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Ma S, Meng G, Liu T, You J, He R, Zhao X, Cui Y. The Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117508. [PMID: 39362068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes. Multiple signaling pathways play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of HCC, with the Wnt signaling pathway being one of the primary regulatory pathways. In normal hepatocytes, the Wnt signaling pathway maintains cell regeneration and organ development. However, when aberrant activated, the Wnt pathway is closely associated with invasion, cancer stem cells(CSCs), drug resistance, and immune evasion in HCC. Among these factors, the development of drug resistance is one of the most important factors affecting the efficacy of HCC treatment. These mechanisms form the basis for tumor cell adaptation and evolution within the body, enabling continuous changes in tumor cells, resistance to drugs and immune system attacks, leading to metastasis and recurrence. In recent years, there have been numerous new discoveries regarding these mechanisms. An increasing number of drugs targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have been developed, with some already entering clinical trials. Therefore, this review encompasses the latest research on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of HCC, as well as advancements in its therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Guorui Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Junqi You
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Risheng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China.
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Gujarathi R, Franses JW, Pillai A, Liao CY. Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present, and future. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1432423. [PMID: 39267840 PMCID: PMC11390354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1432423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are the mainstay of systemic therapies for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Several therapeutic targets, such as c-Met, TGF-β, and FGFR, have been evaluated in the past, though results from these clinical studies failed to show clinical benefit. However, these remain important targets for the future with novel targeted agents and strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, c-Myc oncogene, GPC3, PPT1 are exciting novel targets, among others, currently undergoing evaluation. Through this review, we aim to provide an overview of previously evaluated and potentially novel therapeutic targets and explore their continued relevance in ongoing and future studies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushabh Gujarathi
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph W Franses
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chih-Yi Liao
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Leung Y, Lee S, Wang J, Guruvaiah P, Rusch NJ, Ho S, Park C, Kim K. The Loss of an Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR2E3 Augments Wnt/β-catenin Signaling via Epigenetic Dysregulation that Enhances Sp1-β catenin-p300 Interactions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308539. [PMID: 38790135 PMCID: PMC11304255 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor NR2E3 (Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E, Member 3) is an epigenetic player that modulates chromatin accessibility to activate p53 during liver injury. Nonetheless, a precise tumor suppressive and epigenetic role of NR2E3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remains unclear. HCC patients expressing low NR2E3 exhibit unfavorable clinical outcomes, aligning with heightened activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The murine HCC models utilizing NR2E3 knockout mice consistently exhibits accelerated liver tumor formation accompanied by enhanced activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inactivation of p53 signaling. At cellular level, the loss of NR2E3 increases the acquisition of aggressive cancer cell phenotype and tumorigenicity and upregulates key genes in the WNT/β-catenin pathway with increased chromatin accessibility. This event is mediated through increased formation of active transcription complex involving Sp1, β-catenin, and p300, a histone acetyltransferase, on the promoters of target genes. These findings demonstrate that the loss of NR2E3 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling at cellular and organism levels and this dysregulation is associated with aggressive HCC development and poor clinical outcomes. In summary, NR2E3 is a novel tumor suppressor with a significant prognostic value, maintaining epigenetic homeostasis to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that promotes HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuet‐Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas Medical SciencesLittle RockAR72205USA
| | - Sung‐Gwon Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and TechnologyChonnam National UniversityGwangju500‐757Republic of Korea
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineCollege of MedicineUniversity of Cincinnati231 Albert Sabin WayCincinnatiOH45267USA
| | - Ponmari Guruvaiah
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas Medical SciencesLittle RockAR72205USA
| | - Nancy J Rusch
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas Medical SciencesLittle RockAR72205USA
| | - Shuk‐Mei Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas Medical SciencesLittle RockAR72205USA
| | - Chungoo Park
- School of Biological Sciences and TechnologyChonnam National UniversityGwangju500‐757Republic of Korea
| | - Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas Medical SciencesLittle RockAR72205USA
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Wang H, Zhang L, Hu C, Li H, Jiang M. Wnt signaling and tumors (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 21:45. [PMID: 38798312 PMCID: PMC11117032 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2743] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays a key role in regulation of embryonic development, as well as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Abnormalities in Wnt signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and development, leading to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and its inhibition in cancer treatment remain unclear. In addition, potential side effects of inhibiting this process are not well understood. Therefore, the present review outlines the role of Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, cancer stem cells, radiotherapy resistance and tumor immunity. The present review further identifies inhibitors that target Wnt signaling to provide a potential novel direction for cancer treatment. This may facilitate early application of safe and effective drugs targeting Wnt signaling in clinical settings. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Wnt signaling may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaishi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Lihai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Mingyan Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
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Arefan D, D'Ardenne NM, Iranpour N, Catania R, Yousef J, Chupetlovska K, Moghe A, Sholosh B, Thangasamy S, Borhani AA, Singhi AD, Monga SP, Furlan A, Wu S. Quantitative radiomics and qualitative LI-RADS imaging descriptors for non-invasive assessment of β-catenin mutation status in hepatocellular carcinoma. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024; 49:2220-2230. [PMID: 38782785 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04344-2] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gain-of-function mutations in CTNNB1, gene encoding for β-catenin, are observed in 25-30% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Recent studies have shown β-catenin activation to have distinct roles in HCC susceptibility to mTOR inhibitors and resistance to immunotherapy. Our goal was to develop and test a computational imaging-based model to non-invasively assess β-catenin activation in HCC, since liver biopsies are often not done due to risk of complications. METHODS This IRB-approved retrospective study included 134 subjects with pathologically proven HCC and available β-catenin activation status, who also had either CT or MR imaging of the liver performed within 1 year of histological assessment. For qualitative descriptors, experienced radiologists assessed the presence of imaging features listed in LI-RADS v2018. For quantitative analysis, a single biopsy proven tumor underwent a 3D segmentation and radiomics features were extracted. We developed prediction models to assess the β-catenin activation in HCC using both qualitative and quantitative descriptors. RESULTS There were 41 cases (31%) with β-catenin mutation and 93 cases (69%) without. The model's AUC was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60, 0.79) using radiomics features and 0.64 (0.52, 0.74; p = 0.468) using qualitative descriptors. However, when combined, the AUC increased to 0.88 (0.80, 0.92; p = 0.009). Among the LI-RADS descriptors, the presence of a nodule-in-nodule showed a significant association with β-catenin mutations (p = 0.015). Additionally, 88 radiomics features exhibited a significant association (p < 0.05) with β-catenin mutations. CONCLUSION Combination of LI-RADS descriptors and CT/MRI-derived radiomics determine β-catenin activation status in HCC with high confidence, making precision medicine a possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dooman Arefan
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas M D'Ardenne
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Negaur Iranpour
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roberta Catania
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. Saint Clair Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jacob Yousef
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kalina Chupetlovska
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, University Hospital "Saint Ivan Rilski", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Akshata Moghe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Biatta Sholosh
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Senthur Thangasamy
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Amir A Borhani
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. Saint Clair Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shandong Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Szilveszter RM, Muntean M, Florea A. Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and in Target Treatments-An Overview. Biomolecules 2024; 14:656. [PMID: 38927059 PMCID: PMC11201617 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, with hepatocellular differentiation. It is ranked sixth among the most common cancers worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most important etiological factors discussed here are viral infection (HBV, HCV), exposure to aflatoxin B1, metabolic syndrome, and obesity (as an independent factor). Directly or indirectly, they induce chromosomal aberrations, mutations, and epigenetic changes in specific genes involved in intracellular signaling pathways, responsible for synthesis of growth factors, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, the metastasis process (including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the expression of adhesion molecules), and angiogenesis. All these disrupted molecular mechanisms contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, equally important is the interaction between tumor cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment: inflammatory cells and macrophages-predominantly with a pro-tumoral role-hepatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, extracellular vesicles, and the extracellular matrix. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular biology of hepatocellular carcinoma and the intricate mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, and we highlighted how certain signaling pathways can be pharmacologically influenced at various levels with specific molecules. Additionally, we mentioned several examples of recent clinical trials and briefly described the current treatment protocol according to the NCCN guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca-Margit Szilveszter
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
- Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mara Muntean
