1
|
Gu Y, Yi Z, Zhou Z, Wang J, Li S, Zhu P, Liu N, Xu Y, He L, Wang Y, Fan Z. SNORD88B-mediated WRN nucleolar trafficking drives self-renewal in liver cancer initiating cells and hepatocarcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6730. [PMID: 39112443 PMCID: PMC11306581 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50987-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in the regulation of liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal and serve as therapeutic targets remains largely unclear. Here we show that a functional snoRNA (SNORD88B) is robustly expressed in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors and liver CSCs. SNORD88B deficiency abolishes the self-renewal of liver CSCs and hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, SNORD88B anchors WRN in the nucleolus, promoting XRCC5 interacts with STK4 promoter to suppress its transcription, leading to inactivation of Hippo signaling. Moreover, low expression of STK4 and high expression of XRCC5 are positively correlated with HCC poor prognosis. Additionally, snord88b knockout suppresses mouse liver tumorigenesis. Notably, co-administration of SNORD88B antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with MST1 agonist adapalene (ADA) exert synergistic antitumor effects and increase overall murine survival. Our findings delineate that SNORD88B drives self-renewal of liver CSCs and accelerates HCC tumorigenesis via non-canonical mechanism, providing potential targets for liver cancer therapy by eliminating liver CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibin Yi
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanying Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zusen Fan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Repáraz D, Casares N, Fuentes A, Navarro F. Establishment of a murine hepatocellular carcinoma model by hydrodynamic injection and characterization of the immune tumor microenvironment. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 185:79-97. [PMID: 38556453 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms. Current treatments for HCC, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have limited efficacy, highlighting the urgent need for better therapies. Immunotherapies, including anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), and more recently, the combination of anti-PD-L1 and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies, have shown efficacy against HCC, resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, these immunotherapies only show efficiency in a small proportion of patients, meaning there is a great need to improve and optimize treatments against HCC. Accurate animal models that mimic human HCC are necessary to help better understand the nature of these tumors, which in turn will allow the development and testing of new treatments. Existing pre-clinical HCC models can be divided into non-genetic and genetic models. Non-genetic models involve implanting human or murine HCC cell lines or inducing tumors using chemical compounds or dietary modifications. These models have limitations, including slow tumor development and a lack of resemblance to human HCC. Genetic models, on the other hand, manipulate gene expression to induce HCC in mice and provide a better understanding of the effects of specific genes on tumor development. One method commonly used to generate HCC is hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI), which consists of the delivery of oncogenes directly to the liver, resulting in expression and subsequent hepatocyte transformation. Usually, Sleeping Beauty transposase-containing plasmids are used to achieve stable and long-term gene expression. Once the HCC tumor is generated, and a proper tumor microenvironment (TME) is established, it is important to study the immune compartment of the TME, which plays a crucial role in HCC development and response to treatment. Techniques like flow cytometry can be used to analyze the immune cell populations in HCC tumors and assess their impact on tumor development and survival in mice. In this article, we thoroughly describe an example of the methodology to successfully generate HCC murine models via HTVI, and we propose a way to characterize the immune TME by flow cytometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Repáraz
- Radio-Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Noelia Casares
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Andrea Fuentes
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ursic-Bedoya J, Gregoire D. Hydrodynamic Transfection of Hepatocytes for the Study of Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2769:77-85. [PMID: 38315390 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3694-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi), also called hydrodynamic gene transfer (HGT), is attracting increasing interest for modeling hepatic carcinogenesis. This highly versatile approach reproducibly provides efficient in vivo transfection of hepatocytes with naked DNA. Here, we give an in-depth description of the injection procedure, which is key for the success of the method. HTVi requires the injection of a large volume of a solution containing plasmids into the tail vein of the mouse. The transient right heart overload created by the injection forces the blood to flow back into the hepatic veins, enlarging the endothelial fenestrae and permeabilizing a fraction of hepatocytes for a few seconds. This results in the uptake of plasmids by the permeabilized hepatocytes, giving rise to their in vivo transfection. Including the Sleeping Beauty transposon system among the injected plasmids leads to the stable transfection of a subset of hepatocytes. HTVi is a powerful technique which enables numerous applications in liver cancer biology, such as a study of oncogene cooperation, of tumor heterogeneity, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Ursic-Bedoya
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Saint Eloi Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Gregoire
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seo SH, Cho KJ, Park HJ, Lee HW, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Cheon JH, Yook JI, Kim MD, Joo DJ, Kim SU. Inhibition of Dickkopf-1 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:339. [PMID: 38012711 PMCID: PMC10680194 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib improves the overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is commonly overexpressed in HCC. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of DKK1 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib in HCC. METHODS HCC cells were treated with sorafenib and WAY-262611, which is an inhibitor of DKK1. Transgenic mouse models were also developed using hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Mice were orally administered with sorafenib (32 mg/kg), WAY-262611 (16 mg/kg), or sorafenib + WAY-262611 for 10 days. Mechanisms of sorafenib and WAY-262611 were explored via western blotting, immunostaining, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS DKK1 was significantly overexpressed in patients with HCC than in the healthy controls and patients with liver diseases except HCC (all P < 0.05). Compared with sorafenib alone, sorafenib + WAY-262611 significantly inhibited the cell viability, invasion, migration, and colony formation by promoting apoptosis and altering the cell cycles in HCC cells (all P < 0.05). Moreover, sorafenib + WAY-262611 decreased the p110α, phospho-Akt (all P < 0.05), active β-catenin (all P < 0.05) and phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) expression levels, while increasing the phospho-GSK-3β (Tyr216) expression levels compared with those in the sorafenib alone in vitro and in vivo. In addition, sorafenib + WAY-262611 inhibited tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, significantly better than sorafenib alone in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that DKK1 inhibition significantly enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways via regulation of GSK3β activity, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Jung Park
