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Romualdo GR, Heidor R, Bacil GP, Moreno FS, Barbisan LF. Past, present, and future of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis rodent models: Perspectives concerning classic and new cancer hallmarks. Life Sci 2023; 330:121994. [PMID: 37543357 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main primary liver cancer, accounts for 5 % of all incident cases and 8.4 % of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC displays a spectrum of environmental risk factors (viral chronic infections, aflatoxin exposure, alcoholic- and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases) that result in molecular complexity and heterogeneity, contributing to a rising epidemiological burden, poor prognosis, and non-satisfactory treatment options. The emergence of HCC (i.e., hepatocarcinogenesis) is a multistep and complex process that addresses many (epi)genetic alterations and phenotypic traits, the so-called cancer hallmarks. "Polymorphic microbiomes", "epigenetic reprogramming", "senescent cells" and "unlocking phenotypic plasticity" are trending hallmarks/enabling features in cancer biology. As the main molecular drivers of HCC are still undruggable, chemically induced in vivo models of hepatocarcinogenesis are useful tools in preclinical research. Thus, this narrative review aimed at recapitulating the basic features of chemically induced rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, eliciting their permanent translational value regarding the "classic" and the "new" cancer hallmarks/enabling features. We gathered state-of-art preclinical evidence on non-cirrhotic, inflammation-, alcoholic liver disease- and nonalcoholic fatty liver-associated HCC models, demonstrating that these bioassays indeed express the recently added hallmarks, as well as reflect the interplay between classical and new cancer traits. Our review demonstrated that these protocols remain valuable for translational preclinical application, as they recapitulate trending features of cancer science. Further "omics-based" approaches are warranted while multimodel investigations are encouraged in order to avoid "model-biased" responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Heidor
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador Moreno
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Castro-Gil MP, Torres-Mena JE, Salgado RM, Muñoz-Montero SA, Martínez-Garcés JM, López-Torres CD, Mendoza-Vargas A, Gabiño-López NB, Villa-Treviño S, Del Pozo-Yauner L, Arellanes-Robledo J, Krötzsch E, Pérez-Carreón JI. The transcriptome of early GGT/KRT19-positive hepatocellular carcinoma reveals a downregulated gene expression profile associated with fatty acid metabolism. Genomics 2021; 114:72-83. [PMID: 34861383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma expressing hepatobiliary progenitor markers, is considered of poor prognosis. By using a hepatocarcinogenesis model, laser capture microdissection, and RNA-Sequencing analysis, we identified an expression profile in GGT/KRT19-positive experimental tumors; 438 differentially expressed genes were found in early and late nodules along with increased collagen deposition. Dysregulated genes were involved in Fatty Acid Metabolism, RXR function, and Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation. Downregulation of Slc27a5, Acsl1, and Cyp2e1, demonstrated that Retinoid X Receptor α (RXRα) function is compromised in GGT/KRT19-positive nodules. Since RXRα controls NRF2 pathway activation, we determined the expression of NRF2 targeted genes; Akr1b8, Akr7a3, Gstp1, Abcc3, Ptgr1, and Txnrd1 were upregulated, indicating NRF2 pathway activation. A comparative analysis in human HCC showed that SLC27A5, ACSL1, CYP2E1, and RXRα gene expression is mutually exclusive with KRT19 gene expression. Our results indicate that the downregulation of Slc27a5, Acsl1, Rxrα, and Cyp2e1 genes is an early event within GGT/KRT19-positive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosa M Salgado
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", CDMX, Mexico
| | - Said A Muñoz-Montero
- Department of Computational Genomics, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, CDMX, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Saúl Villa-Treviño
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Luis Del Pozo-Yauner
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, CDMX, Mexico; Directorate of Cátedras, National Council of Science and Technology, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Edgar Krötzsch
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", CDMX, Mexico
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Kim SH, Seung BJ, Cho SH, Lim HY, Bae MK, Sur JH. Arginase-1 and P-glycoprotein are downregulated in canine hepatocellular carcinoma. J Vet Sci 2021; 22:e61. [PMID: 34423599 PMCID: PMC8460467 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary hepatic malignancy in humans and dogs. Several differentially expressed molecules have been studied and reported in human hepatocellular carcinoma and non-neoplastic liver lesions. However, studies on the features of canine hepatocellular carcinoma are limited, especially related to the differential characteristics of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Objectives The study's objective was 1) to examine and evaluate the expression of arginase-1, P-glycoprotein, and cytokeratin 19 in canine liver tissues and 2) to investigate the differential features of hepatocellular carcinomas, liver tissue with non-neoplastic lesions, and paracancerous liver tissues in dogs. Methods The expression levels of three markers underwent immunohistochemical analysis in 40 non-neoplastic liver tissues, 32 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and 11 paracancerous liver tissues. Scoring of each marker was performed semi-quantitatively. Results Arginase-1 and P-glycoprotein were significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with hepatic tissues with non-neoplastic diseases (p < 0.001). Expression levels of arginase-1 and P-glycoprotein were also significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma than in paracancerous liver tissues (arginase-1, p = 0.0195; P-glycoprotein, p = 0.047). Few cytokeratin 19-positive hepatocytes were detected and only in one hepatocellular carcinoma and one cirrhotic liver sample. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that downregulation of arginase-1 and P-glycoprotein is a feature of canine hepatocellular carcinoma; thus, those markers are potential candidates for use in differentiating hepatocellular carcinomas from non-neoplastic liver lesions in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Byung-Joon Seung
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Cho
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Ha-Young Lim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Bae
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jung-Hyang Sur
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
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Castro‐Gil MP, Sánchez‐Rodríguez R, Torres‐Mena JE, López‐Torres CD, Quintanar‐Jurado V, Gabiño‐López NB, Villa‐Treviño S, del‐Pozo‐Jauner L, Arellanes‐Robledo J, Pérez‐Carreón JI. Enrichment of progenitor cells by 2-acetylaminofluorene accelerates liver carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine in vivo. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:377-390. [PMID: 33765333 PMCID: PMC8251613 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of hepatocytes versus hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) on the onset and pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully clarified. Because the administration of 2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF) followed by a partial hepatectomy, selectively induces the HPC proliferation, we investigated the effects of chronic 2AAF administration on the HCC development caused by the chronic administration of the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for 16 weeks in the rat. DEN + 2AAF protocol impeded weight gain of animals but promoted prominent hepatomegaly and exacerbated liver alterations compared to DEN protocol alone. The tumor areas detected by γ-glutamyl transferase, prostaglandin reductase-1, and glutathione S-transferase Pi-1 liver cancer markers increased up to 80% as early as 12 weeks of treatment, meaning 6 weeks earlier than DEN alone. This protocol also increased the number of Ki67-positive cells and those of CD90 and CK19, two well-known progenitor cell markers. Interestingly, microarray analysis revealed that DEN + 2AAF protocol differentially modified the global gene expression signature and induced the differential expression of 30 genes identified as HPC markers as early as 6 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, 2AAF induces the early appearance of HPC markers and as a result, accelerates the hepatocarcinogenesis induced by DEN in the rat. Thus, since 2AAF simultaneously administrated with DEN enriches HPC during hepatocarcinogenesis, we propose that DEN + 2AAF protocol might be a useful tool to investigate the cellular origin of HCC with progenitor features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Sánchez‐Rodríguez
- Foundation Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica‐Città della SperanzaPadovaItaly
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Saúl Villa‐Treviño
- Department of Cell BiologyCenter for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic InstituteCiudad de MéxicoMexico
| | | | - Jaime Arellanes‐Robledo
- Laboratory of Liver DiseasesNational Institute of Genomic MedicineCiudad de MéxicoMexico
- Directorate of CátedrasNational Council of Science and TechnologyCiudad de MéxicoMexico
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Activated platelets contribute to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by altering the tumor environment. Life Sci 2021; 277:119612. [PMID: 33991548 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that usually develops in a background of chronic liver disease and prolonged inflammation. A major contributor in the complex molecular pathogenesis of HCC is the highly intertwined cross-talk between the tumor and the surrounding stromal cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells, macrophages and other immune cells. These tumor-stroma interactions actively fuel tumor growth and modulate the hepatic microenvironment to benefit tumor invasion and disease progression. Platelets have been reported to interact with different cell types in the tumor microenvironment, including tumor cells, stellate cells and macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were treated with hepatocarcinogenic compound diethylnitrosamine for 25 weeks to induce HCC in the background of fibrosis and inflammation. From week 10, anti-platelet drug Clopidogrel was added to the drinking water and mice were given ad libitum access. KEY FINDINGS In this study, we show that activated platelets promote tumor cell proliferation and contribute to the adverse tumor-stroma cross-talk that fuels tumor progression. We also show that inhibiting platelet activation with the P2Y12-inhibitor Clopidogrel decreases the number of tumors in a chemically induced mouse model for HCC. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest an important role for platelets in the pathogenesis of HCC and that the use of anti-platelet drugs may be therapeutically relevant for patients with liver cancer.
