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Cheon I, Kim M, Kim KH, Ko S. Hepatic Nuclear Receptors in Cholestasis-to-Cholangiocarcinoma Pathology. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00358-4. [PMID: 39326734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Cholestasis, characterized by impaired bile flow, is associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a malignancy originating from the biliary epithelium and hepatocytes. Hepatic nuclear receptors (NRs) are pivotal in regulating bile acid and metabolic homeostasis, and their dysregulation is implicated in cholestatic liver diseases and the progression of liver cancer. This review elucidates the role of various hepatic NRs in the pathogenesis of cholestasis-to-CCA progression. We explore their impact on bile acid metabolism as well as their interactions with other signaling pathways implicated in CCA development. Additionally, we introduce available murine models of cholestasis/primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) leading to CCA and discuss the clinical potential of targeting hepatic NRs as a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of cholestatic liver diseases and CCA. Understanding the complex interplay between hepatic NRs and cholestasis-to-CCA pathology holds promise for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Cheon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030; Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Minwook Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Kang Ho Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030.
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
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2
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BharathwajChetty B, Sajeev A, Vishwa R, Aswani BS, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Kunnumakkara AB. Dynamic interplay of nuclear receptors in tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance: Shifting gears in malignant transformations and applications in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:321-362. [PMID: 38517618 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have brought forth the complex interplay between tumor cell plasticity and its consequential impact on drug resistance and tumor recurrence, both of which are critical determinants of neoplastic progression and therapeutic efficacy. Various forms of tumor cell plasticity, instrumental in facilitating neoplastic cells to develop drug resistance, include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alternatively termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) attributes, and transdifferentiation into diverse cell lineages. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that play an essential role in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. NRs have been implicated to play a critical role in modulating gene expression associated with tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how NRs regulate these key aspects of cancer biology. We discuss the diverse mechanisms through which NRs influence tumor cell plasticity, including EMT, stemness, and metastasis. Further, we explore the intricate relationship between NRs and drug resistance, highlighting the impact of NR signaling on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting NRs to overcome tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review also provides valuable insights into the current clinical trials that involve agonists or antagonists of NRs modulating various aspects of tumor cell plasticity, thereby delineating the potential of NRs as therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ravichandran Vishwa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Babu Santha Aswani
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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Nenkov M, Shi Y, Ma Y, Gaßler N, Chen Y. Targeting Farnesoid X Receptor in Tumor and the Tumor Microenvironment: Implication for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:6. [PMID: 38203175 PMCID: PMC10778939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid-X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, can be activated by bile acids (BAs). BAs binding to FXR activates BA signaling which is important for maintaining BA homeostasis. FXR is differentially expressed in human organs and exists in immune cells. The dysregulation of FXR is associated with a wide range of diseases including metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, immune disorders, and malignant neoplasm. Recent studies have demonstrated that FXR influences tumor cell progression and development through regulating oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways, and, moreover, it affects the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating TME components. These characteristics provide a new perspective on the FXR-targeted therapeutic strategy in cancer. In this review, we have summarized the recent research data on the functions of FXR in solid tumors and its influence on the TME, and discussed the mechanisms underlying the distinct function of FXR in various types of tumors. Additionally, the impacts on the TME by other BA receptors such as takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), and muscarinic receptors (CHRM2 and CHRM3), have been depicted. Finally, the effects of FXR agonists/antagonists in a combination therapy with PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors and other anti-cancer drugs have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miljana Nenkov
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Yihui Shi
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, Sutter Bay Hospitals, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA;
| | - Yunxia Ma
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Nikolaus Gaßler
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
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Yu D, Lu Z, Wang R, Xiang Y, Li H, Lu J, Zhang L, Chen H, Li W, Luan X, Chen L. FXR agonists for colorectal and liver cancers, as a stand-alone or in combination therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115570. [PMID: 37119860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115570] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is generally considered as a tumor suppressor of colorectal and liver cancers. The interaction between FXR, bile acids (BAs) and gut microbiota is closely associated with an increased risk of colorectal and liver cancers. Increasing evidence shows that FXR agonists may be potential therapeutic agents for colorectal and liver cancers. However, FXR agonists alone do not produce the desired results due to the complicated pathogenesis and single therapeutic mechanism, which suggests that effective treatments will require a multimodal approach. Based on the principle of improvingefficacy andreducingside effects, combination therapy is currently receiving considerable attention. In this review, colorectal and liver cancers are grouped together to discuss the effects of FXR agonists alone or in combination for combating the two cancers. We hope that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of novel FXR agonists or combination with FXR agonists against colorectal and liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danmei Yu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhou Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ruyu Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yusen Xiang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiani Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Repurposing FDA-approved drugs as FXR agonists: a structure based in silico pharmacological study. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:231090. [PMID: 35348180 PMCID: PMC9977715 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) modulates the expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis and inflammatory processes. This nuclear receptor is likely a tumor suppressor in several cancers, but its molecular mechanism of suppression is still under study. Several studies reported that FXR agonism increases the survival of colorectal, biliary tract, and liver cancer patients. In addition, FXR expression was shown to be down-regulated in many diseases such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, glomerular inflammation, diabetes, proteinuria, and ulcerative colitis. Therefore, development of novel FXR agonists may have significant potential in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. In this scenario, computer-aided drug design procedures can be resourcefully applied for the rapid identification of promising drug candidates. In the present study, we applied the molecular docking method in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to find out potential agonists for FXR based on structural similarity with the drug that is currently used as FXR agonist, obeticholic acid. Our results showed that alvimopan and montelukast could be used as potent FXR activators and outperform the binding affinity of obeticholic acid by forming stable conformation with the protein in silico. However, further investigational studies and validations of the selected drugs are essential to figure out their suitability for preclinical and clinical trials.