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jae Hee Cheon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
| | - Man-Deuk Kim
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University of College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Klemm S, Evert K, Utpatel K, Muggli A, Simile MM, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Scheiter A. Identification of DUSP4/6 overexpression as a potential rheostat to NRAS-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1086. [PMID: 37946160 PMCID: PMC10636894 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) is mutated in a small percentage of HCC and is hitherto considered insufficient for hepatocarcinogenesis. We aimed to characterize the process of N-Ras-dependent carcinogenesis in the liver and to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. METHODS NRAS V12 plasmid was delivered into the mouse liver via hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI). The resulting tumours, preneoplastic lesions, and normal tissue were characterized by NanoString® gene expression analysis, Western Blot, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results were further confirmed by in vitro analyses of HCC cell lines. RESULTS HTVI with NRAS V12 plasmid resulted in the gradual formation of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the liver three months post-injection. These lesions mostly showed characteristics of HCC, with some exceptions of spindle cell/ cholangiocellular differentiation. Progressive upregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signalling was detectable in the lesions by Western Blot and IHC. NanoString® gene expression analysis of preneoplastic and tumorous tissue revealed a gradual overexpression of the cancer stem cell marker CD133 and Dual Specificity Phosphatases 4 and 6 (DUSP4/6). In vitro, transfection of HCC cell lines with NRAS V12 plasmid resulted in a coherent upregulation of DUSP4 and DUSP6. Paradoxically, this upregulation in PLC/PRF/5 cells was accompanied by a downregulation of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (pERK), suggesting an overshooting compensation. Silencing of DUSP4 and DUSP6 increased proliferation in HCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to prior assumptions, the G12V NRAS mutant form is sufficient to elicit hepatocarcinogenesis in the mouse. Furthermore, the upregulation of the MAPK cascade was paralleled by the overexpression of DUSP4, DUSP6, and CD133 in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, DUSP4 and DUSP6 might fine-tune the excessive MAPK activation, a mechanism that can potentially be harnessed therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Klemm
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Muggli
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria M Simile
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Suda T, Yokoo T, Kanefuji T, Kamimura K, Zhang G, Liu D. Hydrodynamic Delivery: Characteristics, Applications, and Technological Advances. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041111. [PMID: 37111597 PMCID: PMC10141091 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The principle of hydrodynamic delivery was initially used to develop a method for the delivery of plasmids into mouse hepatocytes through tail vein injection and has been expanded for use in the delivery of various biologically active materials to cells in various organs in a variety of animal species through systemic or local injection, resulting in significant advances in new applications and technological development. The development of regional hydrodynamic delivery directly supports successful gene delivery in large animals, including humans. This review summarizes the fundamentals of hydrodynamic delivery and the progress that has been made in its application. Recent progress in this field offers tantalizing prospects for the development of a new generation of technologies for broader application of hydrodynamic delivery.
Collapse
|
7
|
Moon H, Park H, Chae MJ, Choi HJ, Kim DY, Ro SW. Activated TAZ induces liver cancer in collaboration with EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:423. [PMID: 35439973 PMCID: PMC9019950 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is a major global health concern due to the steady increases in its incidence and mortality. Transcription factors, yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (WWTR1, also known as TAZ) have emerged as critical regulators in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC), the two major types of primary liver cancer. However, our study as well as other previous reports have shown that activation of YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) in adult murine livers is insufficient for the development of liver cancer, suggesting a requirement for an additional oncogenic collaborator for liver carcinogenesis in adulthood. Therefore, we sought to identify the oncogenic partners of YAP/TAZ that promote hepatocarcinogenesis in adults. Methods Data analysis of the transcriptome of patients with liver cancer was performed using the national center for biotechnology information (NCBI) gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The cancer therapeutics response portal (CTRP) was used to investigate the correlation between sensitivity to chemicals and the copy number of TAZ in human cancer cell lines. Transposons encoding constitutively activated forms of TAZ (TAZS89A), BRAF (BRAFV600E), and PIK3CA (PI3KE545K) were used for hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Mice were monitored at least twice per week and sacrificed when moribund. Tumor-bearing livers were formalin fixed for hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Results Through database analyses, we identified EGFR/HER2 signaling to be essential in human cancers with high TAZ activity. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses showed that human HCC and CC tissues with high YAP/TAZ activities exhibited concomitant activation of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways. To demonstrate that EGFR/HER2 signaling promotes YAP/TAZ-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis, TAZS89A was simultaneously expressed in murine adult livers with BRAFV600E or PI3KE545K, activated forms of effector molecules downstream of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways. Expression of TAZS89A plus BRAFV600E induced HCC, whereas TAZS89A and PI3KE545K led to the development of CC-like cancer. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that TAZ collaborates with EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways to induce both HCC and CC. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09516-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Moon
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 17104, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Park
