subsequently discovered to harbor a mutation in exon 3 of the beta (β)-catenin gene using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Case presentation The patient was a 26-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital because of a 150-mm tumor in the right lobe of the liver. Considering the possibility of malignancy, we performed right lobe hepatectomy. Based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an unclassified HCA. Next, we performed sequencing of DNA isolated from the tumor and identified a mutation in exon 3 of β-catenin, suggesting that the tumor contained an activating mutation of the β-catenin gene. Conclusion β-Catenin mutations in HCA cannot be detected by immunohistochemistry alone, and molecular analysis is required to accurately diagnose and evaluate its prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Muranushi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Araki
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Norifumi Harimoto
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Takehiko Yokobori
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kouki Hoshino
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kei Hagiwara
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Norihiro Ishii
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Mariko Tsukagoshi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takamichi Igarashi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Norio Kubo
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Aishima
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Ken Shirabe
- Department of General Surgical Science, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
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Glutamine Synthetase as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041701. [PMID: 33567690 PMCID: PMC7915753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of glutamine in cancer metabolism has been extensively studied. Cancer cells consume an excessive amount of glutamine to facilitate rapid proliferation. Thus, glutamine depletion occurs in various cancer types, especially in poorly vascularized cancers. This makes glutamine synthetase (GS), the only enzyme responsible for de novo synthesizing glutamine, essential in cancer metabolism. In cancer, GS exhibits pro-tumoral features by synthesizing glutamine, supporting nucleotide synthesis. Furthermore, GS is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and provides glutamine to cancer cells, allowing cancer cells to maintain sufficient glutamine level for glutamine catabolism. Glutamine catabolism, the opposite reaction of glutamine synthesis by GS, is well known for supporting cancer cell proliferation via contributing biosynthesis of various essential molecules and energy production. Either glutamine anabolism or catabolism has a critical function in cancer metabolism depending on the complex nature and microenvironment of cancers. In this review, we focus on the role of GS in a variety of cancer types and microenvironments and highlight the mechanism of GS at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting GS in cancer.
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Deldar Abad Paskeh M, Mirzaei S, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Sethi G. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1415-1444. [PMID: 34858888 PMCID: PMC8630469 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s336858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence: Sepideh Mirzaei Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran Email
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Gautam Sethi Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Email
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15
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de Man SMA, van Amerongen R. Zooming in on the WNT/CTNNB1 Destruction Complex: Functional Mechanistic Details with Implications for Therapeutic Targeting. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:137-173. [PMID: 34486095 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
WNT/CTNNB1 signaling is crucial for balancing cell proliferation and differentiation in all multicellular animals. CTNNB1 accumulation is the hallmark of WNT/CTNNB1 pathway activation and the key downstream event in both a physiological and an oncogenic context. In the absence of WNT stimulation, the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of CTNNB1 are kept low because of its sequestration and phosphorylation by the so-called destruction complex, which targets CTNNB1 for proteasomal degradation. In the presence of WNT proteins, or as a result of oncogenic mutations, this process is impaired and CTNNB1 levels become elevated.Here we discuss recent advances in our understanding of destruction complex activity and inactivation, focusing on the individual components and interactions that ultimately control CTNNB1 turnover (in the "WNT off" situation) and stabilization (in the "WNT on" situation). We especially highlight the insights gleaned from recent quantitative, image-based studies, which paint an unprecedentedly detailed picture of the dynamic events that control destruction protein complex composition and function. We argue that these mechanistic details may reveal new opportunities for therapeutic intervention and could result in the destruction complex re-emerging as a target for therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Madelon Ada de Man
- Developmental, Stem Cell and Cancer Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renée van Amerongen
- Developmental, Stem Cell and Cancer Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Wnt and Vitamin D at the Crossroads in Solid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113434. [PMID: 33227961 PMCID: PMC7699248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113434] [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: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in most colorectal cancers and less frequently in a variety of other solid neoplasias. Many epidemiological and experimental studies and some clinical trials suggest an anticancer action of vitamin D, mainly against colorectal cancer. The aim of this review was to analyze the literature supporting the interference of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by the active vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of this antagonism in colorectal cancer and other cancer types. Additionally, we summarize the available data indicating a reciprocal inhibition of vitamin D action by the activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, a complex mutual antagonism between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the vitamin D system seems to be at the root of many solid cancers. Abstract Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is common in many types of solid cancers. Likewise, a large proportion of cancer patients have vitamin D deficiency. In line with these observations, Wnt/β-catenin signaling and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active vitamin D metabolite, usually have opposite effects on cancer cell proliferation and phenotype. In recent years, an increasing number of studies performed in a variety of cancer types have revealed a complex crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and 1,25(OH)2D3. Here we review the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and, conversely, how the activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway may abrogate vitamin D action. The available data suggest that interaction between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the vitamin D system is at the crossroads in solid cancers and may have therapeutic applications.
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17
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Javanmard D, Karbalaie Niya MH, Khalafkhany D, Najafi M, Ziaee M, Babaei MR, Kiani SJ, Esghaei M, Jazayeri SM, Panahi M, Safarnezhad Tameshkel F, Mehrabi M, Monavari SH, Bokharaei-Salim F. Downregulation of GSK3β and Upregulation of URG7 in Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020; 20. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.100899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The exact molecular contributors to the development of HBV-related HCC are not yet completely understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the deregulation of the Wnt pathway is highly associated with the development of HCC. Besides, HBV is known to have roles in the deregulation of this pathway. The present study evaluated the molecular aspects of the Wnt pathway in HBV-related HCC in liver tissue samples. Viral characterization was done by identifying the HBx mutations and the assessment of intrahepatic viral load. The expression of Wnt pathway genes was assessed using real-time PCR and methylation-specific PCR. The intrahepatic viral load was significantly higher in tumor samples than in normal tissues (P = 0.0008). Aberrant expression was observed in Wnt-1, Wnt-7a, FZD2, FZD7, β-catenin, URG7, c-Myc, SFRP5, and GSK3β, among which Wnt1, FZD2, SFRP5, Gsk3β, and URG7 were associated with HBV. HBx mutations at positions I88, L116, and I127 + F132 were associated with the decreased expression of GSK3β and overexpression of URG7 and Wnt1. Alterations in the expression level of β-catenin, as well as some mutants of HBx, were correlated with the level of c-Myc. HBV-related HCC seems to be mostly coordinated with epigenetic behaviors of HBx, such a multi-functional peptide with suppressing/trans-activating functions.
