Notch1 regulates the JNK signaling pathway and increases apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Exploring the role of CDCA4 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis and experiments

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) encompasses diverse therapeutic approaches, among which targeted therapy has gained significant prominence in recent years. The identification of numerous targets and the increasing clinical application of targeted drugs have greatly improved LIHC treatment. However, the precise role of CDCA4 (Cell Division Cycle Associated 4), as well as its underlying mechanisms and prognostic implications in LIHC, remains unclear. CDCA4 expression levels in LIHC were analyzed using multiple databases including the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and ULCAN, as well as the datasets E_TABM_36, GSE144269, GSE14520, and GSE54236. The prognostic value of CDCA4 was then evaluated. Subsequently, the association between CDCA4 and immune cells was investigated. Enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to investigate the functional roles and pathways linked to CDCA4. Additionally, the methylation patterns and drug sensitivity of CDCA4 were examined. A predictive model incorporating immune genes related to CDCA4 was developed. The TISCH dataset was used to investigate the single-cell expression patterns of CDCA4. Finally, validation of CDCA4 expression levels was conducted through RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CDCA4 exhibited significant overexpression in LIHC and demonstrated significant correlations with clinical features. High expression of CDCA4 is associated with a poorer prognosis. Analysis of immune infiltration and enrichment revealed its association with the immune microenvironment. Furthermore, its expression is correlated with methylation and mutation patterns. CDCA4 is associated with 19 drugs. Prognostic models utilizing CDCA4 demonstrate favorable effectiveness. T cell subtypes were found to be associated with CDCA4 through single-cell analysis. The conclusive experiment provided evidence of significant upregulation of CDCA4 in LIHC. The high expression of CDCA4 in LIHC is associated with prognostic significance and is highly expressed in T cell subtypes, providing a new therapeutic target and potential therapeutic strategy for LIHC.

CHIR-98014, a GSK 3β Inhibitor, Protects Against Triptolide/Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis Inhibition

Triptolide (TP) is a remarkable anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive component separated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. However, its hepatotoxicity limits its application in the clinical. Our group has proposed a new perspective on TP-induced hepatotoxicity, in which TP enhances liver hypersensitivity upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Because the cause of the disease is unknown, there is currently no uniform treatment available. In this study, we attempted to determine whether the GSK-3β-JNK pathway affects liver damage and its regulatory mechanism in response to TP/LPS costimulation. In addition, we investigated the effect of CsA or the GSK 3β inhibitor CHIR-98014 on TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. The results showed that the TP/LPS cotreatment mice exhibited obvious hepatotoxicity, as indicated by a remarkable increase in the serum ALT and AST levels, glycogen depletion, GSK 3β-JNK upregulation, and increased apoptosis. Instead of the specific knockdown of JNK1, the specific knockdown of JNK2 had a protective effect. Additionally, 40 mg/kg of CsA and 30 mg/kg of CHIR-98014 might provide protection. In summary, CHIR-98014 could protect against TP/LPS- or TP/TNF-α-induced activation of the GSK 3β-JNK pathway and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, improving the indirect hepatotoxicity induced by TP.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Medical System Based on Notch1 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit the Growth of Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma

With the gradual application of big data and other technologies to the medical field, more and more people tend to get online medical services. This article mainly studies the comprehensive diagnostic medical system based on Notch1 signaling pathway to inhibit the growth of small-cell lung carcinoma. In the experiment, we used the rapid thawing method to recover the cells and took the logarithmic growth phase cells for cell passage. We calculated the cell concentration and diluted the cells according to the experimental requirements. According to the standard curve, the corresponding sample protein concentration was calculated; at the same time, the Trizol method was used to extract the total RNA, the NanoDrop8000 spectrophotometer was used to determine the RNA concentration, and the RNA quality was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. We used immunohistochemical staining to complete the staining of lung cancer cells. Finally, black box testing was used to test the functional modules of the system. Experimental data show that the accuracy rate of data obtained by the system reaches 98%, which greatly facilitates doctors and patients. The results show that the system has good ease of use and reliability and improves the diagnosis and treatment of hospital patients.

