1
|
Ha S, Wong VWS, Zhang X, Yu J. Interplay between gut microbiome, host genetic and epigenetic modifications in MASLD and MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2024-332398. [PMID: 38950910 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver injuries, ranging from hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis to MASLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASLD-HCC). Recent studies have highlighted the bidirectional impacts between host genetics/epigenetics and the gut microbial community. Host genetics influence the composition of gut microbiome, while the gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can induce host epigenetic modifications to affect the development of MASLD. The exploration of the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the genetic/epigenetic makeup of the host is anticipated to yield promising avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting MASLD and its associated conditions. In this review, we summarise the effects of gut microbiome, host genetics and epigenetic alterations in MASLD and MASLD-HCC. We further discuss research findings demonstrating the bidirectional impacts between gut microbiome and host genetics/epigenetics, emphasising the significance of this interconnection in MASLD prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suki Ha
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Yu
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu X, Ye Q, Lu H, Wu Z, Chen S, Zheng R. Estrogen-mediated DNMT1 and DNMT3A recruitment by EZH2 silences miR-570-3p that contributes to papillary thyroid malignancy through DPP4. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:81. [PMID: 38890707 PMCID: PMC11184720 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01685-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common endocrine malignancy. Studies have indicated that estrogen can regulate the expression of miRNAs in numerous malignancies. MiR-570-3p has been shown to have a regulatory function in various cancers. However, studies of the regulatory function of miR-570-3p and a direct link between estrogen (especially estradiol E2) and miR-570-3p in PTC have not been done. METHODS Expression of miR-570-3p and its downstream target DPP4 in PTC tissues and cells was predicted using bioinformatics and validated by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. We then performed a series of gain-and-loss experiments to assess the functional significance of miR-570-3p/DPP4 axis in PTC progression in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the methylation of the miR-570-3p promoter region was examined via bioinformatics analysis and MSP. Finally, the effects of E2 on PTC progression and the correlation between DNMT1/DNMT3A and EZH2 were predicted by bioinformatic tools and proved by luciferase reporter, ChIP, and co-IP assays. RESULTS In PTC tumor tissues and cell lines, there was a lower expression level and a higher methylation level of miR-570-3p compared to normal tissues and cell lines. DPP4 was identified as the downstream target of miR-570-3p. Overexpression of miR-570-3p reduced the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities, and promoted apoptosis, while overexpression of DPP4 reversed these effects in PTC cells. It was also discovered that DNMT1 and DNMT3A increased the CpG methylation level of the miR-570-3p promoter in an EZH2-dependent manner, which led to decreased expression of miR-570-3p. Furthermore, we observed that estrogen (E2) enhanced the methylation of miR-570-3p and suppressed its expression levels, resulting in augmented tumor growth in vivo in PTC. CONCLUSION Estrogen regulates the EZH2/DNMTs/miR-570-3p/DPP4 signaling pathway to promote PTC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiarong Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyao Ye
- Department of General Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China
| | - HuanQuan Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiming Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruinian Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Z, Lan L, Zhou Y, Li R, Chavin KD, Xu H, Li L, Shih DJH, Jim Zheng W. Developing deep learning-based strategies to predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from electronic health records. J Biomed Inform 2024; 152:104626. [PMID: 38521180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2024.104626] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The accuracy of deep learning models for many disease prediction problems is affected by time-varying covariates, rare incidence, covariate imbalance and delayed diagnosis when using structured electronic health records data. The situation is further exasperated when predicting the risk of one disease on condition of another disease, such as the hepatocellular carcinoma risk among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to slow, chronic progression, the scarce of data with both disease conditions and the sex bias of the diseases. The goal of this study is to investigate the extent to which the aforementioned issues influence deep learning performance, and then devised strategies to tackle these challenges. These strategies were applied to improve hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS We evaluated two representative deep learning models in the task of predicting the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in a cohort of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 220,838) from a national EHR database. The disease prediction task was carefully formulated as a classification problem while taking censorship and the length of follow-up into consideration. RESULTS We developed a novel backward masking scheme to deal with the issue of delayed diagnosis which is very common in EHR data analysis and evaluate how the length of longitudinal information after the index date affects disease prediction. We observed that modeling time-varying covariates improved the performance of the algorithms and transfer learning mitigated reduced performance caused by the lack of data. In addition, covariate imbalance, such as sex bias in data impaired performance. Deep learning models trained on one sex and evaluated in the other sex showed reduced performance, indicating the importance of assessing covariate imbalance while preparing data for model training. CONCLUSIONS The strategies developed in this work can significantly improve the performance of hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, our novel strategies can be generalized to apply to other disease risk predictions using structured electronic health records, especially for disease risks on condition of another disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lan Lan
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yujia Zhou
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruoxing Li
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kenneth D Chavin
- Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hua Xu
- Yale School of Medicine, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, FCT4.6008, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David J H Shih
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - W Jim Zheng
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiao-Hong H, Meng W, Yang-Yang P, Jiang-Feng F, Jing-Lei W, Ling Z, Ya-Ying W, Tong-Xiang Z, Tian Z, Tian-Yi D, Yan C, Si-Jiu Y. Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in yak granulosa cells through miR-23a/ASK1 axis. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111010. [PMID: 38128707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111010] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), miR-23a, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), autophagy and apoptosis play crucial roles in follicular development. However, their role in yak granulosa cells (GCs) remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of miR-23a, ASK1, FSH, and LH on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in these cells. Our results showed that miR-23a overexpression significantly increased the abundance of Beclin1, the LC3II/I ratio, and the number of Ad-mRFP-GFP-LC3-labeled autophagosomes, and decreased p62 abundance. Additionally, Bax abundance and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotide triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells were reduced, while Bcl2 expression was increased. Overexpression of miR-23a also significantly increased the abundance of estradiol receptor α (ER-α) and β (ER-β) and the concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) in yak GCs. Here, treating yak GCs with miR-23a decreased ASK1 expression, which regulates ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, E2 and P4 levels, and ER-α/β abundance. In contrast, treatment of yak GCs with FSH (10 μg/mL) and LH (100 μg/mL) increased miR-23a abundance, regulating the subsequent effect on ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, ER-α/β abundance, and E2 and P4 concentrations. In conclusion, miR-23a enhances autophagy in yak GCs, attenuates apoptosis, and increases ER-α/β abundance and E2 and P4 concentrations by downregulating ASK1. Additionally, FSH and LH can regulate these effects of miR-23a by altering its expression. These results provide important insights that can inform the development of strategies to reduce abnormal follicular atresia and improve the reproductive rate of yaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao-Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Pan Yang-Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Fan Jiang-Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Jing-Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhao Ling
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Ya-Ying
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhang Tong-Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhao Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ding Tian-Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Cui Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yu Si-Jiu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li H, Jiang W, Liu S, Yang M, Chen S, Pan Y, Cui M. Connecting the mechanisms of tumor sex differences with cancer therapy. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:213-231. [PMID: 37027097 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04723-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in cancer incidence and survival are constant and pronounced globally, across all races and all age groups of cancer types. In 2016, after the National Institutes of Health proposed a policy of utilizing sex as a biological variable, researchers started paying more attention to the molecular mechanisms behind gender variations in cancer. Historically, most previous studies investigating sex differences have been centered on gonadal sex hormones. Nevertheless, sex differences also involve genetic and molecular pathways that run throughout the entire process of cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and treatment response, in addition to sex hormones. In particular, there is significant gender dimorphism in the efficacy and toxicity of oncology treatments, including conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as the emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapy. To be clear, not all mechanisms will exhibit gender bias, and not all gender bias will affect cancer risk. Our goal in this review is to discuss some of the significant sex-related changes in fundamental cancer pathways. To this purpose, we summarize the differential impact of gender on cancer development in three dimensions: sex hormones, genetics, and epigenetics, and focus on current hot subjects including tumor suppressor function, immunology, stem cell renewal, and non-coding RNAs. Clarifying the essential mechanisms of gender differences will help guide the clinical treatment of both sexes in tumor radiation and chemotherapy, medication therapy with various targets, immunotherapy, and even drug development. We anticipate that sex-differentiated research will help advance sex-based cancer personalized medicine models and encourage future basic scientific and clinical research to take sex into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weibo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Manshi Yang