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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Tang S, Sun R, Tang K, Wei X, Liu M, Zhang H. A novel prognostic model for predicting patient survival and immunotherapy responsiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma: insights into the involvement of T-cell proliferation. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:1368-1383. [PMID: 38123874 PMCID: PMC11108937 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03363-7] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cancer-associated biological mechanisms and the implementation of immunotherapy are heavily impacted by the activities of T cells, consequently influencing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, the mechanistic actions of T-cell proliferation in response to immunotherapy and the overall prognosis of individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains insufficiently understood. The present work seeks to present a comprehensive analysis immune landscape in the context of HCC. METHODS To achieve this objective, both clinical data and RNA sequencing data were acquired from authoritative databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). RESULTS Through the utilization of consensus clustering techniques, distinct molecular subtypes associated with T-cell proliferation were delineated. Following this, seven genes of prognostic significance were identified via a combination of Cox and Lasso regression analyses. By integrating these genes into a prognostic signature, the predictive capability of the model was verified through an examination of internal and external datasets. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR tests have verified the reliability of prognostic markers. Notably, the high-risk group exhibited elevated expression of immune checkpoint genes as well as higher benefit in terms of drug sensitivity testing, as determined by the Chi-square test (P < 0.001). The risk score derived from the prognostic signature depicted considerable efficacy in predicting the survival outcomes of HCC cases. CONCLUSIONS Overall, prognostic markers may become valuable predictive tool for individuals diagnosed with HCC, allowing for the prediction of their prognosis as well as the assessment of their immunological condition and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Kechao Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Huabing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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Dutt P, Haider N, Mouaaz S, Podmore L, Stambolic V. β-catenin turnover is regulated by Nek10-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2300606121. [PMID: 38683979 PMCID: PMC11087748 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300606121] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
β-catenin has influential roles affecting embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and human diseases including cancer. Cellular β-catenin levels are exquisitely controlled by a variety of regulatory mechanisms. In the course of exploring the functions of the Nek10 tyrosine kinase, we observed that deletion of Nek10 in lung adenocarcinoma cells resulted in dramatic stabilization of β-catenin, suggestive of a Nek10 role in the control of β-catenin turnover. Nek10-deficient cells exhibited diminished ability to form tumorspheres in suspension, grow in soft agar, and colonize mouse lung tissue following tail vein injection. Mechanistically, Nek10 associates with the Axin complex, responsible for β-catenin degradation, where it phosphorylates β-catenin at Tyr30, located within the regulatory region governing β-catenin turnover. In the absence of Nek10 phosphorylation, GSK3-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin, a prerequisite for its turnover, is impaired. This represents a divergent function within the Nek family, whose other members are serine-threonine kinases involved in different elements of the centrosomal cycle, primary cilia function, and DNA damage responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Previn Dutt
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Nasir Haider
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Samar Mouaaz
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lauren Podmore
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Vuk Stambolic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
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10
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Wang M, Yan X, Dong Y, Li X, Gao B. Machine learning and multi-omics data reveal driver gene-based molecular subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma for precision treatment. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012113. [PMID: 38728362 PMCID: PMC11230636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) poses a barrier to effective treatment. Stratifying highly heterogeneous HCC into molecular subtypes with similar features is crucial for personalized anti-tumor therapies. Although driver genes play pivotal roles in cancer progression, their potential in HCC subtyping has been largely overlooked. This study aims to utilize driver genes to construct HCC subtype models and unravel their molecular mechanisms. Utilizing a novel computational framework, we expanded the initially identified 96 driver genes to 1192 based on mutational aspects and an additional 233 considering driver dysregulation. These genes were subsequently employed as stratification markers for further analyses. A novel multi-omics subtype classification algorithm was developed, leveraging mutation and expression data of the identified stratification genes. This algorithm successfully categorized HCC into two distinct subtypes, CLASS A and CLASS B, demonstrating significant differences in survival outcomes. Integrating multi-omics and single-cell data unveiled substantial distinctions between these subtypes regarding transcriptomics, mutations, copy number variations, and epigenomics. Moreover, our prognostic model exhibited excellent predictive performance in training and external validation cohorts. Finally, a 10-gene classification model for these subtypes identified TTK as a promising therapeutic target with robust classification capabilities. This comprehensive study provides a novel perspective on HCC stratification, offering crucial insights for a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and the development of promising treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Yan
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Dong
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Zhang R, Yuan J, Liu S, Torraca V, Liao Z, Wu Y, Tan H, Yao X, Hou X, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Ali DW, Michalak M, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. ILKAP Promotes the Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inhibiting β-Catenin Degradation and Enhancing the WNT Signaling Pathway. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300117. [PMID: 38379270 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300117] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC-related deaths have remarkably increased over the recent decades. It has been reported that β-catenin activation can be frequently observed in HCC cases. This study identified the integrin-linked kinase-associated phosphatase (ILKAP) as a novel β-catenin-interacting protein. ILKAP is localized both in the nucleus and cytoplasm and regulates the WNT pathway in different ways. First, it is demonstrated that ILKAP activates the WNT pathway in HCC cells by increasing the protein level of β-catenin and other proteins associated with the WNT signaling, such as c-Myc and CyclinD1. Next, it is shown that ILKAP promotes the metastasis of HCC both in vitro and in vivo in a zebrafish xenograft model. It is also found that ILKAP dephosphorylates the GSK3β and CK1, contributing to the reduced ubiquitination of β-catenin. Furthermore, it is identified that ILKAP functions by mediating binding between TCF4 and β-catenin to enhance expression of WNT target genes. Taken together, the study demonstrates a critical function of ILKAP in metastasis of HCC, since ILKAP is crucial for the activation of the WNT pathway via stabilization of β-catenin and increased binding between TCF4 and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Jinglei Yuan
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Shicheng Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Vincenzo Torraca
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, W1B 2HW, UK
| | - Zhiquan Liao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yueyan Wu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Hongfei Tan
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xia Yao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xueyang Hou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Declan William Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
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12
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Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
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13
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Wang X, Yuan Z, Li Z, He X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Su J, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Zhao Y, Shen J, Yi T, Xiao Z. Key oncogenic signaling pathways affecting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma: basic principles and recent advances. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354313. [PMID: 38426090 PMCID: PMC10902128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks first among primary liver cancers, and its mortality rate exhibits a consistent annual increase. The treatment of HCC has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with the emergence of targeted immune therapy as an adjunct to early surgical resection. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in other types of solid tumors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between different types of TILs and their impact on HCC, elucidate strategies for targeting neoantigens through TILs, and address the challenges encountered in TIL therapies along with potential solutions. Furthermore, this article specifically examines the impact of oncogenic signaling pathways activation within the HCC tumor microenvironment on the infiltration dynamics of TILs. Additionally, a concise overview is provided regarding TIL preparation techniques and an update on clinical trials investigating TIL-based immunotherapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zijun Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhengbo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Longmatan District People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Su
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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14
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Chowdhury RR, Rose S, Ezan F, Sovadinová I, Babica P, Langouët S. Hepatotoxicity of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in human: Insights into mechanisms of action in the 3D culture model Hepoid-HepaRG. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123047. [PMID: 38036087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin produced by harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs). MC-LR targets highly differentiated hepatocytes expressing organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 that are responsible for hepatocellular uptake of the toxin. The present study utilized an advanced 3D in vitro human liver model Hepoid-HepaRG based on the cultivation of collagen-matrix embedded multicellular spheroids composed of highly differentiated and polarized hepatocyte-like cells. 14-d-old Hepoid-HepaRG cultures showed increased expression of OATP1B1/1B3 and sensitivity to MC-LR cytotoxicity at concentrations >10 nM (48 h exposure, EC20 = 26 nM). MC-LR induced neither caspase 3/7 activity nor expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker gene BiP/GRP78, but increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8, indicating a necrotic type of cell death. Subcytotoxic (10 nM) and cytotoxic (≥100 nM) MC-LR concentrations disrupted hepatocyte functions, such as xenobiotic metabolism phase-I enzyme activities (cytochrome P450 1A/1B) and albumin secretion, along with reduced expression of CYP1A2 and ALB genes. MC-LR also decreased expression of HNF4A gene, a critical regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function. Genes encoding hepatobiliary membrane transporters (OATP1B1, BSEP, NTCP), hepatocyte gap junctional gene connexin 32 and the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin were also downregulated. Simultaneous upregulation of connexin 43 gene, primarily expressed by liver progenitor and non-parenchymal cells, indicated a disruption of tissue homeostasis. This was associated with a shift in the expression ratio of E-cadherin to N-cadherin towards the mesenchymal cell marker, a process linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hepatocarcinogenesis. The effects observed in the human liver cell in vitro model revealed mechanisms that can potentially contribute to the MC-LR-induced promotion and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepoid-HepaRG cultures provide a robust, accessible and versatile in vitro model, capable of sensitively detecting hepatotoxic effects at toxicologically relevant concentrations, allowing for assessing hepatotoxicity mechanisms, human health hazards and impacts of environmental hepatotoxins, such as MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riju R Chowdhury
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Rose
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Ezan
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Langouët
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France.
