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Mei L, Sun H, Yan Y, Ji H, Su Q, Chang L, Wang L. mTOR Signaling: Roles in Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:4178-4189. [PMID: 39247820 PMCID: PMC11379076 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.95894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, chronic hepatitis B virus infection is still one of the most serious public health problems in the world. Though current strategies are effective in controlling infection and slowing down the disease process, it remains a big challenge to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B in a majority of patients due to the inability to clear the cccDNA pool. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates nutrition, energy, growth factors, and other extracellular signals, participating in gene transcription, protein translation, ribosome synthesis, and other biological processes. Additionally, mTOR plays an extremely important role in cell growth, apoptosis, autophagy, and metabolism. More and more evidence show that HBV infection can activate the mTOR pathway, suggesting that HBV uses or hijacks the mTOR pathway to facilitate its own replication. Therefore, mTOR signaling pathway may be a key target for controlling HBV infection. However, the role of the central cytokine mTOR in the pathogenesis of HBV infection has not yet been systematically addressed. Notably, mTOR is commonly activated in hepatocellular carcinoma, which can progress from chronic hepatitis B. This review systematically summarizes the role of mTOR in the life cycle of HBV and its impact on the clinical progression of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Mei
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Qian Su
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
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2
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Banjan B, Vishwakarma R, Ramakrishnan K, Dev RR, Kalath H, Kumar P, Soman S, Raju R, Revikumar A, Rehman N, Abhinand CS. Targeting AFP-RARβ complex formation: a potential strategy for treating AFP-positive hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10915-8. [PMID: 38955977 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10915-8] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein primarily expressed during embryogenesis, with declining levels postnatally. Elevated AFP levels correlate with pathological conditions such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent investigations underscore AFP's intracellular role in HCC progression, wherein it forms complexes with proteins like Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Caspase 3 (CASP3), and Retinoic acid receptors and Retinoid X receptors (RAR/RXR). RAR and RXR regulate gene expression linked to cell death and tumorigenesis in normal physiology. AFP impedes RAR/RXR dimerization, nuclear translocation, and function, promoting gene expression favoring cancer progression in HCC that provoked us to target AFP as a drug candidate. Despite extensive studies, inhibitors targeting AFP to disrupt complex formation and activities remain scarce. In this study, employing protein-protein docking, amino acid residues involved in AFP-RARβ interaction were identified, guiding the definition of AFP's active site for potential inhibitor screening. Currently, kinase inhibitors play a significant role in cancer treatment and, the present study explores the potential of repurposing FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitors to target AFP. Molecular docking with kinase inhibitors revealed Lapatinib as a candidate drug of the AFP-RARβ complex. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy calculations, employing Mechanic/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), confirmed Lapatinib's stability with AFP. The study suggests Lapatinib's potential in disrupting the AFP-RARβ complex, providing a promising avenue for treating molecularly stratified AFP-positive HCC or its early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Banjan
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Riya Vishwakarma
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Krishnapriya Ramakrishnan
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Radul R Dev
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Haritha Kalath
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Nitte (Deemed to Be University), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NGSMPS, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Sowmya Soman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Amjesh Revikumar
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
- Kerala Genome Data Centre, Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Niyas Rehman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Chandran S Abhinand
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India.
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3
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Ren X, Deng D, Xiang S, Feng J. Promoter hypomethylated PDZK1 acts as a tumorigenic gene in glioma by interacting with AKT1. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:7174-7187. [PMID: 38669103 PMCID: PMC11087087 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205750] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioma is the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor and typically has a poor prognosis because of malignant proliferation and invasion. It is urgent to elucidate the mechanisms driving glioma tumorigenesis and develop novel treatments to address this deadly disease. Here, we first revealed that PDZK1 is expressed at high levels in gliomas. Promoter hypomethylation may cause high expression of PDZK1 in glioma. Knockdown of PDZK1 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, further investigations revealed that the loss of PDZK1 expression by siRNA inhibited the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Clinically, high expression of PDZK1 predicts a poorer prognosis for glioma patients than low expression of PDZK1. Overall, our study revealed that PDZK1 acts as a novel oncogene in glioma by binding to AKT1 and maintaining the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, PDZK1 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ren
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Dan Deng
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Shasha Xiang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
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Arvanitakis K, Papadakos SP, Lekakis V, Koufakis T, Lempesis IG, Papantoniou E, Kalopitas G, Georgakopoulou VE, Stergiou IE, Theocharis S, Germanidis G. Meeting at the Crossroad between Obesity and Hepatic Carcinogenesis: Unique Pathophysiological Pathways Raise Expectations for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14704. [PMID: 37834153 PMCID: PMC10572430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating global prevalence of obesity and its intricate association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pose a substantial challenge to public health. Obesity, acknowledged as a pervasive epidemic, is linked to an array of chronic diseases, including HCC, catalyzing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings. Notably, HCC has emerged as a leading malignancy with rising incidence and mortality. The transition from viral etiologies to the prominence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC underscores the urgent need to explore the intricate molecular pathways linking obesity and hepatic carcinogenesis. This review delves into the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of obesity-driven HCC while also navigating using the current therapeutic strategies and future prospects for combating obesity-related HCC. We underscore the pivotal role of obesity as a risk factor and propose an integrated approach encompassing lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and the exploration of emerging targeted therapies. As the obesity-HCC nexus continues to challenge healthcare systems globally, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to alleviate the rising burden of this dual menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Eleni Papantoniou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Takeda T, Tsubaki M, Genno S, Tokunaga K, Tanaka R, Nishida S. HER3/Akt/mTOR pathway is a key therapeutic target for the reduction of triple‑negative breast cancer metastasis via the inhibition of CXCR4 expression. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:80. [PMID: 37477145 PMCID: PMC10555474 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5283] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly metastatic subtype of breast cancer, and it has the worst prognosis among all subtypes of breast cancer. However, no effective systematic therapy is currently available for TNBC metastasis. Therefore, novel therapies targeting the key molecular mechanisms involved in TNBC metastasis are required. The present study examined whether the expression levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) were associated with the metastatic phenotype of TNBC, and evaluated the potential of HER3 as a therapeutic target in vitro and in vivo. A new highly metastatic 4T1 TNBC cell line, termed 4T1‑L8, was established. The protein expression levels in 4T1‑L8 cells were measured using luminex magnetic bead assays and western blot analysis. The HER3 expression levels and distant metastasis‑free survival (DMFS) in TNBC were analyzed using Kaplan‑Meier Plotter. Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to detect migration and invasion. The anti‑metastatic effects were determined in an experimental mouse model of metastasis. The results revealed that the increased expression of the HER3/Akt/mTOR pathway was associated with a greater level of cell migration, invasion and metastasis of TNBC cells. In addition, it was found that high expression levels of HER3 were associated with a poor DMFS. The inhibition of the HER3/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway decreased the migration, invasion and metastasis of TNBC cells by decreasing the expression of C‑X‑C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, treatment of metastatic TNBC cells with everolimus inhibited their migration, invasion and metastasis by decreasing CXCR4 expression. Thus, targeting the HER3/Akt/mTOR pathway opens up a new avenue for the development of therapeutics against TNBC metastasis; in addition, everolimus may prove to be an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of TNBC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Takeda
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Masanobu Tsubaki
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Shuji Genno
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Kenta Tokunaga
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Remi Tanaka
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Shozo Nishida
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University School of Pharmacy, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
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Paskeh MDA, Ghadyani F, Hashemi M, Abbaspour A, Zabolian A, Javanshir S, Razzazan M, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Kalbasi A, Rajabi R, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Sethi G. Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106553. [PMID: 36400343 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghadyani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Resident of department of Orthopedics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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7
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Prognostic significance of combined α-fetoprotein and CA19-9 for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:346. [PMID: 36258212 PMCID: PMC9580117 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies considerably among patients with the same disease stage and characteristics, and only about two thirds show high levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP), a common prognostic indicator for HCC. Here, we assessed whether the combination of presurgical serum levels of AFP and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) can predict the prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy. Methods The clinicopathological characteristics and post-hepatectomy outcomes of 711 HCC patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into three groups based on whether their preoperative serum levels of both AFP and CA19-9 were higher than the respective cut-offs of 400 ng/ml and 37 U/ml [double positive (DP)], the level of only one marker was higher than the cut-off [single positive (SP)], or neither level was higher than the cut-off [negative (N)]. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify the clinicopathological factors significantly associated with HCC prognosis. Results The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year RFS and OS rates in the N group were significantly higher than those in the SP group, while the DP group showed the lowest rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that large tumor size (> 5 cm), multiple tumors (≥ 2), incomplete tumor capsule, positive microvascular invasion, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer C stage, and CA19-9 level > 37 U/mL were independent risk factors for RFS and OS in HCC patients. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase levels > 40 U/L proved to be an independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusion The combination of serum AFP and CA19-9 levels may be a useful prognostic marker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.
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8
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Yassin NYS, AbouZid SF, El-Kalaawy AM, Ali TM, Almehmadi MM, Ahmed OM. Silybum marianum total extract, silymarin and silibinin abate hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma growth via modulation of the HGF/c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112409. [PMID: 34781148 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified as one of the most deadly malignancies with limited therapeutic efficacy worldwide. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between signaling pathways in HCC and predicting cancer cell responses to targeted therapeutic interventions remain to be challenge. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancerous efficacy of Silybum marianum total extract (STE), silymarin (Sm), and silibinin (Sb) against experimentally-induced HCC in rats. In vitro investigations were also performed and the anticancer effects against HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) were confirmed. Wistar rats were given diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and were orally treated with STE (200 mg/kg body weight (bw)), Sm (150 mg/kg bw), and Sb (5 mg/kg bw) every other day from the 1st or 16th week to the 25th week of DEN/AAF/CCl4 injection. Treatment with STE, Sm, and Sb inhibited the growth of cancerous lesions in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. This inhibition was associated with inhibition of Ki-67 expression and repression of HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. STE, Sm, and Sb improved liver function biomarkers and tumor markers (AFP, CEA, and CA19.9) and increased total protein and albumin levels in serum. STE, Sm, and Sb treatment was also noted to reduce the hepatic production of lipid peroxides, increase hepatic glutathione content, and induce the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. These results indicate that STE, Sm, and Sb exert anti-HCC effects through multiple pathways, including suppression of Ki-67 expression and HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Y S Yassin
- Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Sameh F AbouZid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M El-Kalaawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Ali
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Taif University, P. O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen M Almehmadi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P. O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
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9
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GP73-mediated secretion of AFP and GP73 promotes proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:69. [PMID: 34650031 PMCID: PMC8516944 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Golgi protein 73 (GP73) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their serum levels correlate with patients’ outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying these correlations are unknown. Here we show that GP73 increased the secretion of AFP through direct binding to AFP, thereby promoting the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells that expressed AFP and its receptor (AFPR). Extracellular GP73 contributed to the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells independent of AFP and AFPR. Moreover, extracellular AFP and GP73 synergized to enhance the malignant phenotype of HCC cells. Furthermore, extracellular GP73 and AFP inhibited the antitumor effects of sorafenib and synergistically increased the drug resistance of HCC cells. These findings, which reveal the mechanism of GP73-mediated secretion of AFP and its effects on the malignant phenotype of HCC cells, provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC and identify potential drug targets.
