Genetic polymorphism of the kinesin-like protein KIF1B gene and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

The role of kinesin superfamily proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma

The most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its limited therapeutic options. Researchers are currently focused on the complex molecular landscape that governs the initiation and progression of HCC in order to identify new avenues for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In the context of HCC, the Kinesin Superfamily Proteins (KIFs) have become critical regulators of cellular processes, prompting a growing interest in their function among the diverse array of molecular actors implicated in cancer. The KIFs, a family of microtubule-based molecular motors, are renowned for their essential roles in the dynamics of mitotic spindles and intracellular transport. Beyond their well-established functions in normal cellular physiology, emerging evidence indicates that dysregulation of KIFs significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of HCC. Novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers are revealed through the unique opportunity to comprehend the complex interplay between KIFs and the molecular events that drive HCC.

The role of kinesin family members in hepatobiliary carcinomas: from bench to bedside

As a major component of the digestive system malignancies, tumors originating from the hepatic and biliary ducts seriously endanger public health. The kinesins (KIFs) are molecular motors that enable the microtubule-dependent intracellular trafficking necessary for mitosis and meiosis. Normally, the stability of KIFs is essential to maintain cell proliferation and genetic homeostasis. However, aberrant KIFs activity may destroy this dynamic stability, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor initiation. In this work, we have made an integral summarization of the specific roles of KIFs in hepatocellular and biliary duct carcinogenesis, referring to aberrant signal transduction and the potential for prognostic evaluation. Additionally, current clinical applications of KIFs-targeted inhibitors have also been discussed, including their efficacy advantages, relationship with drug sensitivity or resistance, the feasibility of combination chemotherapy or other targeted agents, as well as the corresponding clinical trials. In conclusion, the abnormally activated KIFs participate in the regulation of tumor progression via a diverse range of mechanisms and are closely associated with tumor prognosis. Meanwhile, KIFs-aimed inhibitors also carry out a promising tumor-targeted therapeutic strategy that deserves to be further investigated in hepatobiliary carcinoma (HBC).

USP9X promotes apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma by modulation expression of KIF1Bβ via deubiquitinating EGLN3

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma represents the second most common primary liver malignancy. The incidence rate has constantly increased over the last decades. Cholangiocarcinoma silent nature limits early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment.

Methods

Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression profiling of USP9X and EGLN3 in cholangiocarcinoma patients. ShRNA was used to silence gene expression. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle, CCK8, clone formation, shRNA interference and xenograft mouse model were used to explore biological function of USP9X and EGLN3. The underlying molecular mechanism of USP9X in cholangiocarcinoma was determined by immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR).

Results

Here we demonstrated that USP9X is downregulated in cholangiocarcinoma which contributes to tumorigenesis. The expression of USP9X in cholangiocarcinoma inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro as well as xenograft tumorigenicity in vivo. Clinical data demonstrated that expression levels of USP9X were positively correlated with favorable clinical outcomes. Mechanistic investigations further indicated that USP9X was involved in the deubiquitination of EGLN3, a member of 2-oxoglutarate and iron-dependent dioxygenases. USP9X elicited tumor suppressor role by preventing degradation of EGLN3. Importantly, knockdown of EGLN3 impaired USP9X-mediated suppression of proliferation. USP9X positively regulated the expression level of apoptosis pathway genes de through EGLN3 thus involved in apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Conclusion

These findings help to understand that USP9X alleviates the malignant potential of cholangiocarcinoma through upregulation of EGLN3. Consequently, we provide novel insight into that USP9X is a potential biomarker or serves as a therapeutic or diagnostic target for cholangiocarcinoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-021-00738-2.

Association of a Novel KIF26B Gene Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Schizophrenia and Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Background

KIF26B gene is found to play essential roles in regulating different aspects of cell proliferation and development of the nervous system. We aimed to determine if rs12407427 T/C polymorphism could affect susceptibility to schizophrenia (SZN) and breast cancer (BC), the two genetically correlated diseases.

