1
|
Jia J, Zhou X, Chu Q. Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5. [PMID: 38519710 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JunJun Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuelian Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mahmoud IS, Jarrar YB, Febrimarsa. Modulation of IRAK enzymes as a therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2909-2923. [PMID: 37061574 PMCID: PMC10105542 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01064-7] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the current pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Dysregulated and excessive production of cytokines and chemokines, known as cytokine storm, is frequently seen in patients with severe COVID-19 disease and it can provoke a severe systematic inflammation in the patients. The IL-1R/TLRs/IRAKs signaling network is a key pathway in immune cells that plays a central role in regulating innate immunity and inflammatory responses via stimulating the expression and production of various proinflammatory molecules including cytokines. Modulation of IRAKs activity has been proposed to be a promising strategy in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. In this review, we highlight the biochemical properties of IRAKs and their role in regulating inflammatory molecular signaling pathways and discuss the potential targeting of IRAKs to suppress the SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Sami Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
| | - Yazun Bashir Jarrar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, As-Salt, Jordan
| | - Febrimarsa
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Torres S, Ortiz C, Bachtler N, Gu W, Grünewald LD, Kraus N, Schierwagen R, Hieber C, Meier C, Tyc O, Joseph Brol M, Uschner FE, Nijmeijer B, Welsch C, Berres M, Garcia‐Ruiz C, Fernandez‐Checa JC, Trautwein C, Vogl TJ, Zeuzem S, Trebicka J, Klein S. Janus kinase 2 inhibition by pacritinib as potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1228-1240. [PMID: 35993369 PMCID: PMC10026969 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) signaling is increased in human and experimental liver fibrosis with portal hypertension. JAK2 inhibitors, such as pacritinib, are already in advanced clinical development for other indications and might also be effective in liver fibrosis. Here, we investigated the antifibrotic role of the JAK2 inhibitor pacritinib on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in two animal models of liver fibrosis in vivo . APPROACH AND RESULTS Transcriptome analyses of JAK2 in human livers and other targets of pacritinib have been shown to correlate with profibrotic factors. Although transcription of JAK2 correlated significantly with type I collagen expression and other profibrotic genes, no correlation was observed for interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor. Pacritinib decreased gene expression of fibrosis markers in mouse primary and human-derived HSCs in vitro . Moreover, pacritinib decreased the proliferation, contraction, and migration of HSCs. C 57 BL/6J mice received ethanol in drinking water (16%) or Western diet in combination with carbon tetrachloride intoxication for 7 weeks to induce alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Pacritinib significantly reduced liver fibrosis assessed by gene expression and Sirius red staining, as well as HSC activation assessed by alpha-smooth muscle actin immunostaining in fibrotic mice. Furthermore, pacritinib decreased the gene expression of hepatic steatosis markers in experimental alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, pacritinib protected against liver injury as assessed by aminotransferase levels. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the JAK2 inhibitor pacritinib may be promising for the treatment of alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver fibrosis and may be therefore relevant for human pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Torres
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit‐IDIBAPS and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortiz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nadine Bachtler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Leon D. Grünewald
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Universit+y Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nico Kraus
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Schierwagen
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Caroline Meier
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Olaf Tyc
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maximilian Joseph Brol
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Erhard Uschner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bart Nijmeijer
- Research and Development Department, Linxis BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Welsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marie‐Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carmen Garcia‐Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit‐IDIBAPS and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases and Cirrhosis, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jose Carlos Fernandez‐Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit‐IDIBAPS and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases and Cirrhosis, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Universit+y Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure – EF Clif, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabine Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fiorentini E, Bonomi F, Peretti S, Orlandi M, Lepri G, Matucci Cerinic M, Bellando Randone S, Guiducci S. Potential Role of JAK Inhibitors in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Narrative Review from Pathogenesis to Real-Life Data. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122101. [PMID: 36556466 PMCID: PMC9785277 DOI: 10.3390/life12122101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is one of the most relevant complications of SSc and the major cause of death. The pathogenesis of SSc-ILD involves a complex interplay of multiple cell types and different molecular pathways, with both inflammation and fibrosis as pathological hallmarks. To date, there are no treatments able to target both components of the disease. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) represent an interesting therapeutic option because they exert both anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. METHODS Here, we performed a narrative review concerning the potential role of JAKinibs in SSc-ILD to define the state of art and to evaluate the pathogenetic rationale behind this type of treatment. RESULTS Currently, few studies investigated SSc-ILD response to JAKinibs treatment. Data were analyzed from three clinical studies and four case reports and progression of SSc-ILD was not evident in 93.5% of patients treated with JAKinibs. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence of efficacy of JAKinibs in SSc-ILD is sparse but promising. JAKinibs could be an interesting treatment in SSc-ILD because of their potential inhibition of the fibrotic processes combined with their anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, JAKinibs were also shown in some studies to have a potential effect on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), another threatening complication in SSc. More data are necessary to define JAKinibs role in SSc-ILD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fiorentini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Peretti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Orlandi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando Randone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Pacritinib (VONJO™) is an orally administered, small molecule kinase inhibitor being developed by CTI BioPharma for the treatment of myelofibrosis and graft-versus-host disease. Pacritinib received its first approval in February 2022 in the USA for the treatment of adults with intermediate- or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis with a platelet count below 50 × 109/L. The accelerated approval was based on results from the randomized, active-controlled, phase III PERSIST-2 trial, in which spleen volume reduction was demonstrated in pacritinib recipients. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of pacritinib leading to this first approval for myelofibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvette N Lamb