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15
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Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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16
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Rayginia TP, Keerthana CK, Shifana SC, Pellissery MJ, Abhishek A, Anto RJ. Phytochemicals as Potential Lead Molecules against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5199-5221. [PMID: 38213177 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673275501231213063902] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, accounting for 85-90% of liver cancer cases and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The major risk factors for HCC include hepatitis C and B viral infections, along with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis associated with metabolic syndrome. Despite the advancements in modern medicine, there is a continuous rise in the annual global incidence rate of HCC, and it is estimated to reach >1 million cases by 2025. Emerging research in phytomedicine and chemotherapy has established the anti-cancer potential of phytochemicals, owing to their diverse biological activities. In this review, we report the major phytochemicals that have been explored in combating hepatocellular carcinoma and possess great potential to be used as an alternative or in conjunction with the existing HCC treatment modalities. An overview of the pre-clinical observations, mechanism of action and molecular targets of some of these phytochemicals is also incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tennyson Prakash Rayginia
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Chenicheri Kizhakkeveettil Keerthana
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | | | - Maria Joy Pellissery
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Ajmani Abhishek
- Molecular Bioassay Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Molecular Bioassay Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695317, India
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17
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Lou YX, Gu J, Zhu L, Sun SQ, Hao XL, Chen JP, Han F, Wang DD, Jiang X, Liu JY. TC2N Promotes Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100260. [PMID: 37839635 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, has an exceedingly poor prognosis. Tandem C2 domain nuclear protein (TC2N) has been implicated in tumorigenesis and serves as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different types of cancer. Here, we explore the possible regulatory activities and molecular mechanisms of TC2N in HCC progression. However, TC2N expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and hepatoma cell lines, and this upregulation was positively correlated with tumor progression in HCC patients. The ectopic overexpression of TC2N accelerated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, whereas its knockdown showed the opposite effects. Bioinformatics analysis showed that TC2N participates in the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mechanistically, TC2N activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by regulating the expression levels of β-catenin and its downstream targets CyclinD1, MMP7, c-Myc, c-Jun, AXIN2, and glutamine synthase. Furthermore, the deletion of β-catenin effectively neutralized the regulation of TC2N in HCC proliferation and metastasis. Overall, this study showed that TC2N promotes HCC proliferation and metastasis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, indicating that TC2N might be a potential molecular target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xia Lou
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng-Qi Sun
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang-Lin Hao
- Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China; Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Yi Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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18
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Minamiguchi K, Irizato M, Uchiyama T, Taiji R, Nishiofuku H, Marugami N, Tanaka T. Hepatobiliary-phase gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid MRI for pretreatment prediction of efficacy-to-standard-therapies based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm: an up-to-date review. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:8764-8775. [PMID: 37470828 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09950-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in systemic therapy have had major impacts on treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2022 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines incorporate a new section on clinical decision-making for personalized medicine, although the first treatment suggested by the BCLC guidelines is based on solid scientific evidence. More than ever before, the appropriate treatment strategy must be selected prior to the initiation of therapy for HCC. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) is essential for liver imaging and the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI reflects the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporters. Molecules associated with OATP expression are relevant in the molecular classification of HCC subclasses, and EOB-MRI is becoming increasingly important with advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of HCC. In this review, we describe imaging findings for the pretreatment prediction of response to standard therapies for HCC based on the BCLC algorithm using the HBP of EOB-MRI, with specific attention to the molecular background of OATPs. A more complete understanding of these findings will help radiologists suggest appropriate treatments and clinical follow-ups and could lead to the development of more personalized treatment strategies in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the coming era of personalized medicine, HBP of EOB-MRI reflecting molecular and pathological factors could play a predictive role in the therapeutic efficacy of HCC and contribute to treatment selection. KEY POINTS: • Imaging features of hepatobiliary phase predict treatment efficacy prior to therapy and contribute to treatment choice. • Wnt/β-catenin activation associated with organic anion transporting polypeptide expression is involved in the tumor immune microenvironment and chemo-responsiveness. • Peritumoral hypointensity of hepatobiliary phase reflecting microvascular invasion affects the therapeutic efficacy of locoregional to systemic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Mariko Irizato
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tomoko Uchiyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nishiofuku
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
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19
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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20
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Azbazdar Y, Demirci Y, Heger G, Ipekgil D, Karabicici M, Ozhan G. Comparative membrane lipidomics of hepatocellular carcinoma cells reveals diacylglycerol and ceramide as key regulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and tumor growth. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2314-2336. [PMID: 37699867 PMCID: PMC10620124 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely associated with aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Nevertheless, how membrane lipid composition is altered in HCC cells with abnormal Wnt signaling remains elusive. Here, by exploiting comprehensive lipidome profiling, we unravel the membrane lipid composition of six different HCC cell lines with mutations in components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, leading to differences in their endogenous signaling activity. Among the differentially regulated lipids are diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramide, which were downregulated at the membrane of HCC cells after Wnt3a treatment. DAG and ceramide enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inducing caveolin-mediated endocytosis of the canonical Wnt-receptor complex, while their depletion suppressed the signaling activity along with a reduction of caveolin-mediated endocytosis in SNU475 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, depletion of DAG and ceramide significantly impeded the proliferation, tumor growth, and in vivo migration capacity of SNU475 and HepG2 cells. This study, by pioneering plasma membrane lipidome profiling in HCC cells, exhibits the remarkable potential of lipids to correct dysregulated signaling pathways in cancer and stop abnormal tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Azbazdar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG)Dokuz Eylul University Health CampusIzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG‐Izmir)Dokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
- Present address:
Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of California Los AngelesCAUSA
| | - Yeliz Demirci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG)Dokuz Eylul University Health CampusIzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG‐Izmir)Dokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
- Present address:
Wellcome Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | | | - Dogac Ipekgil
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG)Dokuz Eylul University Health CampusIzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG‐Izmir)Dokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Mustafa Karabicici
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG)Dokuz Eylul University Health CampusIzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG‐Izmir)Dokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
- Present address:
Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG)Dokuz Eylul University Health CampusIzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG‐Izmir)Dokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
- Present address:
Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsIzmir Institute of TechnologyTurkey
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21
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Azbazdar Y, Tejeda-Munoz N, Monka JC, Dayrit A, Binder G, Ozhan G, De Robertis EM. Addition of exogenous diacylglycerol enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling through stimulation of macropinocytosis. iScience 2023; 26:108075. [PMID: 37860772 PMCID: PMC10582480 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of Wnt signaling triggers macropinocytosis and drives many tumors. We now report that the exogenous addition of the second messenger lipid sn-1,2 DAG to the culture medium rapidly induces macropinocytosis. This is accompanied by potentiation of the effects of added Wnt3a recombinant protein or the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitor lithium chloride (LiCl, which mimics Wnt signaling) in luciferase transcriptional reporter assays. In a colorectal carcinoma cell line in which mutation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) causes constitutive Wnt signaling, DAG addition increased levels of nuclear β-catenin, and this increase was partially inhibited by an inhibitor of macropinocytosis. DAG also expanded multivesicular bodies marked by the tetraspan protein CD63. In an in vivo situation, microinjection of DAG induced Wnt-like twinned body axes when co-injected with small amounts of LiCl into Xenopus embryos. These results suggest that the DAG second messenger plays a role in Wnt-driven cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Azbazdar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
