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Zhao LJ, Wang ZY, Liu WT, Yu LL, Qi HN, Ren J, Zhang CG. Aspirin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting platelet activity. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2742-2756. [PMID: 38994144 PMCID: PMC11236245 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver disease in the world. Platelets (PLTs) are known to play a key role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the pathophysiological processes of a variety of liver diseases. Aspirin is the most classic antiplatelet agent. However, the molecular mechanism of platelet action and whether aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity need further study. AIM To explore the impact of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin on the development of HCC. METHODS Platelet-rich plasma, platelet plasma, pure platelet, and platelet lysate were prepared, and a coculture model of PLTs and HCC cells was established. CCK-8 analysis, apoptosis analysis, Transwell analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the effects of PLTs on the growth, metastasis, and inflammatory microenvironment of HCC. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of platelet activation on tumor-related signaling pathways. Aspirin was used to block the activation and aggregation of PLTs both in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of PLTs on the progression of HCC was detected. RESULTS PLTs significantly promoted the growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in HCC cells. Activated PLTs promoted HCC progression by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/protein kinase B/signal transducer and activator of transcription three (MAPK/ AKT/STAT3) signaling axis. Additionally, aspirin inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting platelet activation. CONCLUSION PLTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC, and aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity. These results suggest that antiplatelet therapy has promising application prospects in the treatment and combined treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Zhao
- Hematology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453100, Henan Province, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yin Wang
- Hematology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Wei-Ting Liu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Li-Li Yu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Qi
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Chen-Guang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
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Zhao LJ, Wang ZY, Liu WT, Yu LL, Qi HN, Ren J, Zhang CG. Aspirin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting platelet activity. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2730-2744. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver disease in the world. Platelets (PLTs) are known to play a key role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the pathophysiological processes of a variety of liver diseases. Aspirin is the most classic antiplatelet agent. However, the molecular mechanism of platelet action and whether aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity need further study.
AIM To explore the impact of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin on the development of HCC.
METHODS Platelet-rich plasma, platelet plasma, pure platelet, and platelet lysate were prepared, and a coculture model of PLTs and HCC cells was established. CCK-8 analysis, apoptosis analysis, Transwell analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the effects of PLTs on the growth, metastasis, and inflammatory microenvironment of HCC. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of platelet activation on tumor-related signaling pathways. Aspirin was used to block the activation and aggregation of PLTs both in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of PLTs on the progression of HCC was detected.
RESULTS PLTs significantly promoted the growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in HCC cells. Activated PLTs promoted HCC progression by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/protein kinase B/signal transducer and activator of transcription three (MAPK/ AKT/STAT3) signaling axis. Additionally, aspirin inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting platelet activation.
CONCLUSION PLTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC, and aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity. These results suggest that antiplatelet therapy has promising application prospects in the treatment and combined treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Zhao
- Hematology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453100, Henan Province, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yin Wang
- Hematology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Wei-Ting Liu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Li-Li Yu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Qi
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Chen-Guang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
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Jiang J, Zhang J, Wang T, Yu D, Ren X. Prediction of Prognosis in Patients with Sepsis Based on Platelet-Related Genes. Horm Metab Res 2024. [PMID: 38870987 DOI: 10.1055/a-2331-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to develop a risk prognostic model using platelet-related genes (PRGs) to predict sepsis patient outcomes. Sepsis patient data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and PRGs from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) were analyzed. Differential analysis identified 1139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sepsis and control groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed enrichment in functions related to immune cell regulation and pathways associated with immune response and infectious diseases. A risk prognostic model was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses, incorporating 10 PRGs selected based on their association with sepsis prognosis. The model demonstrated good stratification and prognostic effects, confirmed by survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. It served as an independent prognostic factor in sepsis patients. Further analysis using the CIBERSORT algorithm showed higher infiltration of activated natural killer (NK) cells and lower infiltration of CD8 T cells and CD4 T cells naïve in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group. Additionally, expression levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes were significantly lower in the high-risk group. In conclusion, the 10-gene risk model based on PRGs accurately predicted sepsis patient prognosis and immune infiltration levels. This study provides valuable insights into the role of platelets in sepsis prognosis and diagnosis, offering potential implications for personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jiang
