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de Melo Silva AJ, de Melo Gama JE, de Oliveira SA. The Role of Bcl-2 Family Proteins and Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Cell Biol 2024; 2024:4972523. [PMID: 39188653 PMCID: PMC11347034 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4972523] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer has been reported to be one of the most malignant diseases in the world. It is late diagnosis consequently leads to a difficult treatment, as the cancer reached an advanced stage. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary type of cancer diagnosed in the liver, with deadly characteristics and a poor prognosis. The first-in-line treatment for advanced HCC is sorafenib. Sorafenib acts by inhibiting cell proliferation and by inducing apoptosis as well as blocks receptors associated with these mechanisms. Due to its constant use, sorafenib resistance has been described, especially to proteins of the Bcl-2 family, and their overexpression of Bcl-XL and Mcl-1. This review focuses on the role of the Bcl-2 proteins in relation to sorafenib resistance as a consequence of first-in-line treatment in HCC.
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2
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Wang Y, Shi C, Guo J, Zhang Y, Gong Z. Distinct Types of Cell Death and Implications in Liver Diseases: An Overview of Mechanisms and Application. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1413-1424. [PMID: 37719956 PMCID: PMC10500292 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell death is associated with a variety of liver diseases, and hepatocyte death is a core factor in the occurrence and progression of liver diseases. In recent years, new cell death modes have been identified, and certain biomarkers have been detected in the circulation during various cell death modes that mediate liver injury. In this review, cell death modes associated with liver diseases are summarized, including some cell death modes that have emerged in recent years. We described the mechanisms associated with liver diseases and summarized recent applications of targeting cell death in liver diseases. It provides new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. In addition, multiple cell death modes can contribute to the same liver disease. Different cell death modes are not isolated, and they interact with each other in liver diseases. Future studies may focus on exploring the regulation between various cell death response pathways in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chunxia Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zuojiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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3
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Kouroumalis E, Tsomidis I, Voumvouraki A. Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Interplay of Apoptosis and Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041166. [PMID: 37189787 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial process that has not yet been fully investigated. Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular pathways that are critical for cell survival or death. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy regulates liver cell turnover and maintains intracellular homeostasis. However, the balance is often dysregulated in many cancers, including HCC. Autophagy and apoptosis pathways may be either independent or parallel or one may influence the other. Autophagy may either inhibit or promote apoptosis, thus regulating the fate of the liver cancer cells. In this review, a concise overview of the pathogenesis of HCC is presented, with emphasis on new developments, including the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the implication of microRNAs and the role of gut microbiota. The characteristics of HCC associated with a specific liver disease are also described and a brief description of autophagy and apoptosis is provided. The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the initiation, progress and metastatic potential is reviewed and the experimental evidence indicating an interplay between the two is extensively analyzed. The role of ferroptosis, a recently described specific pathway of regulated cell death, is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic implications of autophagy and apoptosis in drug resistance are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, University of Crete School of Medicine, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsomidis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
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Alabanza LM, Xiong Y, Vu B, Webster B, Wu D, Hu P, Zhu Z, Dropulic B, Dash P, Schneider D. Armored BCMA CAR T Cells Eliminate Multiple Myeloma and Are Resistant to the Suppressive Effects of TGF-β. Front Immunol 2022; 13:832645. [PMID: 35222421 PMCID: PMC8863610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.832645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR T-cell therapies targeting the B-cell maturation antigen eliminate tumors in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, however durable remissions remain difficult to attain. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine abundantly expressed in the multiple myeloma bone marrow niche, where it promotes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We hypothesized that BCMA CAR T-cells armored to resist the suppressive effects of TGF-β will provide an advantage in treating multiple myeloma. The armored B2ARM CAR T cells, co-expressing BCMA targeting CAR with TGF-β dominant-negative receptor II, were generated by lentiviral transduction of primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The B2ARM CAR T cells eliminated MM.1S multiple myeloma targets in long-term cytotoxicity assays, even under TGF-β-high conditions, whereas cytotoxic function of the non-armored B2 CAR -T cells was inhibited by TGF-β. Concordantly, after long-term exposure to targets in the presence of TGF-β, the B2ARM CAR T cells were enriched for Granzyme B, CD107a, Ki67 and polyfunctional cells T-cells (double or triple-positive for IFN-γ, IL-2 and/or TNF-α), as determined by flow cytometry. In addition, the B2ARM CAR T-cells, but not the conventional B2 CAR T-cells, resisted the TGF-β-mediated suppression of activation (CD25), exhaustion (PD-1, LAG3), and differentiation to T effectors (CD45RA+ CD45RO-CD62L-). In NSG mice bearing RPMI-8226 tumors overexpressing TGF-β, the B2ARM CAR mediated 100% tumor rejection and survival, superior infiltration of tumors on day 7 post CAR T treatment (%CD3+CAR+), and greater expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, Ki67, Granzyme B, and PD-1, as compared to tumor-infiltrating non-armored B2 CAR T-cells. In NSG RPMI-8226 xenograft model in which tumors were additionally supplemented with TGF-β injections on days -1 through 11 of CAR T treatment, the B2ARM CAR T cells rejected tumors faster than the non-armored B2 CARs, and showed greater numbers of CD3+ and CD3+CAR+, central memory (CD45RO+CD62L+) and effector memory (CD45RO+CD62L-) T cells in the peripheral blood 18 days after treatment. In summary, the armored B2ARM CAR T cells mediate superior persistence, proliferation, multi-functionality, effector differentiation and anti-tumor function in pre-clinical models of multiple myeloma, while abrogating TGF-β-mediated suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Alabanza
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Ying Xiong
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Bang Vu
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Brian Webster
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Darong Wu
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Peirong Hu
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Boro Dropulic
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Pradyot Dash
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Dina Schneider
- Research and Development, Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
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Sun L, Jiang Y, Yan X, Dai X, Huang C, Chen L, Li T, Zhang Y, Xiao H, Yang M, Xiang L, Zhang Y, Chen S, Li S, Chen A, He F, Lian J. Dichloroacetate enhances the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib via modulating the ROS-JNK-Mcl-1 pathway in liver cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2021; 406:112755. [PMID: 34332981 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common and high recurrence malignancies. Besides radiotherapy and surgery, chemotherapy also plays an essential role in the treatment of liver cancer. Sorafenib and sorafenib-based combination therapies have been proven efficacy against tumors. However, previous clinical studies have indicated that some patients with liver cancer are resistant to sorafenib treatment and the existing strategies are not satisfactory in the clinic. Therefore, it is urgent to investigate strategies to improve the effectiveness of sorafenib for liver cancer and to explore effective drug combinations. In the present study, we found that dichloroacetate (DCA) could significantly enhance the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib on liver cancer cells, including reduced viability and dramatically promoted apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Moreover, compared to sorafenib alone, the combination of DCA and sorafenib markedly increased the degradation of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 by enhancing its phosphorylation. Overexpression of Mcl-1 could significantly attenuate the synergetic effect of DCA and sorafenib on apoptosis induction in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that the ROS-JNK pathway was obviously activated in the DCA combined sorafenib group. The levels of ROS and p-JNK were dramatically up-regulated in the two drug combination groups. Antioxidant NAC could alleviate the synergetic effects of DCA and sorafenib on ROS generation, JNK activation, Mcl-1 degradation, and cell apoptosis. Moreover, DCA and sorafenib's effects on Mcl-1 degradation and apoptosis could also be inhibited by JNK inhibitor 'SP'600125. Finally, the synergetic effects of DCA and sorafenib on tumor growth suppression, Mcl-1 degradation and induction of apoptosis were also validated in liver cancer xenograft in vivo. These findings indicate that DCA enhances the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib via the ROS-JNK-Mcl-1 pathway in liver cancer cells. This study may provide new insights to improve the chemotherapeutic effect of sorafenib, which may be beneficial for further clinical application of sorafenib in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangbo Sun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yangzhou Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Battalion One of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xufang Dai
- Department of Educational College, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lingxi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yueting Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hanxi Xiao
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mingzhen Yang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - An Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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6