| | - Nydia Tejeda-Munoz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
- Department of Oncology Science, Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Julia C. Monka
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
| | - Alex Dayrit
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
| | - Grace Binder
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Türkiye
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir 35340, Türkiye
| | - Edward M. De Robertis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA
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Bahaa Eldeen NM, Kamel MM, Mohamed A, Kamar SS, Rashed L, ShamsEldeen AM. Melatonin Mitigates the Progression of Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats via Targeting Wnt/Β-Catenin Pathway, and Small Noncoding miR-let-7b. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:403-414. [PMID: 38618269 PMCID: PMC11015929 DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Melatonin, the controlling hormone of the sleep-wake cycle, has acquired attention due to its role in immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, as well as its proapoptotic effects. Wnt/β-catenin signaling can modulate cancer progression by promoting cell division and migration, while miR-let-7b may inhibit cell growth, migration, and invasion by affecting the function of adaptive immune cells. This work was designed to detect the effect of using melatonin as an immunomodulating therapeutic approach to control the progression of chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Thirty male rats were equally divided into control, HCC, and melatonin-HCC groups. Animals in the HCC and melatonin-HCC groups were injected with diethylnitrosamine (intraperitoneal single dose) followed by repeated carbon-tetrachloride subcutaneous injection once weekly for six weeks. Melatonin was given from the first week of the study and continued during the process of HCC induction. Results In the HCC group, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Wnt/β-catenin expression significantly increased, while there was a downregulation of microRNA Let7b. Melatonin administration reversed these changes, along with an increase in hepatic content of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and caspase-3. Conclusions Melatonin exerted hepatic immunomodulating changes, in addition to proapoptotic and antiangiogenic effects, illustrated by increased IL-2, caspase-3, and decreased VEGF levels, respectively. Moreover, the use of melatonin during hepatocarcinogenesis positively modulated the disrupted expression of microRNA let7b and Wnt/β-catenin significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moataz Maher Kamel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Abbas Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Samaa Samir Kamar
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.
- Histology Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Laila Rashed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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23
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Mohammed S, Thadathil N, Ohene-Marfo P, Tran AL, Van Der Veldt M, Georgescu C, Oh S, Nicklas EH, Wang D, Haritha NH, Luo W, Janknecht R, Miller BF, Wren JD, Freeman WM, Deepa SS. Absence of Either Ripk3 or Mlkl Reduces Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independent of Liver Fibrosis. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:933-946. [PMID: 37204757 PMCID: PMC10472095 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the etiologies that contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic inflammation is one of the proposed mediators of HCC. Because necroptosis is a cell death pathway that induces inflammation, we tested whether necroptosis-induced inflammation contributes to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in a mouse model of diet-induced HCC. Male and female wild-type (WT) mice and mouse models where necroptosis is blocked (Ripk3-/- or Mlkl-/- mice) were fed either a control diet, choline-deficient low-fat diet or choline-deficient high-fat diet. Blocking necroptosis reduced markers of inflammation [proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β), F4/80+ve macrophages, CCR2+ve infiltrating monocytes], inflammation-associated oncogenic pathways (JNK, PD-L1/PD-1, β-catenin), and HCC in male mice. We demonstrate that hepatic necroptosis promotes recruitment and activation of liver macrophages leading to chronic inflammation, which in turn trigger oncogenic pathways leading to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in male mice. Whereas in female mice, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC independent of inflammation. Our data show a sex-specific difference in the development of inflammation, fibrosis, and HCC in WT mice. However, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC in both males and females without altering liver fibrosis. Thus, our study suggests that necroptosis is a valid therapeutic target for NAFLD-mediated HCC. IMPLICATIONS Necroptosis is a major contributor to hepatic inflammation that drives the progression of NAFLD to HCC and therefore represents a valid target for NAFLD-mediated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabira Mohammed
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Nidheesh Thadathil
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Phoebe Ohene-Marfo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Albert L. Tran
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | | | - Sangphil Oh
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Evan H. Nicklas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Nair Hariprasad Haritha
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wenyi Luo
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ralf Janknecht
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Benjamin F. Miller
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience & Brain Aging, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City VA medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jonathan D. Wren
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience & Brain Aging, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City VA medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sathyaseelan S. Deepa
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience & Brain Aging, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City VA medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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24
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Hussain S, Mustafa G, Ahmed S, Albeshr MF. Underlying Mechanisms of Bergenia spp. to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using an Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1239. [PMID: 37765047 PMCID: PMC10535166 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091239] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common and fatal cancer reported, representing 72.5% of malignancies around the world. The majority of HCC incidents have been associated with infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses. Many first- and second-line conventional drugs, e.g., sorafenib, cabozantinib, or ramucirumab, have been used for the management of HCC. Despite different combinational therapies, there are still no defined biomarkers for an early stage diagnosis of HCC. The current study evaluated the potential of Bergenia stracheyi, Bergenia ciliata, Bergenia pacumbis, and Bergenia purpurascens, which belong to the family Saxifragaceae, to treat HCC using an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. Four active phytochemicals were selected based on oral bioavailability (OB) and drug likeness (DL) parameters. The criteria of phytochemical selection were set to OB > 30% and DL > 0.18. Similarly, the gene targets related to Bergenia spp. and the genes related to HCC were retrieved from different databases. The integration of these genes revealed 98 most common overlapping genes, which were mainly interrelated with HCC pathogenesis. Ultimately, the 98 Bergenia-HCC associated genes were used for protein-protein interaction (PPI), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Finally, the topological analysis revealed the top ten hub genes with maximum degree rank. From the top ten genes, STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC were selected due to their involvement in GO annotation and KEGG pathway. To confirm the network pharmacology results, molecular docking analysis was performed to target STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC receptor proteins. The phytochemical (+)-catechin 3-gallate exhibited a maximum binding score and strong residue interactions with the active amino acids of MAPK3-binding pockets (S-score: -10.2 kcal/mol), SRC (S-score: -8.9 kcal/mol), and STAT3 (S-score: -8.9 kcal/mol) as receptor proteins. (+)-Catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol induced a significant reduction in cell viability in HepG2 after 24 h of treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study explore the potential of (+)-catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol, which can be used in the future as potential drug candidates to suppress HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoukat Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Fahad Albeshr
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Biglari N, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Mohammadian J, Mehdizadeh A, Abbasi K. ctDNA as a novel and promising approach for cancer diagnosis: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:752-780. [PMID: 37720239 PMCID: PMC10502204 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat HCC patients promptly. As a novel discovery, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to analyze the tumor type and the cancer location. Additionally, ctDNA assists the cancer stage determination, which enables medical professionals to provide patients with the most appropriate treatment. This review will discuss the HCC-related mutated genes diagnosed by ctDNA. In addition, we will introduce the different and the most appropriate ctDNA diagnosis approaches based on the facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Biglari
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jamal Mohammadian
- School of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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26
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Zhang R, Sun Y, Liu J, Luo C, Yang J, Fang W, Guo Q, Wei L. AFP deletion leads to anti-tumorigenic but pro-metastatic roles in liver cancers with concomitant CTNNB1 mutations. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216240. [PMID: 37217071 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