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Zhao Y, Feng H, Wang Y, Jiang L, Yan J, Cai W. Impaired FXR-CPT1a signaling contributes to parenteral nutrition-induced villus atrophy in short-bowel syndrome. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22713. [PMID: 36520086 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201527r] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Parenteral nutrition (PN)-induced villus atrophy is a major cause of intestinal failure (IF) for children suffering from short bowel syndrome (SBS), but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we report a pivotal role of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in PN-induced villus atrophy. A total of 14 pediatric SBS patients receiving PN were enrolled in this study. Those patients with IF showed longer PN duration and significant intestinal villus atrophy, characterized by remarkably increased enterocyte apoptosis concomitant with impaired FXR signaling and decreased FAO genes including carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a). Likewise, similar changes were found in an in vivo model of neonatal Bama piglets receiving 14-day PN, including villus atrophy and particularly disturbed FAO process responding to impaired FXR signaling. Finally, in order to consolidate the role of the FXR-CPT1a axis in modulating enterocyte apoptosis, patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were used as a mini-gut model in vitro. Consequently, pharmacological inhibition of FXR by tauro-β-muricholic acid (T-βMCA) evidently suppressed CPT1a expression leading to reduced mitochondrial FAO function and inducible apoptosis. In conclusion, impaired FXR/CPT1a axis and disturbed FAO may play a pivotal role in PN-induced villus atrophy, contributing to intestinal failure in SBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Feng
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Junkai Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
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7
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Huang S, Hou Y, Hu M, Hu J, Liu X. Clinical significance and oncogenic function of NR1H4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:995. [PMID: 36123627 PMCID: PMC9487048 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 4 (NR1H4) have been reported in various cancer types, however, little is known about the clinical values and biological function in clear cell Renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS The expression pattens of NR1H4 in ccRCC were investigated in clinical specimens, cell lines and publicly‑available databases. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2' -deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell and cell wound healing assays were performed to assess the biological functions of NR1H4 in 786-O ccRCC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Flow Cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of NR1H4 in ccRCC. We explored the early diagnostic value, prognostic value, genetic mutation and DNA methylation of NR1H4 by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis based on the data published in the following databases: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Kaplan-Meier Plotter, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ Xena (UCSC Xena), cBio Cancer Genomics Portal, MethSurv, SurvivalMeth and The University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN). Its correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ccRCC was analyzed by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) and Tumor Immune System Interactions Database (TISIDB). RESULTS In this study, NR1H4 was found to be highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and ccRCC cell lines. Knockdown of NR1H4 significantly suppressed cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, tumor-associated signaling pathways were enriched in the NR1H4 overexpression group and si-NR1H4 could induce the downregulation of Cyclin E2 (CCNE2). By bioinformatics analysis, NR1H4 was identified as highly expressed in stage I ccRCC with a high diagnostic accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8). Genetic alteration and DNA methylation of NR1H4 were significantly associated with prognosis in ccRCC patients. Moreover, NR1H4 expression associated with immune cell infiltration levels in ccRCC, which provides a new idea for immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that NR1H4 might be a potential tumor biomarker and therapeutic target for ccRCC which could promote cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion via regulating CCNE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Huang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Yanguang Hou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Juncheng Hu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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Panzitt K, Zollner G, Marschall HU, Wagner M. Recent advances on FXR-targeting therapeutics. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 552:111678. [PMID: 35605722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The bile acid receptor FXR has emerged as a bona fide drug target for chronic cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases, ahead of all non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FXR is highly expressed in the liver and intestine and activation at both sites differentially contributes to its desired metabolic effects. Unrestricted FXR activation, however, also comes along with undesired effects such as a pro-atherogenic lipid profile, pruritus and hepatocellular toxicity under certain conditions. Several pre-clinical studies have confirmed the potency of FXR activation for cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases, but overall it remains still open whether selective activation of intestinal FXR is advantageous over pan-FXR activation and whether restricted or modulated FXR activation can limit some of the side effects. Even more, FXR antagonist also bear the potential as intestinal-selective drugs in NAFLD models. In this review we will discuss the molecular prerequisites for FXR activation, pan-FXR activation and intestinal FXR in/activation from a therapeutic point of view, different steroidal and non-steroidal FXR agonists, ways to restrict FXR activation and finally what we have learned from pre-clinical models and clinical trials with different FXR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Panzitt
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Zollner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Wagner
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
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9
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Zhang MY, Luo M, Wang JP. FXR expression in rats of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8741. [PMID: 35610302 PMCID: PMC9130506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12850-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The study objective was to detect the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in a rat model of hilar cholangiocarcinoma to provide a new therapeutic target for gene therapy in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Sixty male Wistar rats (weighing 190 ± 8 g) were randomly divided into three groups (experimental group, control group and sham operation group, 20 rats in each group). The three groups were fed a standard diet. The QBC939 cell suspension of cholangiocarcinoma was injected into the hilar bile duct in the experimental group with a microsyringe. The control group was injected with normal saline, and the sham operation group was not injected with any drugs. A modified tail suspension test (TST) was used to evaluate the mental state and physical activity of rats every day. At 5 weeks, one rat in the experimental group was euthanized, and the changes in the hilar bile duct were recorded. The procedure was repeated at one and half months. After one and half months, hilar cholangiocarcinoma only occurred in the experimental group. Pathological examination confirmed the formation of tumours, and hilar bile duct tissues were taken from the three groups. FXR expression in the hilar bile duct was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. After two weeks, the rats in the experimental group ate less, and their weight was significantly reduced. One and half months later, hilar cholangiocarcinoma was detected in 16 rats in the experimental group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase in the experimental group were higher than those in the other two groups. The ratio of FXR/GAPDH mRNA was significantly different among the hilar cholangiocarcinoma, control and sham operation groups. Under the light microscope, FXR protein reacted with anti-FXR antibody and showed granular expression. Every pathological section included 4800 cells. A total of 1856 positive cells were in the experimental group, 3279 positive cells were in the control group, and 3371 positive cells were in the sham operation group. FXR expression in the hilar cholangiocarcinoma of rats was significantly lower than that in normal hilar bile duct tissues, suggesting that drugs targeting FXR may be a new strategy for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jie-Ping Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan Province, China.