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18
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Novel Mutations in Pilomatrixoma, CTNNB1 p.s45F, and FGFR2 p.s252L: A Report of Three Cases Diagnosed by Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy, with Review of the Literature. Case Rep Genet 2020; 2020:8831006. [PMID: 32908727 PMCID: PMC7475758 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8831006] [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: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pilomatrixoma (calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe) is an uncommon benign skin appendageal tumor that differentiates toward hair matrix cells. It is misdiagnosed in up to 75% of cases by nondermatologists. Although the histopathological findings are well recognized and characteristic, diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be quite challenging. Several reports have emphasized the challenges in cytodiagnosis of pilomatrixoma, leading to a false-positive diagnosis. The lesions may show avidity for fludeoxyglucose on positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan, raising concern of a possible malignant neoplasm. CTNNB1 mutations have been reported in a high percentage of pilomatrixomas. Expression of β-catenin, the protein encoded by CTNNB1, is also frequently observed. To determine if routine cytological specimens can be successfully used to perform additional investigation and support or confirm the diagnosis in three cases of pilomatrixoma, we performed molecular analysis and immunohistochemistry to search for CTNNB1 mutation and β-catenin, respectively. β-Catenin positivity by immunohistochemistry was observed in basaloid cells in all three cases. Exon 3 mutations in CTNNB1 were detected in all cases. In addition, we detected a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) mutation in one of the cases. We reviewed the literature and present the clinical and morphological characteristics that must be considered along with other findings to accurately achieve the correct diagnosis, in correlation with the results of the ancillary technique. In conclusion, routine cytological specimens can be successfully used to perform additional investigations and support cytodiagnosis in difficult cases.
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19
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Investigation of CTNNB1 gene mutations and expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in association with hepatitis B virus infection. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:37. [PMID: 32514293 PMCID: PMC7268324 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), along with Hepatitis C virus chronic infection, represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, molecular mechanisms involved in the development of HCC are not yet completely understood. Recent studies have indicated that mutations in CTNNB1 gene encoding for β-catenin protein lead to aberrant activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway. The mutations in turn activate several downstream genes, including c-Myc, promoting the neoplastic process. The present study evaluated the mutational profile of the CTNNB1 gene and expression levels of CTNNB1 and c-Myc genes in HBV-related HCC, as well as in cirrhotic and control tissues. Mutational analysis of the β-catenin gene and HBV genotyping were conducted by direct sequencing. Expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was assessed using real-time PCR. Among the HCC cases, 18.1% showed missense point mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1, more frequently in codons 32, 33, 38 and 45. The frequency of mutation in the hotspots of exon 3 was significantly higher in non-viral HCCs (29.4%) rather than HBV-related cases (12.7%, P = 0.021). The expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was found upregulated in cirrhotic tissues in association with HBV infection. Mutations at both phosphorylation and neighboring sites were associated with increased activity of the Wnt pathway. The results demonstrated that mutated β-catenin caused activation of the Wnt pathway, but the rate of CTNNB1 gene mutations was not related to HBV infection. HBV factors may deregulate the Wnt pathway by causing epigenetic alterations in the HBV-related HCC.
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20
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Gao YX, Yang TW, Yin JM, Yang PX, Kou BX, Chai MY, Liu XN, Chen DX. Progress and prospects of biomarkers in primary liver cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 57:54-66. [PMID: 32236573 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers are important in the early screening, diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, recurrence and prognosis prediction of tumors. Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors; it has high incidence and mortality rates and seriously endangers human health. The main pathological types of primary liver cancer include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and combined HCC‑cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC‑CC). In the present review, a systematic outline of the current biomarkers of primary liver cancer is presented, from conventional blood biomarkers, histochemical biomarkers and potential biomarkers to resistance‑associated biomarkers. The important relationships are deeply elucidated between biomarkers and diagnosis, prognosis, clinicopathological features and resistance, as well as their clinical significance, in patients with the three main types of primary liver cancer. Moreover, a summary of several important biomarker signaling pathways is provided, which is helpful for studying the biological mechanism of liver cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide help for clinical or medical researchers in the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xue Gao
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Tong-Wang Yang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Ming Yin
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Xiang Yang
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Bu-Xin Kou
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yin Chai
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ni Liu
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - De-Xi Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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21
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Du X, He W, He H, Wang H. Beta-catenin inhibits bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 replication via innate immunity pathway. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:72. [PMID: 32127006 PMCID: PMC7055115 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02291-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) is one of the important viral respiratory agents associated with the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in cattle. Previous study has demonstrated that infection of BPIV3 causes innate immune response within the host cell. β-catenin is a key component of the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway which is involved in the regulation of interferon-beta (IFN-β) transcription. Some viruses can activate while others can inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the role of β-catenin in BPIV3 infection remains unclear. Results Here we found that the expression of β-catenin mRNA was up-regulated and β-catenin protein was down-regulated after BPIV3 infection in MDBK cells. Moreover, it was confirmed that overexpression of β-catenin suppressed BPIV3 replication and knockdown of β-catenin promoted viral replication, suggesting that β-catenin inhibits BPIV3 replication. Furthermore, IFN-β signal pathway and virus titer analysis using the GSK3β inhibitor (LiCl) revealed that Wnt/β-catenin can serve as a mechanism to suppress virus replication in infected cells. The results indicated that LiCl promoted the expression and accumulation in the nucleus of β-catenin, which further promoted the expression of IFN-β and OSA1 and suppressed BPIV3 replication. Most importantly, BPIV3 down-regulating β-catenin protein expression was due to degradation of GSK3β mediated proteasome pathway. Conclusions In summary, we discovered the relationship between β-catenin and BPIV3 replication. These results provided further insight into the study of BPIV3 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Du
- Ruminant Diseases Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wenqi He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Hongbin He
- Ruminant Diseases Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Ruminant Diseases Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
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22
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Mansouri V, Razzaghi M, Nikzamir A, Ahmadzadeh A, Iranshahi M, Haghazali M, Hamdieh M. Assessment of liver cancer biomarkers. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2020; 13:S29-S39. [PMID: 33585001 PMCID: PMC7881406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. It is primarily divides into two main types, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) and cholangiocarcinoma (IC). Due to the increasing number of patients with liver cancer and the high mortality rate, early diagnosis of the disease can be helpful in treatment, but most patients are diagnosed atlate stages of HC. The aim of this study is to screen and provide an overview on candidate biomarkers related to primary liver cancer to introduce the critical ones. In this study, various biomarkers related to the diagnosis of primary liver cancer have been studied. Accordingly, biomarkers are divided into different groups as blood biomarkers classified as serum and plasma biomarkers, tissue biomarkers, microRNA biomarkers, proteomic biomarkers and altered genes. Previous researches have focused on liver cells and bile ducts, the surround cellular environment, how cells differentiate, and the types of genes expressed in liver cancer. Some even have focused on the origin of tumor cells and how they differentiate and develop. In all these studies, the expression of specific proteins and genes in liver cancer has been considered. Based on available sources, biomarkers can be considered as candidates to diagnose and prognosis of various types of primary liver cancer, from sources such as blood, tissue, mic-RNA, proteome and genes. However, more investigations are required to introduce a biomarker for precise detection of early liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Mansouri