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 17104, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Min Jee Chae
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 17104, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 03722, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, 03722, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 03722, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 17104, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kopasz AG, Pusztai DZ, Karkas R, Hudoba L, Abdullah KSA, Imre G, Pankotai-Bodó G, Migh E, Nagy A, Kriston A, Germán P, Drubi AB, Molnár A, Fekete I, Dani VÉ, Ocsovszki I, Puskás LG, Horváth P, Sükösd F, Mátés L. A versatile transposon-based technology to generate loss- and gain-of-function phenotypes in the mouse liver. BMC Biol 2022; 20:74. [PMID: 35361222 PMCID: PMC8974095 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the contribution of gene function in distinct organ systems to the pathogenesis of human diseases in biomedical research requires modifying gene expression through the generation of gain- and loss-of-function phenotypes in model organisms, for instance, the mouse. However, methods to modify both germline and somatic genomes have important limitations that prevent easy, strong, and stable expression of transgenes. For instance, while the liver is remarkably easy to target, nucleic acids introduced to modify the genome of hepatocytes are rapidly lost, or the transgene expression they mediate becomes inhibited due to the action of effector pathways for the elimination of exogenous DNA. Novel methods are required to overcome these challenges, and here we develop a somatic gene delivery technology enabling long-lasting high-level transgene expression in the entire hepatocyte population of mice. RESULTS We exploit the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) gene correction-induced regeneration in Fah-deficient livers, to demonstrate that such approach stabilizes luciferase expression more than 5000-fold above the level detected in WT animals, following plasmid DNA introduction complemented by transposon-mediated chromosomal gene transfer. Building on this advancement, we created a versatile technology platform for performing gene function analysis in vivo in the mouse liver. Our technology allows the tag-free expression of proteins of interest and silencing of any arbitrary gene in the mouse genome. This was achieved by applying the HADHA/B endogenous bidirectional promoter capable of driving well-balanced bidirectional expression and by optimizing in vivo intronic artificial microRNA-based gene silencing. We demonstrated the particular usefulness of the technology in cancer research by creating a p53-silenced and hRas G12V-overexpressing tumor model. CONCLUSIONS We developed a versatile technology platform for in vivo somatic genome editing in the mouse liver, which meets multiple requirements for long-lasting high-level transgene expression. We believe that this technology will contribute to the development of a more accurate new generation of tools for gene function analysis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dávid Zsolt Pusztai
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Réka Karkas
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Liza Hudoba
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Khaldoon Sadiq Ahmed Abdullah
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Imre
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Ede Migh
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Nagy
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kriston
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Germán
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Bakné Drubi
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Molnár
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Fekete
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Virág Éva Dani
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Géza Puskás
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Horváth
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.452494.a0000 0004 0409 5350Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Institute of Pathology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos Mátés
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gu CY, Lee TKW. Preclinical mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview and update. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113042. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
10
|
Cho K, Moon H, Seo SH, Ro SW, Kim BK. Pharmacological Inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Suppresses Tumor Development in a Murine Model of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413214. [PMID: 34948011 PMCID: PMC8707521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) is the second most primary liver cancer with an aggressive biological behavior, and its incidence increases steadily. An aberrant up-regulation of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway has been reported in a variety of hepatic diseases including hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, as well as cancer. In this study, we determined the effect of a sonic hedgehog inhibitor, vismodegib, on the development of CCC. Through database analyses, we found sonic hedgehog signaling was up-regulated in human CCC, based on overexpression of its target genes, GLI1 and GLI2. Further, human CCC cells were highly sensitive to the treatment with vismodegib in vitro. Based on the data, we investigated the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy of vismodegib in CCC employing a murine model of CCC developed by hydrodynamic tail vein injection method. In the murine model, CCC induced by constitutively active forms of TAZ and PI3K exhibited up-regulated sonic hedgehog signaling. Treatment of vismodegib significantly suppressed tumor development in the murine CCC model, based on comparison of gross morphologies and liver weight/body weight. It is expected that pharmacological inhibition of sonic hedgehog signaling would be an effective molecular target therapy for CCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoo Cho
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (K.C.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea;
| | - Sang Hyun Seo
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (K.C.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.W.R.); (B.K.K.); Tel.: +82-31-201-8640 (S.W.R.); +82-2-2227-4184 (B.K.K.)
