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Chan FF, Yuen VWH, Shen J, Chin DWC, Law CT, Wong BPY, Chan CYK, Cheu JWS, Ng IOL, Wong CCL, Wong CM. Inhibition of CAF-1 histone chaperone complex triggers cytosolic DNA and dsRNA sensing pathways and induces intrinsic immunity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2024; 80:295-311. [PMID: 38051950 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) is a replication-dependent epigenetic regulator that controls cell cycle progression and chromatin dynamics. In this study, we aim to investigate the immunomodulatory role and therapeutic potential of the CAF-1 complex in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS CAF-1 complex knockout cell lines were established using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The effects of CAF-1 in HCC were studied in HCC cell lines, nude mice, and immunocompetent mice. RNA-sequencing, ChIP-Seq, and assay for transposase accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-Seq) were used to explore the changes in the epigenome and transcriptome. CAF-1 complex was significantly upregulated in human and mouse HCCs and was associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Knockout of CAF-1 remarkably suppressed HCC growth in both in vitro and in vivo models. Mechanistically, depletion of CAF-1 induced replicative stress and chromatin instability, which eventually led to cytoplasmic DNA leakage as micronuclei. Also, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses revealed a massive H3.3 histone variant replacement upon CAF-1 knockout. Enrichment of euchromatic H3.3 increased chromatin accessibility and activated the expression of endogenous retrovirus elements, a phenomenon known as viral mimicry. However, cytosolic micronuclei and endogenous retroviruses are recognized as ectopic elements by the stimulator of interferon genes and dsRNA viral sensing pathways, respectively. As a result, the knockout of CAF-1 activated inflammatory response and antitumor immune surveillance and thereby significantly enhanced the anticancer effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CAF-1 is essential for HCC development; targeting CAF-1 may awaken the anticancer immune response and may work cooperatively with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- For-Fan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Hin Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jialing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Don Wai-Ching Chin
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk-Ting Law
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bowie Po-Yee Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cerise Yuen-Ki Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacinth Wing-Sum Cheu
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Ming Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Li XJY, Qu JR, Zhang YH, Liu RP. The dual function of cGAS-STING signaling axis in liver diseases. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1115-1129. [PMID: 38233527 PMCID: PMC11130165 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01220-5] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, have been increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats to global health. In recent decades, there has been increasing evidence linking the dysregulation of cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-related immune signaling to liver disorders. Both hyperactivation and deletion of STING can disrupt the immune microenvironment dysfunction, exacerbating liver disorders. Consequently, there has been a surge in research investigating medical agents or mediators targeting cGAS-STING signaling. Interestingly, therapeutic manipulation of the cGAS-STING pathway has yielded inconsistent and even contradictory effects on different liver diseases due to the distinct physiological characteristics of intrahepatic cells that express and respond to STING. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advancements in understanding the dual roles of the STING pathway, highlighting that the benefits of targeting STING signaling depend on the specific types of target cells and stages of liver injury. Additionally, we offer a novel perspective on the suitability of STING agonists and antagonists for clinical assessment. In conclusion, STING signaling remains a highly promising therapeutic target, and the development of STING pathway modulators holds great potential for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jiao-Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jiao-Rong Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yin-Hao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Run-Ping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Ahn B, Ahn HS, Shin J, Jun E, Koh EY, Ryu YM, Kim SY, Sung CO, Shim JH, Hong J, Kim K, Kang HJ. Characterization of lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic role of tertiary lymphoid structures. Liver Int 2024; 44:1202-1218. [PMID: 38363048 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma (LR-HCC) is largely unknown and a rare subtype of HCC with immune-rich stroma. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), frequently observed in LR-HCC, are known to be prognostically significant in various malignancies; however, their significance in HCC remains unevaluated. METHODS Clinicopathologic data of 191 cases of surgically resected conventional HCC (C-HCC, n = 160) and LR-HCC (n = 31) were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis were conducted. Differences between the subtypes were statistically evaluated. RESULTS LR-HCC was significantly correlated to larger tumour size, higher Edmondson-Steiner grade, presence of TLS and higher CD3-, CD8- and FOXP3-positive T cell, high PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (p < .001 for all) compared to C-HCC. Patients with LR-HCC exhibited significantly better overall survival (OS) (p = .044) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = .025) than C-HCC. LR-HCC demonstrated TLS signatures with significantly higher proteomic-based immune scores in 14 of 17 types of tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Furthermore, C-HCC with secondary follicles, the most mature form of TLS, exhibited significantly better OS (p = .031) and RFS (p = .033) than those without. Across the global proteome, LR-HCC was well-differentiated from C-HCC and a map of protein-protein interactions between tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and HCC in tumour microenvironment was completed. CONCLUSION LR-HCC is clinicopathologically and molecularly distinct and shows better prognosis compared to C-HCC. Also, the presence of secondary follicle can be an important prognostic marker for better prognosis in both LR-HCC and C-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bokyung Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sung Ahn
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Shin
- Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsung Jun
- Department of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Koh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Mi Ryu
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeob Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - JeongYeon Hong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Mao J, Tao Y, Wang K, Sun H, Zhang M, Jin L, Pan Y. Identification of hub genes within the CCL18 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma through bioinformatics analysis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371990. [PMID: 38511143 PMCID: PMC10952098 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy, and CCL18, a marker of M2 macrophage activation, is often associated with tumor immune suppression. However, the role of CCL18 and its signaling pathway in HCC is still limited. Our study focuses on investigating the prognostic impact of CCL18 and its signaling pathway in HCC patients and biological functions in vitro. Methods HCC-related RNA-seq data were obtained from TCGA, ICGC, and GEO. The 6 hub genes with the highest correlation to prognosis were identified using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess their independent prognostic potential and a nomogram was constructed. In vitro experiments, including CCK8, EdU, RT-qPCR, western blot, and transwell assays, were conducted to investigate the biological effects of exogenous CCL18 and 6 hub genes. A core network of highly expressed proteins in the high-risk group of tumors was constructed. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT packages. Finally, potential treatments were explored using the OncoPredict package and CAMP database. Results We identified 6 survival-related genes (BMI1, CCR3, CDC25C, CFL1, LDHA, RAC1) within the CCL18 signaling pathway in HCC patients. A nomogram was constructed using the TCGA_LIHC cohort to predict patient survival probability. Exogenous CCL18, as well as overexpression of BMI1, CCR3, CDC25C, CFL1, LDHA, and RAC1, can promote proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness, and increased expression of PD-L1 protein in LM3 and MHCC-97H cell lines. In the high-risk group of patients from the TCGA_LIHC cohort, immune suppression was observed, with a strong correlation to 21 immune-related genes and suppressive immune cells. Conclusion Exogenous CCL18 promotes LM3 and MHCC-97H cells proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness, and immune evasion. The high expression of BMI1, CCR3, CDC25C, CFL1, LDHA, and RAC1 can serve as a biomarkers for immune evasion in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Lin HS, Pang WP, Yuan H, Kong YZ, Long FL, Zhang RZ, Yang L, Fang QL, Pan AP, Fan XH, Li MF. Molecular subtypes based on DNA sensors predict prognosis and tumor immunophenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6798-6821. [PMID: 37451838 PMCID: PMC10415551 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204870] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA sensors play crucial roles in inflammation and have been indicated to be involved in antitumor or tumorigenesis, while it is still unclear whether DNA sensors have potential roles in the prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze RNA sequencing data and clinical information. A total of 14 DNA sensors were collected and performed consensus clustering to determine their molecular mechanisms in HCC. Two distinct molecular subtypes (Clusters C1 and C2) were identified and were associated with different overall survival (OS). Immune subtype analysis revealed that C1 was mainly characterized by inflammation, while C2 was characterized by lymphocyte depletion. Immune scoring and immunomodulatory function analysis confirmed the different immune microenvironment of C1 and C2. Notably, significant differences in "Hot Tumor" Immunophenotype were observed between the two subtypes. Moreover, the prognostic model based on DNA sensors is capable of effectively predicting the OS of HCC patients. Besides, the chemotherapeutic drug analysis showed the different sensitivity of two subtypes. Taken together, our study shows that the proposed DNA sensors were a reliable signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response with potential application in the clinical decision and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sheng Lin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Wen-Peng Pang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yin-Zhi Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Fu-Li Long
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Rong-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Qiao-Ling Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Ai-Ping Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Fan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ming-Fen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, China
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