- Proteomics Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohhamadreza Razzaghi
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolrahim Nikzamir
- Faculty of Medicine, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ahmadzadeh
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Iranshahi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Haghazali
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Hamdieh
- Department of Psychosomatic, Taleghani Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Dysregulation of glutaminase and glutamine synthetase in cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 467:29-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Blanc E, Holtgrewe M, Dhamodaran A, Messerschmidt C, Willimsky G, Blankenstein T, Beule D. Identification and ranking of recurrent neo-epitopes in cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:171. [PMID: 31775766 PMCID: PMC6882202 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0611-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune escape is one of the hallmarks of cancer and several new treatment approaches attempt to modulate and restore the immune system’s capability to target cancer cells. At the heart of the immune recognition process lies antigen presentation from somatic mutations. These neo-epitopes are emerging as attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy and new strategies for rapid identification of relevant candidates have become a priority. Methods We carefully screen TCGA data sets for recurrent somatic amino acid exchanges and apply MHC class I binding predictions. Results We propose a method for in silico selection and prioritization of candidates which have a high potential for neo-antigen generation and are likely to appear in multiple patients. While the percentage of patients carrying a specific neo-epitope and HLA-type combination is relatively small, the sheer number of new patients leads to surprisingly high reoccurence numbers. We identify 769 epitopes which are expected to occur in 77629 patients per year. Conclusion While our candidate list will definitely contain false positives, the results provide an objective order for wet-lab testing of reusable neo-epitopes. Thus recurrent neo-epitopes may be suitable to supplement existing personalized T cell treatment approaches with precision treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blanc
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Manuel Holtgrewe
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Arunraj Dhamodaran
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin, 13092, Germany
| | - Clemens Messerschmidt
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Gerald Willimsky
- Institute of Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Lindenberger Weg 80, Berlin, 13125, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Thomas Blankenstein
- Institute of Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Lindenberger Weg 80, Berlin, 13125, Germany.,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin, 13092, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Dieter Beule
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany. .,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin, 13092, Germany.
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25
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Joseph NM, Umetsu SE, Shafizadeh N, Ferrell L, Kakar S. Genomic profiling of well-differentiated hepatocellular neoplasms with diffuse glutamine synthetase staining reveals similar genetics across the adenoma to carcinoma spectrum. Mod Pathol 2019; 32:1627-1636. [PMID: 31189995 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-019-0282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Well-differentiated hepatocellular neoplasms are currently classified in the World Health Organization scheme as hepatocellular adenoma or hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no recognized diagnostic category for atypical cases with borderline features, and we have designated these as atypical hepatocellular neoplasms. Diffuse glutamine synthetase staining is used as a surrogate marker to detect β-catenin activation, a well-recognized high risk feature in hepatocellular tumors. This study examined 27 well-differentiated hepatocellular neoplasms with diffuse glutamine synthetase staining, including 7 atypical hepatocellular neoplasms with no cytoarchitectural atypia, 6 atypical hepatocellular neoplasms with focal cytoarchitectural atypia, and 14 well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas. Capture-based next-generation sequencing was performed, and alterations in WNT pathway genes (CTNNB1, APC, AXIN1) were seen in 81% of cases (10/13 atypical hepatocellular neoplasms and 12/14 of hepatocellular carcinomas), while the molecular basis of diffuse glutamine synthetase staining was unclear in the remaining 19% of cases. Additional non-WNT pathway mutations (TP53, TSC1, DNMT3A, CREBBP) or copy number alterations were present in 56% of atypical hepatocellular neoplasms, with no significant difference in cases with or without focal cytoarchitectural atypia, supporting that all cases with β-catenin activation should be classified as atypical irrespective of atypia. Atypical hepatocellular neoplasm and hepatocellular carcinoma also demonstrated largely similar genomic profiles, but TERT promoter mutations were restricted to hepatocellular carcinoma (21%) and copy number alterations were more common in hepatocellular carcinoma (64 vs 31%). Mutational and copy number analysis may be helpful in characterization and risk stratification of atypical hepatocellular neoplasms when morphology and glutamine synthetase staining yield ambiguous results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy M Joseph
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah E Umetsu
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Linda Ferrell
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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26
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Kalasekar SM, Kotiyal S, Conley C, Phan C, Young A, Evason KJ. Heterogeneous beta-catenin activation is sufficient to cause hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio047829. [PMID: 31575545 PMCID: PMC6826293 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 41% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) result from activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin. HCC-associated CTNNB1 mutations stabilize the β-catenin protein, leading to nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and downstream activation of Wnt target genes. In patient HCC samples, β-catenin nuclear and cytoplasmic localization are typically patchy, even among HCC with highly active CTNNB1 mutations. The functional and clinical relevance of this heterogeneity in β-catenin activation are not well understood. To define mechanisms of β-catenin-driven HCC initiation, we generated a Cre-lox system that enabled switching on activated β-catenin in (1) a small number of hepatocytes in early development; or (2) the majority of hepatocytes in later development or adulthood. We discovered that switching on activated β-catenin in a subset of larval hepatocytes was sufficient to drive HCC initiation. To determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling heterogeneity later in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis of zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC. At the single-cell level, 2.9% to 15.2% of hepatocytes from zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC expressed two or more of the Wnt target genes axin2, mtor, glula, myca and wif1, indicating focal activation of Wnt signaling in established tumors. Thus, heterogeneous β-catenin activation drives HCC initiation and persists throughout hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya M Kalasekar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Srishti Kotiyal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Conley
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cindy Phan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Annika Young
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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27
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Zhang W, Meyfeldt J, Wang H, Kulkarni S, Lu J, Mandel JA, Marburger B, Liu Y, Gorka JE, Ranganathan S, Prochownik EV. β-Catenin mutations as determinants of hepatoblastoma phenotypes in mice. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17524-17542. [PMID: 31597698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver cancer. Although long-term survival of HB is generally favorable, it depends on clinical stage, tumor histology, and a variety of biochemical and molecular features. HB appears almost exclusively before the age of 3 years, is represented by seven histological subtypes, and is usually associated with highly heterogeneous somatic mutations in the catenin β1 (CTNNB1) gene, which encodes β-catenin, a Wnt ligand-responsive transcriptional co-factor. Numerous recurring β-catenin mutations, not previously documented in HB, have also been identified in various other pediatric and adult cancer types. Little is known about the underlying factors that determine the above HB features and behaviors or whether non-HB-associated β-catenin mutations are tumorigenic when expressed in hepatocytes. Here, we investigated the oncogenic properties of 14 different HB- and non-HB-associated β-catenin mutants encoded by Sleeping Beauty vectors following their delivery into the mouse liver by hydrodynamic tail-vein injection. We show that all β-catenin mutations, as well as WT β-catenin, are tumorigenic when co-expressed with a mutant form of yes-associated protein (YAP). However, tumor growth rates, histologies, nuclear-to-cytoplasmic partitioning, and metabolic and transcriptional landscapes were strongly influenced by the identities of the β-catenin mutations. These findings provide a context for understanding at the molecular level the notable biological diversity of HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jennifer Meyfeldt