Inhibition of RFX6 Suppresses the Invasive Ability of Tumor Cells Through the Notch Pathway and Affects Tumor Immunity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

The DNA-binding protein RFX6 was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, and its expression level was correlated with the prognosis and immune cell infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of the abnormal expression and the biological effects of RFX6 in liver cancer remains unknown.

Methods

To understand the specific expression mechanism of RFX6 in liver cancer, we performed bioinformatic prediction, CHIP-qPCR assay, co-IP, and dual-luciferase assay to assess the regulating mechanism of RFX6. In the meantime, a series of biological experiments in vivo and in vitro were conducted to analyze the biological significance of RFX6 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results

We demonstrated that knockdown of RFX6 in liver cancer cells significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Moreover, inhibition of RFX6 could affect the immune response of T cells. Among a number of interacting proteins, we revealed that RFX6 directly binds to DTX2, a regulator of the Notch signaling pathway by targeting NOTCH1, and helps in its transcription stability. Furthermore, we discovered that miRNA-542-3p, the expression of which was decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma, was directly involved in the negative regulation of the expression of RFX6.

Conclusion

In summary, we discovered that the miRNA-542-3p–RFX6–DTX2–NOTCH1 regulatory pathway played significant roles in the tumor progression of liver hepatocellular carcinoma.

TR35 Exerts Anti-tumor Effects by Modulating Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and STAT3 Signaling in Lung Cancer Cells

Cancer is a complex disease extremely dependent on its microenvironment and is highly regulated by a variety of stimuli inside and outside the cell. Evidence suggests that active camel whey fraction (TR35) confer anti-tumor effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its exact mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying suppression of NSCLC cell growth and proliferation by TR35. Treatment of A549 and H1299 cells with TR35 suppressed their growth and enhanced apoptosis, as revealed by CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometric analyses. We find that TR35 suppresses tumor growth in a xenograft nude mouse model without losses in body weight. RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analyses showed that the DEGs were enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. After test the key factors’ activity associated with these pathways by Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and western blotting, the activation of JNK phosphorylation and inhibition of p38 and STAT3 phosphorylation was observed both in TR35 treated lung cancer cell and tumor tissue. Taken together, these results showed that TR35 play a significant role in the NSCLC progression in the tumor microenvironment via MAPK and Jak-STAT signaling, highlighting TR35 as a potential therapeutic agent against lung cancer.

DNA and RNA Sequencing Recapitulated Aberrant Tumor Metabolism in Liver Cancer Cell Lines

AIM

Metabolic reprogramming has recently attracted extensive attention for understanding cancer development. We aimed to demonstrate a genomic and transcriptomic landscape of metabolic reprogramming underlying liver cancer cell lines.

METHODS

We investigated metabolic aberrant at both the transcriptome and genome levels using transcriptome and whole-exome sequencing data from 12 human liver cancer cell lines (hLCCLs) and one normal liver cell line.

RESULTS

Three subgroups of hLCCLs characterized from transcriptome sequencing data exhibit significantly different aberrations in various metabolic processes, including amino acid, lipid, energy, and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, whole-exome sequencing revealed distinct mutational signatures among different subgroups of hLCCLs and identified a total of 19 known driver genes implicated in metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlighted differential metabolic mechanisms in the development of liver cancer and provided a resource for further investigating its metabolic mechanisms.