Methods

The current case-control study was performed from Aug 2018 to Dec 2018. Briefly, 159 female pathologically confirmed BC cases referring to Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and 102 psychologically confirmed SZN patients (60 males and 42 females) admitted to Baharan Hospital, Zahedan, Iran, were enrolled. Using the salting-out method, genomic DNA was extracted, and variants were genotyped using allele-specific amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method.

Results

The results revealed a significant association between the KIF26B rs12407427 codominant CT (P=0.001), CC (P=0.0001), dominant CT+CC, and recessive CC (P=0.001) genotypes with the risk of developing SZN. Significant correlations were also found regarding rs12407427 and BC susceptibility in different inheritance models, including over-dominant CT (P=0.026), dominant CT+CC (P=0.001), recessive CC (P=0.009), and codominant CT and CC (P=0.001) genotypes. The over-presence of the C allele was also correlated with an increased risk for SZN (P=0.0001) and BC (P=0.0001). Finally, computational analysis predicted that T/C variation in this polymorphism could change the binding sites in proteins involved in splicing.

Conclusion

rs12407427 T/C as a de novo KIF26B variant might be a novel genetic biomarker for SZN and/or BC susceptibility in a sample of the Iranian population.

Biomarkers for hepatocellular cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. If diagnosed early, curative treatment options such as surgical resection, loco-regional therapies, and liver transplantation are available to patients, increasing their chances of survival and improving their quality of life. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed with late stage HCC where only palliative treatment is available. Therefore, biomarkers which could detect HCC early with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, may play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of the disease. This review will aim to provide an overview of the different biomarkers of HCC comprising those used in the diagnosis of HCC in at risk populations, as well as others with potential for prognosis, risk predisposition and prediction of response to therapeutic intervention.

Association between KIF1B rs17401966 genetic polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have focused on the association between KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus-related (HBV-related) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the conclusions have been inconsistent. We have conducted this updated meta-analysis to explore the association between KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism and HCC susceptibility.

METHODS

Eligible studies were identified through systematic searches in PubMed, OVID, ISI Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases. The quality of evidence was systematically assessed by use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case control studies in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Ten studies containing 18 independent case-control studies were included. The results revealed a significant association between KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism and susceptibility to HCC under a random-effect allelic model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94, P = 0.003); HBV-positive subgroup (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.95, P = 0.007); and Chinese-subgroup (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

G-allele appears to be a protective allele of KIF1B for HCC, especially in HBV-positive and Chinese populations. More well-designed studies with larger sample size and various ethnic groups and risk factors are needed to establish that KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of HCC.

Association between KIF1B (rs17401966) polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Introduction

The results of the earlier published studies on the association between KIF1B (rs17401966) polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk are inconclusive. Hence, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between KIF1B (rs17401966) polymorphism and HCC risk.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library and bibliographies of relevant papers were screened to identify relevant studies published up to March 25, 2018. Pooled ORs and 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the association. The subgroup analysis was conducted based on ethnicity, age, region and environment. A total of 19 studies from 11 eligible articles published from 2010 to 2016, with 8,741 cases and 10,812 controls, were included.

Results

The pooled results indicated that the association between KIF1B (rs17401966) polymorphism and the decreased HCC risk was significant. Subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity showed the same association in Chinese, but not in non-Chinese population. When stratified by age, both old and young patients showed a decrease in HCC risk. When stratified by region, we detected the same association in Chinese in southern China. Similarly when stratified by environment, we observed the same association in Chinese in inland areas; however, no statistically significant association was observed in those in coastal areas.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that KIF1B (rs17401966) polymorphism could decrease HCC risk in Chinese and in overall population, but not in non-Chinese. This association remained significant in Chinese in southern China and inland areas, but not in those in northern and central China and coastal areas. Further large-scale multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Genetic variant in DICER gene is associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese cohort

AIM

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as gene regulators and play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genetic variants in miRNA processing genes may affect miRNA expression and contribute to HCC risk and survival. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA processing genes may be associated with HCC susceptibility and prognosis. The study aims to verify whether this hypothesis is right or not.