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Sucheta Kulkarni
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Jie Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Jordan A Mandel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Brady Marburger
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Joanna E Gorka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Sarangarajan Ranganathan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Department of Pathology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224 .,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.,Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
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28
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Chen Z, Wan L, Jin X, Wang W, Li D. Transforming growth factor-β signaling confers hepatic stellate cells progenitor features after partial hepatectomy. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:2655-2667. [PMID: 31584200 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liver regeneration involves not only hepatocyte replication but progenitor aggregation and scarring. Partial hepatectomy (PH), an established model for liver regeneration, reactivates transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are primarily responding cells for TGF-β and resident in stem cell niche. In the current study, PH mice were treated with SB-431542, an inhibitor of TGF-β Type I receptor, aiming to address the role of TGF-β signaling on the fate determination of HSCs during liver regeneration. After PH, control mice exhibited HSCs activation, progenitor cells accumulation, and a fraction of HSCs acquired the phenotype of hepatocyte or cholangiocyte. Blocking TGF-β signaling delayed proliferation, impaired progenitor response, and scarring repair. In SB-431542 group, merely no HSCs were found coexpressed progenitor makers, such as SOX9 and AFP. Inhibition of TGF-β pathway disturbed the epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and diminished the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin as well as the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 in HSC during liver regeneration. We identify a key role of TGF-β signaling on promoting HSC transition, which subsequently becomes progenitor for generating liver epithelial cells after PH. This process might interact with an acknowledged stem cell function signaling, Wnt/β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dewei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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29
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Ma H, Lian C, Song Y. Fibulin-2 inhibits development of gastric cancer by downregulating β-catenin. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2799-2804. [PMID: 31452758 PMCID: PMC6676648 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of fibulin-2 and β-catenin in gastric cancer tissues and the association to mutual regulation. Forty-nine cases of gastric cancer specimens obtained via surgical resection in the Pathology Department of Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from March 2013 to August 2017 were collected. The expression levels of fibulin-2 and β-catenin in 49 cases of gastric cancer and para-carcinoma tissues were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The correlation of expression of fibulin-2 and β-catenin proteins in gastric cancer was detected via Spearman's analysis. The correlation of fibulin-2 and β-catenin protein expression with clinicopathological indexes of patients was also analyzed. Moreover, the fibulin-2 overexpression plasmid was constructed and transfected into human gastric cancer AGS and SGC-790 cell lines, so as to observe changes in β-catenin and its downstream indexes. Fibulin-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level in gastric cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in para-carcinoma tissues, while β-catenin mRNA level was significantly increased (P<0.05). The positive rate of fibulin-2 protein was 73.47% (36/49) in gastric cancer tissues and 16.33% (8/49) in para-carcinoma tissues, while that of β-catenin was 77.55% (38/49) in gastric cancer tissues and 28.57% (14/49) in para-carcinoma tissues, indicating that fibulin-2 protein is significantly deleted in gastric cancer tissues, and β-catenin protein is significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Fibulin-2 and β-catenin had a negative correlation (r=−0.361, P=0.003), but was closely correlated with the tumor size and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). After overexpression of fibulin-2, expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc protein was obviously downregulated (P<0.05). The tumor suppressor gene, fibulin-2, is significantly deleted in gastric cancer tissues, while β-catenin is remarkably enriched. Overexpression of fibulin-2 can inhibit the development of gastric cancer by downregulating β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Ma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Changhong Lian
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Yingming Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
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30
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Haines K, Sarabia SF, Alvarez KR, Tomlinson G, Vasudevan SA, Heczey AA, Roy A, Finegold MJ, Parsons DW, Plon SE, López-Terrada D. Characterization of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma reveals genomic heterogeneity and diverse signaling pathway activation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27745. [PMID: 30977242 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare liver tumor in children with a poor prognosis. Comprehensive molecular profiling to understand the underlying genomic drivers of this tumor has not been completed, and it is unclear whether nonfibrolamellar pediatric HCC is more genomically similar to hepatoblastoma or adult HCC. PROCEDURE To characterize the molecular landscape of these tumors, we analyzed a cohort of 15 pediatric non-FL-HCCs by sequencing a panel of cancer-associated genes and conducting copy-number and gene-expression analyses. RESULTS We detected multiple types of molecular alterations in Wnt signaling genes, including APC inversion, AMER1 somatic mutation, and most commonly CTNNB1 intragenic deletions. There were multiple alterations to the telomerase pathway via TERT activation or ATRX mutation. Therapeutically targetable activating mutations in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway genes, including MAPK1 and BRAF, were detected in 20% of tumors. TP53 mutations occurred far less frequently in our pediatric HCC cohort than reported in adult cohorts. Tumors arising in children with underlying liver disease were found to be molecularly distinct from the remainder and lacking detectable oncogenic drivers, as compared with those arising in patients without a history of underlying liver disease; the majority of both types were positive for glypican-3, another potential therapeutic target. CONCLUSION Our study revealed pediatric HCC to be a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors. Those non-FL-HCC tumors arising in the absence of underlying liver disease harbor genetic alterations affecting multiple cancer pathways, most notably Wnt signaling, and share some characteristics with adult HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Haines
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephen F Sarabia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Karla R Alvarez
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Gail Tomlinson
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sanjeev A Vasudevan
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andras A Heczey
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Milton J Finegold
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - D Williams Parsons
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharon E Plon
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dolores López-Terrada
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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31
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Abstract
The term blood-bile barrier (BBlB) refers to the physical structure within a hepatic lobule that compartmentalizes and hence segregates sinusoidal blood from canalicular bile. Thus, this barrier provides physiological protection in the liver, shielding the hepatocytes from bile toxicity and restricting the mixing of blood and bile. BBlB is primarily composed of tight junctions; however, adherens junction, desmosomes, gap junctions, and hepatocyte bile transporters also contribute to the barrier function of the BBlB. Recent findings also suggest that disruption of BBlB is associated with major hepatic diseases characterized by cholestasis and aberrations in BBlB thus may be a hallmark of many chronic liver diseases. Several molecular signaling pathways have now been shown to play a role in regulating the structure and function and eventually contribute to regulation of the BBlB function within the liver. In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of the BBlB, summarize the methods to assess the integrity and function of BBlB, discuss the role of BBlB in liver pathophysiology, and finally, discuss the mechanisms of BBlB regulation. Collectively, this review will demonstrate the significance of the BBlB in both liver homeostasis and hepatic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan Pal Monga
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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32