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Rhee H, Kim H, Park YN. Clinico-Radio-Pathological and Molecular Features of Hepatocellular Carcinomas with Keratin 19 Expression. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:663-681. [PMID: 33442539 PMCID: PMC7768132 DOI: 10.1159/000510522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous neoplasm, both from the molecular and histomorphological aspects. One example of heterogeneity is the expression of keratin 19 (K19) in a subset (4-28%) of HCCs. The presence of K19 expression in HCCs has important clinical implications, as K19-positive HCCs have been associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis. Histomorphologically, K19-positive HCCs demonstrate a more infiltrative appearance, poor histological differentiation, more frequent vascular invasion, and more intratumoral fibrous stroma than K19-negative conventional HCCs. From the molecular aspect, K19-positive HCCs have been matched with various gene signatures that have been associated with stemness and poor prognosis, including the G1-3 groups, S2 class, cluster A, proliferation signature, and vascular invasion signature. K19-positive HCCs also show upregulated signatures related to transforming growth factor-β pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The main regulators of K19 expression include hepatocyte growth factor-MET paracrine signaling by cancer-associated fibroblast, epidermal growth factor-epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, laminin, and DNA methylation. Clinically, higher serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, frequent association with chronic hepatitis B, more invasive growth, and lymph node metastasis have been shown to be characteristics of K19-positive HCCs. Radiologic features including atypical enhancement patterns, absence of tumor capsules, and irregular tumor margins can be a clue for K19-positive HCCs. From a therapeutic standpoint, K19-positive HCCs have been associated with poor outcomes after curative resection or liver transplantation, and resistance to systemic chemotherapy and locoregional treatment, including transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation. In this review, we summarize the currently available knowledge on the clinico-radio-pathological and molecular features of K19-expressing HCCs, including a detailed discussion on the regulation mechanism of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Center for Clinical Imaging Data Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,*Young Nyun Park, Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722 (Republic of Korea),
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Animal Models: A Useful Tool to Unveil Metabolic Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113318. [PMID: 33182674 PMCID: PMC7696782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an important health problem. At the moment, systemic therapies offered only modest clinical benefits. Thus, HCC represents a cancer extremely difficult to treat, and therapeutic breakthroughs are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming of neoplastic cells has been recognized as one of the core hallmarks of cancer. Experimental animal models represent an important tool that allows to investigate metabolic changes underlying HCC development and progression. In the present review, we characterize available rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that pharmacological targeting of Warburg metabolism may represent an additional tool to improve already available therapeutic approaches for HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one the most frequent and lethal human cancers. At present, no effective treatment for advanced HCC exist; therefore, the overall prognosis for HCC patients remains dismal. In recent years, a better knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of HCC development and progression, has led to the identification of novel potential targets for therapeutic strategies. However, the obtained benefits from current therapeutic options are disappointing. Altered cancer metabolism has become a topic of renewed interest in the last decades, and it has been included among the core hallmarks of cancer. In the light of growing evidence for metabolic reprogramming in cancer, a wide number of experimental animal models have been exploited to study metabolic changes characterizing HCC development and progression and to further expand our knowledge of this tumor. In the present review, we discuss several rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, that contributed to elucidate the metabolic profile of HCC and the implications of these changes in modulating the aggressiveness of neoplastic cells. We also highlight the apparently contrasting results stemming from different animal models. Finally, we analyze whether these observations could be exploited to improve current therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Orrù C, Perra A, Kowalik MA, Rizzolio S, Puliga E, Cabras L, Giordano