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.W.R.); (B.K.K.); Tel.: +82-31-201-8640 (S.W.R.); +82-2-2227-4184 (B.K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cho K, Ro SW, Lee HW, Moon H, Han S, Kim HR, Ahn SH, Park JY, Kim DY. YAP/TAZ Suppress Drug Penetration Into Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Stromal Activation. Hepatology 2021; 74:2605-2621. [PMID: 34101869 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC is the most predominant type of liver cancer affecting 800,000 people globally each year. Various small-molecule compounds targeting diverse oncogenic signaling pathways have been tested for patients with HCC, and clinical outcomes were not satisfactory. In this study, we investigated molecular signaling that determines the efficiency of drug delivery into HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Hydrodynamics-based transfection (HT) was performed to develop mouse models for HCC induced by various oncogenes. Mice bearing liver cancer were treated with verteporfin at 5 weeks after HT. Multicellular HCC organoid (MCHO) models were established that contained various types of stromal cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells together with HCC cells. Tumor organoids were treated with verteporfin, and distributions of the drug in the organoids were assessed using fluorescence microscopy. Murine HCC models developed by HT methods showed that a high Yes-associated protein/Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) activity in HCC cells impaired verteporfin penetration into the cancer. Activation of tumor stroma was observed in HCC with a high YAP/TAZ activity. Consistent with the findings in the in vivo models of HCC, MCHOs with activated YAP/TAZ signaling showed stromal activation and impaired penetration of verteporfin into the tumor organoids. Inhibition of YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity in HCC cells significantly increased drug penetration into the MCHO. CONCLUSIONS Drug delivery into liver cancer is impaired by YAP/TAZ signaling in tumor cells and subsequent activation of stroma by the signaling. Disrupting or targeting activated tumor stroma might improve drug delivery into HCC with an elevated YAP/TAZ activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoo Cho
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Sojung Han
- Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Rim Kim
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Seo SH, Cho KJ, Park HJ, Kim H, Lee HW, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Kim SU. Dickkopf-1 promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF receptor 2-mediated mTOR/p70S6K signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4788-4806. [PMID: 34765293 PMCID: PMC8569356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the tumorigenic and angiogenic potential of DKK1 in HCC. Stable cell lines were established using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-based DKK1 knock-out system in Hep3B cells and the tetracycline-based DKK1 inducible system in Huh7 cells. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) were cultured using Hep3B stable cells. We also employed xenografts generated using Hep3B stable cells and transgenic mouse models established using hydrodynamic tail vein injection. The angiogenic potential increased in HUVECs treated with CM from Huh7 stable cells with high DKK1 expression and Hep3B wild-type cells. DKK1 accelerated the downstream molecules of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-mediated mTOR/p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) signaling. MCTSs generated using Hep3B wild-type cells promoted compact spheroid formation and increased the expression of CD31 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and increased the VEGFR2-mediated mTOR/p70S6K signaling, compared to the controls (all P<0.01). Xenograft tumors generated using Hep3B cells with DKK1 knock-out (n=10) exhibited slower growth than, the controls (n=10) and the expression of Ki-67, VEGFR2, CD31 and EMT markers decreased (all P<0.05). In addition, forced DKK1 expression with HRAS in transgenic mouse livers (n=5) resulted in the formation of more tumors and increased expression of downstream molecules of VEGFR2-mediated mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway as well as Ki67, CD31 and EMT markers (P<0.05), compared to that of the controls (n=5). Our findings indicate that DKK1 facilitates angiogenesis and tumorigenesis by upregulating VEGFR2-mediated mTOR/p70S6K signaling in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | | | - Hyemi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Z, Lu T, Huang L, Wang Z, Yan Z, Guan Y, Hu W, Fan Z, Zhu P. circular RNA cia-MAF drives self-renewal and metastasis of liver tumor-initiating cells via transcription factor MAFF. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e148020. [PMID: 34403373 DOI: 10.1172/jci148020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are involved in liver tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance and relapse, but the regulatory mechanisms of liver TICs are largely unknown. Here, we have identified a functional circular RNA, termed circRNA activating MAFF (cia-MAF), that is robustly expressed in liver cancer and liver TICs. cia-MAF knockout primary cells and cia-maf knockout liver tumors harbor decreased ratios of TICs, and display impaired liver tumorigenesis, self-renewal and metastatic capacities. In contrast, cia-MAF overexpression drives liver TIC propagation, self-renewal and metastasis. Mechanistically, cia-MAF binds to the MAFF promoter, recruits the TIP60 complex to the MAFF promoter, and finally promotes MAFF expression. Loss of cia-MAF function attenuates the combination between the TIP60 complex and the MAFF promoter. MAFF is highly expressed in liver tumors and liver TICs, and its antisense oligo (ASO) has therapeutic potential in treating liver cancer without MAFA/MAFG gene copy number alterations (CNAs). This study reveal an additional layer for liver TIC regulation as well as circRNA function, and also provide an additional target for eliminating liver TICs, especially for liver tumor without MAFA/MAFG gene CNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tiankun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongyi Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yubo Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zusen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Knockdown of Atg7 suppresses Tumorigenesis in a murine model of liver cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101158. [PMID: 34174688 PMCID: PMC8243000 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of autophagy in liver cancer is controversial. Autophagy gene, Atg7 is a key regulator for autophagy process. Transgenic mouse model for liver cancer can be generated via simple transgenic methodology called “Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection”. Genetic suppression of Atg7 significantly suppressed development of liver cancer induced by activated RAS.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Studies have shown that autophagy is significantly involved in carcinogenesis, in particular, driven by activated RAS signaling. Autophagy related 7 (Atg7) is a critical component for the formation of autophagosome and required for autophagy processes. We investigated the role of autophagy in RAS-driven tumorigenesis in the liver, via the knockdown of Atg7 in the model. Transposon vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs targeting Atg7 (Atg7 shRNA) were constructed. Inhibition of autophagy via Atg7 knockdown was tested in Hep3B cells cultured in nutrient-starved medium. Formation of autophagosome was suppressed in nutrient-starved Hep3B cells expressing Atg7 shRNA, demonstrating that it efficiently inhibited autophagy in HCC cells. Transposons encoding Atg7 shRNA were mixed with those expressing HRASG12V and p53 shRNA, and subsequently used for hydrodynamic injection to 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Tumorigenesis in livers induced by HRASG12V and p53 shRNA was significantly suppressed by Atg7 knockdown. The inhibition of autophagy led to a decreased proliferation of cancer cells, as determined by Ki-67 staining. Our data indicate that knockdown of Atg7 led to a significant decrease in tumorigenesis in a murine HCC model induced by activated RAS. Inhibition of autophagosome formation is expected to be a therapeutic option for liver cancer.