- Intensive Care Unit, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Cardiology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Endocrinology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Daihua Yu
- Intensive Care Unit, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiu Ren
- Intensive Care Unit, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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Tang D, Huang Y, Che Y, Yang C, Pu B, Liu S, Li H. Identification of platelet-related subtypes and diagnostic markers in pediatric Crohn's disease based on WGCNA and machine learning. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323418. [PMID: 38420127 PMCID: PMC10899512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD) is increasing worldwide every year. The challenges in early diagnosis and treatment of PCD persist due to its inherent heterogeneity. This study's objective was to discover novel diagnostic markers and molecular subtypes aimed at enhancing the prognosis for patients suffering from PCD. Methods Candidate genes were obtained from the GSE117993 dataset and the GSE93624 dataset by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential analysis, followed by intersection with platelet-related genes. Based on this, diagnostic markers were screened by five machine learning algorithms. We constructed predictive models and molecular subtypes based on key markers. The models were evaluated using the GSE101794 dataset as the validation set, combined with receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis, clinical impact curves, and calibration curves. In addition, we performed pathway enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis for different molecular subtypes to assess their differences. Results Through WGCNA and differential analysis, we successfully identified 44 candidate genes. Following this, employing five machine learning algorithms, we ultimately narrowed it down to five pivotal markers: GNA15, PIK3R3, PLEK, SERPINE1, and STAT1. Using these five key markers as a foundation, we developed a nomogram exhibiting exceptional performance. Furthermore, we distinguished two platelet-related subtypes of PCD through consensus clustering analysis. Subsequent analyses involving pathway enrichment and immune infiltration unveiled notable disparities in gene expression patterns, enrichment pathways, and immune infiltration landscapes between these subtypes. Conclusion In this study, we have successfully identified five promising diagnostic markers and developed a robust nomogram with high predictive efficacy. Furthermore, the recognition of distinct PCD subtypes enhances our comprehension of potential pathogenic mechanisms and paves the way for future prospects in early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadong Tang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingtao Huang
- First Clinical Medical College, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhui Che
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengjun Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zigong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong, China
| | - Baoping Pu
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiru Liu
- Anorectal Disease Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Anorectal Disease Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Hu MS, Jiang M, Wang YJ, Xu SF, Jiang FY, Han YT, Liu ZW, Yu H. Platelet-related gene risk score: a predictor for pancreatic cancer microenvironmental signature, chemosensitivity and prognosis. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:6113-6124. [PMID: 38187070 PMCID: PMC10767351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that platelets may play a role in the advancement of pancreatic cancer by supporting tumor growth and increasing resistance to chemotherapy. This study aims to develop a prognostic model for pancreatic cancer using a platelet-related gene risk score. Prognostic platelet-related genes (PRGs) were identified from public databases and analyzed using cluster analysis. We investigated the microenvironment signatures and gene mutation patterns across different PRG-based molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer. A prognostic model based on PRGs was developed using LASSO-Cox Regression Analysis. Additionally, we examined the correlation between the risk score and tumor clinical characteristics, as well as drug sensitivity. Two molecular subtypes, cluster C1 and C2, were identified. Cluster C2 was associated with a poorer prognosis compared to Cluster C1. The C1 group exhibited higher scores for activated CD8+ T cells, central memory CD4+ T cells, and natural killer T cells. The C2 group demonstrated a higher frequency of gene mutations. We established and validated a novel prognostic prediction model and platelet-related gene risk score for pancreatic cancer. The risk score was positively correlated with T stage, N stage, and tumor grade, and it presented a significant prognostic value compared to other clinical factors. In conclusion, a novel prognostic prediction model focusing on platelet involvement in pancreatic cancer has been developed, offering potential benefits for future drug therapies and clinical prognostic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Si Hu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Jian Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Shou-Fang Xu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Fei-Yu Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Ye-Tao Han