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihan Pan
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smiriglia A, Lorito N, Serra M, Perra A, Morandi A, Kowalik MA. Sex difference in liver diseases: How preclinical models help to dissect the sex-related mechanisms sustaining NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2023; 26:108363. [PMID: 38034347 PMCID: PMC10682354 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108363] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few preclinical findings are confirmed in the clinic, posing a critical issue for clinical development. Therefore, identifying the best preclinical models can help to dissect molecular and mechanistic insights into liver disease pathogenesis while being clinically relevant. In this context, the sex relevance of most preclinical models has been only partially considered. This is particularly significant in NAFLD and HCC, which have a higher prevalence in men when compared to pre-menopause women but not to those in post-menopausal status, suggesting a role for sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the diseases. This review gathers the sex-relevant findings and the available preclinical models focusing on both in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses the potential implications and perspectives of introducing the sex effect in the selection of the best preclinical model. This is a critical aspect that would help to tailor personalized therapies based on sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Smiriglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicla Lorito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nuermaimaiti A, Chang L, Yan Y, Sun H, Xiao Y, Song S, Feng K, Lu Z, Ji H, Wang L. The role of sex hormones and receptors in HBV infection and development of HBV-related HCC. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29298. [PMID: 38087447 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gender disparity in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases has been extensively documented. Epidemiological studies consistently reported that males have a higher prevalence of HBV infection and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further investigations have revealed that sex hormone-related signal transductions play a significant role in gender disparity. Sex hormone axes showed significantly different responses to virus entry and replication. The sex hormones axes change the HBV-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, Sex hormone axes showed different effects on the development of HBV-related disease. But the role of sex hormones remains controversial, and researchers have not reached a consensus on the role of sex hormones and the use of hormone therapies in HCC treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the experimental findings on sex hormones and provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the development of HCC and their implications for hormone-related HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoqun Lu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li Z, Lan L, Zhou Y, Li R, Chavin KD, Xu H, Li L, Shih DJH, Zheng WJ. Developing deep learning-based strategies to predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from electronic health records. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.17.23298691. [PMID: 38014193 PMCID: PMC10680899 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.23298691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Deep learning models showed great success and potential when applied to many biomedical problems. However, the accuracy of deep learning models for many disease prediction problems is affected by time-varying covariates, rare incidence, and covariate imbalance when using structured electronic health records data. The situation is further exasperated when predicting the risk of one disease on condition of another disease, such as the hepatocellular carcinoma risk among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to slow, chronic progression, the scarce of data with both disease conditions and the sex bias of the diseases. Objective The goal of this study is to investigate the extent to which time-varying covariates, rare incidence, and covariate imbalance influence deep learning performance, and then devised strategies to tackle these challenges. These strategies were applied to improve hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods We evaluated two representative deep learning models in the task of predicting the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in a cohort of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 220,838) from a national EHR database. The disease prediction task was carefully formulated as a classification problem while taking censorship and the length of follow-up into consideration. Results We developed a novel backward masking scheme to evaluate how the length of longitudinal information after the index date affects disease prediction. We observed that modeling time-varying covariates improved the performance of the algorithms and transfer learning mitigated reduced performance caused by the lack of data. In addition, covariate imbalance, such as sex bias in data impaired performance. Deep learning models trained on one sex and evaluated in the other sex showed reduced performance, indicating the importance of assessing covariate imbalance while preparing data for model training. Conclusions Devising proper strategies to address challenges from time-varying covariates, lack of data, and covariate imbalance can be key to counteracting data bias and accurately predicting disease occurrence using deep learning models. The novel strategies developed in this work can significantly improve the performance of hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, our novel strategies can be generalized to apply to other disease risk predictions using structured electronic health records, especially for disease risks on condition of another disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Lan Lan
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Yujia Zhou
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Ruoxing Li
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Kenneth D. Chavin
- Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland OH 44106
| | | | - Liang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, FCT4.6008, Houston TX 77030
| | | | - W. Jim Zheng
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77030
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang S, Li J, Wang D, Xu D, Jin J, Wang Y. Predicting Drug-Disease Associations Through Similarity Network Fusion and Multi-View Feature Projection Representation. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2023; 27:5165-5176. [PMID: 37527303 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3300717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Predicting drug-disease associations (DDAs) through computational methods has become a prevalent trend in drug development because of their high efficiency and low cost. Existing methods usually focus on constructing heterogeneous networks by collecting multiple data resources to improve prediction ability. However, potential association possibilities of numerous unconfirmed drug-related or disease-related pairs are not sufficiently considered. In this article, we propose a novel computational model to predict new DDAs. First, a heterogeneous network is constructed, including four types of nodes (drugs, targets, cell lines, diseases) and three types of edges (associations, association scores, similarities). Second, an updating and merging-based similarity network fusion method, termed UM-SF, is presented to fuse various similarity networks with diverse weights. Finally, an intermediate layer-mediated multi-view feature projection representation method, termed IM-FP, is proposed to calculate the predicted DDA scores. This method uses multiple association scores to construct multi-view drug features, then projects them into disease space through the intermediate layer, where an intermediate layer similarity constraint is designed to learn the projection matrices. Results of comparative experiments reveal the effectiveness of our innovations. Comparisons with other state-of-the-art models by the 10-fold cross-validation experiment indicate our model's advantage on AUROC and AUPR metrics. Moreover, our proposed model successfully predicted 107 novel high-ranked DDAs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Caserta S, Gangemi S, Murdaca G, Allegra A. Gender Differences and miRNAs Expression in Cancer: Implications on Prognosis and Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11544. [PMID: 37511303 PMCID: PMC10380791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small, noncoding molecules of about twenty-two nucleotides with crucial roles in both healthy and pathological cells. Their expression depends not only on genetic factors, but also on epigenetic mechanisms like genomic imprinting and inactivation of X chromosome in females that influence in a sex-dependent manner onset, progression, and response to therapy of different diseases like cancer. There is evidence of a correlation between miRNAs, sex, and cancer both in solid tumors and in hematological malignancies; as an example, in lymphomas, with a prevalence rate higher in men than women, miR-142 is "silenced" because of its hypermethylation by DNA methyltransferase-1 and it is blocked in its normal activity of regulating the migration of the cell. This condition corresponds in clinical practice with a more aggressive tumor. In addition, cancer treatment can have advantages from the evaluation of miRNAs expression; in fact, therapy with estrogens in hepatocellular carcinoma determines an upregulation of the oncosuppressors miR-26a, miR-92, and miR-122 and, consequently, apoptosis. The aim of this review is to present an exhaustive collection of scientific data about the possible role of sex differences on the expression of miRNAs and the mechanisms through which miRNAs influence cancerogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis of cells from diverse types of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santino Caserta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang L, Wu J, Wu Q, Zhang X, Lin S, Ran W, Zhu L, Tang C, Wang X. Sex steroid axes in determining male predominance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 555:216037. [PMID: 36563929 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The mechanisms for male propensity in HCC incidence, prognosis and treatment responses are complicated and remain inconclusive. Sex-biased molecular signatures in carcinogenesis, viral infections and immune responses have been studied predominantly within the context of sex hormones effects. This review integrates current knowledge on the mechanisms through which the hormones regulate HCC development in sexually dimorphic fashion. Firstly, the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) accelerate cell proliferation and virus infection, especially during the initial stage of HCC, while estrogen/estrogen receptor (ER) function in an opposite way to induce cell apoptosis and immune responses. Interestingly, the controversial effects of AR in late stage of HCC metastasis are summarized and the reasons are attributed to inconsistent cancer grading or experimental models between the studies. In addition, the new insights into these intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism are fully discussed. A detailed understanding of sex hormones-associated regulation to male predominance in HCC may help to develop personalized therapeutic strategies in high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - JinFeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - QiuMei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - XiangJuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - ShuaiCai Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - WanLi Ran