Collapse
|
15
|
Moon H, Ro SW. MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3026. [PMID: 34204242 PMCID: PMC8234271 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. Recently, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of human HCC cases; however, activating mutations in RAS and RAF genes are rarely found in HCC, which are major genetic events leading to the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in other cancers. This suggests that there is an alternative mechanism behind the activation of the signaling pathway in HCC. Here, we will review recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathway in the context of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang G, Wang Q, Liang N, Xue H, Yang T, Chen X, Qiu Z, Zeng C, Sun T, Yuan W, Liu C, Chen Z, He X. Oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment determine the type of liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:313. [PMID: 32366840 PMCID: PMC7198508 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) may be mainly classified as the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC). The majority of PLC develops in the background of tumor microenvironment, such as inflammatory microenvironments caused by viral hepatitis, alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), and necroptosis-associated hepatic cytokine microenvironment caused by necroptosis of hepatocytes. However, the impact of different types of microenvironments on the phenotypes of PLC generated by distinct oncogenes is still unclear. In addition, the cell origin of different liver cancers have not been clarified, as far as we know. Recent researches show that mature hepatocytes retain phenotypic plasticity to differentiate into cholangiocytes. More importantly, our results initially demonstrated that HCC, ICC, and cHCC-ICC could originate from mature hepatocytes rather than liver progenitor cells (LPCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cholangiocytes in AKT-driven, AKT/NICD-driven and AKT/CAT-driven mouse PLC models respectively by using hydrodynamic transfection methodology. Therefore, liver tumors originated from mature hepatocytes embody a wide spectrum of phenotypes from HCC to CC, possibly including cHCC-ICC and HB. However, the underlying mechanism determining the cancer phenotype of liver tumors has yet to be delineated. In this review, we will provide a summary of the possible mechanisms for directing the cancer phenotype of liver tumors (i.e., ICC, HCC, and cHCC-ICC) in terms of oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this study initially revealed the cell origin of different types of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510220, China.,Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Hongyuan Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuguang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Zhaoyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Departmentof Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zheng zhou, 450052, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China. .,Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Zhangqian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China. .,State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tipanee J, Di Matteo M, Tulalamba W, Samara-Kuko E, Keirsse J, Van Ginderachter JA, Chuah MK, VandenDriessche T. Validation of miR-20a as a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Liver Carcinoma Using Hepatocyte-Specific Hyperactive piggyBac Transposons. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1309-1329. [PMID: 32160703 PMCID: PMC7036702 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We established a semi-high-throughput in vivo screening platform using hyperactive piggyBac (hyPB) transposons (designated as PB-miR) to identify microRNAs (miRs) that inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in vivo, following miR overexpression in hepatocytes. PB-miRs encoding six different miRs from the miR-17-92 cluster and nine miRs from outside this cluster were transfected into mouse livers that were chemically induced to develop HCC. In this slow-onset HCC model, miR-20a significantly inhibited HCC. Next, we developed a more aggressive HCC model by overexpression of oncogenic Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRASG12V) and c-MYC oncogenes that accelerated HCC development after only 6 weeks. The tumor suppressor effect of miR-20a could be demonstrated even in this rapid-onset HRASG12V/c-MYC HCC model, consistent with significantly prolonged survival and decreased HCC tumor burden. Comprehensive RNA expression profiling of 95 selected genes typically associated with HCC development revealed differentially expressed genes and functional pathways that were associated with miR-20a-mediated HCC suppression. To our knowledge, this is the first study establishing a direct causal relationship between miR-20a overexpression and liver cancer inhibition in vivo. Moreover, these results demonstrate that hepatocyte-specific hyPB transposons are an efficient platform to screen and identify miRs that affect overall survival and HCC tumor regression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaitip Tipanee
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ermira Samara-Kuko
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jiri Keirsse
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marinee Khim Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mou H, Ozata DM, Smith JL, Sheel A, Kwan SY, Hough S, Kucukural A, Kennedy Z, Cao Y, Xue W. CRISPR-SONIC: targeted somatic oncogene knock-in enables rapid in vivo cancer modeling. Genome Med 2019; 11:21. [PMID: 30987660 PMCID: PMC6466773 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-019-0627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized cancer mouse models. Although loss-of-function genetics by CRISPR/Cas9 is well-established, generating gain-of-function alleles in somatic cancer models is still challenging because of the low efficiency of gene knock-in. Here we developed CRISPR-based Somatic Oncogene kNock-In for Cancer Modeling (CRISPR-SONIC), a method for rapid in vivo cancer modeling using homology-independent repair to integrate oncogenes at a targeted genomic locus. Using a dual guide RNA strategy, we integrated a plasmid donor in the 3'-UTR of mouse β-actin, allowing co-expression of reporter genes or oncogenes from the β-actin promoter. We showed that knock-in of oncogenic Ras and loss of p53 efficiently induced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in mice. Further, our strategy can generate bioluminescent liver cancer to facilitate tumor imaging. This method simplifies in vivo gain-of-function genetics by facilitating targeted integration of oncogenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Mou
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Deniz M Ozata
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jordan L Smith
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ankur Sheel
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Suet-Yan Kwan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Soren Hough
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alper Kucukural
