1
|
Hong J, Eun JW, Baek GO, Cheong JY, Park S, Kim SS, Cho HJ, Lim SB. Multiomics profiling of buffy coat and plasma unveils etiology-specific signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:360-374. [PMID: 38486508 PMCID: PMC11261225 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite identification of several biomarkers for HCC diagnosis, challenges such as low sensitivity and intratumoral heterogeneity have impeded early detection, highlighting the need for etiology-specific blood biomarkers. METHODS We generated whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) and targeted proteome data from buffy coat and plasma samples from HCC patients. By integrating etiological information on viral infection, we investigated the etiology-specific gene expression landscape at the blood level. Validation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed using publicly available RNA-seq datasets and qRT‒PCR with AUC analyses. RESULTS Differential expression analyses with multiomics data revealed distinct gene expression profiles between HBV-associated HCC and nonviral HCC, indicating the presence of etiology-specific blood biomarkers. The identified DEGs were validated across multiple independent datasets, underscoring their utility as biomarkers. Additionally, single-cell RNA-seq analysis of HCC confirmed differences in DEG expression across distinct immune cell types. CONCLUSION Our buffy coat WTS data and plasma proteome data may serve as reliable sources for identifying etiology-specific blood biomarkers of HCC and might contribute to discovery of therapeutic targets for HCC across different etiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seryoung Park
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cai X, Tang D, Chen J, Li H, Zhang P. Evaluation of Serum FGL1 as Diagnostic Markers for HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Lab Med 2023; 54:270-281. [PMID: 36219698 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac094] [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] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on the current difficulties in early diagnosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), we assessed the values of preoperative serum fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) by itself and in combination with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for the diagnosis of HBV-HCC. METHODS We used ELISA and chemiluminescence assays to detect the serum levels of FGL1 and AFP, respectively. RESULTS Serum FGL1 level in the HBV-HCC group was significantly higher than in the chronic HBV (CHBV) group, the liver cirrhosis (LC) group, and the healthy control (HC) group. Serum FGL1 had an outstanding performance in distinguishing AFP-negative HBV-HCC from different control conditions. In the patients with AFP-negative HBV-HCC, the sensitivity of serum FGL1 was high. Moreover, serum FGL1 had a stronger performance than AFP in distinguishing early-stage HBV-HCC. CONCLUSIONS Serum FGL1 is significantly elevated among patients with HBV-HCC, including those with negative AFP and with disease at an early stage. Hence, serum FGL1 may serve as a potential diagnostic marker in the early diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongling Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Papanikolopoulos K, Aloizos G, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Matthaios D, Karamouzis MV. An Insight into the Arising Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Future Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087168. [PMID: 37108330 PMCID: PMC10138911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a frequent highly malignant form of primary liver cancer and is the third cause of death attributable to malignancy. Despite the improvement in the therapeutic strategies with the exploration of novel pharmacological agents, the survival rate for HCC is still low. Shedding light on the multiplex genetic and epigenetic background of HCC, such as on the emerging role of microRNAs, is considered quite promising for the diagnosis and the prediction of this malignancy, as well as for combatting drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute small noncoding RNA sequences, which play a key role in the regulation of several signaling and metabolic pathways, as well as of pivotal cellular functions such as autophagy, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. It is also demonstrated that miRNAs are significantly implicated in carcinogenesis, either acting as tumor suppressors or oncomiRs, while aberrations in their expression levels are closely associated with tumor growth and progression, as well as with local invasion and metastatic dissemination. The arising role of miRNAs in HCC is in the spotlight of the current scientific research, aiming at the development of novel therapeutic perspectives. In this review, we will shed light on the emerging role of miRNAs in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Damaskos
- 'N.S. Christeas' Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Renal Transplantation Unit, 'Laiko' General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, 'Laiko' General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ishaq Y, Ikram A, Alzahrani B, Khurshid S. The Role of miRNAs, circRNAs and Their Interactions in Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Insilico Approach. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010013. [PMID: 36672755 PMCID: PMC9858589 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010013] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of malignant tumor. miRNAs are noncoding RNAs and their differential expression patterns are observed in HCC-induced by alcoholism, HBV and HCV infections. By acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), circRNA regulates the miRNA function, indirectly controlling the gene expression and leading to HCC progression. In the present study, data mining was performed to screen out all miRNAs and circRNA involved in alcohol, HBV or HCV-induced HCC with statistically significant (≤0.05%) expression levels reported in various studies. Further, the interaction of miRNAs and circRNA was also investigated to explore their role in HCC due to various causative agents. Together, these study data provide a deeper understanding of the circRNA-miRNA regulatory mechanisms in HCC. These screened circRNA, miRNA and their interactions can be used as prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Ishaq
