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Dong L, Luo L, Wang Z, Lian S, Wang M, Wu X, Fan J, Zeng Y, Li S, Lv S, Yang Y, Chen R, Shen E, Yang W, Li C, Wang K. Targeted degradation of NDUFS1 by agrimol B promotes mitochondrial ROS accumulation and cytotoxic autophagy arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:111-124. [PMID: 38697493 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global public health problem with increased morbidity and mortality. Agrimol B, a natural polyphenol, has been proved to be a potential anticancer drug. Our recent report showed a favorable anticancer effect of agrimol B in HCC, however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we found agrimol B inhibits the growth and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro as well as in an HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Notably, agrimol B drives autophagy initiation and blocks autophagosome-lysosome fusion, resulting in autophagosome accumulation and autophagy arrest in HCC cells. Mechanistically, agrimol B downregulates the protein level of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1 (NDUFS1) through caspase 3-mediated degradation, leading to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) accumulation and autophagy arrest. NDUFS1 overexpression partially restores mROS overproduction, autophagosome accumulation, and growth inhibition induced by agrimol B, suggesting a cytotoxic role of agrimol B-induced autophagy arrest in HCC cells. Notably, agrimol B significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our study uncovers the anticancer mechanism of agrimol B in HCC involving the regulation of oxidative stress and autophagy, and suggests agrimol B as a potential therapeutic drug for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Dong
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, PR China
| | - Shan Lian
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Mao Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xingyun Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Jiawu Fan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Zeng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Sijia Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Sinan Lv
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yurong Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Enhao Shen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, the Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Changlong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Kui Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
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2
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He Y, Han S, Li H, Wu Y, Jia W, Chen Z, Pan Y, Cai N, Wen J, Li G, Liang J, Zhao J, Liu Q, Liang H, Ding Z, Huang Z, Zhang B. CREB3 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by depressing AKT signaling through competitively binding with insulin receptor and transcriptionally activating RNA-binding motif protein 38. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e633. [PMID: 38952575 PMCID: PMC11215284 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.633] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
cAMP responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3), belonging to bZIP family, was reported to play multiple roles in various cancers, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. cAMP responsive element binding protein 3 like 3 (CREB3L3), another member of bZIP family, was thought to be transcription factor (TF) to regulate hepatic metabolism. Nevertheless, except for being TFs, other function of bZIP family were poorly understood. In this study, we found CREB3 inhibited growth and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing indicated CREB3 regulated AKT signaling to influence HCC progression. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed CREB3 interacted with insulin receptor (INSR). Mechanistically, CREB3 suppressed AKT phosphorylation by inhibiting the interaction of INSR with insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1). In our study, CREB3 was firstly proved to affect activation of substrates by interacting with tyrosine kinase receptor. Besides, CREB3 could act as a TF to transactivate RNA-binding motif protein 38 (RBM38) expression, leading to suppressed AKT phosphorylation. Rescue experiments further confirmed the independence between the two functional manners. In conclusion, CREB3 acted as a tumor suppressor in HCC, which inhibited AKT phosphorylation through independently interfering interaction of INSR with IRS1, and transcriptionally activating RBM38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shenqi Han
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Han Li
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yu Wu
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yonglong Pan
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jingyuan Wen
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Ganxun Li
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Junnan Liang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qiumeng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zeyang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zhao Huang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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3
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Wang J, Yang K, Yang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Xu F. HHLA2 promotes hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1275-1287. [PMID: 38578157 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23723] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most malignant tumors characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of the B7 protein family in various cancers, including HCC. However, the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus H long-terminal repeat-associated protein 2 (HHLA2, or B7-H5) in HCC remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the differential expression of HHLA2 between HCC and normal liver tissues. A battery of assays, including CCK8, EdU, tablet clone-forming, Transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to elucidate the function and potential mechanisms of HHLA2 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cell lines exhibiting different HHLA2 expression levels in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to analyze HHLA2, secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels. HHLA2 exhibited elevated expression in HCC tissues, correlating with poor tumor differentiation and shortened overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHLA2 overexpression (OE) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells, while in vivo experiments revealed that HHLA2 OE enhanced HCC tumor growth. Conversely, inhibition of HHLA2 expression yielded the opposite effect. Downregulation of SPP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by HHLA2 OE, and this effect was linked to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HHLA2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells via the SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, establishing it as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Department of Tradition Chinese Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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4
