Synergistic effects of AAGL and anti-PD-1 on hepatocellular carcinoma through lymphocyte recruitment to the liver

A comprehensive review of secondary metabolites from the genus Agrocybe: Biological activities and pharmacological implications

The genus Agrocybe, situated within the Strophariaceae family, class Agaricomycetes, and phylum Basidiomycota, encompasses a myriad of species exhibiting significant biological activities. This review presents an integrative overview of the secondary metabolites derived from Agrocybe species, elucidating their respective biological activities and potential pharmacological applications. The metabolites under scrutiny encompass a diverse array of biological macromolecules, specifically polysaccharides and lectins, as well as a diverse group of 80 documented small molecular chemical constituents, classified into sterols, sesquiterpenes, volatile compounds, polyenes, and other compounds, their manifesting anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities, these metabolites, in which polysaccharides exhibit abundant activities, underscore the potential of the Agrocybe genus as a valuable source of biologically active natural products. The present review emphasises the need for escalated research into Agrocybe, including investigations into the biosynthetic pathways of these metabolites, which could foster the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies to address various health challenges.

Spatiotemporal modulation of SMAD4 by HBx is required for cellular proliferation in hepatitis B-related liver cancer

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is known that HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) can induce genetic alterations in some oncogenes and that SMAD4 is relevant for the development of some cancers, especially HBV-related HCC. Previously, it has been reported that HBx can promote SMAD4 protein expression in liver fibrosis and HCC but, as yet, its regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between and regulatory mechanism behind HBx and SMAD4 in HCC.

METHODS

mRNA and protein expression of SMAD4 in HCC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC. CCK-8 and colony forming assays, as well as xenograft murine models were used to evaluate the effects of HBx and SMAD4 on the proliferation and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence, Co-IP and truncation assays were performed to assess the regulatory relationship between HBx and SMAD4.

RESULTS

We found that SMAD4 was highly expressed in HBV-positive HCC patient samples and correlated with a poor prognosis. The proliferation of HCC cells with a high SMAD4 expression was found to be enhanced in vitro and in vivo, and knocking down HBx while replenishing SMAD4 rescued HCC cell proliferation. Mechanically, we found that HBx regulates SMAD4 expression at the transcriptional level via TFII-I and can bind to SMAD4 to repress its ubiquitination. The binding region comprised the MH2 domain of SMAD4. Furthermore, we found that SMAD4 can promote HBx expression through a positive feedback mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data we conclude that SMAD4 is modulated spatiotemporally via both transcriptional activation and protein stabilization by HBx in HCC cells. Our data shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

The advanced development of molecular targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common malignant tumors in China, severely threatens the life and health of patients. In recent years, precision medicine, clinical diagnoses, treatments, and innovative research have led to important breakthroughs in HCC care. The discovery of new biomarkers and the promotion of liquid biopsy technologies have greatly facilitated the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Progress in targeted therapy and immunotherapy has provided more choices for precise HCC treatment. Multiomics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, have enabled deeper understanding of the occurrence and development mechanisms, heterogeneity, and genetic mutation characteristics of HCC. The continued promotion and accurate typing of HCC, accurate guidance of treatment, and accurate prognostication have provided more treatment opportunities and prolonged survival timelines for patients with HCC. Innovative HCC research providing an in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics of HCC will be translated into accurate clinical practices for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.