HCC remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. Serum AFP level is a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of HCC, instead the contribution of AFP to HCC development is clearly highly complex. Here, we discussed the effect of AFP deletion in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. AFP deletion in HepG2 cells inhibited the cell proliferation by inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling. Surprisingly, AFP KO HepG2 cells appeared the increasing metastatic capacity and EMT phenotype, which was attributed to the activation of WNT5A/β-catenin signal. Further studies revealed that the activating mutations of CTNNB1 was closely related with the unconventional pro-metastatic roles of AFP deletion. Consistently, the results of DEN/CCl4-induced HCC mouse model also suggested that AFP knockout suppressed the growth of HCC primary tumors, but promoted lung metastasis. Despite the discordant effect of AFP deletion in HCC progression, a drug candidate named OA showed the potent suppression of HCC tumor growth by interrupting AFP-PTEN interaction and, importantly, reduced the lung metastasis of HCC via angiogenesis suppression. Thus, this study demonstrates an unconventional effect of AFP in HCC progression, and suggests a potent candidate strategy for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Tripod Preclinincal Research Laboratories Co., Ltd., No. 9 Xinglong Road, Nanjing, 211800, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruitian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuening Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengju Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Libin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Li J, Wang X, Ren M, He S, Zhao Y. Advances in experimental animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15261-15276. [PMID: 37248746 PMCID: PMC10417182 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious early symptoms, easy metastasis, postoperative recurrence, poor drug efficacy, and a high drug resistance rate when surgery is missed, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Research on the pathogenesis and drugs is particularly important for clinical treatment. Animal models are crucial for basic research, which is conducive to studying pathogenesis and drug screening more conveniently and effectively. An appropriate animal model can better reflect disease occurrence and development, and the process of anti-tumor immune response in the human body. This review summarizes the classification, characteristics, and advances in experimental animal models of HCC to provide a reference for researchers on model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
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Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Pećina-Šlaus N, Aničić S, Bukovac A, Kafka A. Wnt Signaling Inhibitors and Their Promising Role in Tumor Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076733. [PMID: 37047705 PMCID: PMC10095594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In a continuous search for the improvement of antitumor therapies, the inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway has been recognized as a promising target. The altered functioning of the Wnt signaling in human tumors points to the strategy of the inhibition of its activity that would impact the clinical outcomes and survival of patients. Because the Wnt pathway is often mutated or epigenetically altered in tumors, which promotes its activation, inhibitors of Wnt signaling are being intensively investigated. It has been shown that knocking down specific components of the Wnt pathway has inhibitory effects on tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Thus, similar effects are expected from the application of Wnt inhibitors. In the last decades, molecules acting as inhibitors on the pathway’s specific molecular levels have been identified and characterized. This review will discuss the inhibitors of the canonical Wnt pathway, summarize knowledge on their effectiveness as therapeutics, and debate their side effects. The role of the components frequently mutated in various tumors that are principal targets for Wnt inhibitors is also going to be brought to the reader’s attention. Some of the molecules identified as Wnt pathway inhibitors have reached early stages of clinical trials, and some have only just been discovered. All things considered, inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway shows potential for the development of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Pećina-Šlaus
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Aničić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Bukovac
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Kafka
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Liu B, Li C, Han J, Chen Y, Zhao Z, Lu H. Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Citrus medica inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma through regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ARAB J CHEM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
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Salgüero S, Brochado-Kith Ó, Verdices AV, Berenguer J, González-García J, Martínez I, Díez C, Hontañón V, Pérez-Latorre L, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Jiménez-Sousa MÁ, Resino S. PBMCs gene expression signature of advanced cirrhosis with high risk for clinically significant portal hypertension in HIV/HCV coinfected patients: A cross-control study. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114220. [PMID: 36628818 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced cirrhosis are at high risk of developing clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We analyzed the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV/HCV coinfected patients to identify a gene expression signature of advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 68 patients. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was used to stratify patients into < 12.5 kPa (no cirrhosis, n = 19), 12.5 - 24.9 kPa (cirrhosis, n = 20), and ≥ 25 kPa (advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH, n = 29). Besides, we further evaluated LSM < 25 kPa (n = 39) vs. ≥ 25 kPa (n = 29). Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs, and poly(A) RNA sequencing was performed. Two significant differentially expressed (SDE) transcripts were validated by quantitative PCR in a different cohort (n = 46). RESULTS We found 60 SDE transcripts between patients with LSM < 12.5 kPa and ≥ 25 kPa. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that those 60 SDE transcripts collectively discriminated LSM ≥ 25 kPa, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.84. Eight genes had an AUROC ≥ 0.75 for LSM ≥ 25 kPa: five were positively associated with LSM values (SCAMP1, ABHD17B, GPR146, GTF2A1, and TMEM64), while three were inversely associated (ZFHX2-AS1, MDK, and STAG3L2). We validated the two SDE transcripts with the highest discrimination capacity in a different cohort, finding significant differences between < 25 kPa and ≥ 25 kPa (MDK (p = 0.006) and STAG3L2 (p = 0.021)). CONCLUSIONS A gene expression signature of 60 transcripts was associated with advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Salgüero
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital El Escorial, Spain.
| | - Óscar Brochado-Kith
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Virseda Verdices
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan González-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario "La Paz", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina Díez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Víctor Hontañón
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario "La Paz", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Leire Pérez-Latorre
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Ángeles Jiménez-Sousa
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Baokbah TAS. Attenuation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model by combination therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study. J Histotechnol 2023; 46:5-16. [PMID: 36214360 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2129935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model. Normal healthy and DEN-induced (HCC) rats were divided into five groups. Group I healthy rats served as normal control, Group II untreated HCC rats, Group III HCC rats administered diacerein, Group IV HCC rats administered AuNP, and Group V HCC rats administered diacerein and AuNP. All treatments were given once daily for 4 weeks. Liver morphology and necroinflammation in all groups were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome for fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry assays for expression of TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin, and caspase-3. Liver sections from Group II HCC rats showed loss of lobular architecture, thick fibrous tissue deposition, leukocyte infiltration, degenerated hepatocytes and HCC neoplastic nodules surrounded by extensive fibrosis. Group II had high expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and β-catenin, and low caspase-3 expression as compared to Group I. HCC rats treated with the combined therapy of diacerein and AuNP (Group V) showed markedly decreased HCC lesions, significant necroinflammation reduction (p ˂ 0.05) and 90% reduction in fibrosis as compared to Group II HCC + diacerein. This combined therapy also reduced (p ˂ 0.05) TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression and increased caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, diacerein combined with AuNP synergistically attenuated the severity of HCC lesions by reducing necroinflammation and fibrosis, decreased TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression, and increased caspase-3 expression for apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tourki A S Baokbah
- Department of Medical Emergency Services, Al-Qunfudah Health Sciences College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Modifications in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic HCV Patients. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity among chronically infected HCV patients. It is established that HCV is a primary risk factor for HCC progression. The treatment of HCV infection has been transformed by the introduction of DAAs with high rates of virological clearance. The reduction in cirrhosis-related consequences, particularly HCC, is the long-term objective of DAAs therapy for HCV. Although the risk of developing HCC is decreased in HCV patients who achieve a disease-sustaining virological response, these patients are nevertheless at risk, especially those with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown that HCV induce several mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in the host’s hepatic micro- and macro-environment, which leads to HCC progression. In an HCV-altered environment, compensatory liver regeneration favors chromosomal instability and irreversible alterations, which encourage hepatocyte neoplastic transformation and the development of malignant clones. These mechanisms involve a series of genetic and epigenetic modifications including host genetic factors, dysregulation of several signaling pathways, histone, and DNA modifications including methylation and acetylation. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic factors that lead to the development of HCC in chronic HCV-infected individuals and can be targeted for earlier HCC diagnosis and prevention.