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Ikram
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Badr Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 42421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sana Khurshid
- Department of Molecular Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, 1-Davis Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schlosser S, Tümen D, Volz B, Neumeyer K, Egler N, Kunst C, Tews HC, Schmid S, Kandulski A, Müller M, Gülow K. HCC biomarkers - state of the old and outlook to future promising biomarkers and their potential in everyday clinical practice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1016952. [PMID: 36518320 PMCID: PMC9742592 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1016952] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly tumors worldwide. Management of HCC depends on reliable biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of the disease, as well as predicting response towards therapy and safety. To date, imaging has been the established standard technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of HCC. However, imaging techniques have their limitations, especially in the early detection of HCC. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable, non/minimal invasive biomarkers. To date, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only serum biomarker used in clinical practice for the management of HCC. However, AFP is of relatively rather low quality in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Liquid biopsies as a source for biomarkers have become the focus of clinical research. Our review highlights alternative biomarkers derived from liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor cells, proteins, circulating nucleic acids, and exosomes, and their potential for clinical application. Using defined combinations of different biomarkers will open new perspectives for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karsten Gülow
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen T. Circulating Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1029-1040. [PMID: 36132427 PMCID: PMC9484560 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s380237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical diagnosis of HCC mainly depends on imaging technology, such as ultrasound and computed tomography, and serum biomarkers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). However, HCC is still hard to diagnose at an early stage due to the low sensitivity of the above mentioned traditional methods. Typically, HCC is diagnosed at an advanced stage when limited treatment options are available. It is urgent to identify effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC. Increasing evidence uncovered ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), could be used in HCC diagnosis. The aim of this review is to summarize our understanding of circulating miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs as fluid-based non-invasive biomarkers, and aiming at providing new insights into the diagnosis of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingsong Chen
- The Second Department of Oncology, the Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang J, Shi W, Qu D, Yu T, Qi C, Fu H. Extracellular vesicle therapy for traumatic central nervous system disorders. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:442. [PMID: 36056445 PMCID: PMC9438220 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic central nervous system (CNS) disorders have catastrophic effects on patients, and, currently, there is no effective clinical treatment. Cell transplantation is a common treatment for traumatic CNS injury in animals. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported that the beneficial effect of transplanted cells for CNS repair is mediated primarily through the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the cells, in which microRNAs play a major role. Accordingly, numerous studies have evaluated the roles and applications of EVs secreted by different cell types in neurological diseases. Furthermore, due to their unique biological features, EVs are used as disease biomarkers and drug delivery systems for disease prevention and treatment. We discuss current knowledge related to EVs, focusing on the mechanism underlying their effects on traumatic CNS diseases, and summarize existing research on the potential clinical utility of EVs as disease biomarkers and drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weipeng Shi
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Di Qu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tengbo Yu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Haitao Fu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
HMOX1 Attenuates the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Sorafenib via Modulating the Expression of ABC Transporters. Int J Genomics 2022; 2022:9451557. [PMID: 35800617 PMCID: PMC9253870 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9451557] [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: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a common malignancy, and mechanisms of acquired sorafenib resistance during the treatment of HCC patients remain elusive. The present study performed integrated bioinformatics analysis and explored the potential action of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the sorafenib-resistant group as compared to the sorafenib-sensitive group from GSE140202 and GSE143233 were extracted. Fifty common DEGs between GSE140202 and GSE143233 were extracted. Ten hub genes were identified from the protein-protein interaction network based on common DEGs. Experimental results revealed the upregulation of HMOX1 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. HMOX1 silence promoted the sensitivity to sorafenib in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells; overexpression of HMOX1 attenuated the sensitivity. In addition, HMOX1 silence downregulated the mRNA expression of ABC transporters in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, while HMOX1 overexpression upregulated mRNA expression of ABC transporter expression in HCC cells. Further analysis also revealed that high expression of HMOX1 was associated with shorter OS and DSS in HCC patients. In conclusion, our analysis identified ten hub genes associated with sorafenib resistance in HCC. Further validation studies demonstrated that HMOX1 promoted sorafenib resistance of HCC cells via modulating ABC transporter expression.
Collapse
|