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Huang X, Fan M, Huang W. Pleiotropic roles of FXR in liver and colorectal cancers. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 543:111543. [PMID: 34995680 PMCID: PMC8818033 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is generally considered a cell protector of enterohepatic tissues and a suppressor of liver cancer and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Loss or reduction of FXR expression occurs during carcinogenesis, and the FXR level is inversely associated with the aggressive behaviors of the malignancy. Global deletion of FXR and tissue-specific deletion of FXR display distinct effects on tumorigenesis. Epigenetic silencing and inflammatory context are two main contributors to impaired FXR expression and activity. FXR exerts its antitumorigenic function via the following mechanisms: 1) FXR regulates multiple metabolic processes, notably bile acid homeostasis; 2) FXR antagonizes hepatic and enteric inflammation; 3) FXR impedes aberrant activation of some cancer-related pathways; and 4) FXR downregulates a number of oncogenes while upregulating some tumor suppressor genes. Restoring FXR functions via its agonists provides a therapeutic approach for patients with liver cancer and CRC. However, an in-depth understanding of the species-specific pharmacological effects is a prerequisite for assessing the clinical safety and efficacy of FXR agonists in human cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, PR China.
| | - Mingjie Fan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Paul B, Lewinska M, Andersen JB. Lipid alterations in chronic liver disease and liver cancer. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100479. [PMID: 35469167 PMCID: PMC9034302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids are a complex and diverse group of molecules with crucial roles in many physiological processes, as well as in the onset, progression, and maintenance of cancers. Fatty acids and cholesterol are the building blocks of lipids, orchestrating these crucial metabolic processes. In the liver, lipid alterations are prevalent as a cause and consequence of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, alcoholic hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. Recent developments in lipidomics have also revealed that dynamic changes in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol are involved in the development and progression of primary liver cancer. Accordingly, the transcriptional landscape of lipid metabolism suggests a carcinogenic role of increasing fatty acids and sterol synthesis. However, limited mechanistic insights into the complex nature of the hepatic lipidome have so far hindered the development of effective therapies.
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12
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Di Matteo S, Di Meo C, Carpino G, Zoratto N, Cardinale V, Nevi L, Overi D, Costantini D, Pinto C, Montanari E, Marzioni M, Maroni L, Benedetti A, Viola M, Coviello T, Matricardi P, Gaudio E, Alvaro D. Therapeutic effects of dexamethasone-loaded hyaluronan nanogels in the experimental cholestasis. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:1959-1973. [PMID: 35226290 PMCID: PMC9242918 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01132-7] [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] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A major function of the intrahepatic biliary epithelium is bicarbonate excretion in bile. Recent reports indicate that budesonide, a corticosteroid with high receptor affinity and hepatic first pass clearance, increases the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid, a choleretic agent, in primary biliary cholangitis patients. We have previously reported that bile ducts isolated from rats treated with dexamethasone or budesonide showed an enhanced activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) and Cl-/HCO3- exchanger protein 2 (AE2) . Increasing the delivery of steroids to the liver may result in three beneficial effects: increase in the choleresis, treatment of the autoimmune or inflammatory liver injury and reduction of steroids' systemic harmful effects. In this study, the steroid dexamethasone was loaded into nanohydrogels (or nanogels, NHs), in order to investigate corticosteroid-induced increased activities of transport processes driving bicarbonate excretion in the biliary epithelium (NHE-1 isoform) and to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone-loaded NHs (NHs/dex) on liver injury induced by experimental cholestatis. Our results showed that NHs and NHs/dex do not reduce cell viability in vitro in human cholangiocyte cell lines. Primary and immortalized human cholangiocytes treated with NHs/dex show an increase in the functional marker expression of NHE1 cholangiocytes compared to control groups. A mouse model of cholangiopathy treated with NHs/dex shows a reduction in markers of hepatocellular injury compared to control groups (NHs, dex, or sham group). In conclusion, we believe that the NHs/dex formulation is a suitable candidate to be investigated in preclinical models of cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Di Matteo
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesù Childrens Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Meo
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Division of Health Sciences, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Zoratto
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Forensic, Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Costantini
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pinto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elita Montanari
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Maroni
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Benedetti
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Viola
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommasina Coviello
- Department of Movement, Division of Health Sciences, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Matricardi
- Department of Movement, Division of Health Sciences, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Forensic, Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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13
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is comprised of either simple steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver) or a more advanced inflammatory and fibrogenic stage (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]). NASH affects a growing proportion of the global adult and pediatric population, leading to rising rates of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH is a multifactorial disease that is part of a systemic metabolic disorder. Here, we provide an overview of the metabolic underpinnings of NASH pathogenesis and established drivers of inflammation and fibrosis. Clarification of underlying fibrogenic and inflammatory mechanisms will advance the development of novel treatment strategies as there are no approved therapies at present. We discuss emerging experimental approaches and potential novel investigational strategies derived from animal models including the inflammasome, epigenetic reprogramming, Hippo signaling, Notch signaling, engineered T cells to remove fibrogenic HSCs, and HSC-specific targeting therapies. Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials and antifibrotics are discussed, illuminating the growing expectation that one or more therapies will yield clinical benefit in NASH in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin A. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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14