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Amalia R, Abdelaziz M, Puteri MU, Hwang J, Anwar F, Watanabe Y, Kato M. TMEPAI/PMEPA1 inhibits Wnt signaling by regulating β-catenin stability and nuclear accumulation in triple negative breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2019; 59:24-33. [PMID: 30890370 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced protein (TMEPAI) is a type I transmembrane protein induced by several intracellular signaling pathways such as androgen, TGF-β, EGF, and Wnt signaling. It has been reported that TMEPAI functions to suppress TGF-β and androgen signaling but here, we report a novel function of TMEPAI in Wnt signaling suppression. First, we show that TMEPAI significantly inhibits TCF/LEF transcriptional activity stimulated by Wnt3A, LiCl, and β-catenin. Mechanistically, TMEPAI overexpression prevented β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus and TMEPAI knockout in triple negative breast cancer cell lines promoted β-catenin stability and nuclear accumulation together with increased mRNA levels of Wnt target genes AXIN2 and c-MYC. The presence of TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor did not affect the enhanced mRNA expression of AXIN2 in TMEPAI knockout cells. These data suggest that TMEPAI suppresses Wnt signaling by interfering with β-catenin stability and nuclear translocation in a TGF-β signaling-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riezki Amalia
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM. 21, Jatinangor, Jawa Barat 45-363, Indonesia
| | - Mohammed Abdelaziz
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Nasr City, Eastern Avenue, Sohag 82749, Egypt
| | - Meidi Utami Puteri
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Jongchan Hwang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Femmi Anwar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM. 21, Jatinangor, Jawa Barat 45-363, Indonesia
| | - Yukihide Watanabe
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Mitsuyasu Kato
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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33
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Kawaida M, Yamazaki K, Tsujikawa H, Fukuma M, Abe Y, Kitago M, Shinoda M, Kitagawa Y, Sakamoto M. Diffuse and canalicular patterns of glypican-3 expression reflect malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Int 2019; 69:125-134. [PMID: 30729617 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is expressed in most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). To investigate the significance of various GPC3 staining patterns in HCC, we classified 134 HCC patients into three groups: those with diffuse GPC3 staining, canalicular GPC3 staining, and others (including negative staining). HCCs with diffuse staining were correlated with poor differentiation, high Ki-67 indices, high serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and early recurrence. In contrast, HCCs with canalicular staining were well differentiated with lower AFP levels. Overall survival in this group was better than that of the other two groups. Comparative analysis of GPC3 staining patterns with markers for HCC subclassification showed that diffuse staining was correlated with the expression of biliary/stem cell markers, whereas canalicular staining was correlated with expression of the markers of WNT-activated HCCs. Induction of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), known as a target of the WNT signaling pathway, in HCC cells resulted in reduced GPC3 expression in vitro. The LGR5-induced cells formed tumors with canaliculus-like structures in mice and showed canalicular GPC3 staining. The current findings showed the significance of recognizing distinct GPC3 staining patterns, i.e., diffuse and canalicular, which may reflect different carcinogenetic mechanisms and indicate the level of malignancy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Kawaida
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ken Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mariko Fukuma
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Abe
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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34
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Huynh H, Ong R, Goh KY, Lee LY, Puehler F, Scholz A, Politz O, Mumberg D, Ziegelbauer K. Sorafenib/MEK inhibitor combination inhibits tumor growth and the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway in xenograft models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1123-1133. [PMID: 30747223 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway have been identified in 26‑40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases. Aberrant activation of this pathway leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. Thus, identifying Wnt/β‑catenin pathway inhibitors may benefit a subset of patients with HCC. In the present study, the effects of sorafenib and a MEK inhibitor on tumor growth and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling in HCC models were evaluated. A β‑catenin mutant and β‑catenin wild‑type HCC models were treated once daily with i) 10 mg/kg sorafenib, ii) 15 mg/kg refametinib (or 25 mg/kg selumetinib), or iii) sorafenib/refametinib. Western blotting was employed to determine changes in biomarkers relevant to Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Apoptosis, cell proliferation and β‑catenin localization were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Sorafenib/refametinib markedly inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation, and caused cell death in naïve and sorafenib‑resistant HCC models. Despite similar total β‑catenin levels, significant reductions in phosphorylated (p)‑RanBP3 Ser58, p‑β‑catenin Tyr142, active β‑catenin and β‑catenin target genes were observed in sorafenib/refametinib‑treated tumors. Greater levels of β‑catenin in sorafenib/refametinib‑treated tumors were accumulated at the membrane, as compared with in the control. In vitro, sorafenib/refametinib inhibited the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and suppressed Wnt‑3A‑induced p‑low‑density lipoprotein receptor‑related protein 6 Ser1490, p‑RanBP3 Ser58 and p‑β‑catenin Tyr142 in HCC cells. Combination of sorafenib and refametinib inhibits the growth of naïve and sorafenib resistant HCC tumors in association with active suppression of β‑catenin signaling regardless of β‑catenin mutational status. Thus, the sorafenib/MEK inhibitor combination may represent an alternative treatment for patients with HCC whose tumors develop resistance to sorafenib therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Republic of Singapore
| | - Richard Ong
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kah Yong Goh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Republic of Singapore
| | - Liek Yeow Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Republic of Singapore
| | | | - Arne Scholz
- R&D Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, D‑13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Politz
- R&D Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, D‑13353 Berlin, Germany
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Qiao Y, Xu M, Tao J, Che L, Cigliano A, Monga SP, Calvisi DF, Chen X. Oncogenic potential of N-terminal deletion and S45Y mutant β-catenin in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma development in mice. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1093. [PMID: 30419856 PMCID: PMC6233269 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with limited treatment options. Mutation of β-catenin is one of the most frequent genetic events along hepatocarcinogenesis. β-catenin mutations can be in the form of point mutation or large N-terminal deletion. Studies suggested that different β-catenin mutations might have distinct oncogenic potential. METHODS We tested the oncogenic activity of β-cateninS45Y, one of the most frequent point mutations of β-catenin, and ∆N90-β-catenin, a form of β-catenin with a large N-terminal deletion, in promoting HCC development in mice. Thus, we co-expressed β-cateninS45Y or ∆N90-β-catenin together with c-Met into the mouse liver using hydrodynamic injection. RESULTS We found that both β-catenin mutations were able to induce HCC formation in combination with c-Met at the same latency and efficiency. Tumors showed similar histological features and proliferation rates. However, immunohistochemistry showed predominantly nuclear staining of β-catenin in c-Met/∆N90-β-catenin HCC, but membrane immunoreactivity in c-Met/β-cateninS45Y HCC. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that both ∆N90-β-catenin and β-cateninS45Y induced the same effectors, although at somewhat different levels. In cultured cells, both ∆N90-β-catenin and β-cateninS45Y were capable of inducing TCF/LEF reporter expression, promoting proliferation, and inhibiting apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that β-cateninS45Y and ∆N90-β-catenin, in combination with the c-Met proto-oncogene, have similar oncogenic potential. Furthermore, nuclear staining of β-catenin does not always characterize β-catenin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Strasse 23e, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Atypical Hepatocellular Neoplasms: Review of Clinical, Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, Molecular, and Cytogenetic Features. Adv Anat Pathol 2018; 25:254-262. [PMID: 29649004 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The distinction of hepatocellular adenoma from well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be difficult in some cases, especially on biopsy specimens. These borderline cases often occur in men or older patients and may have β-catenin activation or focal atypical morphologic features (such as small cell change, prominent pseudoacinar formation, cytologic atypia, focally thick plates, and/or focal reticulin loss) that are insufficient for an unequivocal diagnosis of HCC. The term "atypical hepatocellular neoplasm" has been advocated for these tumors, but a number of other terms, including "atypical adenoma," "hepatocellular neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential," and "well-differentiated hepatocellular neoplasm with atypical or borderline features" have also been proposed. This review proposes guidelines for designating tumors as atypical hepatocellular neoplasm and describes clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, molecular, and cytogenetic features that distinguish these tumors from typical hepatocellular adenoma and HCC.