Protective effects of Lavandula stoechas L. methanol extract against 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage and death. In European and Persian Traditional Medicine, aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) of Lavandula stoechas L. have been widely used for treating neurodegenerative disorders including PD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Herein, the protective effects of L. stoechas methanol extract were investigated on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in PC12 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cells were pretreated with a standardized L. stoechas methanol extract (2.5-20 μg/mL) for 24 h and exposed to 6-OHDA (200 μM) thereafter. The cell viability percentage was determined by AlamarBlue test. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined by a fluorimetric method using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and cellular apoptosis was assessed by the fluorescent probe propidium iodide test. Finally, the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis pathway (Phospho SAPK/JNK, SAPK/JNK, p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) and Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)) was measured via Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Treatment of PC12 cells with 6-OHDA could significantly increase cytotoxicity, ROS level, and cell apoptosis. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with the extract could significantly decrease 6-OHDA cytotoxicity, ROS production, (2.5 and 5 μg/mL) and cell apoptosis (5 μg/mL). Western blot analysis showed that 6-OHDA exposure could increase the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis signaling, while pretreatment with L. stoechas (5 μg/mL) reduced apoptotic proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that L. stoechas, which has been traditionally used in Persian Medicine for treating CNS diseases, is a valuable source of active compounds with neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic activity.

Considerations in the Design of Non-Clinical Development Programmes to Support Non-Viral Genetically Modified Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapies

Due to their immune suppressive pharmacology, regenerative capacity, and immune privileged status, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell type to treat a variety of diseases. Genetically engineered MSCs are currently in non-clinical and clinical development for a wide range of applications including the delivery of pro-drugs and therapeutic proteins or modified to enhance their regenerative potential. Unmodified MSCs have been shown to have good safety profiles in clinical development. The introduction of exogenous transgenes introduces possible additional risks that need to be assessed in non-clinical studies prior to initiating clinical studies. The use of ex vivo non-viral genetic modification approaches potentially reduces the risks associated with viral vector transfection approaches, including the potential for cell transformation. This review provides an overview of the regulatory-compliant non-clinical proof-of-concept and safety studies required to take MSC-based gene therapy products from the bench to the clinic.

Litopenaeus vannamei Notch interacts with COP9 signalosome complex subunit 1 (CNS1) to negatively regulate the NF-κB pathway

Notch signaling pathway is a highly evolutionary conserved signaling pathway, which modulates many biological processes such as cell differentiation, tissue development and immune response. Our previous study revealed that Litopenaeus vannamei Notch (LvNotch) was involved in immune response by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in hemocytes. However, the immune regulatory networks mediated by LvNotch remain unclear in shrimp. In this study, 21 proteins that potentially interact with LvNotch were identified by GST pull-down and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. Among these proteins, COP9 signalosome complex subunit 1 (CSN1) was chosen for further studies due to its putative role in immune response. The interaction between LvNotch and LvCSN1 was confirmed by Far-Western blot and GST pull-down analyses. In vivo knockdown of LvNotch resulted in an increase in LvCSN1 expression in hemocytes, which suggest that the COP9 signalosome complex might be negatively regulated by LvNotch. In addition, in vivo silencing of LvNotch upregulated the expression of LvDorsal, LvTNFSF and LvCrustin2 (NF-κB pathway related-genes), while their expression decreased after LvCSN1 depletion. Collectively, the current results indicate that LvNotch negatively regulates the NF-κB pathway by modulating LvCSN1 in shrimp. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of immune response in vertebrates and invertebrates, the functions and immune-related interacting networks of Notch in shrimp immune response remain unknown. In this study, twenty-one proteins including COP9 signalosome complex subunit 1 (CSN1) were identified as potential interacting partners of LvNotch. Further analysis revealed that LvNotch negatively regulates the NF-κB pathway by binding to CSN1 and modulating its expression. These findings for the first time suggest that the Notch signaling pathway has cross-talk with the NF-κB pathway in shrimp as part of the immune response.

miR‑34c‑5p targets Notch1 and suppresses the metastasis and invasion of cervical cancer

Micro (mi)RNAs are crucial participants in the progression of cervical cancer (CC). Growing evidence indicates that miRNA (miR)-34c-5p is a pivotal tumor suppressor in numerous types of cancer and its functions in CC require further investigating. The present study demonstrated that there was a decreased level of miR-34c-5p in CC-associated cell lines compared with healthy control samples. It also demonstrated that miR-34c-5p targeted Notch1 and suppressed CC progression. Dual-Luciferase reporter assays verified the targeted relationship of miR-34c-5p and Notch1. The expression of Notch1 in HeLa cells was markedly reduced following miR-34c-5p overexpression and the proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells were reduced although apoptosis was accelerated. However, overexpression of miR-34c-5p was reversed following the addition of Notch1, which supported the finding of the targeted relationship between miR-34c-5p and Notch1. Flow cytometry demonstrated that miR-34c-5p inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells while accelerating apoptosis. The present study concluded that miR-34c-5p was a tumor suppressor in CC and may be a novel measure for the future treatment of CC.