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Atwa SM, Odenthal M, El Tayebi HM. Genetic Heterogeneity, Therapeutic Hurdle Confronting Sorafenib and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4343. [PMID: 34503153 PMCID: PMC8430643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the latest advances in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening and treatment modalities, HCC is still representing a global burden. Most HCC patients present at later stages to an extent that conventional curative options are ineffective. Hence, systemic therapy represented by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, in the first-line setting is the main treatment modality for advanced-stage HCC. However, in the two groundbreaking phase III clinical trials, the SHARP and Asia-Pacific trials, sorafenib has demonstrated a modest prolongation of overall survival in almost 30% of HCC patients. As HCC develops in an immune-rich milieu, particular attention has been placed on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a novel therapeutic modality for HCC. Yet, HCC therapy is hampered by the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and the subsequent tumor recurrence. HCC is characterized by substantial genomic heterogeneity that has an impact on cellular response to the applied therapy. And hence, this review aims at giving an insight into the therapeutic impact and the different mechanisms of resistance to sorafenib and ICIs as well as, discussing the genomic heterogeneity associated with such mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Atwa
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11865, Egypt;
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Nabi AA, Atta SA, El-Ahwany E, Elzayat E, Saleh H. Taurine Upregulates miRNA-122-5p Expression and Suppresses the Metabolizing Enzymes of Glycolytic Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5549-5559. [PMID: 34313924 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complicated disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer have become vital focuses in healthcare research. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of taurine (Tau) on the expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes and affects the overall glycolytic pathway in HepG2 cells. METHOD IC50 and the inhibitory effect of Tau on cell proliferation were measured after 48 h by MTT assay. Then, the mRNA expressions of some apoptosis-related genes P53, BAX, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were measured using quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and the protein levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activities of some antioxidant's biomarkers were assessed. The gene expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes; Aldolase and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were evaluated after treatment with Tau for 48 h. RESULTS A Significant inhibition in the proliferation of HepG2 was encountered after treatment with Tau in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the expression of apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 exhibited a significant upregulation, while Bcl-2 showed a significant downregulation. These alterations in the expression levels were also confirmed on the protein level. The antioxidant activities of GPx, CAT, and NO were significantly elevated versus untreated control. Also, a significant increase in the expression level of miR-122-5p was observed after treatment with Tau affecting the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Concomitantly, a significant inhibition in ALDOA protein and the hallmark of glycolytic enzymes LDH and Aldolase were observed. CONCLUSIONS These observations showed that taurine inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and restores the expression of miR-122-5p which inhibits the hallmark glycolytic enzymes and ultimately the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Tau is assumed to be a promising and effective antitumor therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Abdel Nabi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Attia Atta
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad Elzayat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hanan Saleh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
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8
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Yang Y, Ye WL, Zhang RN, He XS, Wang JR, Liu YX, Wang Y, Yang XM, Zhang YJ, Gan WJ. The Role of TGF- β Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6675208. [PMID: 34335834 PMCID: PMC8321733 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6675208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway mediates various biological functions, and its dysregulation is closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. However, the role of TGF-β signaling in tumorigenesis and development is complex and contradictory. On the one hand, TGF-β signaling can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. On the other hand, TGF-β signaling may mediate oncogene effects by promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape. This review summarizes the recent findings on molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling. Specifically, this review evaluates TGF-β's therapeutic potential as a target by the following perspectives: ligands, receptors, and downstream signaling. We hope this review can trigger new ideas to improve the current clinical strategies to treat tumors related to the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Long Ye
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Shun He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jing-Ru Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Juan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215124, China