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Transcriptomic Analysis of Hepatitis B Infected Liver for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020188. [PMID: 36829466 PMCID: PMC9952979 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB) has been a major risk factor for HCC development. The pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC has been a major focus revealing the interplay of a multitude of intracellular signaling pathways, yet the precise mechanisms and their implementations to clinical practice remain to be elucidated. This study utilizes publicly available transcriptomic data from the livers of CHB patients in order to identify a population with a higher risk of malignant transformation. We report the identification of a novel list of genes (PCM1) which can generate clear transcriptomic sub-groups among HBV-infected livers. PCM1 includes genes related to cell cycle activity and liver cancer development. In addition, markers of inflammation, M1 macrophages and gamma delta T cell infiltration are present within the signature. Genes within PCM1 are also able to differentiate HCC from normal liver, and some genes within the signature are associated with poor prognosis of HCC at the mRNA level. The analysis of the immunohistochemical stainings validated that proteins coded by a group of PCM1 genes were overexpressed in liver cancer, while minimal or no expression was detected in normal liver. Altogether, our findings suggest that PCM1 can be developed into a clinically applicable method to identify CHB patients with a higher risk of HCC development.
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Tümen D, Heumann P, Gülow K, Demirci CN, Cosma LS, Müller M, Kandulski A. Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3202. [PMID: 36551958 PMCID: PMC9775527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent liver cancer with high lethality and low five-year survival rates leading to a substantial worldwide burden for healthcare systems. HCC initiation and progression are favored by different etiological risk factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-/and alcoholic fatty liver disease (N/AFLD), and tobacco smoking. In molecular pathogenesis, endogenous alteration in genetics (TP53, TERT, CTNNB1, etc.), epigenetics (DNA-methylation, miRNA, lncRNA, etc.), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, etc.) strongly contribute to the development of HCC. The multitude and complexity of different pathomechanisms also reflect the difficulties in tailored medical therapy of HCC. Treatment options for HCC are strictly dependent on tumor staging and liver function, which are structured by the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system. Surgical resection, local ablative techniques, and liver transplantation are valid and curative therapeutic options for early tumor stages. For multifocal and metastatic diseases, systemic therapy is recommended. While Sorafenib had been the standalone HCC first-line therapy for decades, recent developments had led to the approval of new treatment options as first-line as well as second-line treatment. Anti-PD-L1 directed combination therapies either with anti-VEGF directed agents or with anti-CTLA-4 active substances have been implemented as the new treatment standard in the first-line setting. However, data from clinical trials indicate different responses on specific therapeutic regimens depending on the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, histopathological examinations have been re-emphasized by current international clinical guidelines in addition to the standardized radiological diagnosis using contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. In this review, we emphasize the current knowledge on molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. On this occasion, the treatment sequences for early and advanced tumor stages according to the recently updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system and the current algorithm of systemic therapy (first-, second-, and third-line treatment) are summarized. Furthermore, we discuss novel precautional and pre-therapeutic approaches including therapeutic vaccination, adoptive cell transfer, locoregional therapy enhancement, and non-coding RNA-based therapy as promising treatment options. These novel treatments may prolong overall survival rates in regard with quality of life and liver function as mainstay of HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Hymel E, Fisher KW, Farazi PA. Differential methylation patterns in lean and obese non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1276. [PMID: 36474183 PMCID: PMC9727966 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects about 24% of the world's population and may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While more common in those that are obese, NASH-HCC can develop in lean individuals. The mechanisms by which HCC develops and the role of epigenetic changes in the context of obesity and normal weight are not well understood. METHODS In this study, we used previously generated mouse models of lean and obese HCC using a choline deficient/high trans-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet and a choline supplemented/high trans-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet, respectively, to evaluate methylation differences in HCC progression in lean versus obese mice. Differentially methylated regions were determined using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. RESULTS A larger number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were seen in NASH-HCC progression in the obese mice compared to the non-obese mice. No overlap existed in the DMRs with the largest methylation differences between the two models. In lean NASH-HCC, methylation differences were seen in genes involved with cancer progression and prognosis (including HCC), such as CHCHD2, FSCN1, and ZDHHC12, and lipid metabolism, including PNPLA6 and LDLRAP1. In obese NASH- HCC, methylation differences were seen in genes known to be associated with HCC, including RNF217, GJA8, PTPRE, PSAPL1, and LRRC8D. Genes involved in Wnt-signaling pathways were enriched in hypomethylated DMRs in the obese NASH-HCC. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that differential methylation may play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis in lean versus obese NASH. Hypomethylation of Wnt signaling pathway-related genes in obese mice may drive progression of HCC, while progression of HCC in lean mice may be driven through other signaling pathways, including lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hymel
- grid.266813.80000 0001 0666 4105Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984395 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395 USA
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- grid.266813.80000 0001 0666 4105Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE USA
| | - Paraskevi A. Farazi
- grid.266813.80000 0001 0666 4105Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984395 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395 USA
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Abdel-Wahed MA, Amer EMAR, Mahmoud RM, Montasser IF, Massoud YM, Hamdy P, Hassan SHZ. CTNNB1 polymorphism (rs121913407) in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma patients. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-022-00204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth in Egypt. Persistent inflammation and specific somatic mutations in driving genes play a major role in the development of HCC. One of these somatic mutations is CTNNB1 mutations with subsequent activation of β-catenin in HCC, associated with a risk of malignant transformation. In this study, we investigate the clinical utility of peripheral blood circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) CTNNB1 (rs121913407) in HCC patients compared to pathological chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients and healthy controls.
Methods
Our study is a case-control study at the Ain Shams Centre for Organ Transplantation, Ain Shams University Hospitals, enrolling twenty-eight adult HCC patients (twelve early HCC patients and sixteen advanced HCC patients), ten patients with chronic hepatitis C as a disease control group, and ten healthy controls. We collected plasma and stored at −80 °C. We detected mutations in the gene locus CTNNB1 rs121913407 by real-time PCR.
Results
All of our studied cases (early and advanced HCC) in addition to HCV and healthy control groups were CTNNB1 wild (TT) genotype. There was statistical significant difference between early and late cases of HCC as regards AFP and AST.
Conclusions
None of our recruited subjects showed CTNNB1 rs121913407 gene mutation. Further studies on larger number of patients are needed to clarify and confirm the clinical utility of CTNNB1 single-nucleotide polymorphism in the pathogenesis of HCC related to HCV in Egyptian population.