DAPT, a potent Notch inhibitor regresses actively growing abdominal aortic aneurysm via divergent pathways

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized pathological dilation of the aorta exceeding the normal diameter (∼20 mm) by more than 50% of its original size (≥30 mm), accounting for approximately 150000-200000 deaths worldwide per year. We previously reported that Notch inhibition does not decrease the size of pre-established AAA at late stage of the disease. Here, we examined whether a potent pharmacologic inhibitor of Notch signaling (DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester)), regresses an actively growing AAA. In a mouse model of an aneurysm (Apoe-/- mice; n=44); DAPT (n=17) or vehicle (n=17) was randomly administered at day 14 of angiotensin II (AngII; 1 µg/min/kg), three times a week and mice were killed on day 42. Progressive increase in aortic stiffness and maximal intraluminal diameter (MILD) was observed in the AngII + vehicle group, which was significantly prevented by DAPT (P<0.01). The regression of aneurysm with DAPT was associated with reduced F4/80+Cd68+ (cluster of differentiation 68) inflammatory macrophages. DAPT improved structural integrity of aorta by reducing collagen fibrils abnormality and restoring their diameter. Mechanistically, C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (Ccr7)+F4/80- dendritic cells (DCs), implicated in the regression of aneurysm, were increased in the aorta of DAPT-treated mice. In the macrophages stimulated with AngII or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), DAPT reverted the expression of pro-inflammatory genes Il6 and Il12 back to baseline within 6 h compared with vehicle (P<0.05). DAPT also significantly increased the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, including c-Myc, Egr2, and Arg1 at 12-24 h in the LPS-stimulated macrophages (P<0.05). Overall, these regressive effects of Notch signaling inhibitor emphasize its therapeutic implications to prevent the progression of active AAAs.

Impact of notch signaling on the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The function of NOTCH signaling (oncogenic or oncosuppressive) remains controversial in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The purpose of this work is to investigate the role of NOTCH pathway in HNSCC prognosis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical NOTCH1 and HES1 expression was jointly evaluated and correlated with other NOTCH1 targets, p21 (WAF1/Cip1) and Cyclin D1, using an unbiased cohort of 372 surgically treated HPV-negative HNSCC patients.

RESULTS

Membranous NOTCH1 expression was detected in 197 (61%) out of 324 evaluable tumor samples, and nuclear NOTCH1 expression in 91 samples (28%). Nuclear HES1 expression was found in 224 (67%) cases. Membranous and nuclear NOTCH1 expression were consistently and significantly correlated with nuclear HES1 (P < 0.001) and p21 (P = 0.03) expression, but not with Cyclin D1. NOTCH1 expression was significantly associated to early stages (I-II), non-recurrent disease, and better disease-specific (DSS) and overall survival (OS) rates (P < 0.001). Moreover, triple-positive cases (NOTCH1+/HES1+/p21+) exhibited significantly improved DSS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.004), thus reinforcing the association of NOTCH pathway activation with a better prognosis in HNSCC. Multivariate analysis further revealed membranous NOTCH1 expression as a robust independent predictor of better DSS (HR = 0.554; 95% IC 0.412-0.745; P < 0.001) and better OS (HR = 0.640; 95% CI 0.491-0.835; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings show the association of NOTCH pathway activation with a better prognosis in HNSCC patients, also revealing membranous NOTCH1 expression as a robust independent predictor of improved survival. Accordingly, these results suggest a tumor suppressive rather than an oncogenic role for NOTCH pathway in HNSCC.