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The Phenoxyphenol Compound diTFPP Mediates Exogenous C 2-Ceramide Metabolism, Inducing Cell Apoptosis Accompanied by ROS Formation and Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030394. [PMID: 33807856 PMCID: PMC7998835 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe disease that accounts for 80% of liver cancers. Chemotherapy is the primary therapeutic strategy for patients who cannot be treated with surgery or who have late-stage HCC. C2-ceramide is an effective reagent that has been found to inhibit the growth of many cancer types. The metabolism of C2-ceramide plays a vital role in the regulation of cell death/cell survival. The phenoxyphenol compound 4-{2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-[2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]phenoxy}phenol (diTFPP) was found to have a synergistic effect with C2-ceramide, resulting in considerable cell death in the HA22T HCC cell line. diTFPP/C2-ceramide cotreatment induced a two- to threefold increase in cell death compared to that with C2-ceramide alone and induced pyknosis. Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D (7AAD) double staining and Western blotting indicated that apoptosis was involved in diTFPP/C2-ceramide cotreatment-mediated cell death. We next analyzed transcriptome alterations in diTFPP/C2-ceramide-cotreated HA22T cells with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The data indicated that diTFPP treatment disrupted sphingolipid metabolism, inhibited cell cycle-associated gene expression, and induced autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive changes in gene expression. Additionally, we assessed the activation of autophagy with acridine orange (AO) staining and observed alterations in the expression of the autophagic proteins LC3B-II and Beclin-1, which indicated autophagy activation after diTFPP/C2-ceramide cotreatment. Elevated levels of ROS were also reported in diTFPP/C2-ceramide-treated cells, and the expression of the ROS-associated proteins SOD1, SOD2, and catalase was upregulated after diTFPP/C2-ceramide treatment. This study revealed the potential regulatory mechanism of the novel compound diTFPP in sphingolipid metabolism by showing that it disrupts ceramide metabolism and apoptotic sphingolipid accumulation.
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10
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Zhang K, Zhang M, Luo Z, Wen Z, Yan X. The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:497-512. [PMID: 33339765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegui Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Meiping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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11
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Marquardt JU, Edlich F. Predisposition to Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Mechanistic Insights to Therapeutic Strategies. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1421. [PMID: 31921676 PMCID: PMC6923252 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most rapidly evolving cancers in the Western world. The majority of HCCs develop on the basis of a chronic inflammatory liver damage that predisposes liver cancer development and leads to deregulation of multiple cellular signaling pathways. The resulting dysbalance between uncontrolled proliferation and impaired predisposition to cell death with consecutive failure to clear inflammatory damage is a key driver of malignant transformation. Therefore, resistance to death signaling accompanied by metabolic changes as well as failed immunological clearance of damaged pre-neoplastic hepatocytes are considered hallmarks of hepatocarcinogenesis. Hereby, the underlying liver disease, the type of liver damage and individual predisposition to apoptosis determines the natural course of the disease as well as the therapeutic response. Here, we will review common and individual aspects of cell death pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis with a particular emphasis on regulatory networks and key molecular alterations. We will further delineate the potential of targeting cell death-related signaling as a viable therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Edlich
- Heisenberg Research Group "Regulation von Bcl-2-Proteinen Durch Konformationelle Flexibilität," Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Ortiz-Martinez M, Gonzalez de Mejia E, García-Lara S, Aguilar O, Lopez-Castillo LM, Otero-Pappatheodorou JT. Antiproliferative effect of peptide fractions isolated from a quality protein maize, a white hybrid maize, and their derived peptides on hepatocarcinoma human HepG2 cells. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Sun Y, Qiu H, Ou M, Chen R, Liang G. Taccaoside induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. J Int Med Res 2016; 44:1395-1402. [PMID: 27856932 PMCID: PMC5536763 DOI: 10.1177/0300060516672368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Taccaoside, a steroidal saponin, has been shown to be cytotoxic, although the mechanism of cytotoxicity remains unclear. This study examined the effect of taccaoside on the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines SMMC-7721 and Bel-7404. Methods The antiproliferative effect of taccaoside were measured using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cells were stained with Hoechst 33258 to observe morphology. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry. Caspase activation was detected using specific assays, and PARP, Bax and Bcl-2 expression were analysed using western blotting. Results Taccaoside showed antiproliferative effect on HCC cell lines growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Taccaoside arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. Western blotting indicated that taccaoside upregulated Bax expression and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. PARP cleavage was observed following taccaoside treatment. Conclusions This study showed that taccaoside may inhibit HCC cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewen Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hanchen Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingchun Ou
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Runli Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Gang Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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