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Yueying Cao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yamamoto M, Xin B, Nishikawa Y. Mouse Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Originated from Mature Hepatocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1905:221-236. [PMID: 30536104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8961-4_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer consists of two main histological subtypes, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, both of which have poor prognosis. Therefore, in searching for new therapeutic targets, adequate mouse models to develop and validate therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Although there are mouse models of liver cancer, each model has shortcomings. To overcome these shortcomings, a mouse model using a hydrodynamic tail vein injection and the Sleeping Beauty transposon was developed. By inducing stable expression of oncogenes in mouse hepatocytes in vivo, the model can easily induce liver cancer with specific characteristics that depend on the oncogenes used to induce carcinogenesis. Here, we describe the details of the methods to induce hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma from mouse hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Yamamoto
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Bing Xin
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishikawa
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang HE, Henderson JM, Gorrell MD. Animal models for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:993-1002. [PMID: 31007176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents ~90% of all cases of primary liver cancer and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Establishing appropriate animal models for HCC is required for basic and translational studies, especially the models that can recapitulate one of the human disease settings. Current animal models can be categorized as chemically-induced, genetically-engineered, xenograft, or a combination of these with each other or with a metabolic insult. A single approach to resemble human HCC in animals is not sufficient. Combining pathogenic insults in animal models may more realistically recapitulate the multiple etiologic agents occurring in humans. Combining chemical injury with metabolic disorder or alcohol consumption in mice reduces the time taken to hepatocarcinogenesis. Genetically-engineering weak activation of HCC-promoting pathways combined with disease-specific injury models will possibly mimic the pathophysiology of human HCC in distinct clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - James M Henderson
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moon H, Ju HL, Chung SI, Cho KJ, Eun JW, Nam SW, Han KH, Calvisi DF, Ro SW. Transforming Growth Factor-β Promotes Liver Tumorigenesis in Mice via Up-regulation of Snail. Gastroenterology 2017; 153:1378-1391.e6. [PMID: 28734833 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) suppresses early stages of tumorigenesis, but also contributes to migration and metastasis of cancer cells. A large number of human tumors contain mutations that inactivate its receptors, or downstream proteins such as Smad transcription factors, indicating that the TGF-β signaling pathway prevents tumor growth. We investigated the effects of TGF-β inhibition on liver tumorigenesis in mice. METHODS C57BL/6 mice received hydrodynamic tail-vein injections of transposons encoding HRASG12V and a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to down-regulate p53, or those encoding HRASG12V and MYC, or those encoding HRASG12V and TAZS89A, to induce liver tumor formation; mice were also given injections of transposons encoding SMAD7 or shRNA against SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, or SNAI1 (Snail), with or without ectopic expression of Snail. Survival times were compared, and livers were weighted and examined for tumors. Liver tumor tissues were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, RNA sequencing, immunoblots, and immunohistochemistry. We analyzed gene expression levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma samples deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas. A cell proliferation assay was performed using human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) stably expressing Snail or shRNA against Snail. RESULTS TGF-β inhibition via overexpression of SMAD7 (or knockdown of SMAD2, SMAD3, or SMAD4) consistently reduced formation and growth of liver tumors in mice that expressed activated RAS plus shRNA against p53, or in mice that expressed activated RAS and TAZ. TGF-β signaling activated transcription of the Snail gene in liver tumors induced by HRASG12V and shRNA against p53, and by activated RAS and TAZ. Knockdown of Snail reduced liver tumor formation in both tumor models. Ectopic expression of Snail restored liver tumorigenesis suppressed by disruption of TGF-β signaling. In human hepatocellular carcinoma, Snail expression correlated with TGF-β activation. Ectopic expression of Snail increased cellular proliferation, whereas Snail knockdown led to reduced proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS In analyses of transgenic mice, we found TGF-β signaling to be required for formation of liver tumors upon expression of activated RAS and shRNA down-regulating p53, and upon expression of activated RAS and TAZ. Snail is the TGF-β target that is required for hepatic tumorigenesis in these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Moon
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sook In Chung
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Woo Nam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Choi SH, Kim H, Lee HG, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Han KH, Kim SU. Dickkopf-1 induces angiogenesis via VEGF receptor 2 regulation independent of the Wnt signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:58974-58984. [PMID: 28938611 PMCID: PMC5601707 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is essential for invasive tumor growth and metastasis. Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), an antagonist of Wnt signaling, participates in tumor development and progression. We evaluated whether DKK-1 stimulation induces angiogenesis and the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with recombinant DKK-1 (rDDK-1) or conditioned medium from a culture of DKK-1-transfected 293 cells. Following stimulation, the expression levels of angiogenesis-related factors and EnMT related markers were determined by immunoblot assays. In addition, the effects of exogenous DKK-1 on angiogenesis and EnMT were assessed by tube-formation, cell invasion, and wound-healing assays. Human hepatoma cells, such as Hep3B and Huh-7, showed high levels of DKK-1 expression, whereas 293 cells and HUVECs showed little or no DKK-1 expression. Increased endothelial cell tube formation and invasiveness were observed in HUVECs treated with concentrated conditioned medium from DKK-1-overexpressing 293 cells or rDKK-1. DKK-1-stimulated HUVECs also exhibited increased motility in wound-healing assays. Furthermore, the expression levels of angiogenesis-related factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and vascular endothelial-cadherin, were increased in DKK-1-stimulated HUVECs. The expression of EnMT markers, such as vimentin and Twist, was also increased in DKK-1-stimulated HUVECs. However, no significant change in β-catenin or GSK3β expression was observed. Our in vitro data suggest that DKK-1 can enhance angiogenesis and EnMT by HUVECs independent of the Wnt signaling pathway. Modulation of DKK-1 expression may facilitate development of novel strategies to control tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hoon Choi