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Khalaf AM, Fuentes D, Morshid AI, Burke MR, Kaseb AO, Hassan M, Hazle JD, Elsayes KM. Role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma, pathogenesis, and clinical significance. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2018; 5:61-73. [PMID: 29984212 PMCID: PMC6027703 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s156701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary hepatic malignancies and one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States. The molecular basis of HCC carcinogenesis has not been clearly identified. Among the molecular signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most frequently activated. A great effort is under way to clearly understand the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC and its role in the transition from chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, to hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) and HCCs and its targetability in novel therapies. In this article, we review the role of the β-catenin pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis and progression from chronic inflammation to HCC, the novel potential treatments targeting the pathway and its prognostic role in HCC patients, as well as the imaging features of HCC and their association with aberrant activation of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Khalaf
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Fuentes
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali I Morshid
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,
| | - Mata R Burke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Manal Hassan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John D Hazle
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,
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Padala RR, Karnawat R, Viswanathan SB, Thakkar AV, Das AB. Cancerous perturbations within the ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling network constitutively activate inter-pathway positive feedback loops. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:830-840. [PMID: 28367561 DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00786d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Perturbations in molecular signaling pathways are a result of genetic or epigenetic alterations, which may lead to malignant transformation of cells. Despite cellular robustness, specific genetic or epigenetic changes of any gene can trigger a cascade of failures, which result in the malfunctioning of cell signaling pathways and lead to cancer phenotypes. The extent of cellular robustness has a link with the architecture of the network such as feedback and feedforward loops. Perturbation in components within feedback loops causes a transition from a regulated to a persistently activated state and results in uncontrolled cell growth. This work represents the mathematical and quantitative modeling of ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling crosstalk to show the dynamics of signaling responses during genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer. ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling crosstalk networks include both intra and inter-pathway feedback loops which function in a controlled fashion in a healthy cell. Our results show that cancerous perturbations of components such as EGFR, Ras, B-Raf, PTEN, and components of the destruction complex cause extreme fragility in the network and constitutively activate inter-pathway positive feedback loops. We observed that the aberrant signaling response due to the failure of specific network components is transmitted throughout the network via crosstalk, generating an additive effect on cancer growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Rao Padala
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana 506004, India.
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Huang S, Lin X, Deng X, Luo X, Fang W, Luo R. Decreased cytoplasmic expression of Raptor correlates with disease progression and unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:11789-11796. [PMID: 31966542 PMCID: PMC6966046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to explore the correlation between regulatory associated protein of mTOR (Raptor) and clinicopathologic features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including patient survival. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of Raptor in 90 HCC tissues and peritumoral liver tissues. The relationship between tumor Raptor expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. The significance of various survival variables was analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. We found that Raptor protein was detected in cytoplasmic compartment. Significantly lower Raptor expression was observed in HCC compared to peritumoral liver cells (P=0.048). The tumor expression levels of Raptor significantly inversely correlated with clinical stage (P=0.026). Patients with high Raptor expression had better recurrence-free survival (P=0.010). Further, we observed that Raptor expression was positively associated with recurrence-free survival of HCC patients with tumor capsule (P=0.043) and without portal vein tumor thrombus (P=0.033) classifications. Finally, we found that Raptor was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence-free survival for patients with HCC (P=0.042). To conclude, our results support that decreased cytoplasmic expression of Raptor is a potentially unfavorable factor in the progression and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shisi Huang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Haikou Municipal People’s Hospital and Central South University Xiangya Medical College Affiliated HospitalHaikou, China
| | - Xian Lin
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Deng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Rongcheng Luo
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
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Russell JO, Monga SP. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Development, Homeostasis, and Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2017; 13:351-378. [PMID: 29125798 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-044010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an organ that performs a multitude of functions, and its health is pertinent and indispensable to survival. Thus, the cellular and molecular machinery driving hepatic functions is of utmost relevance. The Wnt signaling pathway is one such signaling cascade that enables hepatic homeostasis and contributes to unique hepatic attributes such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in almost every facet of liver biology. Furthermore, its aberrant activation is also a hallmark of various hepatic pathologies. In addition to its signaling function, β-catenin also plays a role at adherens junctions. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also influences the function of many different cell types. Due to this myriad of functions, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is complex, context-dependent, and highly regulated. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, its role in cell-cell adhesion and liver function, and the cell type-specific roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as it relates to liver physiology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
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Daud M, Rana MA, Husnain T, Ijaz B. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathway by hepatitis B virus. Arch Virol 2017; 162:2937-2947. [PMID: 28685286 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a global distribution and is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. The precise mechanism of pathogenicity of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not yet fully understood. Viral-related proteins are known to take control of several cellular pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, Raf/MAPK and ROS for the virus's own replication. This affects cellular persistence, multiplication, migration, alteration and genomic instability. The Wnt/FZD/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a significant role in the pathology and physiology of the liver and has been identified as a main factor in HCC development. The role of β-catenin is linked mainly to the canonical pathway of the signaling system. Progression of liver diseases is known to be accompanied by disturbances in β-catenin expression (mainly overexpression), with its cytoplasmic or nuclear translocation. In recent years, studies have documented that the HBV X protein and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) can act as pathogenic factors that are involved in the modulation and induction of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. In the present review we explore the interaction of HBV genome products with components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that results in the enhancement of the pathway and leads to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Daud
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan
| | | | - Tayyab Husnain
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Ijaz
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan.