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Ji G, Si X, Dong S, Xu Y, Li M, Yang B, Tang Z, Fang X, Huang L, Song W, Chen X. Manipulating Liver Bile Acid Signaling by Nanodelivery of Bile Acid Receptor Modulators for Liver Cancer Immunotherapy. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:6781-6791. [PMID: 34382807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Gut bacteria and their metabolites influence the immune microenvironment of liver through the gut-liver axis, thus representing emerging therapeutic targets for liver cancer therapy. However, directly manipulating gut microbiota or their metabolites is not practical in clinic since the safety concerns and the complicated mechanism of action. Considering the dysregulated bile acid profiles associated with liver cancer, here we propose a strategy that directly manipulates the primary and secondary bile acid receptors through nanoapproach as an alternative and more precise way for liver cancer therapy. We show that nanodelivery of bile acid receptor modulators elicited robust antitumor immune responses and significantly changed the immune microenvironment in the murine hepatic tumor. In addition, ex vivo stimulation on both murine and patient hepatic tumor tissues suggests the observation here may be meaningful for clinical practice. This study elucidates a novel and precise strategy for liver cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Ji
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xinghui Si
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Si Dong
- College of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yajun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Wantong Song
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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15
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Feng Q, Zhang H, Yao D, Zhang X, Chen WD, Wang YD. Activation of FXR Suppresses Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Antagonizing ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:5907-5918. [PMID: 34366680 PMCID: PMC8335319 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s243317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of nuclear receptors, functionally regulates bile acid, glucose and lipid homeostasis. It is also worth noting that FXR plays a suppressor role in cancer and inflammation. However, the contribution of FXR to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Methods The role of FXR activation in ESCC progression was evaluated in ESCC cell lines KYSE150 and EC109 in vitro and BALB-C nude mice in vivo. In vitro, FXR synthetic ligand GW4064 was used to detect the effects on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycles. To assess the effects of GW4064 on ESCC development in vivo, a xenograft tumor model was constructed. And ERK1/2 activity was evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Results FXR synthetic ligand GW4064 impaired esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro, accompanied by inhibition of some inflammatory genes and promotion of pro-apoptotic genes. We then found that FXR activation decreased the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in ESCC cells. Consistent with these results, GW4064 suppressed ESCC tumorigenesis in a xenograft model and suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in tumors. Discussion These findings identify that activating FXR may serve as a promising therapy or adjuvant therapeutic tool for controlling ESCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Denglin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiantong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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16
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Girisa S, Henamayee S, Parama D, Rana V, Dutta U, Kunnumakkara AB. Targeting Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) for developing novel therapeutics against cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:21. [PMID: 35006466 PMCID: PMC8607382 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the lethal diseases that arise due to the molecular alterations in the cell. One of those alterations associated with cancer corresponds to differential expression of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor regulating bile, cholesterol homeostasis, lipid, and glucose metabolism. FXR is known to regulate several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the two highly reported causes of mortality globally. Recent studies have shown the association of FXR overexpression with cancer development and progression in different types of cancers of breast, lung, pancreas, and oesophagus. It has also been associated with tissue-specific and cell-specific roles in various cancers. It has been shown to modulate several cell-signalling pathways such as EGFR/ERK, NF-κB, p38/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT along with their targets such as caspases, MMPs, cyclins; tumour suppressor proteins like p53, C/EBPβ, and p-Rb; various cytokines; EMT markers; and many more. Therefore, FXR has high potential as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer. Thus, the present review focuses on the diverse role of FXR in different cancers and its agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosmitha Girisa
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Sahu Henamayee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Dey Parama
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Varsha Rana
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Uma Dutta
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, 781001, India.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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17
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The role of farnesoid X receptor in metabolic diseases, and gastrointestinal and liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:335-347. [PMID: 33568795 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the control of bile acid (BA) synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. FXR can influence glucose and lipid homeostasis. Hepatic FXR activation by obeticholic acid is currently used to treat primary biliary cholangitis. Late-stage clinical trials investigating the use of obeticholic acid in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are underway. Mouse models of metabolic disease have demonstrated that inhibition of intestinal FXR signalling reduces obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver disease by modulation of hepatic and gut bacteria-mediated BA metabolism, and intestinal ceramide synthesis. FXR also has a role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and liver cancers. Studies using tissue-specific and global Fxr-null mice have revealed that FXR acts as a suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma, mainly through regulating BA homeostasis. Loss of whole-body FXR potentiates progression of spontaneous colorectal cancer, and obesity-induced BA imbalance promotes intestinal stem cell proliferation by suppressing intestinal FXR in Apcmin/+ mice. Owing to altered gut microbiota and FXR signalling, changes in overall BA levels and specific BA metabolites probably contribute to enterohepatic tumorigenesis. Modulating intestinal FXR signalling and altering BA metabolites are potential strategies for gastrointestinal and liver cancer prevention and treatment. In this Review, studies on the role of FXR in metabolic diseases and gastrointestinal and liver cancer are discussed, and the potential for development of targeted drugs are summarized.