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - ChengYan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abdel Halim AS, Rudayni HA, Chaudhary AA, Ali MAM. MicroRNAs: Small molecules with big impacts in liver injury. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:32-69. [PMID: 36317692 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30908] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A type of small noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) fine-tune gene expression posttranscriptionally by binding to certain messenger RNA targets. Numerous physiological processes in the liver, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, are regulated by miRNAs. Additionally, there is growing evidence that miRNAs contribute to liver pathology. Extracellular vesicles like exosomes, which contain secreted miRNAs, may facilitate paracrine and endocrine communication between various tissues by changing the gene expression and function of distal cells. The use of stable miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers was made possible by the discovery of these molecules in body fluids. Circulating miRNAs reflect the conditions of the liver that are abnormal and may serve as new biomarkers for the early detection, prognosis, and evaluation of liver pathological states. miRNAs are appealing therapeutic targets for a range of liver disease states because altered miRNA expression is associated with deregulation of the liver's metabolism, liver damage, liver fibrosis, and tumor formation. This review provides a comprehensive review and update on miRNAs biogenesis pathways and mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene silencing. It also outlines how miRNAs affect hepatic cell proliferation, death, and regeneration as well as hepatic detoxification. Additionally, it highlights the diverse functions that miRNAs play in the onset and progression of various liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, hepatitis C virus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, it summarizes the diverse liver-specific miRNAs, illustrating the potential merits and possible caveats of their utilization as noninvasive biomarkers and appealing therapeutic targets for liver illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa S Abdel Halim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Ahmed Rudayni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anis Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A M Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sweed D, Sweed E, Moaz I, Mosbeh A, Fayed Y, Elhamed SMA, Sweed E, Macshut M, Abdelsattar S, Kilany S, Saied SA, Badr R, Abdallah MS, Ehsan N. The clinicopathological and prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma: a 10-year tertiary center experience in Egypt. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:298. [PMID: 36117166 PMCID: PMC9484175 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major health problem despite the emergence of several preventive and therapeutic modalities. HCC has heterogeneous and wide morpho-molecular patterns, resulting in unique clinical and prognostic criteria. Therefore, we aimed to study the clinical and pathological criteria of HCC to update the morpho-molecular classifications and provide a guide to the diagnosis of this disease. METHODS Five hundred thirty pathologically analyzed HCC cases were included in this study. The clinical and survival data of these cases were collected. RESULTS Hepatitis C virus is still the dominant cause of HCC in Egypt. Post-direct-acting antiviral agent HCC showed an aggressive course compared to interferon-related HCC. Old age, male gender, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor size, and background liver were important prognostic parameters. Special HCC variants have characteristic clinical, laboratory, radiological, prognostic, and survival data. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes rather than neutrophil-rich HCC have an excellent prognosis. CONCLUSIONS HCC is a heterogenous tumor with diverse clinical, pathological, and prognostic parameters. Incorporating the clinicopathological profile per specific subtype is essential in the treatment decision of patients with HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION This was a retrospective study that included 530 HCC cases eligible for analysis. The cases were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department, during the period between January 2010 and December 2019. Clinical and survival data were collected from the patients' medical records after approval by the institutional review board (IRB No. 246/2021) of Liver National Institute, Menoufia University. The research followed the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05047146).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Enas Sweed
- grid.411660.40000 0004 0621 2741Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Inas Moaz
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Asmaa Mosbeh
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Yahya Fayed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara Mohamed Abd Elhamed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Eman Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Macshut
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abdelsattar
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Kilany
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara A. Saied
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Reda Badr
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S. Abdallah
- grid.449877.10000 0004 4652 351XClinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Nermine Ehsan
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Meng X, Liu X. Therapeutic Value of Estrogen Receptor α in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Molecular Mechanisms. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:140-146. [PMID: 35233383 PMCID: PMC8845150 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly lower in women than men, implying that estrogen receptors (ERs) may play an important role in this sex dimorphism. Recently, considerable progress has been made in expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of ERs in HCC. As one of the most important ERs, ERα functions as a tumor suppressor in the progression of HCC through various pathways, such as STAT3 signaling pathways, lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. However, the function of ERα was reduced with the changes of some molecules in the liver, which may develop further into HCC and make it difficult to achieve an effective hormone treatment effect. Intriguingly, there are signs that individualized hormone therapy according to the activity of ERα will overcome this challenge. Based on these observations, it is particularly imperative to reassess and extend the function of ERα. In this review, we mainly elucidated molecular mechanisms associated with ERα in HCC and investigated the individualized hormone therapy based on these mechanisms, with the aim of providing new insights for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhe Meng
- Second Clinical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Correspondence to: Xue Liu, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, Shandong 272067, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7817-8392. Tel: +86-15053798589, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
MicroRNAs as biomarkers in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review of recent clinical evidence. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 213:107130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
16
|
Yun J, Kim YS, Heo MJ, Kim MJ, Moon A, Kim SG. ERα inhibits mesenchymal and amoeboidal movement of liver cancer cell via Gα12. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1690-1705. [PMID: 35020952 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cancer worldwide, demonstrating aggressiveness and mortality more frequently in men than in women. Despite reports regarding the inhibitory ability of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, ESR1) in certain cancer progression, targets and the basis of underlying gender disparity in HCC worsening remain elusive. Here, we report the ability of ERα to transcriptionally inhibit G protein subunit alpha 12 (Gα12) responsible for HCC worsening. First, using human samples and public database, the expression of ERα and Gα12 in HCC was examined. Then, quantitative real-time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation-assay, luciferase assay, and immunoblottings of liver cancer cell lines confirmed the inhibitory ability of ERα on Gα12 and HCC progression. Gα12 promoted mesenchymal characteristics and amoeboidal movement, which was antagonized by ERα overexpression. Additionally, we found microRNA-141 and -200a as downstream targets of the Gα12 signaling axis for cancer malignancy regulation under the control of ERα. As for in-depth mechanism, PTP4A1 was found to be directly inhibited by microRNA-141 and -200a. Moreover, we found the inhibitory effect of ERα on amoeboidal movement by analyzing the morphology and blebbing of liver cancer cells and the active form of MLC levels. The identified targets and ESR1 levels are inversely correlated in human specimens, as well as with sex-biased survival rates of HCC patients. Collectively, ERα-dependent repression of Gα12 and consequent changes in the Gα12 signaling may explain the gender disparity in HCC, providing pharmacological clues for the control of metastatic HCC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Seok Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Heo
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aree Moon
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Geon Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Kyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Associations between the Levels of Estradiol-, Progesterone-, and Testosterone-Sensitive MiRNAs and Main Clinicopathologic Features of Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 12:jpm12010004. [PMID: 35055320 PMCID: PMC8779432 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the existing advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC), the search for markers associated with the clinicopathological features of BC is still in demand. MiRNAs (miRs) have potential as markers, since a change in the miRNA expression profile accompanies the initiation and progression of malignant diseases. The receptors for estrogen, androgen, and progesterone (ER, AR, and PR) play an important role in breast carcinogenesis. Therefore, to search for miRNAs that may function as markers in BC, using bioinformatic analysis and the literature data, we selected 13 miRNAs whose promoter regions contain binding sites for ER or AR, or putative binding sites for ER, AR, and PR. We quantified their expression in MCF-7 cells treated with estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone. The levels of miRNAs sensitive to one or more of these hormones were quantified in BC samples (n = 196). We discovered that high expression levels of miR-190b in breast tumor tissue indicate a positive ER status, and miR-423 and miR-200b levels differ between patients with and without HER2 amplification. The miR-193b, -423, -190a, -324, and -200b levels were associated with tumor size or lymph node status in BC patients, but the presence of these associations depended on the status and expression level of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67. We also found that miR-21 expression depends on HER2 expression in ER- and/or PR-positive BC. The levels of miRNA were significantly different between HER2 0 and HER2 1+ tumors (p = 0.027), and between HER2 0 and HER2 2+, 3+ tumors (p = 0.005).