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Ahmed HH, El-Abhar HS, Hassanin EAK, Abdelkader NF, Shalaby MB. Punica granatum suppresses colon cancer through downregulation of Wnt/β-Catenin in rat model. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Benedict M, Rodriguez-Davalos M, Emre S, Walther Z, Morotti R. Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation Type Ib) With Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2017; 20:354-362. [PMID: 28727971 DOI: 10.1177/1093526616686458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abernethy malformation, also termed congenital portosystemic shunt and congenital absence of portal vein is the result of malformation of the splanchnic venous system. Congenital portosystemic shunts are divided into extra- and intrahepatic shunts. Two shunts have been defined: Type I is characterized by the complete diversion of portal blood into the vena cava with an associated congenital absence of the portal vein. Type II is defined by an intact but diverted portal vein through a side-to-side, extrahepatic connection to the vena cava. The clinical manifestations of Abernethy malformation are diverse with a typical presentation consisting of hypoxia and hepto-pulmonary syndrome. Histologically, focal nodular hyperplasia, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, liver adenoma, hepatoblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma have all been reported. Herein, we report a case of Abernethy malformation, type Ib, in a 12-month-old male who was found to have a small hepatocellular carcinoma at the time of explant. The immunohistochemical characteristics in relation to the genetic aspects are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hepatocellular carcinoma developing in a patient who is under the age of 5 years with Abernethy malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Benedict
- 1 Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Sukru Emre
- 2 Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zenta Walther
- 1 Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- 1 Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Tafrihi M, Nakhaei Sistani R. E-Cadherin/β-Catenin Complex: A Target for Anticancer and Antimetastasis Plants/Plant-derived Compounds. Nutr Cancer 2017; 69:702-722. [PMID: 28524727 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2017.1320415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plants reputed to have cancer-inhibiting potential and putative active components derived from those plants have emerged as an exciting new field in cancer study. Some of these compounds have cancer-inhibiting potential in different clinical staging levels, especially metastasis. A few of them which stabilize cell-cell adhesions are controversial topics. This review article introduces some effective herbal compounds that target E-cadherin/β-catenin protein complex. In this article, at first, we briefly review the structure and function of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins, Wnt signaling pathway, and its target genes. Then, effective compounds of the Teucrium persicum, Teucrium polium, Allium sativum (garlic), Glycine max (soy), and Brassica oleracea (broccoli) plants, which influence stability and cellular localization of E-cadherin/β-catenin complex, were studied. Based on literature review, there are some compounds in these plants, including genistein of soy, sulforaphane of broccoli, organosulfur compounds of garlic, and the total extract of Teucrium genus that change the expression of variety of Wnt target genes such as MMPs, E-cadherin, p21, p53, c-myc, and cyclin D1. So they may induce cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis and/or inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Tafrihi
- a Molecular and Cell Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences , University of Mazandaran , Babolsar , Mazandaran , Iran
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Wang W, Pan Q, Fuhler GM, Smits R, Peppelenbosch MP. Action and function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the progression from chronic hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol 2017; 52:419-431. [PMID: 28035485 PMCID: PMC5357489 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-016-1299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide but the mechanistic basis as to how chronic HCV infection furthers the HCC process remains only poorly understood. Accumulating evidence indicates that HCV core and nonstructural proteins provoke activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and the evidence supporting a role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the onset and progression of HCC is compelling. Convincing molecular explanations as to how expression of viral effectors translates into increased activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling machinery are still largely lacking, hampering the design of rational strategies aimed at preventing HCC. Furthermore, how such increased signaling is especially associated with HCC oncogenesis in the context of HCV infection remains obscure as well. Here we review the body of contemporary biomedical knowledge on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the progression from chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis and HCC and explore potential hypotheses as to the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, ’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, ’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M. Fuhler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, ’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, ’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, ’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Bal M, Verma A, Ramadwar M, Deodhar K, Patil P, Goel M. Clinicopathologic characteristics of Wnt/β-catenin-deregulated hepatocellular carcinoma. Indian J Cancer 2017; 54:634-639. [DOI: 10.4103/ijc.ijc_655_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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47
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Katoh I, Fukunishi N, Fujimuro M, Kasai H, Moriishi K, Hata RI, Kurata SI. Repression of Wnt/β-catenin response elements by p63 (TP63). Cell Cycle 2016; 15:699-710. [PMID: 26890356 PMCID: PMC4845946 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1148837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Submitted: TP63 (p63), a member of the tumor suppressor TP53 (p53) gene family, is expressed in keratinocyte stem cells and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas to maintain cellular potential for growth and differentiation. Controversially, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling by p63 (Patturajan M. et al., 2002, Cancer Cells) and inhibition of the target gene expression (Drewelus I. et al., 2010, Cell Cycle) have been reported. Upon p63 RNA-silencing in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lines, a few Wnt target gene expression substantially increased, while several target genes moderately decreased. Although ΔNp63α, the most abundant isoform of p63, appeared to interact with protein phosphatase PP2A, neither GSK-3β phosphorylation nor β-catenin nuclear localization was altered by the loss of p63. As reported earlier, ΔNp63α enhanced β-catenin-dependent luc gene expression from pGL3-OT having 3 artificial Wnt response elements (WREs). However, this activation was detectable only in HEK293 cells examined so far, and involved a p53 family-related sequence 5' to the WREs. In Wnt3-expressing SAOS-2 cells, ΔNp63α rather strongly inhibited transcription of pGL3-OT. Importantly, ΔNp63α repressed WREs isolated from the regulatory regions of MMP7. ΔNp63α-TCF4 association occurred in their soluble forms in the nucleus. Furthermore, p63 and TCF4 coexisted at a WRE of MMP7 on the chromatin, where β-catenin recruitment was attenuated. The combined results indicate that ΔNp63α serves as a repressor that regulates β-catenin-mediated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyoko Katoh
- a Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi , Chuo , Yamanashi , Japan.,b Oral Health Science Research Center, Kanagawa Dental University , Yokosuka , Japan
| | - Nahoko Fukunishi
- c Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masahiro Fujimuro
- d Department of Cell Biology , Kyoto Pharmaceutical University , Yamashina , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Hirotake Kasai
- e Department of Microbiology , Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi , Chuo , Yamanashi , Japan
| | - Kohji Moriishi