S, Columbano A. Distinct Mechanisms Are Responsible for Nrf2-Keap1 Pathway Activation at Different Stages of Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082305. [PMID: 32824383 PMCID: PMC7463589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, the main intracellular defense against environmental stress, has been observed in several human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we assessed whether distinct mechanisms of activation may be involved at different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. We adopted an experimental model consisting of treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by a choline-devoid methionine-deficient (CMD) diet for 4 months. The CMD diet was then replaced with a basal diet, and the animals were killed at 6, 10 or 13 months after DENA injection. Nrf2 activation occurred at early steps of hepatocarcinogenesis and persisted throughout the tumorigenic process. While Nrf2 mutations were extremely frequent at early steps (90%), their incidence diminished with the progression to malignancy (25%). Conversely, while p62 was almost undetectable in early nodules, its accumulation occurred in HCCs, suggesting that Nrf2 pathway activation at late stages is mainly due to Keap1 sequestration by p62. We demonstrate that, in a model of hepatocarcinogenesis resembling human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Nrf2 mutations are the earliest molecular changes responsible for the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. The progressive loss of mutations associated with a concomitant p62 accumulation implies that distinct mechanisms are responsible for Nrf2-Keap1 pathway activation at different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Orrù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzolio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
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Maehara J, Masugi Y, Abe T, Tsujikawa H, Kurebayashi Y, Ueno A, Ojima H, Okuda S, Jinzaki M, Shinoda M, Kitagawa Y, Oda Y, Honda H, Sakamoto M. Quantification of intratumoral collagen and elastin fibers within hepatocellular carcinoma tissues finds correlations with clinico-patho-radiological features. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:607-619. [PMID: 31886596 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Emerging evidence suggests a promising role for tumor stromal factors in characterizing patients with various types of malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We quantified the amount of collagen and elastin fibers in HCC samples with the aim of clarifying the clinico-patho-radiological significance of fiber deposition in HCC. METHODS We computed the amount of collagen and elastin fibers using digital image analysis of whole-slide images of Elastica van Gieson-stained tissues from 156 surgically resected HCCs. Furthermore, we assessed the correlations between the fiber content of HCC samples and clinical, pathological, and radiological features, including immunohistochemistry-based molecular subtypes and immunosubtypes. RESULTS The intratumoral area ratio of collagen in HCC tissues (median 3.4%, range 0.1-22.2%) was more than threefold that of elastin (median 0.9%, range 0.1-9.0%); there was a strong positive correlation between the amounts of collagen and elastin. Higher levels of combined collagen and elastin were significantly associated with the confluent multinodular macroscopic tumor type, the absence of a fibrous capsule, intratumoral steatosis, scirrhous tumor stroma, dense inflammatory-cell infiltrates, and the biliary/stem cell markers-positive HCC subtype. The associations of higher collagen levels with radiological findings, including heterogeneous enhancement and persistent enhancement on dynamic computed tomography, were significant. In contrast, the associations of radiological findings with elastin fibers were not significant. Intratumoral fibrous stroma in HCC comprised septum-like and perisinusoidal fibrosis; these two forms represented distinct distribution patterns of fibers and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Quantitative analysis suggested that stromal fiber-rich HCCs likely represent a distinct clinico-patho-radiological entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Maehara
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokiya Abe
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Ueno
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ojima
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okuda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Honda
