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Lin Q, Lei D, Zhong T, Zhang Y, Da Q, Chen X, Li X, Liu J, Yan Z. Inactivation of ERK1/2 in cancer-associated hepatic stellate cells suppresses cancer-stromal interaction by regulating extracellular matrix in fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1015-1032. [PMID: 38590418 PMCID: PMC10998762 DOI: 10.62347/vpye3817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The ERK1/2 pathway is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cell cycle of tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we investigated the involvement of ERK1/2 activation on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We identified ERK1/2 phosphorylation in activated HSCs of HCC samples. We found that tumor cells promoted the migration and invasion capacity of HSCs by activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Using high throughput transcriptome sequencing analysis, we found that ERK1/2 inhibition altered genes significantly correlated to signaling pathways involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. We screened genes and demonstrated that the ERK1/2 inhibition-related gene set significantly correlated to cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in TCGA HCC tumor samples. Moreover, inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed tumor cell-induced enhancement of HSC migration and invasion by regulating expression of fibrosis markers FAP, FN1 and COL1A1. In a tumor cell and HSC splenic co-transplanted xenograft mouse model, inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed liver tumor formation by downregulating fibrosis, indicating ERK1/2 inhibition suppresses tumor-stromal interactions in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that inhibition of ERK1/2 in tumor-associated HSCs suppresses tumor-stromal interactions and progression. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK1/2 may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto UniversityKyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Defeng Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Tongning Zhong
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingen Da
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Zhanjiang Maternity and Child Healthcare HospitalZhanjiang 524000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zilong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
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2
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Liu Y, Lyu Y, Zhu L, Wang H. Role of TRP Channels in Liver-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12509. [PMID: 37569884 PMCID: PMC10420300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a crucial role in preserving the homeostasis of an entire organism by metabolizing both endogenous and exogenous substances, a process that relies on the harmonious interactions of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The disruption of the liver's normal structure and function by diverse pathogenic factors imposes a significant healthcare burden. At present, most of the treatments for liver disease are palliative in nature, rather than curative or restorative. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which are extensively expressed in the liver, play a crucial role in regulating intracellular cation concentration and serve as the origin or intermediary stage of certain signaling pathways that contribute to liver diseases. This review provides an overview of recent developments in liver disease research, as well as an examination of the expression and function of TRP channels in various liver cell types. Furthermore, we elucidate the molecular mechanism by which TRP channels mediate liver injury, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ultimately, the present discourse delves into the current state of research and extant issues pertaining to the targeting of TRP channels in the treatment of liver diseases and other ailments. Despite the numerous obstacles encountered, TRP channels persist as an extremely important target for forthcoming clinical interventions aimed at treating liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (Y.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yihan Lyu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (Y.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (Y.L.); (Y.L.)
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3
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Manilla V, Di Tommaso N, Santopaolo F, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Endotoxemia and Gastrointestinal Cancers: Insight into the Mechanisms Underlying a Dangerous Relationship. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020267. [PMID: 36838231 PMCID: PMC9963870 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, is a component of the membrane of gram-negative bacteria and a well-recognized marker of sepsis. In case of disruption of the intestinal barrier, as occurs with unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, or during chronic diseases, the microbiota residing in the gastrointestinal tract becomes a crucial factor in amplifying the systemic inflammatory response. Indeed, the translocation of LPS into the bloodstream and its interaction with toll-like receptors (TLRs) triggers molecular pathways involved in cytokine release and immune dysregulation. This is a critical step in the exacerbation of many diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancer. Indeed, the role of LPS in cancer development is widely recognized, and examples include gastric tumor related to Helicobacter pylori infection and hepatocellular carcinoma, both of which are preceded by a prolonged inflammatory injury; in addition, the risk of recurrence and development of metastasis appears to be associated with endotoxemia. Here, we review the mechanisms that link the promotion and progression of tumorigenesis with endotoxemia, and the possible therapeutic interventions that can be deployed to counteract these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Manilla