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18
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Baiocchi L, Sato K, Ekser B, Kennedy L, Francis H, Ceci L, Lenci I, Alvaro D, Franchitto A, Onori P, Gaudio E, Wu C, Chakraborty S, Glaser S, Alpini G. Cholangiocarcinoma: bridging the translational gap from preclinical to clinical development and implications for future therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:365-375. [PMID: 33226854 PMCID: PMC8441992 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1854725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating liver tumor with a poor prognosis. While less than 50% of the patients with CCA may benefit from surgical resection, the rest undergoes chemotherapy with disappointing results (mean survival <2 years). Alternative pharmacological treatments are needed to improve the outcomes in patients with CCA.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss CCA-related (1) experimental systems used in preclinical studies; (2) pharmacological targets identified by genetic analysis; (3) results obtained in preliminary trials in human with their pros and cons; and (4) possible targeting of endocrinal modulation. A PubMed bibliographic search matching the term 'cholangiocarcinoma' with 'experimental model', 'preclinical model', 'genetic target', 'targeted therapy', 'clinical trial', or 'translational research' was conducted and manuscripts published between 2010 and 2020 were retrieved for reading and reviewing.Expert opinion: Several factors contribute to the translational gap between bench research and clinical practice in CCA. The tumor heterogeneity, lack of a preclinical model recapitulating the different features of CCA, and difficult patient enrollment in clinical trials are elements to consider for basic and clinical research in CCA. Establishment of international networks formed by experts in the field of CCA may improve future research and its translational findings on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Baiocchi
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
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19
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Girisa S, Rana V, Parama D, Dutta U, Kunnumakkara AB. Differential roles of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in modulating apoptosis in cancer cells. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 126:63-90. [PMID: 34090620 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. The conventional treatment strategies of cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, in the advanced stage of the disease chemotherapy is the prime treatment and it is effective in only less than 10% of the patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find out novel therapeutic targets and delineate the mechanism of action of these targets for better management of this disease. Recent studies have shown that some of the proteins have differential role in different cancers. Therefore, it is pertinent that the targeting of these proteins should be based on the type of cancer. The nuclear receptor, FXR, is one of the vital proteins that regulate cell apoptosis. Besides, it also regulates other processes such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Studies suggest that the low or high expression of FXR is associated with the progression of carcinogenesis depending on the cancer types. Due to the diverse expression, it functions as both tumor suppressor and promoter. Previous studies suggest the overexpression of FXR in breast, lung, esophageal, and prostate cancer, which is related to poor survival and poor prognosis in patients. Therefore, targeting FXR with agonists and antagonists play different outcome in different cancers. Hence, this review describes the role of FXR in different cancers and the role of its inhibitors and activators for the prevention and treatment of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Varsha Rana
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dey Parama
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Uma Dutta
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India.
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20
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Metformin exerts anti-cancerogenic effects and reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition trait in primary human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2557. [PMID: 33510179 PMCID: PMC7844056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive cancer with marked resistance to chemotherapeutics without therapies. The tumour microenvironment of iCCA is enriched of Cancer-Stem-Cells expressing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) traits, being these features associated with aggressiveness and drug resistance. Treatment with the anti-diabetic drug Metformin, has been recently associated with reduced incidence of iCCA. We aimed to evaluate the anti-cancerogenic effects of Metformin in vitro and in vivo on primary cultures of human iCCA. Our results showed that Metformin inhibited cell proliferation and induced dose- and time-dependent apoptosis of iCCA. The migration and invasion of iCCA cells in an extracellular bio-matrix was also significantly reduced upon treatments. Metformin increased the AMPK and FOXO3 and induced phosphorylation of activating FOXO3 in iCCA cells. After 12 days of treatment, a marked decrease of mesenchymal and EMT genes and an increase of epithelial genes were observed. After 2 months of treatment, in order to simulate chronic administration, Cytokeratin-19 positive cells constituted the majority of cell cultures paralleled by decreased Vimentin protein expression. Subcutaneous injection of iCCA cells previously treated with Metformin, in Balb/c-nude mice failed to induce tumour development. In conclusion, Metformin reverts the mesenchymal and EMT traits in iCCA by activating AMPK-FOXO3 related pathways suggesting it might have therapeutic implications.