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Phan TH, Chi Nguyen VT, Thi Pham TT, Nguyen VC, Ho TD, Quynh Pham TM, Tran TH, Nguyen TD, Khang Le ND, Nguyen TH, Duong ML, Bach HPT, Kim VV, Pham TA, Nguyen BT, Vo Nguyen TN, Nguyen TD, Bieu Phu DT, Huu Phan BH, Nguyen DS, Truong DK, Do TTT, Giang H, Nguyen HN, Phan MD, Tran LS. Circulating DNA methylation profile improves the accuracy of serum biomarkers for the detection of nonmetastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2022; 18:4399-4413. [PMID: 36786635 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study exploited hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific circulating DNA methylation profiles to improve the accuracy of a current screening assay for HCC patients in high-risk populations. Methods: Differentially methylated regions in cell-free DNA between 58 nonmetastatic HCC and 121 high-risk patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis were identified and used to train machine learning classifiers. Results: The model could distinguish HCC from high-risk non-HCC patients in a validation cohort, with an area under the curve of 0.84. Combining these markers with the three serum biomarkers (AFP, lectin-reactive AFP, des-γ-carboxy prothrombin) in a commercial test, μTASWako®, achieved an area under the curve of 0.87 and sensitivity of 68.8% at 95.8% specificity. Conclusion: HCC-specific circulating DNA methylation markers may be added to the available assay to improve the early detection of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Thien Chi Nguyen
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Van-Chu Nguyen
- National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tan Dat Ho
- MEDIC Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Mong Quynh Pham
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Huong Tran
- National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Dat Nguyen
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Duy Khang Le
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trong-Hieu Nguyen
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Van-Vu Kim
- National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Duy-Sinh Nguyen
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Hoa Giang
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hoai-Nghia Nguyen
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh-Duy Phan
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Son Tran
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Gene Solutions, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Saleh NAM, El-bary RBEDA, Mpingirika EZ, Essa HL, El-Sayed MMH, Sherbetjian MS, Elfandi HF, Wahed MAA, Arafeh R, Amleh A. Evaluating the Potential Anticancer Properties of Salvia triloba in Human-Osteosarcoma U2OS Cell Line and Ovarian Adenocarcinoma SKOV3 Cell Line. APPLIED SCIENCES 2022; 12:11545. [DOI: 10.3390/app122211545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Salvia triloba (S. triloba) is an herb inherently linked to traditional medicine systems in the Eastern Mediterranean region. There is minimal experimental evidence however, regarding the anticancer effects of S. triloba in both osteosarcoma and ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of crude (macerated) S. triloba ethanol and acetone leaf extracts on viability, migratory ability, and the expression of genes regulating these activities in U2OS and SKOV3 cells using MTT assay, scratch-wound healing/trans-well migration assay, and RT-qPCR respectively. MTT assay results indicated that the acetone extract significantly reduced both U2OS and SKOV3 cell viability with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 54.51 ± 1.10 µg/mL and 75.96 ± 1.0237 µg/mL respectively; these concentrations further displayed negligible hemolytic activity. The combination of acetone extract (19 µg/mL) and paclitaxel (0.787 µg/mL) displayed synergy and reduced SKOV3 cell viability by over 90%. Additionally, the trans-well migration assay illustrated that the acetone extract (IC50) inhibited both U2OS and SKOV3 cell migration by more than 50%. Moreover, S. triloba acetone extract significantly downregulated the steady-state mRNA expression of key genes involved in driving select cancer hallmarks. Four fractions were generated from the acetone extract by thin layer chromatography (TLC), and the obtained retention factors (Rf) (ranging from 0.2 to 0.8) suggested a mixture of high and moderately polar compounds whose bioactivities require further investigation. In addition, FTIR measurements of the extract revealed peaks corresponding to OH, aliphatic CH, and ester groups suggesting the presence of phenolic compounds, terpenes, and polysaccharides. Altogether, these results suggest that S. triloba possesses potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and modulate several genes involved in osteosarcoma and ovarian carcinoma progression.
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Oncogenic Wnt3a is a promising sensitive biomarker for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 22:263-269. [PMID: 36435702 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on early diagnosis. Previously, the abnormal expression of Wnt3a as the key signaling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was found in HCC cells and could be released into the circulation. In this study, we used rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis to dynamically investigate the alteration of oncogenic Wnt3a and to explore its early monitor value for HCC. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) were fed with diet 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA, 0.05%) for inducing hepatocarcinogenesis, and grouped based on liver morphological alteration by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining; rats fed with normal chow were used as normal control (NC). Total RNA and protein were purified from rat livers. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) or Wnt3a mRNA, cellular distribution, and Wnt3a protein levels were analyzed by whole genome microarray with signal logarithm ratio (SLR log2cy5/cy3), immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS Models of rat hepatocarcinogenesis were successfully established based on liver histopathological H&E staining. Rats were divided into the cell degeneration (rDeg), precancerosis (rPre-C) and HCC (rHCC) groups. Total numbers of the up- and down-regulated DEGs with SLR ≥ 8 were 55 and 48 in the rDeg group, 268 and 57 in the rPre-C group, and 312 and 201 in the rHCC group, respectively. Significantly altered genes were involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction, tumor metastasis, and apoptosis. Compared with the NC group, Wnt3a mRNA was increased by 4.6 folds (P < 0.001) in the rDeg group, 7.4 folds (P < 0.001) in the rPre-C group, and 10.4 folds (P < 0.001) in the rHCC group; the positive rates of liver Wnt3a were 66.7% (P = 0.001) in the rDeg group, 100% (P < 0.001) in the rPre-C group, and 100% (P < 0.001) in the rHCC group, respectively. Also, there were significant differences of liver Wnt3a (P < 0.001) or serum Wnt3a (P < 0.001) among different groups. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of Wnt3a was associated with rat hepatocarcinogenesis and it should be expected to be a promising monitoring biomarker for HCC occurrence at early stage.
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Pallerla SR, Hoan NX, Rachakonda S, Meyer CG, Van Tong H, Toan NL, Linh LTK, Giang DP, Kremsner PG, Bang MH, Song LH, Velavan TP. Custom gene expression panel for evaluation of potential molecular markers in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:235. [PMID: 36345011 PMCID: PMC9641913 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01386-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, which highlights the need for reliable biomarkers. This study aims to explore molecular markers that allow stratification of HCC and may lead to better prognosis and treatment prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 20 candidate genes (HCC hub genes, potential drug target genes, predominant somatic mutant genes) retrieved from literature and public databases with potential to be used as the molecular markers. We analysed expression of the genes by RT-qPCR in 30 HCC tumour and adjacent non-tumour paired samples from Vietnamese patients. Fold changes in expression were then determined using the 2-∆∆CT method, and unsupervised hierarchical clustering was generated using Cluster v3.0 software. RESULTS Clustering of expression data revealed two subtypes of tumours (proliferative and normal-like) and four clusters for genes. The expression profiles of the genes TOP2A, CDK1, BIRC5, GPC3, IGF2, and AFP were strongly correlated. Proliferative tumours were characterized by high expression of the c-MET, ARID1A, CTNNB1, RAF1, LGR5, and GLUL1 genes. TOP2A, CDK1, and BIRC5 HCC hub genes were highly expressed (> twofold) in 90% (27/30), 83% (25/30), and 83% (24/30) in the tissue samples, respectively. Among the drug target genes, high expression was observed in the GPC3, IGF2 and c-MET genes in 77% (23/30), 63% (19/30), and 37% (11/30), respectively. The somatic mutant Wnt/ß-catenin genes (CTNNB1, GLUL and LGR5) and TERT were highly expressed in 40% and 33% of HCCs, respectively. Among the HCC marker genes, a higher percentage of tumours showed GPC3 expression compared to AFP expression [73% (23/30) vs. 43% (13/30)]. CONCLUSION The custom panel and molecular markers from this study may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis, biomarker-guided clinical trial design, and prediction of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Reddy Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Sivaramakrishna Rachakonda
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian G Meyer
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Le Thi Kieu Linh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Phuong Giang
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Mai Hong Bang
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Faculty of Gastroenterology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
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Leung RWH, Lee TKW. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215468. [PMID: 36358885 PMCID: PMC9656505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3400-8799; Fax: +852-2364-9932
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Mohapatra P, Chandrasekaran N. Wnt/β-catenin targeting in liver carcinoma through nanotechnology-based drug repurposing: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113713. [PMID: 36126453 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most widespread in the world, with a high fatality rate and poor prognosis.However,surgicalresction,thermal/radiofrequencyablation,chemo/radioembolization and pathway targeting to the cancer cells are all possible options for treating Liver Carcinoma. Unfortunately, once the tumour has developed and spread, diagnosis often occurs too late. The targeted therapy has demonstrated notable, albeit modest, efficacy in some patients with advanced HCC. This demonstrates the necessity of creating additional focused treatments and, in pursuit of this end, the need to find ever-more pathways as prospective targets. Despite the critical need, there are currently no Wnt signalling directed therapy on the research field, only a few methods have progressed beyond the early stage of clinical studies. In the present study, we report that repurposing of drug previously licensed for other diseases is one possible strategy inhibit malignant cell proliferation and renewal by removing individuals protein expression in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Particularly β-catenin complex is present in Liver cancer, where tumour necrosis factor is indispensable for the complex formation and β-catenin interactions are disrupted upon drug in nano-carrier through nanotechnology. This study findings not only highlight that repurposing drug could improve liver cancer treatment outcomes but also focused to character traits and functions of the Wnt signalling cascade's molecular targets and how they could be used to get anti-tumour results method to targeting Wnt/β-catenin in liver carcinoma.