Collapse
|
18
|
Ganesan S, Mathews V, Vyas N. Microenvironment and drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia: Do we know enough? Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1401-1411. [PMID: 34921734 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AMLs), as the name suggests, often develop suddenly and are very progressive forms of cancer. Unlike in acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of AML, the outcomes in most other AMLs remain poor. This is mainly attributed to the acquired drug resistance and lack of targeted therapy. Different studies across laboratories suggest that the cellular mechanisms to impart therapy resistance are often very dynamic and should be identified in a context-specific manner. Our review highlights the progress made so far in identifying the different cellular mechanisms of mutation-independent therapy resistance in AML. It reiterates that for more effective outcomes cancer therapies should acquire a more tailored approach where the protective interactions between the cancer cells and their niches are identified and targeted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Ganesan
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Vikram Mathews
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Neha Vyas
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, SJNAHS, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bizzarri AR, Cannistraro S. Direct Interaction of miRNA and circRNA with the Oncosuppressor p53: An Intriguing Perspective in Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6108. [PMID: 34885216 PMCID: PMC8657023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are linear single-stranded non-coding RNAs oligonucleotides, widely distributed in cells, playing a key role as regulators of gene expression at post-transcriptional level. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides forming a covalently closed continuous loop, which confers them a high structural stability and which may code for proteins or act as gene regulators. Abnormal levels or dysregulation of miRNA or circRNA are linked to several cancerous pathologies, so that they are receiving a large attention as diagnostic and prognostic tools. Some miRNAs and circRNAs are strongly involved in the regulatory networks of the transcription factor p53, which plays a pivotal role as tumor suppressor. Overexpression of miRNAs and/or circRNAs, as registered in a number of cancers, is associated to a concomitant inhibition of the p53 onco-suppressive function. Among other mechanisms, it was recently suggested that a functional inhibition of p53 could arise from a direct interaction between p53 and oncogenic miRNAs or circRNAs; a mechanism that might be reminiscent of the p53 inhibition by some E3 ubiquitin ligase such as MDM2 and COP1. Such evidence might deserve important implications for restoring the p53 anticancer functionality, and pave the way to intriguing perspectives for novel therapeutic strategies. In the present paper, the experimental evidence of the interaction between p53 and miRNAs and/or circRNAs is reviewed and discussed in connection with the development of new anticancer approaches.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zheng Y, Zhang X, Lu J, Liu S, Qian Y. Association between socioeconomic status and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7347-7359. [PMID: 34414679 PMCID: PMC8525159 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear, and there is no nomogram integrated SES and clinicopathological factors to predict the prognosis of HCC. This research aims to confirm the effects of SES on predicting patients' survival and to establish a nomogram to predict the prognosis of HCC. METHODS The data of HCC patients were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Final Results (SEER) database from 2011 to 2015. SES (age at diagnosis, race and sex, median family income, education level, insurance status, marital status, residence, cost of living index, poverty rate) and clinicopathological factors were included in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Nomograms for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were established and evaluated by the concordance index (C-index), the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the calibration plot, the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and the net reclassification improvement (NRI). RESULTS A total of 33,670 diagnosed HCC patients were involved, and nomograms consisting of 19 variables were established. The C-indexes of the nomograms are higher than TNM staging system, which predicts the CSS (0.789 vs. 0.692, p < 0.01) and OS (0.777 vs. 0.675, p < 0.01). The ROC curve, calibration diagram, IDI, and NRI showed the improved prognostic value in 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. CONCLUSION SES plays an important role in the prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, policymakers can make more precise and socially approved policies to improve HCC patients' CSS and OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongshun Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinsen Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mancini F, Giorgini L, Teveroni E, Pontecorvi A, Moretti F. Role of Sex in the Therapeutic Targeting of p53 Circuitry. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698946. [PMID: 34307167 PMCID: PMC8298065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex profoundly affects cancer incidence and susceptibility to therapy, with sex hormones highly contributing to this disparity. Various studies and omics data suggest a relationship between sex and the oncosuppressor p53 circuitry, including its regulators MDM2 and MDM4. Association of this network with genetic variation underlies sex-related altered cancer risk, age of onset, and cancer sensitivity to therapy. Moreover, sex-related factors, mainly estrogenic hormones, can affect the levels and/or function of the p53 network both in hormone-dependent and independent cancer. Despite this evidence, preclinical and clinical studies aimed to evaluate p53 targeted therapy rarely consider sex and related factors. This review summarizes the studies reporting the relationship between sex and the p53 circuitry, including its associated regulators, MDM2 and MDM4, with particular emphasis on estrogenic hormones. Moreover, we reviewed the evaluation of sex/hormone in preclinical studies and clinical trials employing p53-target therapies, and discuss how patients’ sex and hormonal status could impact these therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancini
- Research Unit on Human Reproduction, International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Giorgini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Italy.,Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Teveroni
- Research Unit on Human Reproduction, International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Moretti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu J, Nagy LE, Liangpunsakul S, Wang L. Non-coding RNA crosstalk with nuclear receptors in liver disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166083. [PMID: 33497819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of nuclear receptors (NRs) underlies the pathogenesis of a variety of liver disorders. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are defined as RNA molecules transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two types of ncRNAs that have been extensively studied for regulating gene expression during diverse cellular processes. NRs as therapeutic targets in liver disease have been exemplified by the successful application of their pharmacological ligands in clinics. MiRNA-based reagents or drugs are emerging as flagship products in clinical trials. Advancing our understanding of the crosstalk between NRs and ncRNAs is critical to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes recent findings on the reciprocal regulation between NRs and ncRNAs (mainly on miRNAs and lncRNAs) and their implication in liver pathophysiology, which might be informative to the translational medicine of targeting NRs and ncRNAs in liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Wu
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America.
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guo Y, Wu G, Yi J, Yang Q, Jiang W, Lin S, Yang X, Cai X, Mao L. Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effect and Molecular Mechanism of the Estrogen Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763539. [PMID: 35096574 PMCID: PMC8789654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are significant gender differences in the incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with men, the incidence and mortality of HCC in women are relatively low. The estrogen signaling pathway, composed of estrogen and estrogen receptors, has been postulated to have a protective effect on the occurrence and development of HCC. There have been multiple studies that have supported anti-HCC effects of the estrogen signaling pathways, including direct and indirect pathways such as genomic pathways, rapid transduction pathways, non-coding RNA, tumor microenvironment, estrogen metabolites, and inhibition of hepatitis infection and replication. Based on the evidence of an anti-HCC effect of the estrogen signaling pathway, a number of strategies have been investigated to determine the potential therapeutic effect. These have included estrogen replacement therapy, targeting the estrogen receptor, key molecules, inflammatory mediators, and regulatory pathways of the estrogen signaling pathway. In this review, we have systematically summarized the latest developments in the complex functions and molecular mechanisms of the estrogen signaling pathway in liver cancer. Furthermore, we have highlighted the potential targets of treatment strategies based on the estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of liver cancer and the principal obstacles currently encountered for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junrong Yi
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wengong Jiang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Liufeng Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rossini E, Tamburello M, Abate A, Beretta S, Fragni M, Cominelli M, Cosentini D, Hantel C, Bono F, Grisanti S, Poliani PL, Tiberio GAM, Memo M, Sigala S, Berruti A. Cytotoxic Effect of Progesterone, Tamoxifen and Their Combination in Experimental Cell Models of Human Adrenocortical Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:669426. [PMID: 33981288 PMCID: PMC8108132 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.669426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (Pg) and estrogen (E) receptors (PgRs and ERs) are expressed in normal and neoplastic adrenal cortex, but their role is not fully understood. In literature, Pg demonstrated cytotoxic activity on AdrenoCortical Carcinoma (ACC) cells, while tamoxifen is cytotoxic in NCI-H295R cells. Here, we demonstrated that in ACC cell models, ERs were expressed in NCI-H295R cells with a prevalence of ER-β over the ER-α.Metastasis-derived MUC-1 and ACC115m cells displayed a very weak ER-α/β signal, while PgR cells were expressed, although at low level. Accordingly, these latter were resistant to the SERM tamoxifen and scarcely sensitive to Pg, as we observed a lower potency compared to NCI-H295R cells in cytotoxicity (IC50: MUC-1 cells: 67.58 µM (95%CI: 63.22-73.04), ACC115m cells: 51.76 µM (95%CI: 46.45-57.67) and cell proliferation rate. Exposure of NCI-H295R cells to tamoxifen induced cytotoxicity (IC50: 5.43 µM (95%CI: 5.18-5.69 µM) mainly involving ER-β, as their nuclear localization increased after tamoxifen: Δ A.U. treated vs untreated: 12 h: +27.04% (p < 0.01); 24 h: +36.46% (p < 0.0001). This effect involved the SF-1 protein reduction: Pg: -36.34 ± 9.26%; tamoxifen: -46.25 ± 15.68% (p < 0.01). Finally, in a cohort of 36 ACC samples, immunohistochemistry showed undetectable/low level of ERs, while PgR demonstrated a higher expression. In conclusion, ACC experimental cell models expressed PgR and low levels of ER in line with data obtained in patient tissues, thus limiting the possibility of a clinical approach targeting ER. Interestingly, Pg exerted cytotoxicity also in metastatic ACC cells, although with low potency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rossini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martina Fragni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Federica Bono
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido A. M. Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sandra Sigala,
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Costa AR, Lança de Oliveira M, Cruz I, Gonçalves I, Cascalheira JF, Santos CRA. The Sex Bias of Cancer. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:785-799. [PMID: 32900596 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In hormone-dependent organs, sex hormones and dysregulated hormone signaling have well-documented roles in cancers of the breast and female reproductive organs including endometrium and ovary, as well as in prostate and testicular cancers in males. Strikingly, epidemiological data highlight significant differences between the sexes in the incidence of various cancers in nonreproductive organs, where the role of sex hormones has been less well studied. In an era when personalized medicine is gaining recognition, understanding the molecular, cellular, and biological differences between men and women is timely for developing more appropriate therapeutic interventions according to gender. We review evidence that sex hormones also shape many of the dysregulated cellular and molecular pathways that lead to cell proliferation and cancer in nonreproductive organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Costa
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Inês Cruz
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Cascalheira
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hippo/MST blocks breast cancer by downregulating WBP2 oncogene expression via miRNA processor Dicer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:669. [PMID: 32820148 PMCID: PMC7441404 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02901-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
WBP2 transcription coactivator is an emerging oncoprotein and a key node of convergence between EGF and Wnt signaling pathways. Understanding how WBP2 is regulated has important implications for cancer therapy. WBP2 is tightly controlled by post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination, leading to changes in subcellular localization, protein–protein interactions, and protein turnover. As the function of WBP2 is intricately linked to YAP and TAZ, we hypothesize that WBP2 is negatively regulated by the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Indeed, MST is demonstrated to negatively regulate WBP2 expression in a kinase-dependent but LATS-independent manner. This was observed in the majority of the breast cancer cell lines tested. The effect of MST was enhanced by SAV and concomitant with the inhibition of the transcription co-activation, in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis activities of WBP2, resulting in good prognosis in xenografts. Downregulation of WBP2 by MST involved miRNA but not proteasomal or lysosomal degradation. Our data support the existence of a novel MST-Dicer signaling axis, which in turn regulates both WBP2 CDS- and UTR-targeting miRNAs expression, including miR-23a. MiR-23a targets the 3′UTR of WBP2 mRNA directly. Significant inverse relationships between WBP2 and MST or miR23a expression levels in clinical specimens were observed. In conclusion, WBP2 is a target of the Hippo/MST kinase; MST is identified as yet another rheostat in the regulation of WBP2 and its oncogenic function. The findings have implications in targeted therapeutics and precision medicine for breast cancer.