METHODS

We first genotyped the selected three SNPs in miRNA processing genes (RAN rs3803012 A>G, HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and DICER rs1057035 T>C) in 312 HCC patients and 320 cancer-free controls using the TaqMan assay, and evaluated the associations of the three SNPs with HCC risk. We also investigated the effect of the three SNPs on the overall survival of 312 HCC patients.

RESULTS

There were no significant associations between the three SNPs (RAN rs3803012 A>G, HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and DICER rs1057035 T>C) and HCC risk. However, HCC patients carrying DICER rs1057035 CT + CC genotypes had significantly longer median survival time (log-rank, P = 0.018) and decreased death risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.95; P = 0.022) than patients with rs1057035 TT genotypes. The DICER rs1057035 genotype was an independent protective factor for HCC survival (CT + CC vs. TT: hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.96; P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that DICER rs1057035 T>C polymorphism may be a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.

Meta-analysis of the correlation between the rs17401966 polymorphism in kinesin family member 1B and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims

The association between the kinesin family member 1B (KIF1B) gene polymorphism and the risk of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been investigated in many peer-reviewed studies. However, scholars have failed to replicate these results in validation tests. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether the KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to HCC.

Methods

The results of case-controlled studies on the correlation between the KIF1B rs17401966 polymorphism and HCC susceptibility were collected using Google Scholar and the EMBASE, PubMed and CNKI databases. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 papers with a total of 12 cohorts were included in this study.

Results

The 12 cohorts were integrated, and the results showed that the rs17401966 polymorphism reduced the risk for HCC under the allele, heterozygous, homozygous, and dominant models but not under the additive or recessive models. Moreover, the merged results showed strong heterogeneity, and the cumulative meta-analysis results were unreliable. A genetic differentiation analysis of the 12 cohorts found different degrees of genetic differentiation between the 5 cohorts in Zhang et al.’s study and the cohorts in the other studies. We further divided the 12 study cohorts into 2 subgroups based on fixation index value; however, the results of that analysis were inconsistent.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis were not able to verify the association between the KIF1B rs1740199 polymorphism and HCC risk. Therefore, a well-designed, large-scale, multicenter validation study is needed to confirm the relationship.

MDM2 SNP309 variation confers the susceptibility to hepatocellular cancer: a meta-analysis based on 4271 subjects

Previous reports have indicated that MDM2 T309G polymorphism might be a risk factor for various cancers. Increasing studies have been conducted on the association of MDM2 T309G polymorphism with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. Thus, the present study aimed to address this controversy by meta-analysis. Relevant literature up to Oct 2014 was searched and screened. Necessary information was rigorously extracted for data pooling and analyzing. Separate analyses on ethnicity, source of controls, sample size and P53 polymorphism status were also performed. As a result, eleven case-control studies were selected and the overall data indicated a significant association of MDM2 T309G polymorphism with HCC risk (GG vs. TT: OR=2.31; 95% CI=1.66-3.20; dominant model: OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.36-2.47; recessive model: OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.49-2.00). Similar results could be shown in the subgroups regarding ethnicity, source of controls and sample size. Interestingly, in the subgroup analysis regarding P53 codon 72 polymorphism, increased HCC risk could be observed in the Pro/Pro+Pro/Arg subgroup under a recessive model (OR=1.78; 95% CI=1.29-2.44). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that MDM2 T309G polymorphism might be a low-penetrant risk factor for HCC. Homozygous GG alleles might interact with Pro of P53 and thus confer the susceptibility to HCC.