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A Case of Rapidly Progressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Administration of JAK Inhibitors to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Case Rep Rheumatol 2022; 2022:6852189. [PMID: 35391896 PMCID: PMC8983253 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6852189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma after administration of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis. A 76-year-old man was referred to our Department for pain in multiple joints and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests revealed elevated hepatobiliary enzymes, but various tests revealed no signs suggestive of malignancy. He took baricitinib for 2 months followed by tofacitinib for 4 months. After that, he was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma based on imaging findings and elevated tumor markers. This case showed the possibility of a causal relationship between JAK inhibitors and malignancy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Molecular Mechanisms to Target Cellular Senescence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122540. [PMID: 33255630 PMCID: PMC7761055 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a major cause of cancer-related death and is the most common type of liver cancer. Due to the current paucity of drugs for HCC therapy there is a pressing need to develop new therapeutic concepts. In recent years, the role of Serum Response Factor (SRF) and its coactivators, Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors A and B (MRTF-A and -B), in HCC formation and progression has received considerable attention. Targeting MRTFs results in HCC growth arrest provoked by oncogene-induced senescence. The induction of senescence acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism and therefore gains consideration for pharmacological interventions in cancer therapy. In this article, we describe the key features and the functional role of senescence in light of the development of novel drug targets for HCC therapy with a focus on MRTFs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lei Y, Yang T, Shan A, Di W, Dai M, Nan J, Liu D, Cao Y, Jiang X. Altered Inflammatory Pathway but Unaffected Liver Fibrosis in Mouse Models of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Involving Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 1 Knockout. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e926187. [PMID: 33203828 PMCID: PMC7682117 DOI: 10.12659/msm.926187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are crucial mediators in the signaling pathways of Toll-like receptors (TLRs)/IL1Rs. Targeting the IRAK4/IRAK1/TRAF6 axis and its associated pathway has therapeutic benefits in liver fibrosis. However, the function of IRAK1 itself in the development of liver fibrosis remains unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS Irak1 global knockout (KO) mice were generated to study the functional role of Irak1 in liver fibrosis. Male Irak1 knockout and control mice were challenged with chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or fed a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD) to generate models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver inflammation and collagen deposition were assessed by histological examination, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blotting of hepatic tissues. RESULTS The mRNA expression of the downstream inflammatory gene Il1b was significantly lower in Irak1-KO than in control mice. Irak1 ablation had little effect on inflammatory cell infiltration into livers of mice with NASH. Collagen deposition and the expression of genes related to fibrogenesis were similar in the livers of Irak1-KO and control mice exposed to CCl4 and MCDD. The loss of Irak1 did not affect lipid or glucose metabolism in these experimental models of steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS Irak1 knockout reduced the expression of inflammatory genes but had no effect on hepatic fibrogenesis. The Irak1-related pathway may regulate liver fibrosis via other pathways or be compensated for by other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lei
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Tianxiao Yang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Aijing Shan
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Di
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Mengyao Dai
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Jingminjie Nan
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Dongxue Liu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yanan Cao
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Xiuli Jiang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Combined anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties of JAK-inhibitors on macrophages in vitro and in vivo: Perspectives for scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114103. [PMID: 32562787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (also termed Jakinibs) constitute a family of small drugs that target various isoforms of JAKs (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and/or tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2)). They exert anti-inflammatory properties linked, in part, to the modulation of the activation state of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. The exact impact of JAK inhibitors on a wider spectrum of activation states of macrophages is however still to be determined, especially in the context of disorders involving concomitant activation of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and profibrotic M2 macrophages. This is especially the case in autoimmune pulmonary fibrosis like scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), in which M1 and M2 macrophages play a key pathogenic role. In this study, we directly compared the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of three JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib (JAK2/1 inhibitor); tofacitinib (JAK3/2 inhibitor) and itacitinib (JAK1 inhibitor)) on five different activation states of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). These three JAK inhibitors exert anti-inflammatory properties towards macrophages, as demonstrated by the down-expression of key polarization markers (CD86, MHCII, TLR4) and the limited secretion of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL10, IL-6 and TNFα) in M1 macrophages activated by IFNγ and LPS or by IFNγ alone. We also highlighted that these JAK inhibitors can limit M2a activation of macrophages induced by IL-4 and IL-13, as notably demonstrated by the down-regulation of the M2a associated surface marker CD206 and of the secretion of CCL18. Moreover, these JAK inhibitors reduced the expression of markers such as CXCL13, MARCO and SOCS3 in alternatively activated macrophages induced by IL-10 and dexamethasone (M2c + dex) or IL-10 alone (M2c MDM). For all polarization states, Jakinibs with inhibitory properties over JAK2 had the highest effects, at both 1 μM or 0.1 μM. Based on these in vitro results, we also explored the effects of JAK2/1 inhibition by ruxolitinib in vivo, on mouse macrophages in a model of HOCl-induced ILD, that mimics scleroderma-associated ILD. In this model, we showed that ruxolitinib significantly prevented the upregulation of pro-inflammatory M1 markers (TNFα, CXCL10, NOS2) and pro-fibrotic M2 markers (Arg1 and Chi3L3). These results were associated with an improvement of skin and pulmonary involvement. Overall, our results suggest that the combined anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of JAK2/1 inhibitors could be relevant to target lung macrophages in autoimmune and inflammatory pulmonary disorders that have no efficient disease modifying drugs to date.