Long Noncoding RNAs Coregulated by Annexin A7 and JNK in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Identified by Whole-Genome Expression Profiling

Knockdown of Annexin A7 (ANXA7) or C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and lymphatic adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, suggesting that ANXA7 and JNK signaling pathways contribute to HCC growth and lymph node metastasis (LNM). While the intervening molecular pathways are largely unknown, emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in ANXA7 and JNK signaling. To identify potential therapeutic targets for HCC, we screened for lncRNAs differentially expressed among Hca-P cells stably expressing shRNA-ANXA7, shRNA-JNK, or control-shRNA. RNA sequencing identified 216 lncRNAs differentially expressed between shRNA-ANXA7 and control-shRNA cells, of which 101 were downregulated and 115 upregulated, as well as 436 lncRNAs differentially expressed between shRNA-JNK and control-shRNA cells, of which 236 were downregulated and 200 upregulated. Fifty-six lncRNAs were differentially expressed under both ANXA7 and JNK knockdown. We selected 4 of these for verification based on putative involvement in cancer regulation according to GO and KEEG analyses of target genes. Knockdown of ANXA7 or JNK suppressed expression of NONMMUT012084.2, NONMMUT024756.2, and ENSMUST00000130486, and enhanced expression of ENSMUST00000197932. These lncRNAs are intriguing candidate targets for mechanistic analysis of HCC progression and therapeutic intervention.

miR-602 Mediates the RASSF1A/JNK Pathway, Thereby Promoting Postoperative Recurrence in Nude Mice with Liver Cancer

Purpose

At present, there are few studies on the mechanisms underlying postoperative recurrence of liver cancer, and the mechanism of action of miR-602 in postoperative recurrence of liver tumors is not clear. Our goals were to investigate the effects of miR-602 on the expression of the Ras-associated domain family 1A (RASSF1A) gene and the regulation of primary and recurrent hepatic tumors to clarify the molecular mechanisms of miR-602 in postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

We constructed a mouse liver orthotopic tumor model and a mouse liver recurrent tumor model. We measured the expression levels of the RASSF1A gene and then analyzed the effects of miR-602 on the regulation of RASSF1A. We transiently transfected the miR-602 gene into cells that stably overexpressed RASSF1A and examined relevant indicators to elucidate the mechanisms by which miR-602 regulates the RASSF1A/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in recurrence and dormancy in liver cancer.

Results

RASSF1A expression was inversely related to that of JNK, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2), and c-Jun in SMMC7721 cells stably transfected with the RASSF1A gene and in recurrent mouse tumor tissues. After transient transfection of cells with miR-602 mimic or miR-602 inhibitor, the expression of miR-602 was inversely related to that of RASSF1A.

Conclusion

MiR-602 might inhibit the JNK signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of RASSF1A, thereby promoting recurrence of liver cancer after surgery. The low expression levels of miR-602 in liver cancer tissues were closely related to postoperative recurrence; they could be used as a marker to judge the prognosis of patients with liver cancer.

Downregulated LRRK2 gene expression inhibits proliferation and migration while promoting the apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells by inhibiting activation of the JNK signaling pathway

Emerging studies have indicated that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is associated with thyroid cancer (TC). The present study investigated the effect of LRRK2 on the cell cycle and apoptosis in TC, and examined the underlying mechanisms in vitro. To screen TC-associated differentially expressed genes, gene expression microarray analysis was conducted. Retrieval of pathways associated with TC from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database indicated that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway serves an essential role in TC. SW579, IHH-4, TFC-133, TPC-1 and Nthy-ori3-1 cell lines were used to screen cell lines with the highest and lowest LRRK2 expression for subsequent experiments. The two selected cell lines were transfected with pcDNA-LRRK2, or small interfering RNA against LRRK2 or SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor). Subsequently, flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, a 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay and a scratch test was conducted to detect the cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, proliferation and migration, respectively, in each group. The LRRK2 gene was determined to be elevated in TC based on the microarray data of the GSE3678 dataset. The SW579 cell line was identified to exhibit the highest LRRK2 expression, while IHH-4 cells exhibited the lowest LRRK2 expression. LRRK2 silencing, through inhibiting the activation of the JNK signaling pathway, increased the expression levels of genes and proteins associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in TC cells, promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration and proliferation in TC cells, indicating that LRRK2 repression could exert beneficial effects through the JNK signaling pathway on TC cells. These observations demonstrate that LRRK2 silencing promotes TC cell growth inhibition, and facilitates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The JNK signaling pathway may serve a crucial role in mediating the anti-carcinogenic activities of downregulated LRRK2 in TC.