- e Department of Microbiology , Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi , Chuo , Yamanashi , Japan
| | - Ryu-Ichiro Hata
- b Oral Health Science Research Center, Kanagawa Dental University , Yokosuka , Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Kurata
- b Oral Health Science Research Center, Kanagawa Dental University , Yokosuka , Japan.,c Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
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Rebouissou S, Franconi A, Calderaro J, Letouzé E, Imbeaud S, Pilati C, Nault JC, Couchy G, Laurent A, Balabaud C, Bioulac-Sage P, Zucman-Rossi J. Genotype-phenotype correlation of CTNNB1 mutations reveals different ß-catenin activity associated with liver tumor progression. Hepatology 2016; 64:2047-2061. [PMID: 27177928 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED CTNNB1 mutations activating ß-catenin are frequent somatic events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adenoma (HCA), particularly associated with a risk of malignant transformation. We aimed to understand the relationship between CTNNB1 mutation types, tumor phenotype, and level of ß-catenin activation in malignant transformation. To this purpose, CTNNB1 mutation spectrum was analyzed in 220 HCAs, 373 HCCs, and 17 borderline HCA/HCC lesions. ß-catenin activation level was assessed in tumors by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC), in cellulo by TOP-Flash assay. Overall, ß-catenin activity was higher in malignant mutated tumors, compared to adenomas, and this was related to a different spectrum of CTNNB1 mutations in HCCs and HCAs. In benign tumors, we defined three levels of ß-catenin activation related to specific mutations: (1) S45, K335, and N387 mutations led to weak activation; (2) T41 mutations were related to moderate activity; and (3) highly active mutations included exon 3 deletions and amino acid substitutions within the ß-TRCP binding site (D32-S37). Accordingly, in vitro, K335I and N387K mutants showed a lower activity than S33C. Tumors with highly active mutations demonstrated strong/homogeneous glutamine synthase (GS) staining and were associated with malignancy. In contrast, weak mutants demonstrated heterogeneous pattern of GS staining and were more frequent in HCAs except for the S45 mutants identified similarly in 20% of mutated HCAs and HCCs; however, in most of the HCCs, the weak S45 mutant alleles were duplicated, resulting in a final high ß-catenin activity. CONCLUSION High ß-catenin activity driven by specific CTNNB1 mutations and S45 allele duplication is associated with malignant transformation. Consequently, HCAs with S45 and all high/moderate mutants should be identified with precise IHC criteria or mutation screening. (Hepatology 2016;64:2047-2061).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rebouissou
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Andrea Franconi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France.,Public Hospitals of Paris, Department of Pathology, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Eric Letouzé
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Sandrine Imbeaud
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Camilla Pilati
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France.,Public Hospitals of Paris, University hospital of Paris-Seine Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Cancerology unit, Department of Hepatology, Bondy, France
| | - Gabrielle Couchy
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Public Hospitals of Paris, Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955 Henri Mondor Hospital University of Paris-Est Créteil, France
| | - Charles Balabaud
- Inserm, UMR-1053, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paulette Bioulac-Sage
- Inserm, UMR-1053, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Hospital of Bordeaux, Pellegrin Hospital, Department of Pathology, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Labex Immuno-oncology, Paris, France.,University of Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Institute of Hematology, Paris, France.,University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Saint-Denis, France.,Public Hospitals of Paris, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
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Liu G, Dong C, Liu L. Integrated Multiple "-omics" Data Reveal Subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165457. [PMID: 27806083 PMCID: PMC5091875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most heterogeneous cancers, as reflected by its multiple grades and difficulty to subtype. In this study, we integrated copy number variation, DNA methylation, mRNA, and miRNA data with the developed “cluster of cluster” method and classified 256 HCC samples from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) into five major subgroups (S1-S5). We observed that this classification was associated with specific mutations and protein expression, and we detected that each subgroup had distinct molecular signatures. The subclasses were associated not only with survival but also with clinical observations. S1 was characterized by bulk amplification on 8q24, TP53 mutation, low lipid metabolism, highly expressed onco-proteins, attenuated tumor suppressor proteins and a worse survival rate. S2 and S3 were characterized by telomere hypomethylation and a low expression of TERT and DNMT1/3B. Compared to S2, S3 was associated with less copy number variation and some good prognosis biomarkers, including CRP and CYP2E1. In contrast, the mutation rate of CTNNB1 was higher in S3. S4 was associated with bulk amplification and various molecular characteristics at different biological levels. In summary, we classified the HCC samples into five subgroups using multiple “-omics” data. Each subgroup had a distinct survival rate and molecular signature, which may provide information about the pathogenesis of subtypes in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanpeng Dong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Correlation of exon 3 β-catenin mutations with glutamine synthetase staining patterns in hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2016; 29:1370-1380. [PMID: 27469330 PMCID: PMC5149418 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2016.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The current clinical practice is based on the assumption of strong correlation between diffuse glutamine synthetase expression and β-catenin activation in hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. This high correlation is based on limited data and may represent an oversimplification as glutamine synthetase staining patterns show wide variability in clinical practice. Standardized criteria for interpreting diverse glutamine synthetase patterns, and the association between each pattern and β-catenin mutations is not clearly established. This study examines the correlation between glutamine synthetase staining patterns and β-catenin mutations in 15 typical hepatocellular adenomas, 5 atypical hepatocellular neoplasms and 60 hepatocellular carcinomas. Glutamine synthetase staining was classified into one of the three patterns: (a) diffuse homogeneous: moderate-to-strong cytoplasmic staining in >90% of lesional cells, without a map-like pattern, (b) diffuse heterogeneous: moderate-to-strong staining in 50-90% of lesional cells, without a map-like pattern, and (c) patchy: moderate-to-strong staining in <50% of lesional cells (often perivascular), or weak staining irrespective of the extent, and all other staining patterns (including negative cases). Sanger sequencing of CTNNB1 exon 3 was performed in all cases. Of hepatocellular tumors with diffuse glutamine synthetase staining (homogeneous or heterogeneous), an exon 3 β-catenin mutation was detected in 33% (2/6) of typical hepatocellular adenoma, 75% (3/4) of atypical hepatocellular neoplasm and 17% (8/47) of hepatocellular carcinomas. An exon 3 mutation was also observed in 15% (2/13) of hepatocellular carcinomas with patchy glutamine synthetase staining. The results show a modest correlation between diffuse glutamine synthetase immunostaining and exon 3 β-catenin mutations in hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma with discrepancy rates >50% in both hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The interpretation of β-catenin activation based on glutamine synthetase staining should be performed with caution, and the undetermined significance of various glutamine synthetase patterns should be highlighted in pathology reports.
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