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Zhang N, Chi M, Pan W, Zhang C, Wang Y, Gao X, Bai C, Liu X. miR‑576‑3p/M‑phase phosphoprotein 8 axis regulates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:327. [PMID: 38807669 PMCID: PMC11130756 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14460] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal digestive system cancer with unclear pathogenesis. M-phase phosphoprotein 8 (MPP8) has been shown to play a vital role in several cancer types, such as non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer and melanoma; however, there have been no studies into its role in HCC. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of MPP8 in regulating malignant phenotypes of liver cancer cells, and to further investigate the underlying mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze related data from a public database, and to predict the potential microRNAs (miRNAs) that might target MPP8 mRNA; reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to measure the levels of mRNA and miRNA; western blotting was employed to detect protein levels; Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and plate colony formation assays, wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay were performed to evaluate the ability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively; dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to identify the target association. The results showed that MPP8 was a risk factor for the survival of patients with HCC, and was up-regulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines; MPP8 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells; MPP8 knockdown suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway, and activation of this pathway reversed the inhibited liver cancer cell phenotypes by down-regulating MPP8; miR-576-3p, which was low in liver cancer cells, negatively regulated MPP8 expression by directly targeting its mRNA; up-regulating MPP8 expression reversed the inhibited signaling pathway and malignant phenotypes of liver cancer cells by miR-576-3p overexpression. In conclusion, the miR-576-3p/MPP8 axis regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings lead novel insights into HCC progression, and propose MPP8 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Mengyi Chi
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Weili Pan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Hospital of Chifeng, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Congying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Research on Human Genetic Diseases at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Chunying Bai
- Key Laboratory of Research on Human Genetic Diseases at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, School of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024000, P.R. China
| | - Xianjun Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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Ma D, Yang M, Sun C, Cui X, Xiong G, Wang Q, Jing W, Chen H, Lv X, Liu S, Li T, Zhao Y, Han L. cGAS suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma independent of its cGAMP synthase activity. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:722-737. [PMID: 38594443 PMCID: PMC11164996 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01291-9] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key innate immune sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA to induce immune responses against invading pathogens. The role of cGAS is conventionally recognized as a nucleotidyltransferase to catalyze the synthesis of cGAMP upon recognition of cytosolic DNA, which leads to the activation of STING and production of type I/III interferon to fight against the pathogen. However, given that hepatocytes are lack of functional STING expression, it is intriguing to define the role of cGAS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the liver parenchymal cells derived malignancy. In this study, we revealed that cGAS was significantly downregulated in clinical HCC tissues, and its dysregulation contributed to the progression of HCC. We further identified cGAS as an immune tyrosine inhibitory motif (ITIM) containing protein, and demonstrated that cGAS inhibited the progression of HCC and increased the response of HCC to sorafenib treatment by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in cellular and animal models. Mechanistically, cGAS recruits SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) via ITIM, and dephosphorylates p85 in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which leads to the suppression of AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Thus, cGAS is identified as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC via its function independent of its conventional role as cGAMP synthase, which indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC by modulating cGAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caiyu Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuling Cui