The therapeutic effects of nicotinamide in hepatocellular carcinoma through blocking IGF-1 and effecting the balance between Nrf2 and PKB

Insulin growth factor (IGF) family and their receptors play a great role in tumors' development. In addition, IGF-1 enhances cancer progression through regulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, immune modulation and metastasis. Moreover, nicotinamide is association with protection against cancer. Therefore, we conducted this research to examine the therapeutic effects of nicotinamide against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vivo and in vitro through affecting IGF-1 and the balance between PKB and Nrf2. HCC was induced in rats by 200 mg/kg, ip thioacetamide. The rat survival, number and size of tumors and serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) were measured. The gene and protein levels of IGF-1, Nrf2, PKB and JNK-MAPK were assessed in rat livers. In addition, HepG2 cells, human HCC cell lines, were treated with different concentrations of nicotinamide. We found that nicotinamide enhanced the rats' survival and reduced the number and size of hepatic tumors as well as it reduced serum AFP and HepG2 cells survival. Nicotinamide ameliorated HCC-induced reduction in the expression of Nrf2. Moreover, nicotinamide blocked HCC-induced elevation in IGF-1, PKB and JNK-MAPK. In conclusion, nicotinamide produced cytotoxic effects against HCC both in vivo and in vitro. The cytotoxic activity can be explained by inhibition of HCC-induced increased in the expression of IGF-1 and leads to disturbances in the balance between the cell death signal by PKB and MAPK; and the cell survival signal by Nrf2, directing it towards cell survival signals in normal liver cells providing more protection for body against tumor.

The Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer death in the world and has a notably low survival rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classed non-coding RNA (ncRNA) members that are capable of regulating gene expression at transcription or post-transcription levels. Recent studies demonstrate that some circRNAs are differentially expressed in HCC, and the deregulation of these circRNAs is associated with the clinical pathological and prognostic significance. They also play essential roles in HCC progression, and contribute to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis by targeting different microRNAs (miRNAs) and protein-coding genes. In this review, we concentrate on recent progress of some important circRNAs in HCC, with an emphasis on their deregulation, functions and regulatory mechanisms, and discuss their potential utility as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for HCC.

Significance of Notch and Wnt signaling for chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cells HCT116

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (OxaPt) are the main chemotherapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemotherapy response rates for advanced CRC remain low, primarily due to intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance. The importance of Notch and Wnt signaling for carcinogenesis of CRC as well as crosstalk of Notch and Wnt signaling with many oncogenic signaling pathways suggest that Notch and Wnt pathways could be responsible for chemoresistance. In this study, we compared changes in Notch and Wnt signaling after 5-FU and OxaPt treatment in CRC cells HCT116 and its chemoresistant sublines HCT116/FU and HCT116/OXA. The levels of Notch1 receptor intracellular domain NICD1 and non-phosphorylated β-catenin, the reporters of Notch and Wnt signaling, were upregulated in untreated chemoresistant HCT116/FU and HCT116/OXA cells. Our data suggest that Notch inhibitor RO4929097 (RO) and Wnt inhibitor XAV939 (XAV) enhance the survival potential of OxaPt-treated cells. The protein level of Notch target gene HES1 was significantly upregulated in chemoresistant HCT116/FU and HCT116/OXA cells, compared to HCT116. HES1 silencing increased viability of HCT116 and its chemoresistant sublines after 5-FU or OxaPt treatment. The results of HES1 downregulation coincide with RO and XAV effects on cell viability of OxaPt-treated cells.