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21
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Zhang C, Wang Z, Feng Q, Chen WD, Wang YD. Farnesoid X receptor: a potential therapeutic target in multiple organs. Histol Histopathol 2021; 35:1403-1414. [PMID: 33393073 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear receptor family, is a common receptor found in the intestine and liver, and helps to maintain systemic metabolic homeostasis through regulating bile acid, glucose, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostatsis. In addition, FXR regulates the functions of various organs, such as liver, intestine, kidney, breast, pancreas, cardiovascular system and brain. FXR also plays a key role in regulation of gut-microbiota through mediating the various signaling pathways. Accordingly, FXR has become an attractive therapeutic target in a variety of diseases. This review combines classical and recent research reports to introduce the basic information about FXR and its important roles in various organs of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qingqing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, the People's Hospital of Hebi, School of Medicine, Henan University, Henan, PR China
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China.
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22
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Lorenzo N, Sabina DM, Guido C, Ilaria Grazia Z, Samira S, Valeria A, Daniele C, Diletta O, Antonella G, Marco M, Daniela B, Valerio DP, Andrea O, Agostino Maria DR, Fabio M, Maria Consiglia B, Jessica F, Sara M, Gian Luca G, Pierluigi Benedetti P, Paquale Bartomeo B, Felice G, Vincenzo C, Pietro I, Giuseppina C, Eugenio G, Domenico A. DCLK1, a Putative Stem Cell Marker in Human Cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2021; 73:144-159. [PMID: 32978808 PMCID: PMC8243252 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a very aggressive cancer showing the presence of high cancer stem cells (CSCs). Doublecortin-like kinase1 (DCLK1) has been demonstrated as a CSC marker in different gastroenterological solid tumors. Our aim was to evaluate in vitro the expression and the biological function of DCLK1 in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) and perihilar CCA (pCCA). APPROACH AND RESULTS Specimens surgically resected of human CCA were enzymatically digested, submitted to immunosorting for specific CSC markers (LGR5 [leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor], CD [clusters of differentiation] 90, EpCAM [epithelial cell adhesion molecule], CD133, and CD13), and primary cell cultures were prepared. DCLK1 expression was analyzed in CCA cell cultures by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Functional studies have been performed by evaluating the effects of selective DCLK1 inhibitor (LRRK2-IN-1) on cell proliferation (MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay, cell population doubling time), apoptosis, and colony formation capacity. DCLK1 was investigated in situ by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. DCLK1 serum concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We describe DCLK1 in CCA with an increased gene and protein DCLK1 expression in pCCALGR5+ and in iCCACD133+ cells compared with unsorted cells. LRRK2-IN-1 showed an anti-proliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner. LRRK2-IN-1 markedly impaired cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and decreased colony formation capacity and colony size in both iCCA and pCCA compared with the untreated cells. In situ analysis confirmed that DCLK1 is present only in tumors, and not in healthy tissue. Interestingly, DCLK1 was detected in the human serum samples of patients with iCCA (high), pCCA (high), HCC (low), and cirrhosis (low), but it was almost undetectable in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1 characterizes a specific CSC subpopulation of iCCACD133+ and pCCALGR5+ , and its inhibition exerts anti-neoplastic effects in primary CCA cell cultures. Human DCLK1 serum might represent a serum biomarker for the early CCA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevi Lorenzo
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly,Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Di Matteo Sabina
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly,Department of ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carpino Guido
- Department of MovementHuman and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | | | - Safarikia Samira
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ambrosino Valeria
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Costantini Daniele
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Overi Diletta
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Giancotti Antonella
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Monti Marco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Bosco Daniela
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and CytodiagnosticSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - De Peppo Valerio
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Oddi Andrea
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - De Rose Agostino Maria
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Melandro Fabio
- Department of General Surgery and Organ TransplantationSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Faccioli Jessica
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Massironi Sara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | - Grazi Gian Luca
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Panici Pierluigi Benedetti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Giuliante Felice
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Cardinale Vincenzo
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Invernizzi Pietro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | | | - Gaudio Eugenio
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Alvaro Domenico
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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23
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Ji G, Ma L, Yao H, Ma S, Si X, Wang Y, Bao X, Ma L, Chen F, Ma C, Huang L, Fang X, Song W. Precise delivery of obeticholic acid via nanoapproach for triggering natural killer T cell-mediated liver cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2171-2182. [PMID: 33304784 PMCID: PMC7715527 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary bile acids were reported to augment secretion of chemokine (C‒X‒C motif) ligand 16 (CXCL16) from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and trigger natural killer T (NKT) cell-based immunotherapy for liver cancer. However, abundant expression of receptors for primary bile acids across the gastrointestinal tract overwhelms the possibility of using agonists against these receptors for liver cancer control. Taking advantage of the intrinsic property of LSECs in capturing circulating nanoparticles in the circulation, we proposed a strategy using nanoemulsion-loaded obeticholic acid (OCA), a clinically approved selective farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, for precisely manipulating LSECs for triggering NKT cell-mediated liver cancer immunotherapy. The OCA-nanoemulsion (OCA-NE) was prepared via ultrasonic emulsification method, with a diameter of 184 nm and good stability. In vivo biodistribution studies confirmed that the injected OCA-NE mainly accumulated in the liver and especially in LSECs and Kupffer cells. As a result, OCA-NE treatment significantly suppressed hepatic tumor growth in a murine orthotopic H22 tumor model, which performed much better than oral medication of free OCA. Immunologic analysis revealed that the OCA-NE resulted in augmented secretion of CXCL16 and IFN-γ, as well as increased NKT cell populations inside the tumor. Overall, our research provides a new evidence for the antitumor effect of receptors for primary bile acids, and should inspire using nanotechnology for precisely manipulating LSECs for liver cancer therapy.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CDCA, chenodeoxycholic acid