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Natalia Di Tommaso
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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4
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Raissa R, Riawan W, Safitri A, Masruri M, Beltran MAG, Aulanniam A. In vitro and in vivo study: Ethanolic extract leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant of Indonesia and Philippines suppresses tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling. F1000Res 2022; 11:477. [PMID: 37829248 PMCID: PMC10565427 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109557.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Azadirachta indica Juss. has been shown to suppress cancer progression through a variety of mechanisms. In order to treat cancer progression, cancer immunotherapy is used to stimulate the immune system where immunosuppression is present in tumor microenvironments. Many cancer cells produce a lot of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 plays a key role in suppressing the expression of critical immune activation regulators. IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation is common in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway has become a therapeutic option for cancer progression. As vimentin is also expressed in hepatic stellate cells boosting cancer survival. We focused on the precise effect of extract from leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss, on inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling cascade on hepatocellular carcinoma by in vitro and in vivo study. Methods: In the in vitro study, the effect of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant Indonesia and Philippines against the expression of IL-6 and STAT3 was examined in liver cancer cell line. In the in vivo study, 24 male rats ( Rattus norvegicus) strain Wistar were induced by diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Based on the therapy given, the groups were divided into negative control, positive control, Indonesia extract, and Philippine extract. Expression of IL-6, STAT3, and vimentin were tested using immunohistochemistry staining. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, which was then followed by the Tukey test. Results: Statistically significant difference in IL-6 and STAT3 was observed between the treatment groups and positive control group by in vitro study and in vivo study. Generally, there is no significant difference between treatment using Indonesian and Philippine leaves. Conclusion: Both therapy doses of Azadirachta indica variant in Indonesia and Philippines were able to reduce IL-6, STAT3 and vimentin expression of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by in vitro and in vivo experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricadonna Raissa
- Doctoral Program of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Wibi Riawan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Anna Safitri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
- Research Center for Smart Molecules of Natural Genetic Resources (SMONAGENES), Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Masruri Masruri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | | | - Aulanniam Aulanniam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
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Wu M, Miao H, Fu R, Zhang J, Zheng W. Hepatic Stellate Cell: A Potential Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 13:261-272. [PMID: 32091349 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200224102820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, in which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority. Despite the progression in treatment, the prognosis remains extremely poor for HCC patients. The mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are complex, of which fibrosis is acknowledged as the pre-cancerous stage of HCC. Approximately, 80-90% of HCC develops in the fibrotic or cirrhotic livers. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main effector cells of liver fibrosis, could secret various biological contents to maintain the liver inflammation. By decades, HSCs are increasingly correlated with HCC in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the underlying mechanisms that HSCs participated in the genesis and progression of HCC. HSCs secrete various bioactive contents and regulate tumor-related pathways, subsequently contribute to metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance and cancer stemness. The study indicates that HSC plays vital roles in HCC progression, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huajie Miao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Haian Hospital of Nantong University, 17 Zhongba Road, 226600, Haian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Sufleţel RT, Melincovici CS, Gheban BA, Toader Z, Mihu CM. Hepatic stellate cells - from past till present: morphology, human markers, human cell lines, behavior in normal and liver pathology. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:615-642. [PMID: 33817704 PMCID: PMC8112759 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC), initially analyzed by von Kupffer, in 1876, revealed to be an extraordinary mesenchymal cell, essential for both hepatocellular function and lesions, being the hallmark of hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Apart from their implications in hepatic injury, HSCs play a vital role in liver development and regeneration, xenobiotic response, intermediate metabolism, and regulation of immune response. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding HSCs morphology, human HSCs markers and human HSC cell lines. We also summarize the latest findings concerning their roles in normal and liver pathology, focusing on their impact in fibrogenesis, chronic viral hepatitis and liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Teodora Sufleţel