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaozhong Xiong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiushi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lihui Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Abdel-Bakky MS, Mohammed HA, Mahmoud NI, Amin E, Alsharidah M, Al Rugaie O, Ewees MG. Targeting the PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/NF-κB/FOXO3a signaling pathway for suppressing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Role of the natural remedic Suaeda vermiculata forssk. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3666-3678. [PMID: 38506534 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24217] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver malignancy is well recognized as a prominent health concern, with numerous treatment options available. Natural products are considered a renewable source, providing inspiring chemical moieties that could be used for cancer treatment. Suaeda vermiculata Forssk has traditionally been employed for management of hepatic conditions, including liver inflammation, and liver cirrhosis, as well as to improve general liver function. The findings of our earlier study demonstrated encouraging in vivo hepatoprotective benefits against liver injury generated by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride. Additionally, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro against Hep-G2 cell lines and cell lines resistant to doxorubicin. The present investigation aimed to examine the potential in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of Suaeda vermiculata Forssk extract (SVE) against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in rats. The potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway was addressed. Sixty adult male albino rats were allocated into five groups randomly (n = 10). First group received a buffer, whereas second group received SVE only, third group received DENA only, and fourth and fifth groups received high and low doses of SVE, respectively, in the presence of DENA. Liver toxicity and tumor markers (HGFR, p-AKT, PI3K, mTOR, NF-κB, FOXO3a), apoptosis markers, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The current results demonstrated that SVE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway as well as increased expression of apoptotic parameters and FOXO3a levels, which were deteriorated by DENA treatment. Furthermore, SVE improved liver toxicity markers and histopathological changes induced by DENA administration. This study provided evidence for the conventional hepatoprotective properties attributed to SV and investigated the underlying mechanism by which its extract, SVE, could potentially serve as a novel option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment derived from a natural source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Abdel-Bakky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Hamdoon A Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Nesreen I Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Egypt
| | - Elham Amin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah Al Rugaie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed G Ewees
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Egypt
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7
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Gong X, Zhou Y, Wu P, He L, Ou C, Xiao X, Hou X, Shen Y, Li M, Tan Z, Xia X, Wang S. The petroleum ether extracts of Chloranthus fortunei(A. Gray) Solms-Laub.with bioactivities: A rising source in HCC drug treatment. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118414. [PMID: 38830451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive killer worldwide with high incidence and mortality. The herb Chloranthus fortunei (A. Gray) Solms-Laub is known as "Si Ji Feng" and is classified as a Feng-type medicine in classic Yao medicines. According to Yao's medical beliefs, Chloranthus fortunei has the functions of dispelling Feng, regulating qi, detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, etc. Folk uses its decoctions to treat stagnant liver conditions, such as liver abscesses, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer. However, the bioactivity and mechanisms of Chloranthus fortunei extract against HCC have not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-HCC bioactivity and potential mechanism of the extract of Chloranthus fortunei (CFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 70% ethanol for reflux extraction of CFS resulted in the CFS ethanol extract, followed by sequential extractions with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, yielding four fractions. The CCK-8 assay was utilized to examine the cytotoxic effects of 4 fractions on MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells, exploring the most effective component, namely petroleum ether extracts of CFS (PECFS). The major active ingredients of PECFS were identified using LC/MS technology, and the impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells was studied. The key genes and proteins in the pathway were validated using RT-PCR and Western blotting. BALB/c nude mice were chosen for tumor xenotransplantation and PECFS therapy. hinders the proliferation of HCC cells and promotes apoptosis. RESULTS Among the four fractions, it was found that PECFS have the highest antiproliferative activity against MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells (IC50 = 13.86, 10.55 μg/mL), with sesquiterpene compounds being the primary active constituents. The antiproliferative activity of PECFS on HCC cells was linked to the inhibition of cell cloning, invasion, and metastasis abilities, as well as the arrest of the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Additionally, exerts pro-apoptotic effects on HCC cells by upregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, downregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and activating the expression of the Caspase family. Moreover, protein and m-RNA expression data showed that PECFS inhibits HCC cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Besides, after PECFS treatment, tumor growth in nude mice was suppressed. CONCLUSION PECFS can inhibit the viability of HCC cells by acting on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, demonstrating anti-tumor potential. This study's findings suggest that PECFS may represent a promising source of novel agents for liver cancer treatment, providing scientific evidence for the traditional application of CFS in treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Gong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China; National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Yun Zhou
- The School of Optometry & Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, PR. China.
| | - Peiying Wu
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Lili He
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Chunli Ou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Xingyu Xiao
- Pharmaceutical College Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, PR.China.
| | - Xiaoli Hou
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Yuanyuan Shen
- China-ASEAN Traditional Medicine Exchange and Cooperation Centre, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Meng Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Zhien Tan
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Xianghua Xia
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, PR. China.