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10
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Emerging roles of cancer-testis antigenes, semenogelin 1 and 2, in neoplastic cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:97. [PMID: 33966049 PMCID: PMC8106676 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-testicular Antigens (CTAs) belong to a group of proteins that under normal conditions are strictly expressed in a male's reproductive tissues. However, upon malignisation, they are frequently re-expressed in neoplastic tissues of various origin. A number of studies have shown that different CTAs affect growth, migration and invasion of tumor cells and favor cancer development and metastasis. Two members of the CTA group, Semenogelin 1 and 2 (SEMG1 and SEMG2, or SEMGs) represent the major component of human seminal fluid. They regulate the motility and capacitation of sperm. They are often re-expressed in different malignancies including breast cancer. However, there is almost no information about the functional properties of SEMGs in cancer cells. In this review, we highlight the role of SEMGs in the reproductive system and also summarize the data on their expression and functions in malignant cells of various origins.
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11
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Cao Z, Cheng Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Yang R, Jiang W, Li H, Zhang X. HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression of AFP inhibits hepatoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:118. [PMID: 33794968 PMCID: PMC8015059 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatoma is a common malignancy of the liver. The abnormal high expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is intimately associated with hepatoma progress, but the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and singularly activation of AFP gene in hepatoma is not clear. Methods The expression of transcription factor HBP1 and AFP and clinical significance were further analyzed in hepatoma tissues from the patients who received surgery or TACE and then monitored for relapse for up 10 years. HBP1-mediated transcriptional regulation of AFP was analyzed by Western blotting, Luciferase assay, Realtime-PCR, ChIP and EMSA. After verified the axis of HBP-AFP, its impact on hepatoma was measured by MTT, Transwell and FACS in hepatoma cells and by tumorigenesis in HBP1−/− mice. Results The relative expressions of HBP1 and AFP correlated with survival and prognosis in hepatoma patients. HBP1 repressed the expression of AFP gene by directly binding to the AFP gene promoter. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-encoded protein HBx promoted malignancy in hepatoma cells through binding to HBP1 directly. Icaritin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb epimedium, inhibited malignancy in hepatoma cells through enhancing HBP1 transrepression of AFP. The repression of AFP by HBP1 attenuated AFP effect on PTEN, MMP9 and caspase-3, thus inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. The deregulation of AFP by HBP1 contributed to hepatoma progression in mice. Conclusions Our data clarify the mechanism of HBP1 in inhibiting the expression of AFP and its suppression in malignancy of hepatoma cells, providing a more comprehensive theoretical basis and potential solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuning Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixiang Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Ma J, Wei H, Li X, Qu X. Hsa-miR-149-5p Suppresses Prostate Carcinoma Malignancy by Suppressing RGS17. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:2773-2783. [PMID: 33790651 PMCID: PMC8007479 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s281968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in the progression of human cancers. While several miRNAs have been reported to regulate the development of tumors, the molecular mechanisms and roles of miR-149-5p in prostate carcinoma (PCa) remain unclear. Our aim was to investigate the interaction and functions of miR-149-5p and RGS17 in PCa. Methods Microarray analysis was performed to identify the key miRNA and gene involved in PCa progression. The expression levels of miRNA and mRNA in PCa tissues and cells were verified by qRT-PCR. MTT assay, BrdU proliferation assay and wound-healing assay were applied to assess the effect of miR-149-5p and RGS17 on PCa cells’ viability, proliferation, and migration ability. The association between RGS17 and miR-149-5p was identify using dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay. Results Data analysis indicated the reduction of miR-149-5p expression in PCa tissues and cells. Experimental investigations also showed that this miRNA suppressed the viability, proliferation and migration ability of PCa cells. RGS17 was found to be the target of miR-149-5p, and the low expression of miR-149-5p upregulated RGS17 in PCa tissues and cells. The results of the cell-function assays showed that RGS17 acted as an oncogene in PCa even though its promotive effect could be reversed by miR-149-5p. Conclusion This research confirmed that by targeting and inhibiting RGS17, miR-149-5p could suppress PCa development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Ma
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbing Wei
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianlin Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Qu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People's Republic of China
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13
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Moldogazieva NT, Mokhosoev IM, Zavadskiy SP, Terentiev AA. Proteomic Profiling and Artificial Intelligence for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Translational Medicine. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020159. [PMID: 33562077 PMCID: PMC7914649 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of the liver with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Since 1963, when alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was discovered as a first HCC serum biomarker, several other protein biomarkers have been identified and introduced into clinical practice. However, insufficient specificity and sensitivity of these biomarkers dictate the necessity of novel biomarker discovery. Remarkable advancements in integrated multiomics technologies for the identification of gene expression and protein or metabolite distribution patterns can facilitate rising to this challenge. Current multiomics technologies lead to the accumulation of a huge amount of data, which requires clustering and finding correlations between various datasets and developing predictive models for data filtering, pre-processing, and reducing dimensionality. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have an enormous potential to overcome accelerated data growth, complexity, and heterogeneity within and across data sources. Our review focuses on the recent progress in integrative proteomic profiling strategies and their usage in combination with machine learning and deep learning technologies for the discovery of novel biomarker candidates for HCC early diagnosis and prognosis. We discuss conventional and promising proteomic biomarkers of HCC such as AFP, lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)-reactive L3 glycoform of AFP (AFP-L3), des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), osteopontin (OPN), glypican-3 (GPC3), dickkopf-1 (DKK1), midkine (MDK), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) and highlight their functional significance including the involvement in cell signaling such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, integrin αvβ3/NF-κB/HIF-1α, JAK/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK-mediated pathways dysregulated in HCC. We show that currently available computational platforms for big data analysis and AI technologies can both enhance proteomic profiling and improve imaging techniques to enhance the translational application of proteomics data into precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurbubu T. Moldogazieva
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Innokenty M. Mokhosoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.M.M.); (A.A.T.)
| | - Sergey P. Zavadskiy
- Department of Pharmacology, A.P. Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander A. Terentiev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.M.M.); (A.A.T.)