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Myojin Y, Hikita H, Sugiyama M, Sasaki Y, Fukumoto K, Sakane S, Makino Y, Takemura N, Yamada R, Shigekawa M, Kodama T, Sakamori R, Kobayashi S, Tatsumi T, Suemizu H, Eguchi H, Kokudo N, Mizokami M, Takehara T. Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Promote Tumor Growth Via Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Production. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1741-1754.e16. [PMID: 33346004 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor growth, it is not fully understood what role hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment. METHODS A high-fat diet after streptozotocin was administered to HSC-specific Atg7-deficient (GFAP-Atg7 knockout [KO]) or growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15)-deficient (GFAP-GDF15KO) mice. LX-2 cells, a human HSC cell line, were cultured with human hepatoma cells. RESULTS In the steatohepatitis-based tumorigenesis model, GFAP-Atg7KO mice formed fewer and smaller liver tumors than their wild-type littermates. Mixed culture of LX-2 cells and hepatoma cells promoted LX-2 cell autophagy and hepatoma cell proliferation, which were attenuated by Atg7 KO in LX-2 cells. Hepatoma cell xenograft tumors grew rapidly in the presence of LX-2 cells, but Atg7 KO in LX-2 cells abolished this growth. RNA-sequencing revealed that LX-2 cells cultured with HepG2 cells highly expressed GDF15, which was abolished by Atg7 KO in LX-2 cells. GDF15 KO LX-2 cells did not show a growth-promoting effect on hepatoma cells either in vitro or in the xenograft model. GDF15 deficiency in HSCs reduced liver tumor size caused by the steatohepatitis-based tumorigenesis model. GDF15 was highly expressed and GDF15-positive nonparenchymal cells were more abundant in human HCC compared with noncancerous parts. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that GDF15-positive rates in HSCs were higher in HCC than in background liver. Serum GDF15 levels were high in HCC patients and increased with tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS In the HCC microenvironment, an increase of HSCs that produces GDF15 in an autophagy-dependent manner may be involved in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Myojin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuki Makino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takemura
- Department of Surgery, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Minoru Shigekawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suemizu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Research, Central Institute for Experimental Animals
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Department of Surgery, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.
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8
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Bailly C. Molecular and cellular basis of the anticancer activity of the prenylated flavonoid icaritin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 325:109124. [PMID: 32437694 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prenylated flavonoid icaritin (ICT) is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on a solid array of preclinical and clinical data. The antitumor activity originates from the capacity of the drug to modulate several signaling effectors in cancer cells, mainly the estrogen receptor splice variant ERα36, the transcription factors STAT3 and NFκB, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Recent studies have implicated additional components, including different microRNAs, the generation of reactive oxygen species and the targeting of sphingosine kinase-1. ICT also engages the RAGE-HMGB1 signaling route and modulates the apoptosis/autophagy crosstalk to promote its anticancer activity. In addition, ICT exerts profound changes on the tumor microenvironment to favor an immune-response. Collectively, these multiple biochemical and cellular characteristics confer to ICT a robust activity profile which can be exploited to treat HCC, as well as other cancers, including glioblastoma and onco-hematological diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia. This review provides an update of the pharmacological properties of ICT and its metabolic characteristics. It also addresses the design of derivatives, including both natural products and synthetic molecules, such as SNG1153 also in clinical trial. The prenylated flavonoid ICT deserves attention as a multifunctional natural product potentially useful to improve the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Li XY, Dong M, Zang XY, Li MY, Zhou JY, Ma JJ, Wang GY. The emerging role of circulating tumor cells in cancer management. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:332-342. [PMID: 32194887 PMCID: PMC7061830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells that are shed from the primary tumor and circulate in the blood, and their metastasis and formation of a secondary tumor are closely associated with cancer-related death. Therefore, regulating tumor metastasis through CTCs can be a novel strategy to fight cancer. It has been demonstrated that CTCs can reflect the profile of the primary tumor and provide valuable information about intratumoral heterogeneity and their evolution over time. Moreover, the revelation of the relationship between metastasis and CTCs suggests that CTC regulation represents a promising novel anticancer strategy. Above all, at the molecular level, genetic analysis might be vital in the new era of gene-targeted cancer therapies and contribute to personalized anti-metastasis tumor treatments. In this review, we will focus on the biological significance of CTCs in the peripheral blood and discuss their potential clinical implications in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yao Li
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Man Dong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Zang
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Miao-Ya Li
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhou
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Jian-Jun Ma