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Ambrozkiewicz F, Trailin A, Červenková L, Vaclavikova R, Hanicinec V, Allah MAO, Palek R, Třeška V, Daum O, Tonar Z, Liška V, Hemminki K. CTNNB1 mutations, TERT polymorphism and CD8+ cell densities in resected hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with longer time to recurrence. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:884. [PMID: 35962322 PMCID: PMC9375422 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09989-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease characterized by early genetic alterations in telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) genes and immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. As a novel approach, we wanted to assess patient survival influenced by combined presence of mutations and densities of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Methods Tissue samples were obtained from 67 HCC patients who had undergone resection. We analysed CD8+ T cells density, TERTp mutations, rs2853669 polymorphism, and CTNNB1 mutations. These variables were evaluated for time to recurrence (TTR) and disease free survival (DFS). Results TERTp mutations were found in 75.8% and CTNNB1 mutations in 35.6% of the patients. TERTp mutations were not associated with survival but polymorphism rs2853669 in TERTp was associated with improved TTR and DFS. CTNNB1 mutations were associated with improving TTR. High density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center and invasive margin correlated with longer TTR and DFS. Combined genetic and immune factors further improved survival showing higher predictive values. E.g., combining CTNNB1 mutations and high density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center yielded HRs of 0.12 (0.03–0.52), p = 0.005 for TTR and 0.25 (0.09–0.74), p = 0.01 for DFS. Conclusion The results outline a novel integrative approach for prognostication through combining independent predictive factors from genetic and immune cell profiles. However, larger studies are needed to explore multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09989-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Červenková
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, 10, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Vaclavikova
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Toxicogenomics Unit, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Hanicinec
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Al Obeed Allah
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Palek
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Vladislav Třeška
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Daum
- Sikl's Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Teaching Hospital in Plzen, Charles University, Plzen, Czech Republic.,Bioptická laboratoř s.r.o., Mikulášské nám, 4, 326 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Tonar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Karlovarska 48, 301 66, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Quantitative Histology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Benhammou JN, Sinnett-Smith J, Pisegna JR, Rozengurt EJ. Interplay Between Fatty Acids, Stearoyl-Co-A Desaturase, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, and Yes-Associated Protein/Transcriptional Coactivator With PDZ-Binding Motif in Promoting Hepatocellular Carcinoma. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:232-241. [PMID: 39132609 PMCID: PMC11308718 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has reached pandemic proportions with one of its most consequential complications being hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related HCC is becoming the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Given the scarcity of available organs, early detection and prevention remain key in prevention and management of the disease. Over the years, the yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) pathway emerged as a key signal transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this review, we explore the interplay between the YAP/TAZ pathway as a point of convergence in HCC pathogenesis. We review the evidence of how lipid reprogramming and key lipid pathways, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (through the rate-limiting enzyme stearoyl Co-A desaturase), the mevalonic acid pathway (the role of statins), and mechanistic target of rapamycin all play critical roles in intricate and complex networks that tightly regulate the YAP/TAZ pro-oncogenic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihane N. Benhammou
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jim Sinnett-Smith
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joseph R. Pisegna
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Enrique J. Rozengurt
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
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Yuan X, Zhu L, Wang Y, Zhang T, Jin Y, Li Y, Zeng M, Yu G. Liposome Nanoparticles Carrying miR-22 Suppress Proliferation, Invasion and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Wingless-Related Integration Site (WNT) Pathway. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal miR-22 level is related to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) progression. This study mainly assessed its role in proliferation, invasion and EMT of LSCC and their possible mechanisms of action. HN4 was collected, and corresponding groups were set as; blank group, positive
control group, miR-22 group and MIRNA-22 NC group. Pathway inhibitor group and pathway agonist group were also set. The expressions of miR-22, EMT-related genes, cell proliferation rate, invasion rate, β-catenin and Cyclin D1 were observed. Results revealed that, expressions of
miR-22 and e-cadherin were higher in the blank group and miR-22 NC group, while N-cadherin and Vimentin levels were lower. Moreover, miR-22 and EMT-related genes in the positive control group and miR-22 group were opposite (P <0.05). The proliferation rate and invasion rate of blank
and miR-22 NC groups were also lower, while positive control and miR-22 groups showed different changes (P <0.05). β-catenin and Cyclin D1 expressions in the blank group and miR-22 NC group were increased compared to other two groups. The proliferation rate, invasion
rate, expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin were higher and E-cadherin was lower in blank and pathway agonist group, which was opposite in the pathway inhibitor group (P < 0.05). β-catenin and Cyclin D1 protein levels in blank and pathway agonist groups were higher than
pathway inhibitor group (P < 0.05). A binding region between miR-22 gene sequence and 3′UTR 215-229 sequence of Wnt gene was found and Wnt was found to be the target gene for miR-22. The fluorescence intensity of mutant plasmid was higher than wild-type plasmid (P <0.05).
miR-22 can inhibit LSCC proliferation, invasion and EMT and the main mechanism of action is related to the Wnt signaling pathway. MiR-22 targeted Wnt gene and inhibited Wnt signaling pathway activity, lower key factor beta catenin expression Wnt pathways, thereby inhibiting factor laryngeal
squamous cancer cells proliferation, Cyclin D1 expression, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation, and EMT process at the same time, reducing the cell invasion ability, inhibiting the growth of laryngeal squamous cancer cells. Eventually, the Wnt pathways or miR-22 all can be used as
targets for laryngeal squamous carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhong Yuan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Yangsong Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Mengting Zeng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Guodong Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
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Mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in liver cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic approaches. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:371-386. [PMID: 35818992 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of advanced-stage patients is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, therapy resistance is often encountered, and its emergence eventually curtails long-term clinical benefits. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential drivers of tumor recurrence and therapy resistance; thus, the elucidation of key hallmarks of resistance mechanisms of liver CSC-driven HCC may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of TKI resistance in liver CSCs, which mediate treatment failure, and discusses potential strategies to overcome TKI resistance from a preclinical perspective.
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Chun KH. Molecular Targets and Signaling Pathways of microRNA-122 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1380. [PMID: 35890276 PMCID: PMC9316959 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading global causes of cancer mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small interfering RNAs that alleviate the levels of protein expression by suppressing translation, inducing mRNA cleavage, and promoting mRNA degradation. miR-122 is the most abundant miRNA in the liver and is responsible for several liver-specific functions, including metabolism, cellular growth and differentiation, and hepatitis virus replication. Recent studies have shown that aberrant regulation of miR-122 is a key factor contributing to the development of HCC. In this review, the signaling pathways and the molecular targets of miR-122 involved in the progression of HCC have been summarized, and the importance of miR-122 in therapy has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
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Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene 1/Delta like Non-Canonical Notch Ligand 1 Signaling in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136897. [PMID: 35805898 PMCID: PMC9267054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) remains a challenge, and identifying effective treatments is a major unmet medical need. In the current review we focus on the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1)/delta like non-canonical notch ligand 1 (DLK1) axis as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate the progression of these pathological conditions. PTTG1 is a proto-oncogene involved in proliferation and metabolism. PTTG1 expression has been related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis in cancer and experimental fibrosis. On the other hand, DLK1 has been identified as one of the most abundantly expressed PTTG1 targets in adipose tissue and has shown to contribute to hepatic fibrosis by promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Here, we extensively analyze the increasing amount of information pointing to the PTTG1/DLK1 signaling pathway as an important player in the regulation of these disturbances. These data prompted us to hypothesize that activation of the PTTG1/DLK1 axis is a key factor upregulating the tissue remodeling mechanisms characteristic of CLDs. Therefore, disruption of this signaling pathway could be useful in the therapeutic management of CLDs.
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