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Tie S, Tong T, Zhan G, Li X, Ouyang D, Cao J. Network pharmacology prediction and experiment validation of anti-liver cancer activity of Curcumae Rhizoma and Hedyotis diffusa Willd. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:3337-3348. [PMID: 38846818 PMCID: PMC11152801 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002074] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to elucidate anti-liver cancer components and potential mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma and Hedyotis diffusa Willd (CR-HDW). Methods Effective components and targets of CR-HDW were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Liver cancer-related genes were collected from GeneCards, Gene-Disease Association (DisGeNET), and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Protein-protein interaction networks, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were conducted to analyze the identified genes. Molecular docking was used to simulate binding of the active components and their target proteins. Cell activity assay, western blot, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) experiments were conducted to validate core targets identified from molecular docking. Results Ten active compounds of CR-HDW were identified including quercetin, 3-epioleanic acid and hederagenin. The primary core proteins comprised Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Protein Kinase B(AKT1), etc. The pathways for Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT, cellular senescence, Fork head boxO (FOXO) were revealed as important for anti-cancer activity of CR-HDW. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding between liver cancer target proteins and major active components of CR-HDW. In-vitro experiments confirmed that hederagenin and 3-epioleolic acid inhibited HuH-7 cell growth, reduced expression of PI3K, AKT, and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) proteins. Hederagenin also induced HuH-7 senescence. Conclusions In summary, The authors' results suggest that the CR-HDW component (Hederagenin, 3-epoxy-olanolic acid) can inhibit the proliferation of HuH-7 cells by decreasing PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Hederagenin also induced HuH-7 senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyan Tie
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Tianhao Tong
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Gangxiang Zhan
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Ouyang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Zhang X, Li Z, Qian M, Zhang B, Zhang H, Wang L, Liu H. Transcriptome and Metabolome analysis reveal HFPO-TA induced disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in rat by interfering with PPAR signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 188:114632. [PMID: 38583503 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114632] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PFOA is one of the most representative compounds in the family of perfluorinated organic compounds. Due to its varying toxicity, alternatives to PFOA are beginning to emerge. HFPO-TA is an alternative for PFOA. It is currently unclear whether HFPO-TA affects glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study, rats were used as an animal model to investigate the effects of HFPO-TA on liver glucose and lipid metabolism. We found that HFPO-TA can affect glucose tolerance. Through omics analysis and molecular detection, it was found that HFPO-TA mainly affects the PPAR signaling pathway in the liver of rats, inhibiting liver glycolysis while promoting glucose production. HFPO-TA not only promotes the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver, but also promotes the breakdown of fatty acids, which ultimately leads to the disruption of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. The effects of HFPO-TA on metabolism are discussed in this paper to provide a reference for the risk assessment of this PFOA substitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China
| | - Zhi Li
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China
| | - Mingqing Qian
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China
| | - Bingya Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, PR 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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11
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Zhu Y, Zhao Y, Ning Z, Deng Y, Li B, Sun Y, Meng Z. Metabolic self-feeding in HBV-associated hepatocarcinoma centered on feedback between circulation lipids and the cellular MAPK/mTOR axis. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:280. [PMID: 38773448 PMCID: PMC11106961 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01619-5] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is widely recognized as a "metabolic virus" that disrupts hepatic metabolic homeostasis, rendering it one of the foremost risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Except for antiviral therapy, the fundamental principles underlying HBV- and HBV+ HCC have remained unchanged, limiting HCC treatment options. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aim to identify the distinctive metabolic profile of HBV-associated HCC, with the promise of identifying novel metabolic targets that confer survival advantages and ultimately impede cancer progression. METHODS We employed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate metabolic alterations systematically. Initially, we analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic data obtained from a public database, subsequently validating these findings within our test cohort at both the proteomic and transcriptomic levels. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tissue metabolomics profiles, lipidomics, and the activity of the MAPK and AKT signaling pathway to corroborate the abovementioned changes. RESULTS Our multi-omics approach revealed distinct metabolic dysfunctions associated with HBV-associated HCC. Specifically, we observed upregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism in HBV-associated HCC patients' serum. Notably, metabolites involved in primary bile acid and sphingolipids can activate the MAPK/mTOR pathway. Tissue metabolomics and lipidomics analyses further validated the serum metabolic alterations, particularly alterations in lipid composition and accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSION Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of HBV in HCC metabolism, elucidating the activation of a unique MAPK/mTOR signaling axis by primary bile acids and sphingolipids. Moreover, the hyperactive MAPK/mTOR signaling axis transduction leads to significant reprogramming in lipid metabolism within HCC cells, further triggering the activation of the MAPK/mTOR pathway in turn, thereby establishing a self-feeding circle driven by primary bile acids and sphingolipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Minimally invasive therapy center, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yingke Zhao
- Minimally invasive therapy center, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhouyu Ning
- Minimally invasive therapy center, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong Deng
- Department of Research and Development, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201321, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of radiation oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, 201321, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, 201321, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Research and Development, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201321, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of radiation oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, 201321, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, 201321, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Research and Development, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201321, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of radiation oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, 201321, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, 201321, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Minimally invasive therapy center, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1831. [PMID: 38791911 PMCID: PMC11120383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101831] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | - 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 (K.G.); (D.T.)
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13
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Martucci NJ, Stoops J, Bowen W, Orr A, Cotner MC, Michalopoulos GK, Bhushan B, Mars WM. A novel role for the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase delta isoform in hepatocellular proliferation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00168-8. [PMID: 38705383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase delta isoform (Pik3cd), usually considered immune-specific, was unexpectedly identified as a gene potentially related to either regeneration and/or differentiation in animals lacking hepatocellular Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK). Since a specific inhibitor (Idelalisib, or CAL101) for the catalytic subunit encoded by Pik3cd (p110δ) has reported hepatotoxicity when used for treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and other lymphomas, we aimed to elucidate if there is a role for p110δ in normal liver function. To determine the effect on normal liver regeneration, partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed using mice in which p110δ was first inhibited using CAL101. Inhibition led to over a 50% decrease in proliferating hepatocytes in the first two days after PHx. This difference correlated with phosphorylation changes in the HGF and EGF receptors (MET and EGFR, respectively) and NF-κB signaling. Ingenuity Pathway Analyses implicated C/EBPβ, HGF and the EGFR heterodimeric partner, ERBB2, as three of the top 20 regulators downstream of p110δ signaling as their pathways were suppressed in the presence of CAL101 at one day post-PHx. A regulatory role for p110δ signaling in mouse and rat hepatocytes through MET and EGFR was further verified using hepatocyte primary cultures, in the presence or absence of CAL101. Combined, this data supports a role for p110δ as a downstream regulator of normal hepatocytes when stimulated to proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Martucci
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - John Stoops
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - William Bowen
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Anne Orr
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | | | - Bharat Bhushan
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Wendy M Mars
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