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14
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Fractalkine/CX3CL1 in Neoplastic Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103723. [PMID: 32466280 PMCID: PMC7279446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fractalkine/CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a chemokine involved in the anticancer function of lymphocytes-mainly NK cells, T cells and dendritic cells. Its increased levels in tumors improve the prognosis for cancer patients, although it is also associated with a poorer prognosis in some types of cancers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This work focuses on the 'hallmarks of cancer' involving CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1. First, we describe signal transduction from CX3CR1 and the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in this process. Next, we present the role of CX3CL1 in the context of cancer, with the focus on angiogenesis, apoptosis resistance and migration and invasion of cancer cells. In particular, we discuss perineural invasion, spinal metastasis and bone metastasis of cancers such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. We extensively discuss the importance of CX3CL1 in the interaction with different cells in the tumor niche: tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and microglia. We present the role of CX3CL1 in the development of active human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors. Finally, we discuss the possible use of CX3CL1 in immunotherapy.
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15
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Chen W, Peng J, Ye J, Dai W, Li G, He Y. Aberrant AFP expression characterizes a subset of hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct gene expression patterns and inferior prognosis. J Cancer 2020; 11:403-413. [PMID: 31897235 PMCID: PMC6930420 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serum tumor markers are ubiquitously used in the clinic for cancer screening. However, the mechanisms accounting for the elevated levels of the serum tumor markers remain to be explored. Methods We performed a pan-cancer analysis of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The relation between concentration of serum tumor markers and the expression of their coding genes was assessed. Then the expression of AFP and its genomic background in hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) was studied. Results High expression of AFP mRNA was found mainly in liver cancer. In gastric cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, high AFP mRNA expression was also discovered occasionally. In liver cancer patients, serum AFP levels correlated significantly with AFP mRNA expression in cancer tissues (r = 0.72, p = 1.6e-45). Whole transcriptome analysis revealed that serum AFP levels clearly separated liver cancer into two classes with distinct expression profiles according to PCA analysis. Gene co-expression analysis revealed that AFP expression was connected to a module enriched with genes accounting for cell cycle and cell proliferation regulation. In addition, high AFP expression was associated with the molecular classification of liver cancer, including iCluster (Chi-square: 16.86, P = 0.0002). Methylation analysis revealed de-methylation of AFP promoter occurred in some liver cancer tissues, which was significantly related to AFP mRNA expression. Survival analysis indicated high serum AFP levels was prognostic of poorer survival of the liver cancer patients (Log-rank test: p = 0.046). This was confirmed by an independent dataset in which liver cancer patients with high serum AFP also had poorer survival (Log-rank test: p = 0.024). Conclusion High expression of AFP defined a subtype of liver cancer with distinct gene expression profiles and clinical features. De-methylation of cytosine from CpG di-nucleotides in AFP promoter may be the cause of AFP re-expression in adult human liver cancer tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinning Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weigang Dai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, Guangdong province, People's Republic of China
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16
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Yang S, Yang L, Li X, Li B, Li Y, Zhang X, Ma Y, Peng X, Jin H, Li H. New insights into autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:1329-1353. [PMID: 31392073 PMCID: PMC6682711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a mechanism by which cellular substances are transported to lysosomes for degradation, allowing the basic transformation of cellular components, and providing energy and macromolecular precursors. In cancer, the contradictory role of autophagy in tumor suppression and promotion has been widely acknowledged. Activation and suppression of autophagy have been proposed as cancer therapies, resulting in targeted treatment of cancer by autophagy being considered ambiguous. The dynamic effect of autophagy can also be applied to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignant tumor with high incidence and a low survival rate. In this review, we introduce characteristics of different types of autophagy and summarize which genes, non-coding RNAs, and related signaling pathways are involved in autophagy and the regulation of the formation and progress of HCC. More importantly, we discuss the role of autophagy in the treatment of HCC, such as in traditional chemotherapy, molecular targeted drugs, and natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Yingbo Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Hongyuan Jin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University Shenyang 110000, P. R. China
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17
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Wang S, Zhu M, Wang Q, Hou Y, Li L, Weng H, Zhao Y, Chen D, Ding H, Guo J, Li M. Alpha-fetoprotein inhibits autophagy to promote malignant behaviour in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1027. [PMID: 30301886 PMCID: PMC6177398 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been recognized as a key regulator of cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether AFP functions in cancer cell autophagy remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of AFP on autophagy in HCC cells. The role of AFP was studied in two HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HLE. Cell autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion were analysed with Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP), immunofluorescence, animal models, MTT assays, flow cytometry (FCM), Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8, and scratch and transwell assays. In PLC/PRF/5 cells, AFP interacted with PTEN and activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling. In HLE cells, overexpressed AFP similarly interacted with PTEN, leading to PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation and reduced cell autophagy. When AFP was silenced in PLC/PRF/5 cells, cell proliferation, tumour growth, migration and invasion were inhibited, and the numbers of S-phase and apoptotic cells were increased. In contrast, AFP overexpression in HLE cells enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion and reduced apoptosis. AFP-dependent autophagy, proliferation, migration and apoptosis were inhibited by rapamycin. In summary, AFP plays critical roles in the inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis in HCC cells and promotes proliferation, migration and invasion. The role of AFP in autophagy inhibition in HCC cells may involve the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Precision Medicine and Transformation Engineering Technology Research Center of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Yuli Hou
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Honglei Weng
- Molecular Hepatology, University of Heidelberg, University Medical Center Mannheim, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yan Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dexi Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Precision Medicine and Transformation Engineering Technology Research Center of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China.