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wei Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine3th East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Zhao Y, Xu D, Wang J, Zhou D, Liu A, Sun Y, Yuan Y, Li J, Guo W. The pharmacological mechanism of chaihu-jia-longgu-muli-tang for treating depression: integrated meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1257617. [PMID: 37808199 PMCID: PMC10551636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1257617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli-tang (CLM) is derived from "Shang Han Lun" and is traditionally prescribed for treating depression. However, there is still a lack of evidence for its antidepressant effects, and the underlying mechanism is also unclear. This study aimed to assess clinical evidence on the efficacy of CLM in patients with depression using a meta-analysis and to explore its underlying antidepressant molecular mechanisms via network pharmacology. Methods: Eight open databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of CLM alone or combined with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with depression, evaluating the total effective rate of the treatment group (CLM alone or combined with SSRIs/SNRIs) and the control group (SNRIs or SSRIs), and comparing changes in depression scale, anxiety scale, sleep scale, inflammation indicators and adverse effects. Subsequently, the active ingredients and target genes of CLM were screened through six databases. Then Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and topology analysis were performed. Finally, Molecular docking was applied to evaluate the binding affinity between components and predicted targets. Results: Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 2,382 patients were included. For the efficacy of antidepression and adverse effects, whether CLM alone or in combination with SSRIs/SNRIs, the treatment group has no inferior to that of the control group. Additionally, the intervention of CLM + SSRI significantly improved the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, and reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels. For network pharmacology, a total of 129 compounds and 416 intersection targets in CLM were retrieved. The interaction pathway between CLM and depression is mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB signaling pathway, PIK3R1, MAPK3, and AKT1 may be the potential targets of Stigmasterol, β-stiosterol, coumestrol. Conclusion: Compared to SSRIs/SNRIs alone, CLM is more effective and safe in treating depression. It not only significantly alleviates depressive mood, but improves symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, with fewer side effects, especially in combination with SSRI. Its antidepressant mechanism may be correlated with the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Taicang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taicang, China
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taicang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Zhou
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anlan Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianxiang Li
- School of Chinese Medicine School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifeng Guo
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Zhao S, Gong H, Liang W. Characterization of platelet-related genes and constructing signature combined with immune-related genes for predicting outcomes and immunotherapy response in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6969-6992. [PMID: 37477536 PMCID: PMC10415560 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a highly malignant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with poor prognosis. Platelets are known to play a critical role in cancer development and progression, and recent studies suggest that they can also regulate immune response in tumors. However, the relationship between platelet-related genes (PRGs) and LUSC prognosis and tumor microenvironments remains unclear. In this study, we used multiple bioinformatics algorithms to identify 25 dysregulated PRGs that were significantly associated with LUSC prognosis. We found that PRGs were involved in multiple biological processes, particularly in the tumor microenvironment, and that platelet-related scores (PRS) were a risk factor. Additionally, we established a 6-gene prognostic signature combining PRGs and immune-related genes that accurately predicted outcomes and immunotherapy efficacy in LUSC patients. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the biological functions and potential therapeutic targets of PRGs in LUSC, which may inform the development of new treatments for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease and China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Gong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease and China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease and China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
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Lin Z, Huang Z, Shi Y, Yuan Y, Niu Y, Li B, Yuan Y, Qiu J. A novel NHEJ gene signature based model for risk stratification and prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:59. [PMID: 37016451 PMCID: PMC10071660 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway in human. However, the relationship between NHEJ pathway and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to explore the potential prognostic role of NHEJ genes and to develop an NHEJ-based prognosis signature for HCC. METHODS Two cohorts from public database were incorporated into this study. The Kaplan-Meier curve, the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and Cox analyses were implemented to determine the prognostic genes. A NHEJ-related risk model was created and verified by independent cohorts. We derived enriched pathways between the high- and low-risk groups using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). CIBERSORT and microenvironment cell populations-counter algorithm were used to perform immune infiltration analysis. XRCC6 is a core NHEJ gene and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was further performed to elucidate the prognostic impact. In vitro proliferation assays were conducted to investigate the specific effect of XRCC6. RESULTS A novel NHEJ-related risk model was developed based on 6 NHEJ genes and patients were divided into distinct risk groups according to the risk score. The high-risk group had a poorer survival than those in the low-risk group (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, an obvious discrepancy in the landscape of the immune microenvironment also indicated that distinct immune status might be a potential determinant affecting prognosis as well as immunotherapy reactiveness. High XRCC6 expression level associates with poor outcome in HCC. Moreover, XRCC6 could promote HCC cell proliferation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS In brief, this work reveals a novel NHEJ-related risk signature for prognostic evaluation of HCC patients, which may be a potential biomarker of HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenkun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
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