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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MicroRNAs in Animal Models of HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121906. [PMID: 31805631 PMCID: PMC6966618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Molecular heterogeneity and absence of biomarkers for patient allocation to the best therapeutic option contribute to poor prognosis of advanced stages. Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with HCC development and progression and influences drug resistance. Therefore, miRNAs have been assayed as putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets. miRNA-based therapeutic approaches demonstrated safety profiles and antitumor efficacy in HCC animal models; nevertheless, caution should be used when transferring preclinical findings to the clinics, due to possible molecular inconsistency between animal models and the heterogeneous pattern of the human disease. In this context, models with defined genetic and molecular backgrounds might help to identify novel therapeutic options for specific HCC subgroups. In this review, we describe rodent models of HCC, emphasizing their representativeness with the human pathology and their usefulness as preclinical tools for assessing miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
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11
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Preziosi M, Poddar M, Singh S, Monga SP. Hepatocyte Wnts Are Dispensable During Diethylnitrosamine and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Injury and Hepatocellular Cancer. Gene Expr 2018; 18:209-219. [PMID: 29519268 PMCID: PMC6190118 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15205148413587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is reported in large subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Upregulation of Wnt genes is one contributing mechanism. In the current study, we sought to address the role of hepatocyte-derived Wnts in a model of hepatic injury, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. We subjected hepatocyte-specific Wntless knockout mice (HP-KO), unable to secrete Wnts from hepatocytes, and littermate controls (HP-CON) to diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (DEN/CCl4) and harvested at 3, 5, and 6 months for histological and molecular analysis. Analysis at 5 months displayed increased hepatic expression of several Wnts and upregulation of some, but not all, β-catenin targets, without mutations in Ctnnb1. At 5 months, HP-CON and HP-KO had comparable tumor burden and injury; however, HP-KO uniquely showed small CK19+ foci within tumors. At 6 months, both groups were moribund with comparable tumor burden and CK19 positivity. While HCC histology was indistinguishable between the groups, HP-KO exhibited increased active β-catenin and decreased c-Myc, Brd4, E-cadherin, and others. Hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were also indistinguishable at 3 months between both groups. Thus, lack of Wnt secretion from hepatocytes did not affect overall injury, fibrosis, or HCC burden, although there were protein expression differences in the tumors occurring in the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Preziosi
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Rhee H, Kim HY, Choi JH, Woo HG, Yoo JE, Nahm JH, Choi JS, Park YN. Keratin 19 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Regulated by Fibroblast-Derived HGF via a MET-ERK1/2-AP1 and SP1 Axis. Cancer Res 2018; 78:1619-1631. [PMID: 29363547 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Keratin (KRT) 19 is a poor prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, regulatory mechanisms underlying its expression remain unclear. We have previously reported the presence of fibrous tumor stroma in KRT19-positive HCC, suggesting that cross-talk between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor epithelial cells could regulate KRT19 expression. This was investigated in this study using an in vitro model of paracrine interaction between HCC cell lines (HepG2, SNU423) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a major source of hepatic myofibroblasts. HSCs upregulated transcription and translation of KRT19 in HCC cells via paracrine interactions. Mechanistically, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from HSCs activated c-MET and the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway, which upregulated KRT19 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, AP1 (JUN/FOSL1) and SP1, downstream transcriptional activators of ERK1/2, activated KRT19 expression in HCC cells. In clinical specimens of human HCC (n = 339), HGF and KRT19 protein expression correlated with CAF levels. In addition, HGF or MET protein expression was associated with FOSL1 and KRT19 expression and was found to be a poor prognostic factor. Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas also revealed KRT19 expression was closely associated with CAF and MET-mediated signaling activities. These results provide insights into the molecular background of KRT19-positive HCC that display an aggressive phenotype.Significance: These findings reveal KRT19 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma is regulated by cross-talk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and HCC cells, illuminating new therapeutic targets for this aggressive disease. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1619-31. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Young Kim