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China.
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18
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Alpha-Fetoprotein and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunity. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:9049252. [PMID: 29805966 PMCID: PMC5899840 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9049252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent gastroenterological cancers in the world with less effective therapy. As an oncofetal antigen and diagnostic marker for liver cancer, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) possesses a variety of biological functions. Except for its diagnosis in liver cancer, AFP has become a target for liver cancer immunotherapy. Although the immunogenicity of AFP is weak and it could induce the immune escapes through inhibiting the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes, AFP has attracted more attention in liver cancer immunotherapy. By in vitro modification, the immunogenicity and immune response of AFP could be enhanced. AFP-modified immune cell vaccine or peptide vaccine has displayed the specific antitumor immunity against AFP-positive tumor cells and laid a better foundation for the immunotherapy of liver cancer.
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19
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Zhu M, Li W, Guo J, Lu Y, Dong X, Lin B, Chen Y, Zhang X, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein antagonises benzyl isothiocyanate inhibition of the malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:75749-75762. [PMID: 27716619 PMCID: PMC5342775 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a dietary isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables. Recent studies showed that BITC inhibited the growth of many cancer cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a important molecule for promoting progression of HCC, in the present investigation, we explore the influence of AFP on the role of BITC in the malignant behaviours of HCC cells, and the potential underlying mechanisms. We found thatBITC inhibited viability, migration, invasion and induced apoptosis of human liver cancer cell lines, Bel 7402(AFP producer) and HLE(non-AFP producer) cells in vitro. The role of BITC involve in promoting actived-caspase-3 and PARP-1 expression, and enhancing caspase-3 activity but decreasing MMP-2/9, survivin and CXCR4 expression. AFP antagonized the effect of BITC. This study suggests that BITC induced significant reductions in the viability of HCC cell lines. BITC may activate caspase-3 signal and inhibit the expression of growth- and metastasis-related proteins; AFP is an pivotal molecule for the HCC chemo-resistance of BITC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Xueer Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Undergraduate Student of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, P.R. China
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20
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Shi D, Zhu Y, Niu P, Zhou J, Chen H. Raptor mediates the antiproliferation of cardamonin by mTORC1 inhibition in SKOV3 cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:757-767. [PMID: 29445291 PMCID: PMC5810526 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s155065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cardamonin inhibits the proliferation of SKOV3 cells by suppressing the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). However, the mechanism of cardamonin on mTORC1 inhibition has not been well demonstrated. The regulatory-associated protein of TOR (Raptor) is an essential component of mTORC1. Here, we investigated the role of Raptor in the mTORC1 inhibition effect of cardamonin in SKOV3 cells. Methods The expression of Raptor was knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The expressions of specific binding proteins of mTORC1 were analyzed by Western blotting, and the cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results Rapamycin, AZD8055, and cardamonin inhibited the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Different from rapamycin and AZD8055, cardamonin suppressed the phosphorylation and protein expression of Raptor. Transfected with Raptor siRNA, the mTOR activation and proliferation of SKOV3 cells were decreased, and these effects were strengthened by cardamonin in Raptor siRNA SKOV3 cells. Cardamonin interfered with the lysosomal colocalization of mTOR with lysosomal associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), which was also hindered by Raptor siRNA. Furthermore, cardamonin strengthened the inhibitory effect on the lysosomal localization of mTOR in Raptor siRNA cells. Conclusion Our results suggested that Raptor mainly mediated the inhibition of cardamonin on mTORC1 in SKOV3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohua Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yanting Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Peiguang Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jintuo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huajiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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21
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Kang Z, Xiao E. Expression of cluster of differentiation 151 prior to and following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and its association with clinicopathological characteristics. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:1133-1142. [PMID: 29391901 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7371] [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: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation (CD)151, a member of tetraspanin family, is considered to be the first tetraspanin to be associated with tumor metastasis. Previous studies in vivo, in vitro and in the clinic have demonstrated that CD151 is involved in tumor progression at different levels through interaction with integrins, growth factor receptors and matrix metalloproteinases. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is widely recommended for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. It has been hypothesized that TACE may create a hypoxic-ischemic environment that increases the expression of tumor progression-associated factors, promotes the angiogenesis of HCC, and initiates the recurrence and metastasis of HCC. Whether TACE promotes HCC progression remains controversial and numerous studies have focused on the influence of TACE on a number of tumor progression-associated factors. In the present study, the expression of serum CD151 in patients with HCC prior to and following TACE and its association with clinicopathological characteristics was investigated. It was revealed that the expression level of CD151 at 5-7 days post-TACE was significantly increased compared with pre-TACE levels. Risk factors and protective factors associated with tumor progression following a single TACE procedure and 18 months of follow-up were also identified. Furthermore, the present study revealed that a pre-TACE CD151 level of >0.3247 ng/ml and a 5-7 days post-TACE CD151 level of >0.3146 ng/ml revealed moderate sensitivity and specificity for predicting HCC progression following a single TACE procedure. The present study highlights CD151 as a useful marker in predicting the response to treatment and monitoring the disease course following TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Kang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Enhua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
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22
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Peyvandi AA, Abbaszadeh HA, Roozbahany NA, Pourbakht A, Khoshsirat S, Niri HH, Peyvandi H, Niknazar S. Deferoxamine promotes mesenchymal stem cell homing in noise-induced injured cochlea through PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell Prolif 2018; 51:e12434. [PMID: 29341316 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over 5% of the world's population suffers from disabling hearing loss. Stem cell homing in target tissue is an important aspect of cell-based therapy, which its augmentation increases cell therapy efficiency. Deferoxamine (DFO) can induce the Akt activation, and phosphorylation status of AKT (p-AKT) upregulates CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) expression. We examined whether DFO can enhance mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) homing in noise-induced damaged cochlea by PI3K/AKT dependent mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mesenchymal stem cells were treated with DFO. AKT, p-AKT protein and hypoxia inducible factor 1- α (HIF-1α) and CXCR4 gene and protein expression was evaluated by RT- PCR and Western blot analysis. For in vivo assay, rats were assigned to control, sham, noise exposure groups without any treatment or receiving normal, DFO-treated and DFO +LY294002 (The PI3K inhibitor)-treated MSCs. Following chronic exposure to 115 dB white noise, MSCs were injected into the rat cochlea through the round window. Number of Hoechst- labelled cells was determined in the endolymph after 24 hours. RESULTS Deferoxamine increased P-AKT, HIF-1α and CXCR4 expression in MSCs compared to non-treated cells. DFO pre-conditioning significantly increased the homing ability of MSCs into injured ear compared to normal MSCs. These effects of DFO were blocked by LY294002. CONCLUSIONS Pre-conditioning of MSCs by DFO before transplantation can improve stem cell homing in the damaged cochlea through PI3K/AKT pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Peyvandi