Collapse
|
12
|
Predicting and elucidating the etiology of fatty liver disease: A machine learning modeling and validation study in the IMI DIRECT cohorts. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003149. [PMID: 32559194 PMCID: PMC7304567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and causes serious health complications in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Early diagnosis of NAFLD is important, as this can help prevent irreversible damage to the liver and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinomas. We sought to expand etiological understanding and develop a diagnostic tool for NAFLD using machine learning. METHODS AND FINDINGS We utilized the baseline data from IMI DIRECT, a multicenter prospective cohort study of 3,029 European-ancestry adults recently diagnosed with T2D (n = 795) or at high risk of developing the disease (n = 2,234). Multi-omics (genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic) and clinical (liver enzymes and other serological biomarkers, anthropometry, measures of beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and lifestyle) data comprised the key input variables. The models were trained on MRI-image-derived liver fat content (<5% or ≥5%) available for 1,514 participants. We applied LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) to select features from the different layers of omics data and random forest analysis to develop the models. The prediction models included clinical and omics variables separately or in combination. A model including all omics and clinical variables yielded a cross-validated receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROCAUC) of 0.84 (95% CI 0.82, 0.86; p < 0.001), which compared with a ROCAUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.81, 0.83; p < 0.001) for a model including 9 clinically accessible variables. The IMI DIRECT prediction models outperformed existing noninvasive NAFLD prediction tools. One limitation is that these analyses were performed in adults of European ancestry residing in northern Europe, and it is unknown how well these findings will translate to people of other ancestries and exposed to environmental risk factors that differ from those of the present cohort. Another key limitation of this study is that the prediction was done on a binary outcome of liver fat quantity (<5% or ≥5%) rather than a continuous one. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we developed several models with different combinations of clinical and omics data and identified biological features that appear to be associated with liver fat accumulation. In general, the clinical variables showed better prediction ability than the complex omics variables. However, the combination of omics and clinical variables yielded the highest accuracy. We have incorporated the developed clinical models into a web interface (see: https://www.predictliverfat.org/) and made it available to the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03814915.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hin Tang JJ, Hao Thng DK, Lim JJ, Toh TB. JAK/STAT signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepat Oncol 2020; 7:HEP18. [PMID: 32273976 PMCID: PMC7137178 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second most lethal cancer in the world with limited treatment options. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for more than 80% of all liver cancers, has had increasing global incidence over the past few years. There is an urgent need for novel and better therapeutic intervention for HCC patients. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a multitude of important biological functions in both normal and malignant cells. In a subset of HCC, JAK/STAT signaling is aberrantly activated, leading to dysregulation of downstream target genes that controls survival, angiogenesis, stemness, immune surveillance, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we will focus on the role of JAK/STAT signaling in HCC and discuss the current clinical status of several JAK/STAT inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Jit Hin Tang
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Singer JW, Fleischman A, Al-Fayoumi S, Mascarenhas JO, Yu Q, Agarwal A. Inhibition of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) as a therapeutic strategy. Oncotarget 2018; 9:33416-33439. [PMID: 30279971 PMCID: PMC6161786 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK3 [IRAK-M], and IRAK4) are serine-threonine kinases involved in toll-like receptor and interleukin-1 signaling pathways, through which they regulate innate immunity and inflammation. Evidence exists that IRAKs play key roles in the pathophysiologies of cancers, and metabolic and inflammatory diseases, and that IRAK inhibition has potential therapeutic benefits. Molecules capable of selectively interfering with IRAK function and expression have been reported, paving the way for the clinical evaluation of IRAK inhibition. Herein, we focus on IRAK1, review its structure and physiological roles, and summarize emerging data for IRAK1 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Fleischman
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - John O Mascarenhas
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qiang Yu
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, SG, Singapore
| | - Anupriya Agarwal
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|