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Choi
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hae Nahm
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Adebayo Michael AO, Ahsan N, Zabala V, Francois-Vaughan H, Post S, Brilliant KE, Salomon AR, Sanders JA, Gruppuso PA. Proteomic analysis of laser capture microdissected focal lesions in a rat model of progenitor marker-positive hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26041-26056. [PMID: 28199961 PMCID: PMC5432236 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown previously that rapamycin, the canonical inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1, markedly inhibits the growth of focal lesions in the resistant hepatocyte (Solt-Farber) model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the rat. In the present study, we characterized the proteome of persistent, pre-neoplastic focal lesions in this model. One group was administered rapamycin by subcutaneous pellet for 3 weeks following partial hepatectomy and euthanized 4 weeks after the cessation of rapamycin. A second group received placebo pellets. Results were compared to unmanipulated control animals and to animals that underwent an incomplete Solt-Farber protocol to activate hepatic progenitor cells. Regions of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM). Proteomic analysis yielded 11,070 unique peptides representing 2,227 proteins. Quantitation of the peptides showed increased abundance of known HCC markers (e.g., glutathione S-transferase-P, epoxide hydrolase, 6 others) and potential markers (e.g., aflatoxin aldehyde reductase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 10 others) in foci from placebo-treated and rapamycin-treated rats. Peptides derived from cytochrome P450 enzymes were generally reduced. Comparisons of the rapamycin samples to normal liver and to the progenitor cell model indicated that rapamycin attenuated a loss of differentiation relative to placebo. We conclude that early administration of rapamycin in the Solt-Farber model not only inhibits the growth of pre-neoplastic foci but also attenuates the loss of differentiated function. In addition, we have demonstrated that the combination of LCM and mass spectrometry-based proteomics is an effective approach to characterize focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeola O Adebayo Michael
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Current address: Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Valerie Zabala
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Post
- Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kate E Brilliant
- Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Arthur R Salomon
- Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Philip A Gruppuso
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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14
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Kowalik MA, Guzzo G, Morandi A, Perra A, Menegon S, Masgras I, Trevisan E, Angioni MM, Fornari F, Quagliata L, Ledda-Columbano GM, Gramantieri L, Terracciano L, Giordano S, Chiarugi P, Rasola A, Columbano A. Metabolic reprogramming identifies the most aggressive lesions at early phases of hepatic carcinogenesis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:32375-93. [PMID: 27070090 PMCID: PMC5078020 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes are associated with cancer, but whether they are just bystander effects of deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways or characterize early phases of tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here we show in a rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis that early preneoplastic foci and nodules that progress towards hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized both by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and by enhanced glucose utilization to fuel the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). These changes respectively require increased expression of the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 and of the transcription factor NRF2 that induces the expression of the rate-limiting PPP enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), following miR-1 inhibition. Such metabolic rewiring exclusively identifies a subset of aggressive cytokeratin-19 positive preneoplastic hepatocytes and not slowly growing lesions. No such metabolic changes were observed during non-neoplastic liver regeneration occurring after two/third partial hepatectomy. TRAP1 silencing inhibited the colony forming ability of HCC cells while NRF2 silencing decreased G6PD expression and concomitantly increased miR-1; conversely, transfection with miR-1 mimic abolished G6PD expression. Finally, in human HCC patients increased G6PD expression levels correlates with grading, metastasis and poor prognosis. Our results demonstrate that the metabolic deregulation orchestrated by TRAP1 and NRF2 is an early event restricted to the more aggressive preneoplastic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Guzzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze and Tuscan Tumor Institute, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ionica Masgras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Trevisan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fornari