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H-A Abbaszadeh
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N Ahmady Roozbahany
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,G. Raymond Chang School, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Pourbakht
- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Khoshsirat
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Haddadzade Niri
- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Peyvandi
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S Niknazar
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jeng KS, Jeng CJ, Jeng WJ, Chang CF, Sheen IS. Role of C-X-C chemokine ligand 12/C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1905-1910. [PMID: 28789425 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of the current non-surgical treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains limited and novel treatments are required to improve patient outcomes. The majority of HCCs develop from chronically damaged tissue that contains a high degree of inflammation and fibrosis, which promotes tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Understanding the interaction between stromal components and cancer cells (and the signaling pathways involved in this interaction) could aid the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have demonstrated a marked association between high C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and the invasiveness, progression and metastasis of HCC. The present review will investigate the different roles of CXCR4 in the progression of HCC and discuss possible future treatments. Through the C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/CXCR4 signaling pathway, ephrin A1 activation enhances the migration of endothelial progenitor cells to HCC to enable the neovascularization of tumors. There is an association between nuclear CXCR4 expression and the lymph node metastasis of HCC to distant areas. CXCR4 enhances cell migration in vitro and cell homing in vivo. CXCR4 levels are concentrated at the border of a tumor and in perivascular areas, inducing invasive behavior. The binding of CXCL12 to CXCR4 activates intracellular signaling pathways and induces crosstalk with transforming growth factor-β signaling, which enhances the migration of cancer cells. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis also activates expression of matrix metalloproteinase 10, which further stimulates migration. CXCR4 is likely to crosstalk with the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, contributing to tumor invasiveness and supporting the cancer stem-cell population; as a result, CXCR4 can be regarded as a cancer stem-cell marker. CXCR4 influences interstitial fluid flow-induced invasion. CXCR4 expression and HCC cell migration are promoted by α-fetoprotein, which activates AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. CXCR4 also has the potential to affect sorafenib treatment for HCC. Targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway may, therefore, be a promising strategy in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Lin Kau Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Lin Kau Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33, Taiwan, R.O.C
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24
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Ohkawa K, Asakura T, Tsukada Y, Matsuura T. Antibody to human α-fetoprotein inhibits cell growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by resuscitating the PTEN molecule: in vitro experiments. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:2180-2190. [PMID: 28498467 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that α-fetoprotein (AFP) is a new member of the intracellular signaling molecule family of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway via interaction with the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). In this study, the effects of anti-human AFP antibody on the functions of PTEN were examined using an AFP-producing human hepatoma cell line. The antibody caused significant inhibition of cell growth, compared to a normal IgG control, with the accumulation of intracellular immune complexes followed by significant reduction of cytosolic functional AFP. Decrease in the amount of AKT phosphorylated on serine (S) 473 indicated that PI3K/AKT signaling was suppressed in the cells. S380-phosphorylated PTEN increased markedly by the second day after antibody treatment, with slight but significant increase in the PTEN protein level. Since phosphorylation at S380 is critical for PTEN stability, the increase in S380-phosphorylated PTEN indicated maintenance of the number of PTEN molecules and the related potential to control PI3K/AKT signaling. p53 protein (P53) significantly, but slightly increased during antibody treatment, because PTEN expression increased the stability and function of P53 via both molecular interactions. P53 phosphorylated at S20 or at S392 dramatically increased, suggesting an increase in the stability, accumulation and activation of P53. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) increased immediately after antibody treatment, pointing to a deficiency of glucose in the cells. Immunofluorescence cytology revealed that antibody-treatment re-distributed GLUT1 molecules throughout the cytoplasm with a reduction of their patchy localization on the cell surface. This suggested that translocation of GLUT1 depends on the PI3K/AKT pathway, in particular on PTEN expression. Antibody therapy targeted at AFP-producing tumor cells showed an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT pathway via the liberation, restoration and functional stabilization of PTEN. PTEN simultaneously induced both P53 activation and intracellular translocation of GLUT1, since these are closely associated with PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Ohkawa
- Stable Isotope Medical Applications Laboratory, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Tadashi Asakura
- Radioisotope Research Facilities, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tsukada
- Hachioji Laboratory, SRL Inc., Komiya-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8535, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
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25
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Sauzay C, Petit A, Bourgeois AM, Barbare JC, Chauffert B, Galmiche A, Houessinon A. Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP): A multi-purpose marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 463:39-44. [PMID: 27732875 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), one of the first protein tumour markers discovered, is widely used today in clinical practice. Its application for the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent form of primary liver tumour, is a matter of extensive debate. In addition to the studies focused on the role of the AFP in the diagnosis of HCC, in recent years AFP has been used to guide the therapeutic choice in HCC and monitor the treatment. Here, we summarize the latest studies that show the interest of AFP quantification in determining the suitability of liver transplantation or to follow-up on patients receiving the targeted treatment sorafenib. We also highlight the recent studies showing the active role of AFP in tumour progression, and the new modes of regulation of this tumour marker. Among these is the regulation of AFP through tumour proteostasis and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). We discuss the implications of this new knowledge in the therapeutic context, in terms of interpreting serum levels of AFP, and the new perspectives offered by AFP for the study of tumour proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Sauzay
- Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France
| | - Alexandra Petit
- Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France
| | | | | | | | - Antoine Galmiche
- Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France.