- Cr, creatinine
- FXR, farnesoid X receptor
- Farnesoid X receptor
- H&E, hematoxylin and eosin
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- IFN-γ, interferon-γ
- IVIS, in vivo imaging system
- LSECs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- Liver cancer
- Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- NE, nanoemulsion
- NKT cells, natural killer T cells
- Nanoemulsion
- OCA, obeticholic acid
- Obeticholic acid
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- TACE, transarterial chemoembolisation
- TSR, tumor suppression rate
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Lushun Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Haochen Yao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xinghui Si
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yalin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Chong Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wantong Song
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
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24
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Alvaro D, Carpino G, Craxi A, Floreani A, Moschetta A, Invernizzi P. Primary biliary cholangitis management: controversies, perspectives and daily practice implications from an expert panel. Liver Int 2020; 40:2590-2601. [PMID: 32757367 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare progressive immune-mediated liver disease that, if not adequately treated, may culminate in end-stage disease and need for transplantation. According to current guidelines, PBC is diagnosed in the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) or specific antinuclear antibodies, and of a cholestatic biochemical profile, while biopsy is recommended only in selected cases. All patients receive ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in first line; the only registered second-line therapy is obeticholic acid (OCA) for UDCA-inadequate responders. Despite the recent advances in understanding PBC pathogenesis and developing new treatments, many grey areas remain. Six Italian experts selected the following topics as the most urgent to address in PBC management: diagnosis and natural history of PBC: as a portion of the subjects with isolated AMA, normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and no symptoms of liver disease could have PBC by histology, defining how to manage and follow this population is crucial; role of liver biopsy: recent evidence suggests that biopsy may provide relevant information for risk stratification and prediction of UDCA response, possibly facilitating personalized approaches; risk stratification: the tools for risk stratification are well established, but some issues (eg bile acid dosage in routine practice) remain controversial; and therapy: those in more advanced stages of development are nuclear receptor modulators and fibrates, but more data are needed to plan personalized strategies. In this manuscript, for each topic, current evidence, controversies and future perspectives are summarized with the possible implications for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- Division of Health Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Craxi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annarosa Floreani
- Studioso Senior University of Padova and, Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, Verona, Italy.,Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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25
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Sydor S, Manka P, van Buren L, Theurer S, Schwertheim S, Best J, Heegsma J, Saeed A, Vetter D, Schlattjan M, Dittrich A, Fiel MI, Baba HA, Dechêne A, Cubero FJ, Gerken G, Canbay A, Moshage H, Friedman SL, Faber KN, Bechmann LP. Hepatocyte KLF6 expression affects FXR signalling and the clinical course of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver Int 2020; 40:2172-2181. [PMID: 32462764 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by chronic cholestasis and inflammation, which promotes cirrhosis and an increased risk of cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA). The transcription factor Krueppel-like-factor-6 (KLF6) is a mediator of liver regeneration, steatosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but no data are yet available on its potential role in cholestasis. Here, we aimed to identify the impact of hepatic KLF6 expression on cholestatic liver injury and PSC and identify potential effects on farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) signalling. METHODS Hepatocellular KLF6 expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver biopsies of PSC patients and correlated with serum parameters and clinical outcome. Liver injury was analysed in hepatocyte-specific Klf6-knockout mice following bile duct ligation (BDL). Chromatin-immunoprecipitation-assays (ChIP) and KLF6-overexpressing HepG2 cells were used to analyse the interaction of KLF6 and FXR target genes such as NR0B2. RESULTS Based on IHC, PSC patients could be subdivided into two groups showing either low (<80%) or high (>80%) hepatocellular KLF6 expression. In patients with high KLF6 expression, we observed a superior survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis. Klf6-knockout mice showed reduced hepatic necrosis following BDL when compared to controls. KLF6 suppressed NR0B2 expression in HepG2 cells mediated through binding of KLF6 to the NR0B2 promoter region. CONCLUSION Here, we show an association between KLF6 expression and the clinical course and overall survival in PSC patients. Mechanistically, we identified a direct interaction of KLF6 with the FXR target gene NR0B2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Sydor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke-University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Paul Manka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lea van Buren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sarah Theurer
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Suzan Schwertheim
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Best
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke-University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Saeed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Vetter
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schlattjan
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Dittrich
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Maria I Fiel
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hideo A Baba
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Dechêne
- Nürnberg Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine 6, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Francisco J Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Opthalmology and ORL, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain.,de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas 12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lars P Bechmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke-University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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26