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Gramantieri
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Chiarugi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze and Tuscan Tumor Institute, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
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15
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Bannasch P, Ribback S, Su Q, Mayer D. Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma: origin, metabolic traits and fate of glycogenotic clear and ground glass cells. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:570-594. [PMID: 29291777 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(17)60071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma (CCHCC) has hitherto been considered an uncommon, highly differentiated variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a relatively favorable prognosis. CCHCC is composed of mixtures of clear and/or acidophilic ground glass hepatocytes with excessive glycogen and/or fat and shares histology, clinical features and etiology with common HCCs. Studies in animal models of chemical, hormonal and viral hepatocarcinogenesis and observations in patients with chronic liver diseases prone to develop HCC have shown that the majority of HCCs are preceded by, or associated with, focal or diffuse excessive storage of glycogen (glycogenosis) which later may be replaced by fat (lipidosis/steatosis). In ground glass cells, the glycogenosis is accompanied by proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which is closely related to glycogen particles and frequently harbors the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). From the findings in animal models a sequence of changes has been established, commencing with preneoplastic glycogenotic liver lesions, often containing ground glass cells, and progressing to glycogen-poor neoplasms via various intermediate stages, including glycogenotic/lipidotic clear cell foci, clear cell hepatocellular adenomas (CCHCA) rich in glycogen and/or fat, and CCHCC. A similar process seems to take place in humans, with clear cells frequently persisting in CCHCC and steatohepatitic HCC, which presumably represent intermediate stages in the development rather than particular variants of HCC. During the progression of the preneoplastic lesions, the clear and ground glass cells transform into cells characteristic of common HCC. The sequential cellular changes are associated with metabolic aberrations, which start with an activation of the insulin signaling cascade resulting in pre-neoplastic hepatic glycogenosis. The molecular and metabolic changes underlying the glycogenosis/lipidosis are apparently responsible for the dramatic metabolic shift from gluconeogenesis to the pentose phosphate pathway and Warburg-type glycolysis, which provide precursors and energy for an ever increasing cell proliferation during progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Qin Su
- Cell Marque, Millipore-Sigma Rocklin, USA
| | - Doris Mayer
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Acquisition of Cholangiocarcinoma Traits during Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 188:656-671. [PMID: 29248454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Past studies have identified hepatic tumors with mixed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) characteristics that have a more aggressive behavior and a poorer prognosis than classic HCC. Whether this pathologic heterogeneity is due to a cell of origin of bipotent liver progenitors or the plasticity of cellular constituents comprising these tumors remains debated. In this study, we investigated the potential acquisition of CC-like traits during advanced development of HCC in mice. Primary and rare high-grade HCC developed in a genetic mouse model. A mouse model of highly efficient HCC invasion and metastasis by orthotopic transplantation of liver cancer organoids propagated from primary tumors in the genetic model was further developed. Invasive/metastatic tumors developed in both models closely recapitulated advanced human HCC and displayed a striking acquisition of CC-related pathologic and molecular features, which was absent in the primary HCC tumors. Our study directly demonstrates the pathologic evolution of HCC during advanced tumor development, providing the first evidence that tumors with mixed HCC and CC features, or at least a subset of these tumors, represent a more advanced developmental stage of HCC. Finally, liver cancer organoid-generated high-grade tumors exhibited significantly increased extracellular vesicle secretion, suggesting that identifying tumor-specific extracellular vesicle proteins in plasma may be a promising tool for liver cancer detection.