| | - Aline Houessinon
- Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France
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26
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Mizejewski GJ. Does alpha-fetoprotein contribute to the mortality and morbidity of human hepatocellular carcinoma? A commentary. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2016; 3:37-40. [PMID: 27703963 PMCID: PMC5036612 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s114198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The fifth most common cancer worldwide is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while being the third leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. Although HCC incidence is less frequent in North America, it is a common malignancy in Asia and Africa associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity due to ineffective therapies against cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. It is well established that serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the "gold standard" biomarker for liver cancer; however, less known are the biological activities of AFP regarding carcinogenesis, growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Clinicians are well aware that increasing AFP serum levels parallel disease progression of HCC patients, but many are less knowledgeable in the lethal growth-promoting properties of AFP as an autocrine stimulator of hepatoma cell proliferation. This commentary addresses the mortality and morbidity concerning AFP in the genesis, growth, progression, and spread of HCC and emphasizes the perilous consequences of AFP-supported growth in human liver cancer even after liver resection and transplantation. Thus, AFP is not just a biomarker for HCC but also an ardent promoter of liver cancer growth and progression.
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27
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Zhu M, Lu Y, Li W, Guo J, Dong X, Lin B, Chen Y, Xie X, Li M. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Driven Alpha Fetoprotein Expression to Promote Malignant Behaviors of Normal Liver Cells and Hepatoma Cells. J Cancer 2016; 7:935-46. [PMID: 27313784 PMCID: PMC4910586 DOI: 10.7150/jca.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The infection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), HBV-X protein(HBx) is able to induce expression of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) in normal liver cells, and AFP harbors a function to promote malignant transformation of normal liver cells, but the role AFP playing in malignant behaviors of HCC cells is still unclear. Methods: Fifty-six liver tissue samples were collected from the clinical patients through hepatectomy(include normal liver tissues, HBV-related hepatitis liver tissues and HBV-related HCC tissues), and diagnosis of these tissues by pathology section, expression of AFP, Ras and CXCR4 were evidenced by immunohisochemical staining and Western blotting; The proliferation of human normal liver cells line L-02 cells and human hepatoma cells line, HLE cells(non AFP-producing) were performed by MTT method; Repaired capacity of L-02 and HLE cells were compared by wound healing assay; Migration and invasion of these cells were analyzed by Transwell chamber assay; HBx expressed vectors(pcDNA3.1-HBx) were constructed and transfected into L-02 and HLE cells, effects of pcDNA3.1-HBx on the malignant behaviors were also detected by MTT, Transwell chamber assay and the expression of AFP, Ras and CXCR4 were evidenced by Western blotting. Results: we found that expression of AFP, Ras and CXCR4 in HBV-related HCC and lymph nodes metastasis tissues were significantly elevated compared with HBV-related HCC, non metastasis tissues and HBV-related hepatitis tissues; Expression of AFP, Ras and CXCR4 in HBV-related hepatitis tissues were significantly enhanced compared with normal liver tissues; The growth ratio, migratory and invasive ability, expression of AFP, Ras and CXCR4 of the cells were outstanding promoted while L-02 and HLE cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-HBx vectors. The proliferation ratio, migration and invasion ability, and expression of Ras and CXCR4 were significantly inhibited while L-02-X and HLE-X cells(stably transfected with pcDNA3.1-HBx) were silenced AFP expression by AFP-siRNA. Conclusions: HBx through stimulating expression of AFP to promote malignant behaviors of human normal liver cells and HCC cells; AFP maybe used as a novel biotarget for therapeutics of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Yan Lu
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Wei Li
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Junli Guo
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Xu Dong
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Bo Lin
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Yi Chen
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China
| | - Xieju Xie
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 3. Department of Pathophysiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China
| | - Mengsen Li
- 1. Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, PR. China; 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, PR. China; 4. Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, PR. China
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28
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Bing W, Pang X, Qu Q, Bai X, Yang W, Bi Y, Bi X. Simvastatin improves the homing of BMSCs via the PI3K/AKT/miR-9 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:949-61. [PMID: 26871266 PMCID: PMC4831354 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have great therapeutic potential for many diseases. However, the homing of BMSCs to injury sites remains a difficult problem. Recent evidence indicates that simvastatin stimulates AKT phosphorylation, and p‐AKT affects the expression of chemokine (CXC motif) receptor‐4 (CXCR4). Therefore, simvastatin may improve the expression of CXCR4 in BMSCs, and microRNAs (miRs) may participate in this process. In this study, we demonstrated that simvastatin increased both the total and the surface expression of CXCR4 in BMSCs. Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‑1α)‐induced migration of BMSCs was also enhanced by simvastatin, and this action was inhibited by AMD 3100(a chemokine receptor antagonist for CXCR4). The PI3K/AKT pathway was activated by simvastatin in this process, and LY294002 reversed the overexpression of CXCR4 caused by simvastatin. MiR‐9 directly targeted CXCR4 in rat BMSCs, and simvastatin decreased miR‐9 expression. P‐AKT affected the expression of miR‐9; as the phosphorylation of AKT increased, miR‐9 expression decreased. In addition, LY294002 increased miR‐9 expression. Taken together, our results indicated that simvastatin improved the migration of BMSCs via the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiR‐9 also participated in this process, and the phosphorylation of AKT affected miR‐9 expression, suggesting that simvastatin might have beneficial effects in stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Bing
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyan Pang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qingxi Qu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenwen Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanwen Bi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaolu Bi
- School of Life Science of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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29