Collapse
|
27
|
Silver JL, Alexander SE, Dillon HT, Lamon S, Wadley GD. Extracellular vesicular miRNA expression is not a proxy for skeletal muscle miRNA expression in males and females following acute, moderate intensity exercise. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14520. [PMID: 32812391 PMCID: PMC7435037 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle and extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNA expression increases following acute endurance exercise. However, research to date has only been performed in males. The aim of this study was to describe the expression levels of a subset of miRNAs in EVs following acute exercise and compare it to skeletal muscle miRNA expression. Twelve males (age 22.9 ± 2.6 years, mean ± SD) and eight females (age 23.0 ± 3.4 years) cycled for 60 min at 70% VO2 peak. Muscle biopsies and blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after and 3 hr after exercise. Acute exercise did not significantly alter the expression of miR-1, miR-16, miR-23b and miR-133a/b in EVs in males and females combined. There were no correlations between EV and skeletal muscle miRNA expression in any of the measured species at any time point. Exploratory analysis revealed differential miRNA responses to exercise between males and females. In males, a weak negative correlation was observed between skeletal muscle and EV miR-16 expression immediately following exercise; however, the physiological relevance of this correlation is unknown. Additionally, when compared with values at rest, male skeletal muscle miR-16 expression significantly increased immediately following exercise, whereas miR-133a expression significantly decreased 3 hr post exercise. Our findings suggest that miRNAs isolated from EVs are not a proxy for skeletal muscle miRNA content. Our exploratory data is the first known evidence of sex-specific differences in the miRNA response to an acute bout of endurance exercise, particularly for miRNA species implicated in mitochondrial metabolism and angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Silver
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Sarah E. Alexander
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Hayley T. Dillon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Glenn D. Wadley
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
DTNA promotes HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating STAT3 and regulating TGFβ1 and P53 signaling. Life Sci 2020; 258:118029. [PMID: 32619495 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the roles and molecular mechanisms of Dystrobrevin-α (DTNA) in HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and HCC pathogenesis. METHODS DTNA expression was bioinformatically analyzed using the GEO database. DTNA expression was silenced by transfection with shRNAs. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry respectively. The expression of genes in mRNA or protein levels was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. The interaction between proteins was predicted with the String and GCBI online softwares, and then confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Animal models were established by injecting nude mice with AVV8-HBV1.3 vector. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed a significantly increase in DTNA expression in HBV-positive liver cirrhosis and HCC patients. HBV infection caused a significantly increase in DTNA expression in HCC cell lines HepAD38 and HepG2.2.15. DTNA knockdown suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HBV-infected HepAD38 and HepG2.2.15 cells. HBV induced elevated expression of fibrosis-related genes Collagen II and TGFβ1 in LO-2 cells, which were suppressed by DTNA knockdown. DTNA directly binded with STAT3 protein to promote STAT3 phosphorylation and TGFβ1 expression and repress P53 expression in HBV-infected HepAD38 and LO-2 cells. The DTNA/STAT3 axis was activated during HBV-induced fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC development in mouse model. CONCLUSION DTNA binds with and further activates STAT3 to induce TGFβ1 expression and repress P53 expression, thus promoting HBV-induced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
Collapse
|
29
|
Two ways of epigenetic silencing of TFPI2 in cervical cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234873. [PMID: 32559232 PMCID: PMC7304613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Comparison of human mRNA microarray results from tumor-associated and normal cervical fibroblasts revealed significant TFPI2 downregulation in tumor-associated fibroblasts isolated from cervical cancer, indicating that TFPI2 downregulation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In the present work, we investigated the mechanism of TFPI2 downregulation in tumor-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. Methods In vitro models of monocultures and co-cultures were established with tumor cells and fibroblasts to explore the changes of TFPI-2 expression and epigenetic modifications of the TFPI2 gene. Results The TFPI2 gene was hypermethylated only in tumor cells. Reduction of TFPI-2 protein levels in tumor-associated fibroblasts, although the gene was not methylated, suggested alternative regulatory mechanisms of gene expression, such as inhibition by microRNAs. The expression pattern of miR-23a, a gene thought to inhibit TFPI2 translation, showed changes strongly correlated to detected TFPI-2 protein alterations. Transfections with miR-23a mimics resulted in a decrease of TFPI-2 protein expression whereas miR-23a inhibitors increased the TFPI-2 amount. Due to downregulation of miR-23a expression by HPV in cancer cells, TFPI2 was silenced by promoter methylation. In contrary, miR-23a was active in HPV-free fibroblasts and inactivated TFPI2. Conclusion These results indicate dual epigenetic inhibition of TFPI2 on the transcription level by promoter methylation in cancer cells and on the translation level by miR-23a in tumor-associated fibroblasts. As a consequence, inactivation of the TFPI2 gene plays a strategic role in the progression of cervical cancer.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sex Hormone-Dependent Physiology and Diseases of Liver. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082620. [PMID: 32290381 PMCID: PMC7216036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is associated not only with somatic and behavioral differences between men and women, but also with physiological differences reflected in organ metabolism. Genes regulated by sex hormones differ in expression in various tissues, which is especially important in the case of liver metabolism, with the liver being a target organ for sex hormones as its cells express estrogen receptors (ERs: ERα, also known as ESR1 or NR3A; ERβ; GPER (G protein-coupled ER, also known as GPR 30)) and the androgen receptor (AR) in both men and women. Differences in sex hormone levels and sex hormone-specific gene expression are mentioned as some of the main variations in causes of the incidence of hepatic diseases; for example, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more common in men, while women have an increased risk of autoimmune liver disease and show more acute liver failure symptoms in alcoholic liver disease. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the distinction is less pronounced, but increased incidences are suggested among men and postmenopausal women, probably due to an increased tendency towards visceral fat accumulation.