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17
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Liu X, Sun C, Liu B, Jin X, Li P, Zheng X, Zhao T, Li F, Li Q. Genistein mediates the selective radiosensitizing effect in NSCLC A549 cells via inhibiting methylation of the keap1 gene promoter region. Oncotarget 2017; 7:27267-79. [PMID: 27029077 PMCID: PMC5053648 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells often possess a hypermethylated Keap1 promoter, which decreases Keap1 mRNA and protein expression levels, thus impairing the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway and thereby leading to chemo- or radio-resistance. In this study, we showed that genistein selectively exhibited a radiosensitizing effect on NSCLC A549 cells but not on normal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Genistein caused oxidative stress in A549 cells rather than MRC-5 cells, as determined by the oxidation of the ROS-sensitive probe DCFH-DA and oxidative damage marked by MDA, PCO or 8-OHdG content. In A549 instead of MRC-5 cells, genistein reduced the level of methylation in the Keap1 promoter region, leading to an increased mRNA expression, thus effectively inhibited the transcription of Nrf2 to the nucleus, which suppressed the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant and resulted in the upregulation of ROS. Importantly, when combined with radiation, genistein further increased the ROS levels in A549 cells whereas decreasing the radiation-induced oxidative stress in MRC-5 cells, possibly via increasing the expression levels of Nrf2, GSH and HO-1. Moreover, radiation combined with genistein significantly increased cell apoptosis in A549 but not MRC-5 cells. Together, the results herein show that the intrinsic difference in the redox status of A549 and MRC-5 cells could be the target for genistein to selectively sensitize A549 cells to radiation, thereby leading to an increase in radiosensitivity for A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongxiong Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bingtao Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaogang Zheng
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
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18
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Ji H, Lu Y, Shi Y. Seeds in the liver. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:349-356. [PMID: 28389020 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a crucial organ for homeostasis and has a tremendous self-renewal and regenerative capacity. It has long been believed that the self-renewal and repair of the liver within a given physiological condition or its repopulation in chronic liver diseases, when hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, will primarily be conducted by the proliferating duct cells, termed "oval cells" or hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). In addition, numerous studies have revealed that HPCs are the initial tumor cells of liver cancer under certain micro-environments. However, benefit from the extensive application of lineage tracing strategies using the Cre/LoxP system, researchers have redefined the fate of these bipotential cells, raising obvious controversies regarding the capacity of liver cells to control their own biology and differentiation. Here, we review the relevant articles, focusing on cell-lineage tracing to better understanding seed cells and their distinct fate in the liver.
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19
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Lou J, Zhang L, Lv S, Zhang C, Jiang S. Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2017; 9:1-9. [PMID: 28469485 PMCID: PMC5345949 DOI: 10.1177/1179299x16684640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The HCC diagnosis is usually achieved by biomarkers, which can also help in prognosis prediction. Furthermore, it might represent certain therapeutic interventions through some combinations of biomarkers. Here, we review on our current understanding of HCC biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatao Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - LingFei Zhang
- Center for RNA Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaogang Lv
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenzi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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20
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Yoo JE, Kim YJ, Rhee H, Kim H, Ahn EY, Choi JS, Roncalli M, Park YN. Progressive Enrichment of Stemness Features and Tumor Stromal Alterations in Multistep Hepatocarcinogenesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170465. [PMID: 28114366 PMCID: PMC5256873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells, contribute to an aggressive biological behavior, which is also affected by the tumor stroma. Despite the role of CSCs and the tumor stroma in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), features of stemness have not yet been studied in relation to tumor stromal alterations in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the expression status of stemness markers and tumor stromal changes in B viral carcinogenesis, which is the main etiology of HCC in Asia. Stemness features of tumoral hepatocytes (EpCAM, K19, Oct3/4, c-KIT, c-MET, and CD133), and tumor stromal cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD68, CD163, and IL-6 were analyzed in 36 low grade dysplastic nodules (DNs), 48 high grade DNs, 30 early HCCs (eHCCs), and 51 progressed HCCs (pHCCs) by immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR. Stemness features (EpCAM and K19 in particular) were progressively acquired during hepatocarcinogenesis in combination with enrichment of stromal cells (CAFs, TAMs, IL-6+ cells). Stemness features were seen sporadically in DNs, more consistent in eHCCs, and peaked in pHCCs. Likewise, stromal cells were discernable in DNs, showed up as consistent cell densities in eHCCs and peaked in pHCCs. The stemness features and tumor stromal alterations also peaked in less differentiated or larger HCCs. In conclusion, progression of B viral multistep hepatocarcinogenesis is characterized by an enrichment of stemness features of neoplastic hepatocytes and a parallel alteration of the tumor stroma. The modulation of neoplastic hepatocytes and stromal cells was at low levels in precancerous lesions (DNs), consistently increased in incipient cancer (eHCCs) and peaked in pHCCs. Thus, in B viral hepatocarcinogenesis, interactions between CSCs and the tumor stroma, although starting early, seem to play a major role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Republic of Korea
| | - Ei Yong Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei Liver Cancer Special clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital and Hunimed University of Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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