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Gang-Yang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai 200080, China
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Gong Y, Zou B, Peng S, Li P, Zhu G, Chen J, Chen J, Liu X, Zhou W, Ding L, Chen Y, Zeng L, Zhang B, Cai C, Li J. Nuclear GAPDH is vital for hypoxia-induced hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and is indicative of aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma behavior. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:4947-4956. [PMID: 31239764 PMCID: PMC6553950 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s202268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical determinants of liver tumor behavior such as vascular invasion, cell proliferation and migration. The apoptosis of HSCs can inhibit tumor growth and contribute to repressing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Our study aims to investigate the impact of nuclear glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) on HSCs under hypoxic conditions and the association of nuclear GAPDH with HCC patient outcomes and tumor progression. Patients and methods: Following stable cell passage, 0.3% O2 was used to induce hypoxia. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Proteins expression were detected by extracting nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins and performing Western blots. GAPDH nuclear translocation was blocked by the agent deprenyl. Immunohistochemical staining for GAPDH was investigated in 137 HCC tissue samples from our center. An analysis of the clinicopathological features, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were applied. Results: MTT assays and flow cytometry analyses showed that the nuclear accumulation of GAPDH led to the apoptotic death of HSCs, while blockade of this process with deprenyl significantly decreased apoptosis. Western blots revealed that deprenyl inhibited the nuclear translocation of GAPDH. An analysis of the immunohistochemical staining of HSCs in HCC tissue samples (137) revealed that nuclear GAPDH expression was significantly positively correlated with HIF-1α expression. Overall survival (OS) and time-to-recurrence (TTR) estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients with high HIF-1α or low nuclear GAPDH levels in HSCs had significantly poorer prognosis compared with patients with low HIF-1α or high nuclear GAPDH expression in HSCs. Moreover, patients with combined high HIF-1α/low nuclear GAPDH expression in HSCs had the worst prognosis. The Cox regression analysis revealed that the combination of nuclear GAPDH/HIF-1α expression in HSCs was an independent prognostic factor for OS and TTR in HCC patients. Conclusions: These findings provide a novel mechanism underlying the involvement of intranuclear GAPDH in hypoxia-induced HSCs apoptosis and a correlation between nuclear GAPDH levels and the clinical prognosis, which may prompt the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenying Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
| | | | | | | | | | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
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11
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Effects of Icaritin on the physiological activities of esophageal cancer stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 504:792-796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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12
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Sun B, Hu C, Yang Z, Zhang X, Zhao L, Xiong J, Ma J, Chen L, Qian H, Luo X, Shi L, Li J, Cheng X, Yin Z. Midkine promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by elevating anoikis resistance of circulating tumor cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32523-32535. [PMID: 28430645 PMCID: PMC5464806 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and plays a role in tumor progression, but less is known about its role in resistance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to anoikis which leading to recurrence and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether midkine was associated with HCC progression with anoikis resistance. We found that cultured HCC cells were more resistant to anoikis, which paralleled midkine expression, and midkine treatment significantly inhibited anoikis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in in vitro and in vivo assays, knockdown of midkine resulted in significant sensitivity to anoikis, decreased cell survival and significantly decreased tumor occurrence rate. Patients with midkine-elevated HCC had higher CTC counts and less apoptotic CTCs, as well as significantly higher recurrence rate and shorter recurrence-free interval. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the midkine with HCC progression, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies. We found that midkine plays an important role in enhancement of HCC cell resistance to anoikis, thereby promoting subsequent metastasis. Activation of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB/TrkB signaling by midkine-activated anaplastic lymphomakinase (ALK) is responsible for anoikis resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Congli Hu
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhibin Yang
- Colorectal Cancer Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junye Xiong
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Ma
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihua Qian
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangji Luo
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lehua Shi
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianshuo Cheng
- Colorectal Cancer Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhengfeng Yin