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Drug and Disease Target Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyemi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Gyu Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chung SI, Moon H, Ju HL, Kim DY, Cho KJ, Ribback S, Dombrowski F, Calvisi DF, Ro SW. Comparison of liver oncogenic potential among human RAS isoforms. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7354-66. [PMID: 26799184 PMCID: PMC4872791 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation in one of three RAS genes (i.e., HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) leading to constitutive activation of RAS signaling pathways is considered a key oncogenic event in human carcinogenesis. Whether activated RAS isoforms possess different oncogenic potentials remains an unresolved question. Here, we compared oncogenic properties among RAS isoforms using liver-specific transgenesis in mice. Hydrodynamic transfection was performed using transposons expressing short hairpin RNA downregulating p53 and an activated RAS isoform, and livers were harvested at 23 days after gene delivery. No differences were found in the hepatocarcinogenic potential among RAS isoforms, as determined by both gross examination of livers and liver weight per body weight ratio (LW/BW) of mice expressing HRASQ61L, KRAS4BG12V and NRASQ61K. However, the tumorigenic potential differed significantly between KRAS splicing variants. The LW/BW ratio in KRAS4AG12V mice was significantly lower than in KRAS4BG12V mice (p < 0.001), and KRAS4AG12V mice lived significantly longer than KRRAS4BG12V mice (p < 0.0001). Notably, tumors from KRAS4AG12V mice displayed higher expression of the p16INK4A tumor suppressor when compared with KRAS4BG12V tumors. Forced overexpression of p16INK4A significantly reduced tumor growth in KRAS4BG12V mice, suggesting that upregulation of p16INK4A by KRAS4AG12V presumably delays tumor development driven by the latter oncogene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sook In Chung
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Yeong Kim
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Synergic chemoprevention with dietary carbohydrate restriction and supplementation of AMPK-activating phytochemicals: the role of SIRT1. Eur J Cancer Prev 2016; 25:54-64. [PMID: 25747515 PMCID: PMC4885538 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Calorie restriction or a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) can increase life span in normal cells while inhibiting carcinogenesis. Various phytochemicals also have calorie restriction-mimetic anticancer properties. We investigated whether an isocaloric carbohydrate-restriction diet and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating phytochemicals induce synergic tumor suppression. We used a mixture of AMPK-activating phytochemical extracts including curcumin, quercetin, catechins, and resveratrol. Survival analysis was carried out in a B16F10 melanoma model fed a control diet (62.14% kcal carbohydrate, 24.65% kcal protein and 13.2% kcal fat), a control diet with multiple phytochemicals (MP), LCD (16.5, 55.2, and 28.3% kcal, respectively), LCD with multiple phytochemicals (LCDmp), a moderate-carbohydrate diet (MCD, 31.9, 62.4, and 5.7% kcal, respectively), or MCD with phytochemicals (MCDmp). Compared with the control group, MP, LCD, or MCD intervention did not produce survival benefit, but LCDmp (22.80±1.58 vs. 28.00±1.64 days, P=0.040) and MCDmp (23.80±1.08 vs. 30.13±2.29 days, P=0.008) increased the median survival time significantly. Suppression of the IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/LKB1pathway, and NF-κB suppression were the critical tumor-suppression mechanisms. In addition, SIRT1 suppressed proliferation of the B16F10 and A375SM cells under a low-glucose condition. Alterations in histone methylation within Pten and FoxO3a were observed after the MCDmp intervention. In the transgenic liver cancer model developed by hydrodynamic transfection of the HrasG12V and shp53, MCDmp and LCDmp interventions induced significant cancer-prevention effects. Microarray analysis showed that PPARα increased with decreased IL-6 and NF-κB within the hepatocytes after an MCDmp intervention. In conclusion, an isocaloric carbohydrate-restriction diet and natural AMPK-activating agents induce synergistic anticancer effects. SIRT1 acts as a tumor suppressor under a low-glucose condition.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chung SI, Moon H, Ju HL, Cho KJ, Kim DY, Han KH, Eun JW, Nam SW, Ribback S, Dombrowski F, Calvisi DF, Ro SW. Hepatic expression of Sonic Hedgehog induces liver fibrosis and promotes hepatocarcinogenesis in a transgenic mouse model. J Hepatol 2016; 64:618-27. [PMID: 26471504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis is an increasing health concern worldwide and a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the involvement of Hedgehog signaling in hepatic fibrosis has been known for some time, the causative role of activated Hedgehog signaling in liver fibrosis has not been verified in vivo. METHODS Using hydrodynamics-based transfection, a transgenic mouse model has been developed that expresses Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), a ligand for Hedgehog signaling, in the liver. Levels of hepatic fibrosis and fibrosis-related gene expression were assessed in the model. Hepatic expression of SHH was induced in a murine model for hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and tumor development was subsequently investigated. RESULTS The transgenic mice revealed SHH expression in 2-5% of hepatocytes. Secreted SHH activated Hedgehog signaling in numerous cells of various types in the tissues. Hepatic expression of SHH led to fibrosis, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and an upregulation of various fibrogenic genes. Liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis were observed in SHH mice. Persistent expression of SHH for up to 13months failed to induce tumors in the liver; however, it promoted liver tumor development induced by other oncogenes. By employing a HCA model induced by P53(R172H) and KRAS(G12D), we found that the SHH expression promoted the transition from HCA to HCC. CONCLUSIONS SHH expression in the liver induces liver fibrosis with concurrent activation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrogenic genes. It can also enhance hepatocarcinogenesis induced by other oncogenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sook In Chung
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Woo Nam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chung SI, Moon H, Kim DY, Cho KJ, Ju HL, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Han KH, Ro SW. Development of a transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma with a liver fibrosis background. BMC Gastroenterol 2016; 16:13. [PMID: 26821924 PMCID: PMC4731926 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-016-0423-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis and its end-stage disease, cirrhosis, are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and present in 80 to 90 % of patients with HCC. Current genetically engineered mouse models for HCC, however, generally do not feature liver fibrosis, which is a critical discrepancy between human HCC and murine models thereof. In this study, we developed a simple transgenic mouse model of HCC within the context of a fibrotic liver. Methods Employing hydrodynamic transfection (HT), coupled with the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system, liver was stably transfected with transposons expressing cMyc and a short hairpin RNA down-regulating p53 (shp53). A chronic liver injury model, induced by hepatotoxic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), was applied to the transgenic mice, allowing cells expressing cMyc plus shp53 to become malignant in the background of liver fibrosis. Results Livers harvested about 3 months after HT had excessive collagen deposition and activated hepatic stellate cells surrounding the tumors. Hepatocarcinogenesis was significantly accelerated in the fibrotic livers compared to those of the control, significantly decreasing the life span of the mice. The tumor incidence and average number of tumors per mouse were significantly higher in the group treated with CCl4 compared to the vehicle-treated control mice, following HT (p < 0.01). Conclusions Considering the simplicity and efficiency in generating HCC for fibrotic livers, the transgenic HCC model has the potential to be effectively used in preclinical testing of HCC anticancer therapy and in studies of hepatocarcinogenesis in fibrotic livers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0423-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sook In Chung