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Sharma NK, Sarode SC, Sarode GS, Patil S, Pal JK. Dietary Choices Modulate Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: A Role of FXR Nuclear Receptor. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:1253-1260. [PMID: 32674619 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1792949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity (TMH) among colorectal cancer patients is considered as major hurdles to develop precise, potent, and personalized cancer therapeutics. The discernible factors that contribute to the existence of TMH and associated problems are suggested as genetic, molecular, epigenetic, and environmental pressures including shifts in trend from high-fiber diet to high-fat/processed sugar diet. In essence, components of high fat/processed sugar diet potentiate metabolic re-programing of inherent cellular heterogeneity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) by genetic and epigenetic pathways intersected by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) nuclear receptor. Therefore, choices of dietary components shape up protumor or antitumor microenvironment by the modulation of FXR regulated transcriptional and epigenetic events in CSCs. In this article, we highlight the major understanding emanated from preclinical and clinical studies that indicate the potential contribution of high fiber/saturated sugar diet toward carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin C Sarode
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi S Sarode
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jayanta K Pal
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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27
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Carpino G, Nevi L, Overi D, Cardinale V, Lu WY, Di Matteo S, Safarikia S, Berloco PB, Venere R, Onori P, Franchitto A, Forbes SJ, Alvaro D, Gaudio E. Peribiliary Gland Niche Participates in Biliary Tree Regeneration in Mouse and in Human Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Hepatology 2020; 71:972-989. [PMID: 31330051 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mechanisms underlying the repair of extrahepatic biliary tree (EHBT) after injury have been scarcely explored. The aims of this study were to evaluate, by using a lineage tracing approach, the contribution of peribiliary gland (PBG) niche in the regeneration of EHBT after damage and to evaluate, in vivo and in vitro, the signaling pathways involved. APPROACH AND RESULTS Bile duct injury was induced by the administration of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet for 14 days to Krt19Cre TdTomatoLSL mice. Human biliary tree stem/progenitor cells (BTSC) within PBGs were isolated from EHBT obtained from liver donors. Hepatic duct samples (n = 10) were obtained from patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Samples were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and polymerase chain reaction. DDC administration causes hyperplasia of PBGs and periductal fibrosis in EHBT. A PBG cell population (Cytokeratin19- /SOX9+ ) is involved in the renewal of surface epithelium in injured EHBT. The Wnt signaling pathway triggers human BTSC proliferation in vitro and influences PBG hyperplasia in vivo in the DDC-mediated mouse biliary injury model. The Notch signaling pathway activation induces BTSC differentiation in vitro toward mature cholangiocytes and is associated with PBG activation in the DDC model. In human PSC, inflammatory and stromal cells trigger PBG activation through the up-regulation of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the involvement of PBG cells in regenerating the injured biliary epithelium and identified the signaling pathways driving BTSC activation. These results could have relevant implications on the pathophysiology and treatment of cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico,", Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samira Safarikia
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Venere
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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28
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Carpino G, Overi D, Melandro F, Grimaldi A, Cardinale V, Di Matteo S, Mennini G, Rossi M, Alvaro D, Barnaba V, Gaudio E, Mancone C. Matrisome analysis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma unveils a peculiar cancer-associated extracellular matrix structure. Clin Proteomics 2019; 16:37. [PMID: 31687002 PMCID: PMC6821022 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-019-9257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a malignancy that arises from the intrahepatic biliary tree, showing high mortality rates due to its late clinical presentation and limited treatment options. iCCA is characterized by a dense, reactive desmoplastic stroma marked by a dramatic accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although recent results strongly suggest a relationship between increasing desmoplastic stroma and the enhanced malignant behaviour of iCCA, the importance of ECM proteins in the pathogenesis of iCCA still have to be addressed. Methods iCCA ECM fibrillar structural organization was characterized by histological analysis. ECM proteome profiles from decellularized iCCA and surrounding noncancerous tissues were analysed by nLC coupled to MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. Results iCCA tissues displayed high levels of collagen fibers and low abundance of reticular and elastic fibers, suggesting stiffness and loss of polarity. The ECM proteome profiles of iCCA samples, when compared to those obtained from the surrounding noncancerous tissues showed a dismantling of the basement membrane, a reduced angiogenesis and a downregulation of oncosuppressive activity. In particular, we focused on the effects of the overexpression of collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1) in iCCA, thus providing evidences that COL3A1 promotes iCCA cells migration and is a component of tumor-associated aligned collagen. Conclusions Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of molecular basis underlying desmoplasia in iCCA and indicates the type III collagen as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Carpino
- 1Division of Health Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- 2Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Melandro
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Grimaldi
- 4Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- 5Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- 6Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mennini
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- 6Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barnaba
- 4Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- 2Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Mancone
- 7Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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LncRNA LINC01061 sponges miR-612 to regulate the oncogenic role of SEMA4D in cholangiocarcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:465-471. [PMID: 30967271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most usual malignancy of biliary tract, possessing a relatively low overall survival rate due to limited treatment options. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been testified to have marked regulatory impacts on human cancers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potent regulation mechanism of LINC01061 involved in CCA. Firstly, it was observed that LINC01061 expression was heightened in CCA cell lines, whose knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and restrained cell migration. Besides, LINC01061 existing in the cytoplasm of CCA cells interacted with miR-612. Moreover, subsequent experiments affirmed that LINC01061 regulated SEMA4D expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-612. At last, rescue assays validated that SEMA4D overexpression restored the repression caused by LINC01061 silence on the biological activities of CCA containing cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. To sum up, our present exploration demonstrated that LINC01061 sponges miR-612 so as to upregulate SEMA4D expression for the progression of CCA, suggesting an optional promising and effective target for the therapy of patients with CCA.
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