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang X, El-Serag HB, Thrift AP. Sex and Race Disparities in the Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States Examined through Age-Period-Cohort Analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2019; 29:88-94. [PMID: 31712271 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence rates for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vary considerably by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. We assessed whether the underlying reasons for variations in HCC among subgroups of the population by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and birth cohort are uniform or whether they interact with one another or have changed over time. METHODS Data were from the U.S. Cancer Statistics registry. We assessed annual trends within population subgroups and examined for secular trends in the male-to-female ratio for HCC incidence. We used joinpoint regression to compute annual percent change and average annual percent change (AAPC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also used age-period-cohort models to disentangle period and cohort effects. RESULTS Between 2001 and 2015, HCC rates increased in men and women ≥50 years, remained stable among women ages 40 to 49 years, but decreased among males ages 40 to 44 years (AAPC = -2.47%; 95% CI, -3.15% to -1.80%) and 45 to 49 years (AAPC = -3.49%; 95% CI, -4.78% to -2.17%). As a result, the male-to-female incidence rate ratio (IRR) among persons aged <50 years decreased from 4.63 in 2001 to 2.42 in 2015 but remained stable over time among persons aged ≥50 years. HCC rates were lower among successive cohorts of males born after circa 1956, whereas HCC rates among females born circa 1991 were higher than those among females born circa 1956 (IRR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.05-2.65). CONCLUSIONS As a result of decreasing incidence among males aged <50 years and strong cohort effect, the epidemiology of HCC is changing from a disease with striking male predominance to one with less male predominance. IMPACT The sex and racial disparities and strong birth cohort effect on HCC risk identified in this study have important implications for population-based HCC prevention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. .,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cui M, Yao X, Lin Y, Zhang D, Cui R, Zhang X. Interactive functions of microRNAs in the miR-23a-27a-24-2 cluster and the potential for targeted therapy in cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:6-16. [PMID: 31192453 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs about 19-22 nucleotides in length. Growing evidence has reported the significant role of miRNAs in various cancer-associated biological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, most studies focus on the targets of some individual miRNAs; the interactive and global functions of diverse miRNAs are still unclear and the phenomenon of the gathering of miRNAs in clusters has always been ignored. On the other hand, the fact that a single miRNA may regulate many genes and that numerous mRNAs are regulated by the same miRNA also makes it imperative to further study the cooperating characteristics of miRNAs in cancer. MiR-23a-27a-24-2 is located in the human chromosome 9q22, forming three mature miRNAs: miR-23a, miR27a, and miR-24, which are expressed abnormally in many malignant tumors. This review aims to summarize the interactive functions of miRNAs in miR-23a-27a-24-2 clusters in cancer from the perspectives of the regulation network, tumor microenvironment, and targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang N, Tan HY, Feng YG, Zhang C, Chen F, Feng Y. microRNA-23a in Human Cancer: Its Roles, Mechanisms and Therapeutic Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 11:E7. [PMID: 30577536 PMCID: PMC6356664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNA-23a (miR-23a) is one of the most extensively studied miRNAs in different types of human cancer, and plays various roles in the initiation, progression, and treatment of tumors. Here, we comprehensively summarize and discuss the recent findings about the role of miR-23a in cancer. The differential expression of tissue miR-23a was reported, potentially indicating cancer stages, angiogenesis, and metastasis. miR-23a in human biofluid, such as plasma and salivary fluid, may be a sensitive and specific marker for early diagnosis of cancer. Tissue and circulating miR-23a serves as a prognostic factor for cancer patient survival, as well as a predictive factor for response to anti-tumor treatment. The direct and indirect regulation of miR-23a on multiple gene expression and signaling transduction mediates carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation, survival, cell migration and invasion, as well as the response to anti-tumor treatment. Tumor cell-derived miR-23a regulates the microenvironment of human cancer through manipulating both immune function and tumor vascular development. Several transcriptional and epigenetic factors may contribute to the dysregulation of miR-23a in cancer. This evidence highlights the essential role of miR-23a in the application of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yi-Gang Feng
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Feiyu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kaidonis G, Rao AN, Ouyang YB, Stary CM. Elucidating sex differences in response to cerebral ischemia: immunoregulatory mechanisms and the role of microRNAs. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:73-85. [PMID: 30121237 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia remains a major cause of death and disability worldwide, yet therapeutic options remain limited. Differences in sex and age play an important role in the final outcome in response to cerebral ischemia in both experimental and clinical studies: males have a higher risk and worse outcome than females at younger ages and this trend reverses in older ages. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying sex dimorphism are complex and are still not well understood, studies suggest steroid hormones, sex chromosomes, differential cell death and immune pathways, and sex-specific microRNAs may contribute to the outcome following cerebral ischemia. This review focuses on differential effects between males and females on cell death and immunological pathways in response to cerebral ischemia, the central role of innate sex differences in steroid hormone signaling, and upstreamregulation of sexually dimorphic gene expression by microRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kaidonis
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, United States; Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, United States
| | - Anand N Rao
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, United States
| | - Yi-Bing Ouyang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, United States
| | - Creed M Stary
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Han Y, Li X, Ma C, Ji X, Li T, Zheng X, Zhang J, Yan J, Zhang D, Bai J. Seed targeting with tiny anti-miR-1297 inhibits EMT in melanoma cells. J Drug Target 2018; 27:75-81. [PMID: 29873263 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1481412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that have tissue- and cell-specific expression. They have the ability to regulate the malignant proliferation and transformation of tumour cells. The research focussed on the expression and role of miR-1297 in melanoma. We firstly found that miR-1297 is up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Functionally, phosphatase and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten gene (PTEN) was used as a potential target for miR-1297 and detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We then used chemical synthesis of anti-miR1297 to explore the influence on melanoma cells and examined the effects on A375 cell proliferation using MTT and western blotting methods. The results showed that anti-miR-1297 transfected A375 cells could inhibit the growth. Furthermore, transfection with anti-miR-1297 reduced PTEN protein expression and partially restrained A375 cells proliferation, migration and reversed Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) progression. In conclusion, we tentatively put forward that miR-1297 might be the key oncomiR in melanoma, and seed-targeted anti-miR-1297 might serve as a new tactic for miR-1297-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Han
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - X Li
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - C Ma
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - X Ji
- b Department of Basic Medicine , Henan University , Kaifeng , China
| | - T Li
- b Department of Basic Medicine , Henan University , Kaifeng , China
| | - X Zheng
- c Hospital Infection Control Office , First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University , Kaifeng , China
| | - J Zhang
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - J Yan
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - D Zhang
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| | - J Bai
- a Clinical Laboratory and Functional Laboratory , Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng , China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Small but Heavy Role: MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6784607. [PMID: 29951542 PMCID: PMC5987324 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6784607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for 85-90% of primary liver cancer, is the fifth most common malignant tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but the pathological mechanism of HCC is still not fully elucidated. miRNAs are evolutionarily endogenous small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression via posttranscriptional inhibition or target mRNA degradation in several diseases, especially human cancer. Therefore, discovering the roles of miRNAs is appealing to scientific researchers. Emerging evidence has shown that the aberrant expressions of numerous miRNAs are involved in many HCC biological processes. In hepatocarcinogenesis, miRNAs with dysregulated expression can exert their function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on their cellular target during the cell cycle, and in tumor development, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and progression of the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize current findings on miRNAs and assess their functions to explore the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression in HCC.