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Brea R, Motiño O, Francés D, García-Monzón C, Vargas J, Fernández-Velasco M, Boscá L, Casado M, Martín-Sanz P, Agra N. PGE 2 induces apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and attenuates liver fibrosis in mice by downregulating miR-23a-5p and miR-28a-5p. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:325-337. [PMID: 29109031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs modulating messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, have emerged as key regulatory molecules in chronic liver diseases, whose end stage is hepatic fibrosis, a major global health burden. Pharmacological strategies for prevention or treatment of hepatic fibrosis are still limited, what makes it necessary to establish a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. In this context, we have recently shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in hepatocytes restricts activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a pivotal event in the initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the role of COX-2 in the regulation of a specific set of miRNAs on a mouse model of CCl4 and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis. Our results provide evidence that COX-2 represses miR-23a-5p and miR-28-5p expression in HSC. The decrease of miR-23a-5p and miR-28-5p expression promotes protection against fibrosis by decreasing the levels of pro-fibrogenic markers α-SMA and COL1A1 and increasing apoptosis of HSC. Moreover, we demonstrate that serum levels of miR-28-5p are decreased in patients with chronic liver disease. These results suggest a protective effect exerted by COX-2-derived prostanoids in the process of hepatofibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brea
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - O Motiño
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Francés
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE-CONICET), Suipacha 570, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - C García-Monzón
- Liver Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Amadeo Vives 2, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Vargas
- Liver Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Amadeo Vives 2, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fernández-Velasco
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZ, Pedro Rico 6, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - L Boscá
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Casado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - P Martín-Sanz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - N Agra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Zhang C, An W. Progress in research of augmenter of liver regeneration. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:3171-3179. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i36.3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), also known as hepatic stimulatory substance or hepatopoietin, is expressed ubiquitously in all organs, and exclusively in hepatocytes in the liver. Over the past decade, research indicates that ALR is able to promote growth of hepatocytes in the regenerating or injured liver, and plays an important role in hepatocyte transplantation, the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis, liver regeneration, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei An
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100191, China
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15
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Activation of liver stromal cells is associated with male-biased liver tumor initiation in xmrk and Myc transgenic zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10315. [PMID: 28871112 PMCID: PMC5583234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more prevalent in men than in women. Previously we have found that some stromal cells, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), neutrophils and macrophages, play crucial roles in promoting sex disparity in krasV12-induced zebrafish HCC. The activation of HSCs is mediated by serotonin while activation of neutrophils and macrophages is mediated by cortisol. To ensure that these findings are also applicable to other oncogene induced tumors, stromal cell activation was compared between male and female fish during liver tumorigenesis initiated by xmrk or Myc oncogene. Consistently, we observed male-biased liver tumorigenesis in the xmrk and Myc models. In both models, there was a higher rate of HSC activation accompanied with a higher level of serotonin in male liver tumors. For tumor-infiltrated neutrophils and macrophages, significantly higher densities in male liver tumors were observed in both xmrk and Myc models. However, the male-biased increase of cortisol was observed only in xmrk- but not apparently in Myc expressing liver tumors. Overall, these observations are consistent with the observations in the kras liver tumor model, indicating that the serotonin- and cortisol-mediated pathways also play roles in sex disparity of liver tumors caused by other molecular pathways.
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16
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Zhang C, Guan Y, Sun Y, Ai D, Guo Q. Tumor heterogeneity and circulating tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2016; 374:216-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Buonaguro L, Tagliamonte M, Petrizzo A, Damiano E, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM. Cellular prognostic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2016; 11:1591-8. [PMID: 26043213 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the five big killers worldwide and is frequently associated with chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections. Tumor microenvironment consists of a complex network of cells and factors that plays a key role in the tumor progression and prognosis. This is true also for HCC. Several studies have shown strikingly strong correlation between HCC clinical prognosis and intratumoral infiltration of cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. None of such cells is yet validated for routine diagnostic and prognostic assessment. The present review aims at providing a state-of-the-art of such studies.
