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Żychowska J, Ćmil M, Skórka P, Olejnik-Wojciechowska J, Plewa P, Bakinowska E, Kiełbowski K, Pawlik A. The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Infection. Biomolecules 2024; 14:986. [PMID: 39199374 PMCID: PMC11352264 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080986] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that can be transmitted through unsafe medical procedures, such as injections, transfusions, and dental treatment. The infection may be self-limiting or manifest as a chronic form that induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic mechanisms are major regulators of gene expression. These mechanisms involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, which can enhance or suppress gene expression. Abnormal activity or the dysregulated expression of epigenetic molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pathological disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms involved in HCV infection and progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Żychowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Maciej Ćmil
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Patryk Skórka
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | | | - Paulina Plewa
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
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Jia J, Zhou X, Chu Q. Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5. [PMID: 38519710 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunJun Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuelian Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Guo L, Sun J, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Li D, Li Y. Epirubicin Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Radioactive 125I Seeds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Downregulation of the JAK/STAT1 Pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:854023. [PMID: 35692770 PMCID: PMC9184686 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.854023] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The application and promotion of 125I seed implantation technology have increased the safety and effectiveness of the clinical treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epirubicin (EPI) is a traditional anthracycline chemotherapy agent that has minimal side effects and has been widely used in the clinical treatment of HCC. We hypothesized that EPI would enhance the anti-cancer effects of 125I seeds via the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether EPI could enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC cells to 125I and determine the underlying molecular mechanism. This basic study was conducted in an animal laboratory at Shandong University. BALB/C male nude mice were used, and all animals were fed and treated according to the standards of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Shandong University. Both in vitro and in vivo models of 125I irradiation of HCC cells were created. The anti-cancer effects of 125I and the role of EPI in promoting these effects were evaluated using flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle, CCK-8 assay for EPI drug cytotoxicity, and transwell assays for migration and invasion. The potential mediating effect of the JAK/STAT1 pathway was assessed using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins after 125I treatment. Transfection of HCC cells with STAT1-RNAi were performed to determine the effect of STAT1 downregulation on 125I and EPI treatment effects. The radiosensitivity concentration of EPI promoted 125I-induced anti-cancer effects, including apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and inhibition of migration and invasion. These effects were mediated via the JAK/STAT1 pathway. Downregulation of STAT1 compromised measured anti-cancer effects, which were both confirmed in the in vivo and in vitro models. EPI can promote 125I-induced anti-cancer effects in HCC. The JAK/STAT1 pathway may be a potential target for 125I seed implantation in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Jiali Sun
- Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Jiyang People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Qilu Children's Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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