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Ji X, Shen Y, Sun H, Gao X. A novel anti-alpha-fetoprotein single-chain variable fragment displays anti-tumor effects in HepG2 cells as a single agent or in combination with paclitaxel. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10085-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4803-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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30
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Lu Y, Zhu M, Li W, Lin B, Dong X, Chen Y, Xie X, Guo J, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein plays a critical role in promoting metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:549-58. [PMID: 26756858 PMCID: PMC4759472 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A high level of serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is positively associated with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis and metastasis; however, the function of AFP in HCC metastasis is unknown. This study has explored the effects of AFP on regulating metastatic and invasive capacity of human HCC cells. Forty-seven clinical patients' liver samples were collected and diagnosed; HCC cells line, Bel 7402 cells (AFP-producing) and liver cancer cell line cells (non-AFP-producing) were selected to analyse the role of AFP in the metastasis of HCC cells. The results indicated that high serum concentration of AFP was positively correlated with HCC intrahepatic, lymph nodes and lung metastasis. Repressed expression of AFP significantly inhibited the capability of migration and invasion of Bel 7402 cells, expression of keratin 19 (K19), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP2/9) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) were also down-regulated in Bel 7402 cells; migration and invasion, expression of K19, EpCAM, MMP2/9 and CXCR4 were significantly enhanced when HLE cells were transfected with AFP-expressed vector. The results demonstrated that AFP plays a critical role in promoting metastasis of HCC; AFP promoted HCC cell invasion and metastasis via up-regulating expression of metastasis-related proteins. Thus, AFP may be used as a novel therapeutic target for treating HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xieju Xie
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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Es-Haghi M, Soltanian S, Dehghani H. Perspective: Cooperation of Nanog, NF-κΒ, and CXCR4 in a regulatory network for directed migration of cancer stem cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1559-65. [PMID: 26715265 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed cell migration is a crucial mobility phase of cancer stem cells having stemness and tumorigenic characteristics. It is known that CXCR4 plays key roles in the perception of chemotactic gradients throughout the directed migration of CSCs. There are a number of complex signaling pathways and transcription factors that coordinate with CXCR4/CXCL12 axis during directed migration. In this review, we focus on some transcription factors such as Nanog, NF-κB, and Bmi-1 that cooperate with CXCR4/CXCL12 for the maintenance of stemness and induction of metastasis behavior in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Es-Haghi
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Soltanian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hesam Dehghani
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. .,Embryonic and Stem Cell Biology and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Feng R, Ye J, Zhou C, Qi L, Fu Z, Yan B, Liang Z, Li R, Zhai W. Calreticulin down-regulation inhibits the cell growth, invasion and cell cycle progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Diagn Pathol 2015; 10:149. [PMID: 26307067 PMCID: PMC4549864 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-015-0382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Calreticulin(CRT) is aberrantly overexpressed in many human cancer cells. The function of CRT in HCC cells remains unclear. We attempted to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of CRT down-regulation on HCC cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and invasion. Methods To investigate the function of CRT in HCC cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of CRT in SMMC7721 and HepG2 HCC cells. CRT expression was examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by the flow cytometry. The invasion capability was assessed by transwell assay. The phosphorylation level of Akt was evaluated by Western blot. Results Compared with human hepatic cells L02, CRT was apparently up-regulated in SMMC7721, HepG2 and Huh7 HCC cells. Down-regulation of CRT expression effectively inhibited HCC cell growth and invasion. CRT knockdown induced cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis in SMMC7721 and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of CRT expression significantly decreased the Akt phosphorylation. Conclusions CRT was aberrantly over-expressed in HCC cell lines. CRT over-expression contributes greatly to HCC malignant behavior, likely via PI3K/Akt pathway. CRT could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Feng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianwen Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Qi
- Department of Endocrine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiwei Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Renfeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Zhai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery & Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Mizejewski GJ. Nonsecreted cytoplasmic alpha-fetoprotein: a newly discovered role in intracellular signaling and regulation. An update and commentary. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:9857-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Ehling J, Tacke F. Role of chemokine pathways in hepatobiliary cancer. Cancer Lett 2015; 379:173-83. [PMID: 26123664 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Persistent hepatic inflammation resulting from hepatitis B or C virus infections (HBV or HCV, respectively), obesity-associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or alcohol abuse is a hallmark feature of chronic liver diseases and appears to be an essential prerequisite of hepatocarcinogenesis. The inflammatory processes in the liver are regulated by various chemokines, which orchestrate the interaction between parenchymal liver cells, Kupffer cells (resident macrophages), hepatic stellate cells (HSC), endothelial cells, and infiltrating immune cells. In consequence, these cellular interactions result in the re-modeling of the hepatic microenvironment toward a pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, pro-angiogenic and thus pre-neoplastic milieu. Once developed, liver neoplasms provoke pro- and anti-tumor immune responses that are also critically regulated through differential activation of chemokine pathways. With respect to hepatobiliary cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer and cholangiocellular carcinoma (cholangiocarcinoma), together belonging to the highest causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, this review article will give an overview of chemokine pathways involved in both the establishment of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment as well as the development and progression of hepatobiliary cancer. Pharmaceutical targeting of chemokine pathways is a promising approach to treat or even prevent hepatobiliary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Ehling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Faculty, RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, Medical Faculty, RWTH University, Aachen, Germany.
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