Collapse
|
37
|
Li L, Feng J, Chen Y, Li S, Ou M, Sun W, Tang L. Estradiol shows anti-skin cancer activities through decreasing MDM2 expression. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8459-8474. [PMID: 28035066 PMCID: PMC5352414 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol plays important roles in many biological responses inducing tumor genesis and cancer treatment. However, the effects of estradiol on tumors were inconsistent among a lot of researches and the mechanism is not fully understood. Our previous study indicated that splicing factor hnRNPA1 could bind to the human homologue of mouse double minute (MDM2), an oncogene which has been observed to be over-expressed in numerous types of cancers. In this research, we investigated whether and how estradiol correlate to cancer cell behaviors through heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNPA1) and MDM2. Results showed that 10×10-13Mestradiol elevated the expression of hnRNPA1 regardless ER expression in cells, and then down-regulated the expression of MDM2. At the same time, estradiol inhibited cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression of A375 and GLL19 cells. While, knocking down hnRNPA1 through the transfection of hnRNPA1 siRNA led to the increase of MDM2 at both protein level and gene level In vivo experiment, subcutaneous injection with estradiol every two days near the tumor at doses of 2.5mg/kg/d suppressed tumor growth and reduced MDM2 expression. In a word, via increasing hnRNPA1 level and then reducing the expression of MDM2, estradiol prevented carcinogenesis in melanomas. We confirmed therapeutic effect of estradiol, as well as a new way for estradiol to resist skin cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianguo Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shun Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengting Ou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weichao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Carè A, Bellenghi M, Matarrese P, Gabriele L, Salvioli S, Malorni W. Sex disparity in cancer: roles of microRNAs and related functional players. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:477-485. [PMID: 29352271 PMCID: PMC5864217 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A sexual dimorphism at the cellular level has been suggested to play a role in cancer onset and progression. In particular, very recent studies have unraveled striking differences between cells carrying XX or XY chromosomes in terms of response to stressful stimuli, indicating the presence of genetic and epigenetic differences determining sex-specific metabolic or phenotypic traits. Although this field of investigation is still in its infancy, available data suggest a key role of sexual chromosomes in determining cell life or death. In particular, cells carrying XX chromosomes exhibit a higher adaptive potential and survival behavior in response to microenvironmental variations with respect to XY cells. Cells from females also appear to be equipped with more efficient epigenetic machinery than the male counterpart. In particular, the X chromosome contains an unexpected high number of microRNAs (miRs), at present 118, in comparison with only two miRs localized on chromosome Y, and an average of 40-50 on the autosomes. The regulatory power of these small non-coding RNAs is well recognized, as 30-50% of all protein-coding genes are targeted by miRs and their role in cell fate has been well demonstrated. In addition, several further insights, including DNA methylation patterns that are different in males and females, claim for a significant gender disparity in cancer and in the immune system activity against tumors. In this brief paper, we analyze the state of the art of our knowledge on the implication of miRs encoded on sex chromosomes, and their related functional paths, in the regulation of cell homeostasis and depict possible perspectives for the epigenetic research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Carè
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ye Y, Wang G, Wang G, Zhuang J, He S, Song Y, Ni J, Xia W, Wang J. The Oncogenic Role of Tribbles 1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Mediated by a Feedback Loop Involving microRNA-23a and p53. Front Physiol 2017; 8:789. [PMID: 29176948 PMCID: PMC5686088 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy associated with a high risk of recurrence and metastasis and a poor prognosis. Here, we examined the involvement of the pseudokinase Tribbles 1 (TRIB1), a scaffold protein associated with several malignancies, in HCC and investigated the underlying mechanisms. TRIB1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines in correlation with low levels of p53. TRIB1 gain and loss of function experiments indicated that TRIB1 promoted HCC cell viability concomitant with the downregulation of p53, and induced HCC cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. TRIB1 was identified as a target of microRNA-23a (miR-23a), and miR-23a overexpression downregulated TRIB1 and upregulated p53 in HCC cells. Ectopic expression of TRIB1 upregulated β-catenin and its effectors c-myc and MMP-7 in a p53-dependent manner. TRIB1 silencing inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in vivo via a mechanism that would involve the modulation of p53 and β-catenin signaling. The present results indicate that TRIB1 promotes HCC tumorigenesis and invasiveness via a feedback loop that involves the modulation of its expression by miR-23a with the likely downregulation of p53, and suggest the involvement of the β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings suggest potential targets for the treatment of HCC and therefore merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ye
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangdong Wang
- Department of Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juhua Zhuang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Saifei He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiening Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mohamed AA, Ali-Eldin ZA, Elbedewy TA, El-Serafy M, Ali-Eldin FA, AbdelAziz H. MicroRNAs and clinical implications in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1001-1007. [PMID: 28878865 PMCID: PMC5569275 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i23.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the role of some circulating miRNAs (miR-23a, miR-203, miR338, miR-34, and miR-16) as tumor markers for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS One hundred and seventy-one subjects were enrolled, 57 patients with HCC, 57 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 57 healthy subjects as control group. Severity of liver disease was assessed by Child Pugh score. Tumor staging was done using Okuda staging system. Quantification of Micro RNA (miR-23a, miR-203, miR338, miR-34, and miR-16) was performed.
RESULTS All studied miRNA showed significant difference between HCC and cirrhotic patients in comparison to healthy control. miR-23a showed statistically significant difference between HCC and cirrhotic patients being higher in HCC group than cirrhotic. miR-23a is significantly higher in HCC patients with focal lesion size equal or more than 5 cm, patients with multiple focal lesions and Okuda stage III. At cutoff value ≥ 210, miR-23a showed accuracy 79.3% to diagnose HCC patients with sensitivity 89.47% and specificity about 64.91%. At cut off level ≥ 200 ng/mL, serum alpha fetoprotein had 73.68% sensitivity, 52.63% specificity, 43.75% PPV, 80% NPV for diagnosis of HCC.
CONCLUSION MicroRNA 23a can be used as a screening test for early detection of HCC. Also, it is related to larger size of tumour, late Okuda staging and multiple hepatic focal lesions, so it might be a prognostic biomarker.
Collapse
|
41
|
Kohi MP. Gender-Related Differences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does Sex Matter? J Vasc Interv Radiol 2017; 27:1338-1341. [PMID: 27566425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2016.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen P Kohi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave., M-361, San Francisco, CA 94143.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been associated with the lack of three hormone receptors; estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). However, a host of other steroid hormone receptors such as vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in TNBC, and the role of these hormone receptors in breast tumorigenesis is unclear. The levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are also expressed differently than in normal mammary epithelial cells. miRNAs are regulatory RNAs involved in various cellular functions, mainly gene silencing. Here, we reviewed the literature surrounding miRNAs in breast cancer, and performed in silico analysis to determine whether there was a correlation between levels of VDR in relation to miRNAs important in breast cancer development and tumorigenesis. We identified three miRNAs of interest, specifically, miR-23, miR-124, and miR-125. Through this research we determined the possibility that these miRNAs play an important role in controlling VDR activity and by virtue the development of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Singh
- a State University of New York - University at Albany , Albany , NY , USA
| | - Brian D Adams
- a State University of New York - University at Albany , Albany , NY , USA.,b Department of Internal Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,c The RNA Institute , State University of New York - University at Albany , Albany , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Guo W, Wang H, Yang Y, Guo S, Zhang W, Liu Y, Yi X, Ma J, Zhao T, Liu L, Jian Z, Liu L, Wang G, Gao T, Shi Q, Li C. Down-regulated miR-23a Contributes to the Metastasis of Cutaneous Melanoma by Promoting Autophagy. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:2231-2249. [PMID: 28740547 PMCID: PMC5505056 DOI: 10.7150/thno.18835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is among the most aggressive tumors, and the occurrence of metastasis leads to a precipitous drop in the patients' survival. Therefore, identification of metastasis-associated biomarkers and therapeutic targets will contribute a lot to improving melanoma theranostics. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in modulating cancer invasion and metastasis, and are proved as potential non-invasive biomarkers in sera for various tumors. Here, we reported miR-23a as a novel metastasis-associated miRNA that played a remarkable role in modulating melanoma invasive and metastatic capacity and was of great value in predicting melanoma metastasis and prognosis. We found that serum miR-23a level was significantly down-regulated in metastatic melanoma patients and highly correlated with poor clinical outcomes. In addition, miR-23a level was also remarkably decreased in metastatic melanoma tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpressed miR-23a suppressed the invasive and migratory property of melanoma cells by abrogating autophagy through directly targeting ATG12. Specially, miR-23a-ATG12 axis attenuated melanoma invasion and migration through autophagy-mediated AMPK-RhoA pathway. Finally, the overexpression of miR-23a prevented melanoma metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the metastasis-associated miR-23a is not only a potential biomarker, but also a valuable therapeutic target for melanoma.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zheng B, Zhu YJ, Wang HY, Chen L. Gender disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multiple underlying mechanisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:575-584. [PMID: 28547581 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-9043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