Genetic polymorphisms of the multidrug resistance 1 gene MDR1 and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

A possible association between multiple drug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) polymorphisms and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently under debate, and evidence from various epidemiological studies has yielded controversial results. To derive a more precise estimation of the association between MDR1 polymorphisms and HCC risk, the present meta-analysis was performed. A total of 8 studies containing 11 cohorts with 4407 cases and 4436 controls were included by systematic literature search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI. All polymorphisms were classified as mutant/wild-type alleles. In particular, the variation type, functional impact, and protein domain location of the polymorphisms were assessed and used as stratified indicators. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the association. Overall, our results suggested that the mutant alleles of the MDR1 gene were associated with a significantly increased risk for HCC under all genetic models (allelic model: OR = 1.28, 95 % CI = 1.20-1.36, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.27, 95 % CI = 1.16-1.38, P < 0.001; recessive model: OR = 1.59, 95 % CI = 1.36-1.85, P < 0.001). Furthermore, increased risks for HCC were also revealed in stratified analyses by ethnicity, sample size, and quality scores of cohorts as well as variation type, functional impact, and protein domain location of polymorphisms. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggested that the presence of MDR1 mutant alleles might be a risk factor for HCC.

Polymorphisms in the kinesin-like factor 1 B gene and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in Eastern Chinese women

The kinesin-like factor 1 B (KIF1B) gene plays an important role in the process of apoptosis and the transformation and progression of malignant cells. Genetic variations in KIF1B may contribute to risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In this study of 1,324 EOC patients and 1,386 cancer-free female controls, we investigated associations between two potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in KIF1B and EOC risk by the conditional logistic regression analysis. General linear regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between the number of variant alleles and KIF1B mRNA expression levels. We found that the rs17401966 variant AG/GG genotypes were significantly associated with a decreased risk of EOC (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.68-0.97), compared with the AA genotype, but no associations were observed for rs1002076. Women who carried both rs17401966 AG/GG and rs1002076 AG/AA genotypes of KIF1B had a 0.82-fold decreased risk (adjusted 95 % CI = 0.69-0.97), compared with others. Additionally, there was no evidence of possible interactions between about-mentioned co-variants. Further genotype-phenotype correlation analysis indicated that the number of rs17401966 variant G allele was significantly associated with KIF1B mRNA expression levels (P for GLM = 0.003 and 0.001 in all and Chinese subjects, respectively), with GG carriers having the lowest level of KIF1B mRNA expression. Taken together, the rs17401966 polymorphism likely regulates KIF1B mRNA expression and thus may be associated with EOC risk in Eastern Chinese women. Larger, independent studies are warranted to validate our findings.

The tumour suppressor DLC2 ensures mitotic fidelity by coordinating spindle positioning and cell-cell adhesion

Dividing epithelial cells need to coordinate spindle positioning with shape changes to maintain cell–cell adhesion. Microtubule interactions with the cell cortex regulate mitotic spindle positioning within the plane of division. How the spindle crosstalks with the actin cytoskeleton to ensure faithful mitosis and spindle positioning is unclear. Here we demonstrate that the tumour suppressor DLC2, a negative regulator of Cdc42, and the interacting kinesin Kif1B coordinate cell junction maintenance and planar spindle positioning by regulating microtubule growth and crosstalk with the actin cytoskeleton. Loss of DLC2 induces the mislocalization of Kif1B, increased Cdc42 activity and cortical recruitment of the Cdc42 effector mDia3, a microtubule stabilizer and promoter of actin dynamics. Accordingly, DLC2 or Kif1B depletion promotes microtubule stabilization, defective spindle positioning, chromosome misalignment and aneuploidy. The tumour suppressor DLC2 and Kif1B are thus central components of a signalling network that guides spindle positioning, cell–cell adhesion and mitotic fidelity.

Epithelial cells must position their mitotic spindle correctly to maintain cell–cell adhesion. Here Vitiello et al. show that the tumour suppressor DLC2 and the mitotic kinesin Kif1b coordinate microtubule–actin interactions upstream of mDia3, guiding spindle positioning and mitotic fidelity.

A genetic variant at KIF1B predicts clinical outcome of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Recently, a genome-wide association study conducted in Chinese reported a single nucleotide polymorphism at KIF1B, rs17401966, associated with the susceptibility of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of rs17401966 on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients at intermediate or advanced stages.