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18
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Benbow JH, Thompson KJ, Cope HL, Brandon-Warner E, Culberson CR, Bossi KL, Li T, Russo MW, Gersin KS, McKillop IH, deLemos AS, Schrum LW. Diet-Induced Obesity Enhances Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Tenascin-C/Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 186:145-58. [PMID: 26603137 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tenascin-C (TnC), an extracellular matrix protein, is transiently expressed during tissue injury and plays a role in fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanistic role of TnC signaling in the development of HCC remains unknown. We developed a diet-induced obesity HCC mouse model and examined TnC expression and liver injury. To determine the cellular mechanism of TnC signaling in promoting inflammation and hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration, we used primary hepatocytes and hepatoma and macrophage cell lines. Further, to determine whether elevated TnC expression correlated with obesity-associated HCC, we measured plasma TnC in obese patients with various levels of liver injury. Increased tissue inflammation accompanied with elevated hepatic stellate cell-derived TnC and Toll-like receptor 4 expression was observed in the diet-induced obesity HCC animal model. In vitro studies found enhanced Toll-like receptor 4 signaling activated by TnC, promoting an increased inflammatory response, hepatocyte transformation, and migration. Further, obese patients with cirrhosis alone and in combination with HCC showed significant increases in plasma TnC compared with healthy volunteers and patients with less severe liver injury. Overall, these studies suggest TnC/Toll-like receptor 4 signaling as an important regulator in HCC; inhibiting this signaling axis may be a viable therapeutic target for impeding HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Benbow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Kyle J Thompson
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Heidi L Cope
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Elizabeth Brandon-Warner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Catherine R Culberson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Krista L Bossi
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Mark W Russo
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Keith S Gersin
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Iain H McKillop
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Andrew S deLemos
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Laura W Schrum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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19
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Receptor channel TRPC6 orchestrate the activation of human hepatic stellate cell under hypoxia condition. Exp Cell Res 2015; 336:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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20
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Thompson AI, Conroy KP, Henderson NC. Hepatic stellate cells: central modulators of hepatic carcinogenesis. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:63. [PMID: 26013123 PMCID: PMC4445994 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and is increasing in incidence. Currently, our therapeutic repertoire for the treatment of HCC is severely limited, and therefore effective new therapies are urgently required. Recently, there has been increasing interest focusing on the cellular and molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment. HCC represents a unique opportunity to study the relationship between a diseased stroma and promotion of carcinogenesis, as 90 % of HCCs arise in a cirrhotic liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of extracellular proteins during fibrogenesis, and may directly, or via secreted products, contribute to tumour initiation and progression. In this review we explore the complex cellular and molecular interplay between HSC biology and hepatocarcinogenesis. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which HSC modulate HCC growth, immune cell evasion and angiogenesis. This is followed by a discussion of recent progress in the field in understanding the mechanistic crosstalk between HSC and HCC, and the pathways that are potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, we summarise the exciting recent developments in strategies to target HSC specifically, and novel techniques to deliver pharmaceutical agents directly to HSC, potentially allowing tailored, cell-specific therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra I Thompson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kylie P Conroy
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Neil C Henderson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
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21
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Liu H, Zhang X, Li J, Sun B, Qian H, Yin Z. The biological and clinical importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in circulating tumor cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:189-201. [PMID: 24965746 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Movement of tumor cells from a primary tumor to a nonadjacent or distant site is a contiguous and complex process. Among the multiple natural cellular programs that promote initiation and progression of tumor metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play a key role in the ultimate generation of a metastatic foci. Acquisition of the EMT phenotype by tumor cells not only increases their migration and invasion potentials, thereby facilitating their ability to infiltrate blood vessels and to produce circulating tumor cells (CTCs), but also promotes survival of CTCs in the bloodstream and their ability to extravasate out of the circulatory system and invade proximal tissues. In organs distal to the primary tumor, the phenotypic switching mechanism of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) enables CTCs to grow and colonize, enhancing the likelihood of establishing metastasis. In addition, CTCs that have undergone EMT attain increased resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. CTCs with the EMT phenotype have become recognized as an active source of metastases, and targeting EMT/MET processes during the individual steps of tumor metastasis represents a promising new approach for alleviating cancer metastasis and recurrence. In this article, we focus on the biological and clinical importance of EMT and/or MET in CTCs during the individual steps of tumor metastasis, summarizing the recent findings of the regulatory roles played by EMT and/or MET in the generation, survival, and recolonization of CTCs and discussing the EMT-targeting strategies developed for tumor diagnosis as well as their potential for management of metastatic malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Liu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
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