On the global scale, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) especially in regions of Asia where HBV infection is endemic. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of inflammation-driven HCC in males is three times as high as in females. Recent studies suggest that sex hormones have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of HBV-induced HCC. We found that the estrogen/androgen signaling pathway is associated with decreased/increased transcription and replication of HBV genes and can promote the development of HBV infections by up/downregulating HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels, which in turn slow down the progression of HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related HCC by inducing epigenetic changes. The evidence that both morphology and function of the human liver are affected by sex hormones was found over 60 years ago. However, the underlying molecular mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. This review focuses mainly on the molecular mechanisms behind the sex difference in HCC associated with HBV and other factors. In addition, several potential treatment and therapeutic strategies for inflammation-driven HCC will be introduced in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Yan-Jing Zhu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pollutri D, Gramantieri L, Bolondi L, Fornari F. TP53/MicroRNA Interplay in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17122029. [PMID: 27918441 PMCID: PMC5187829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of microRNAs as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes has emerged in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pivotal tumor suppressive role of p53-axis is indicated by the presence of inactivating mutations in TP53 gene in nearly all cancers. A close interaction between these two players, as well as the establishment of complex p53/miRNAs loops demonstrated the strong contribution of p53-effector miRNAs in enhancing the p53-mediated tumor suppression program. On the other hand, the direct and indirect targeting of p53, as well as the regulation of its stability and activity by specific microRNAs, underlie the importance of the fine-tuning of p53 pathway, affecting the cell fate of damaged/transformed cells. The promising results of miRNAs-based therapeutic approaches in preclinical studies and their entrance in clinical trials demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy in several diseases, including cancer. Molecularly targeted drugs approved so far for HCC treatment show intrinsic or acquired resistances with disease progression in many cases, therefore the identification of effective and non-toxic agents for the treatment of HCC is actually an unmet clinical need. The knowledge of p53/miRNA inter-relations in HCC may provide useful elements for the identification of novel combined approaches in the context of the “personalized-medicine” era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pollutri
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luigi Bolondi
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lauschke VM, Mkrtchian S, Ingelman-Sundberg M. The role of microRNAs in liver injury at the crossroad between hepatic cell death and regeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 482:399-407. [PMID: 27789285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver fulfills critical metabolic functions, such as controlling blood sugar and ammonia levels, and is of central importance for lipid metabolism and detoxification of environmental and chemical agents, including drugs. Liver injuries of different etiology can elicit a spectrum of responses. Some hepatocytes initiate molecular programs resulting in cell death, whereas others undergo cellular divisions to regenerate the damaged organ. Interestingly, recent research indicates that microRNAs serve as very rapid as well as long-term regulators in these processes. In this review, we discuss their importance in liver disease etiology and progression as well as for therapy with particular focus on metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we highlight the central role of microRNAs in controlling hepatocyte differentiation and plasticity, which are required for successful regeneration, but under certain conditions, such as chronic liver insults, can result in the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Souren Mkrtchian
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yang B, Li SZ, Ma L, Liu HL, Liu J, Shao JJ. Expression and mechanism of action of miR-196a in epithelial ovarian cancer. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:1105-1110. [PMID: 27890373 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the expression, biological function and possible mechanism of action of microRNA molecular-196a (miR-196a) in epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS RT-PCR was used to detect the expression quantities of epithelial ovarian tissue, benign ovarian tissue, normal ovary epithelial tissue, ovarian cancer cell lines and miR-196a in normal ovarian epithelial cells to analyze the relationship between the expression of miR-196a and the clinical pathologic parameters of ovarian cancer. Among those cell lines, the cell line of which miR-196a expressed the most or least was selected and transfected the ovarian cancer cell line by using negative control plasma and miR-196a inhibitor. After transfection, RT-PCR was used to test the expression quantity of miR-196a, Transwell chamber method was applied to determine the migration and invasion abilities of ovarian carcinoma cells and Western blot was employed to detect the expression of HOXA10 protein. RESULTS The relative expression quantities of miR-196a in ovarian cancer tissue and benign ovarian tissue were significantly higher than that in normal ovarian epithelial tissue, and the expression quantity of miR-196a in ovarian cancer tissue was distinctively higher than that in benign ovarian tissue (P < 0.05). Among 78 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer, the expression quantities of miR-196a in patients with low differentiation were all significantly higher than those in patients with high differentiation (P < 0.05). The expression of miR-196a showed no significant relation with age, clinical stage and whether CA125 was positive or not in patients (P > 0.05). Compared with normal ovarian epithelial cell line IOSE80, the expression quantities of miR-196a of all ovarian cancer cell lines increased obviously and differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among them, the expression of miR-196a of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was the highest, while it decreased significantly (4.678 ± 0.785 vs. 2.131 ± 0.345, t = 2.938, P < 0.05) after the ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was transfected by miR-196a inhibitor. The results of Transwell chamber method showed that the migration and invasion abilities of ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 were declined significantly after the expression of miR-196a was down-regulated and the difference showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results of Western blot revealed that the relative expression of HOXA10 decreased distinctly after the expression of miR-196a was down-regulated and also the difference showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The miR-196a might serve as a cancer-promoting gene to promote the migration and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer by downstream target gene HOXA10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China.
| | - Sheng-Ze Li
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
| | - Jun-Jun Shao
- Department of Female Tumor, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Guo L, Liang T, Yu J, Zou Q. A Comprehensive Analysis of miRNA/isomiR Expression with Gender Difference. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154955. [PMID: 27167065 PMCID: PMC4864079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely studied as epigenetic regulation molecules, fewer studies focus on the gender difference at the miRNA and isomiR expression levels. In this study, we aim to understand the potential relationships between gender difference and miRNA/isomiR expression through a comprehensive analysis of small RNA-sequencing datasets based on different human diseases and tissues. Based on specific samples from males and females, we determined that some miRNAs may be diversely expressed between different tissues and genders. Thus, these miRNAs may exhibit inconsistent and even opposite expression between males and females. According to deregulated miRNA expression profiles, some dominantly expressed miRNA loci were selected to analyze isomiR expression patterns using rates of dominant isomiRs. In some miRNA loci, isomiRs showed statistical significance between tumor and normal samples and between males and females samples, suggesting that isomiR expression patterns are not always invariable but may vary between males and females, as well as among different tissues, tumors, and normal samples. The divergence implicates the fluctuation in the expression of miRNA and its detailed expression at the isomiR levels. The divergence also indicates that gender difference may be an important factor that affects the screening of disease-associated miRNAs and isomiRs. This study suggests that miRNA/isomiR expression and gender difference may be more complex than previously assumed and should be further studied according to specific samples from males or females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (LG); (QZ)
| | - Tingming Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiafeng Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Macromolecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
| | - Quan Zou
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, NanKai University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail: (LG); (QZ)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
MicroRNA-19b-3p Modulates Japanese Encephalitis Virus-Mediated Inflammation via Targeting RNF11. J Virol 2016; 90:4780-4795. [PMID: 26937036 PMCID: PMC4836334 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02586-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) can invade the central nervous system and consequently induce neuroinflammation, which is characterized by profound neuronal cell damage accompanied by astrogliosis and microgliosis. Albeit microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as major regulatory noncoding RNAs with profound effects on inflammatory response, it is unknown how astrocytic miRNAs regulate JEV-induced inflammation. Here, we found the involvement of miR-19b-3p in regulating the JEV-induced inflammatory responsein vitroandin vivo The data demonstrated that miR-19b-3p is upregulated in cultured cells and mouse brain tissues during JEV infection. Overexpression of miR-19b-3p led to increased production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, after JEV infection, whereas knockdown of miR-19b-3p had completely opposite effects. Mechanistically, miR-19b-3p modulated the JEV-induced inflammatory response via targeting ring finger protein 11, a negative regulator of nuclear factor kappa B signaling. We also found that inhibition of ring finger protein 11 by miR-19b-3p resulted in accumulation of nuclear factor kappa B in the nucleus, which in turn led to higher production of inflammatory cytokines.In vivosilencing of miR-19b-3p by a specific antagomir reinvigorates the expression level of RNF11, which in turn reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines, abrogates gliosis and neuronal cell death, and eventually improves the survival rate in the mouse model. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR-19b-3p positively regulates the JEV-induced inflammatory response. Thus, miR-19b-3p targeting may constitute a thought-provoking approach to rein in JEV-induced inflammation. IMPORTANCE Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of the major causes of acute encephalitis in humans worldwide. The pathological features of JEV-induced encephalitis are inflammatory reactions and neurological diseases resulting from glia activation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. Accumulating data indicate that miRNAs regulate a variety of cellular processes, including the host inflammatory response under pathological conditions. Recently, a few studies demonstrated the role of miRNAs in a JEV-induced inflammatory response in microglia; however, their role in an astrocyte-derived inflammatory response is largely unknown. The present study reveals that miR-19b-3p targets ring finger protein 11 in glia and promotes inflammatory cytokine production by enhancing nuclear factor kappa B activity in these cells. Moreover, administration of an miR-19b-3p-specific antagomir in JEV-infected mice reduces neuroinflammation and lethality. These findings suggest a new insight into the molecular mechanism of the JEV-induced inflammatory response and provide a possible therapeutic entry point for treating viral encephalitis.
Collapse
|