METHODS

The SNP rs17401966 was genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay in 414 intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used for survival analyses.

RESULTS

Previous studies have identified that the G allele of rs17401966 demonstrated protective effect for the susceptibility of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we found that subjects carrying the G allele of rs17401966 was significantly associated with a better survival compared with those carrying the A allele (adjusted hazard ratio=0.82, 95% confidence intervals=0.68-0.99, P=0.044 in an additive genetic model).

CONCLUSION

The variant G allele of rs17401966 may be a favorable biomarker for the prognosis of intermediate or advanced hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients in this Chinese population.

Suppression of KIF3B expression inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation

BACKGROUND

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common fatal cancers and an important health problem worldwide, but its mechanism is still unclear. Microtubule (MT) kinesin motor proteins orchestrate a variety of cellular processes (e.g. mitosis, motility and organelle transportation) and have been involved in human carcinogenesis. KIF3B, the kinesin superfamily of proteins (KIFs), plays an important role in the regulation of mitotic progression.

AIM

The expression of KIF3B and its involvement in HCC was investigated.

METHODS

Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of KIF3B protein in HCC and adjacent non-tumorous tissues in 57 patients and Cell Counting Kit-8 to analyze the effects of growth and interference of KIF3B in the cell cycle process.

RESULTS

KIF3B protein level was increased in HCC tissues compared with the adjacent non-tumorous tissues. It was significantly associated with histological differentiation, tumor size, the level of alpha fetal protein (AFP) and proliferation marker Ki-67. Over-expression of KIF3B was correlated with poor survival. Following release of HepG2 cells from serum starvation, the expression of KIF3B was up-regulated. Furthermore, suppression of KIF3B not only decreased cancer cell growth but also induced apoptosis of cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that KIF3B expression was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues and proliferating HCC cells, and an increased KIF3B expression was associated with poor overall survival. KIF3B over-expression is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human HCC.

Replication of genome wide association studies on hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility loci in a Chinese population

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified three loci (rs17401966 in KIF1B, rs7574865 in STAT4, rs9275319 in HLA-DQ) as being associated with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC) in a Chinese population, two loci (rs2596542 in MICA, rs9275572 located between HLA-DQA and HLA-DQB) with hepatitis C virus-related HCC (HCV-related HCC) in a Japanese population. In the present study, we sought to determine whether these SNPs are predictive for HBV-related HCC development in other Chinese population as well.

Method and Findings

We genotyped 4 SNPs, rs2596542, rs9275572, rs17401966, rs7574865, in 506 HBV-related HCC patients and 772 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in Han Chinese by TaqMan methods. Odds ratio(OR)and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by logistic regression. In our case-control study, significant association between rs9275572 and HCC were observed (P = 0.02, OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.95). In the further haplotype analysis between rs2596542 at 6p21.33 and rs9275572 at 6p21.3, G-A showed a protective effect on HBV-related HCC occurrence (P<0.001, OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52–0.84).

Conclusion

These findings provided convincing evidence that rs9275572 significantly associated with HBV-related HCC.

A trivial role of STAT4 variant in chronic hepatitis B induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Two polymorphisms in the STAT4 and HLA-DQ loci were more recently reported to associate with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We utilised an independent Vietnamese cohort of clinically classified HBV patients of chronic hepatitis B carriers (n=206), liver cirrhosis (n=222) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=239) and assessed the influence of the reported variants. The STAT4 variant (rs7574865) was marginally associated with HCC susceptibility in CHB carriers in allelic and recessive genetic models (OR=0.84, 95%CI=0.7-0.99, P=0.048 and OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.5-0.99, P=0.047). No significant association between the studied variant with several clinical parameters such as liver enzymes (ALT, AST), total and direct bilirubin, AFP, HBV genotype and viral loads were observed. Our study highlights the reported variant to be a trivial factor and possibly other confounding factors may regulate STAT4 expression during HCC development.