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea. .,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea. .,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Dae Yeong Kim
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea. .,Room 407, ABMRC, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Baek S, Cho KJ, Ju HL, Moon H, Choi SH, Chung SI, Park JY, Choi KH, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Han KH, Ro SW. Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in human and mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:1331-40. [PMID: 25704452 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common malignancies in adults displays aberrant miRNA expression during its pathogenesis. We assessed expression of miRNA in surgically resected human HCC of an early stage and murine HCC with a high malignancy in order to find miRNA overexpressed in HCC regardless of tumor stage and underlying etiology. Further, the role of the deregulated miRNA in HCC pathogenesis was investigated. METHODS miRNA were isolated from HCC tissues and surrounding non-tumorous tissues from HCC patients and a murine transgenic model of HCC. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine expression levels of miRNA. Human HCC cell lines stably expressing individual miRNA were generated to investigate the biological function of overexpressed miRNA. RESULTS We found that levels of miR-221, -181b-1, -155-5p, -25 and -17-5p were significantly upregulated in both human and murine HCC regardless of tumor stage, underlying etiology or the presence of fibrosis. Using HCC cell lines stably expressing respective miRNA, we found that miR-221 increased the proliferation of hepatoma cells, while miR-17-5p induced cell migration. CONCLUSION We identified miRNA that are consistently upregulated in HCC. The overexpressed miRNA could potentially be used as a bona fide biomarker for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinhwa Baek
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk Moon
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Choi
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook In Chung
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Hong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ju HL, Han KH, Lee JD, Ro SW. Transgenic mouse models generated by hydrodynamic transfection for genetic studies of liver cancer and preclinical testing of anti-cancer therapy. Int J Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Jong Doo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Catholic Kwandong University; Seoul Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kim MN, Ro SW, Kim DY, Kim DY, Cho KJ, Park JH, Lim HY, Han KH. Efficacy of perifosine alone and in combination with sorafenib in an HrasG12V plus shp53 transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015; 76:257-67. [PMID: 26037205 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2787-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perifosine has shown antitumor activity via inhibition of Akt phosphorylation in many advanced solid tumors. This study investigated the efficacy of perifosine alone and in combination with sorafenib in a transgenic mouse model of HCC. METHODS The mouse model of HCC was generated by hydrodynamic injection of transposons encoding HrasG12V and short-hairpin RNA downregulating p53. The transgenic mice were treated with perifosine alone and in combination with sorafenib to evaluate efficacy of drugs on tumor growth and survival. RESULTS Treatment with perifosine for 5 weeks, alone and in combination with sorafenib, strongly inhibited tumor growth and increased survival. Perifosine inhibited HCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and decreased tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, its combination with sorafenib enhanced these effects. In addition, Akt phosphorylation was decreased by perifosine and further decreased by combination treatment. Although perifosine alone did not appear to activate the caspase pathway, combination treatment increased the cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. CONCLUSIONS The preclinical effect that current study showed represents a strong rationale for clinical trials using perifosine alone and in combination with sorafenib in the treatment of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Na Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Transgenic mouse model expressing P53(R172H), luciferase, EGFP, and KRAS(G12D) in a single open reading frame for live imaging of tumor. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8053. [PMID: 25623590 PMCID: PMC4306974 DOI: 10.1038/srep08053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse cancer models allow tumors to be imaged in vivo via co-expression of a reporter gene with a tumor-initiating gene. However, differential transcriptional and translational regulation between the tumor-initiating gene and the reporter gene can result in inconsistency between the actual tumor size and the size indicated by the imaging assay. To overcome this limitation, we developed a transgenic mouse in which two oncogenes, encoding P53R172H and KRASG12D, are expressed together with two reporter genes, encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and firefly luciferase, in a single open reading frame following Cre-mediated DNA excision. Systemic administration of adenovirus encoding Cre to these mice induced specific transgene expression in the liver. Repeated bioluminescence imaging of the mice revealed a continuous increase in the bioluminescent signal over time. A strong correlation was found between the bioluminescent signal and actual tumor size. Interestingly, all liver tumors induced by P53R172H and KRASG12D in the model were hepatocellular adenomas. The mouse model was also used to trace cell proliferation in the epidermis via live fluorescence imaging. We anticipate that the transgenic mouse model will be useful for imaging tumor development in vivo and for investigating the oncogenic collaboration between P53R172H and KRASG12D.
Collapse
|
31
|
Hydrodynamic transfection for generation of novel mouse models for liver cancer research. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:912-923. [PMID: 24480331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, are leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent large-scale genomic approaches have identified a wide number of genes whose deregulation is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma development. Murine models are critical tools to determine the oncogenic potential of these genes. Conventionally, transgenic or knockout mouse models are used for this purpose. However, several limitations apply to the latter models. Herein, we review a novel approach for stable gene expression in mouse hepatocytes by hydrodynamic injection in combination with Sleeping Beauty-mediated somatic integration. This method represents a flexible, reliable, and cost-effective tool to generate preclinical murine models for liver cancer research. Furthermore, it can be used as an in vivo transfection method to study biochemical cross talks among multiple pathways along hepatocarcinogenesis and to test the therapeutic potential of drugs against liver cancer.
Collapse
|