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Bakiri L, Hasenfuss SC, Guío-Carrión A, Thomsen MK, Hasselblatt P, Wagner EF. Liver cancer development driven by the AP-1/c-Jun~Fra-2 dimer through c-Myc. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404188121. [PMID: 38657045 PMCID: PMC11067056 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404188121] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. HCC incidence is on the rise, while treatment options remain limited. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in HCC development has become a priority to guide future therapies. While previous studies implicated the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) (Fos/Jun) transcription factor family members c-Fos and c-Jun in HCC formation, the contribution of Fos-related antigens (Fra-) 1 and 2 is unknown. Here, we show that hepatocyte-restricted expression of a single chain c-Jun~Fra-2 protein, which functionally mimics the c-Jun/Fra-2 AP-1 dimer, results in spontaneous HCC formation in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Several hallmarks of human HCC, such as cell cycle dysregulation and the expression of HCC markers are observed in liver tumors arising in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Tumorigenesis occurs in the context of mild inflammation, low-grade fibrosis, and Pparγ-driven dyslipidemia. Subsequent analyses revealed increased expression of c-Myc, evidently under direct regulation by AP-1 through a conserved distal 3' enhancer. Importantly, c-Jun~Fra-2-induced tumors revert upon switching off transgene expression, suggesting oncogene addiction to the c-Jun~Fra-2 transgene. Tumors escaping reversion maintained c-Myc and c-Myc target gene expression, likely due to increased c-Fos. Interfering with c-Myc in established tumors using the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif inhibitor JQ-1 diminished liver tumor growth in c-Jun~Fra-2 mutant mice. Thus, our data establish c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice as a model to study liver tumorigenesis and identify the c-Jun/Fra-2-Myc interaction as a potential target to improve HCC patient stratification and/or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Bakiri
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastian C. Hasenfuss
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guío-Carrión
- Genes, Development and Disease Group, National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin K. Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Hasselblatt
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erwin F. Wagner
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Chen J, Wang Z, Fu J, Cai Y, Cheng H, Cui X, Sun M, Liu M, Zhang X. Ginsenoside compound K induces ferroptosis via the FOXO pathway in liver cancer cells. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:174. [PMID: 38664638 PMCID: PMC11044296 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor worldwide, traditional Chinese medicine is one of the treatment measures for liver cancer because of its good anti-tumor effects and fewer toxic side effects. Ginsenoside CK (CK) is an active component of ginseng. This study explored the mechanism by which CK induced ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. We found that CK inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells, induced ferroptosis of cells. Ferrostatin-1, an ferroptosis inhibitor, was used to verify the role of CK in inducing ferroptosis of liver cancer cells. Network pharmacological analysis identified the FOXO pathway as a potential mechanism of CK, and western blot showed that CK inhibited p-FOXO1. In cells treated with the FOXO1 inhibitor AS1842856, further verify the involvement of the FOXO pathway in regulating CK-induced ferroptosis in HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells. A HepG2 cell-transplanted tumor model was established in nude mice, and CK inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors in nude mice, p-FOXO1 was decreased in tumor tissues, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 expressions were also down-regulated after CK treatment. These findings suggested that CK induces ferroptosis in liver cancer cells by inhibiting FOXO1 phosphorylation and activating the FOXO signaling pathway, thus playing an antitumor role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Chen
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Zhuoshi Wang
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jinghao Fu
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Yuesong Cai
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Haoyi Cheng
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xinmu Cui
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Manqing Sun
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.
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16
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Soroush A, Pourhossein S, Hosseingholizadeh D, Hjazi A, Shahhosseini R, Kavoosi H, Kermanshahi N, Behnamrad P, Ghavamikia N, Dadashpour M, Karkon Shayan S. Anti-cancer potential of zerumbone in cancer and glioma: current trends and future perspectives. Med Oncol 2024; 41:125. [PMID: 38652207 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02327-3] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Plant-derived immunomodulators and antitumor factors have appealed lots of attention from natural product scientists for their efficiency and safety and their important contribution to well-designed targeted drug action and delivery mechanisms. Zerumbone (ZER), the chief component of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes, has been examined for its wide-spectrum in the treatment of multi-targeted diseases. The rhizomes have been used as food flavoring agents in numerous cuisines and in flora medication. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experiments have prepared confirmation of ZER as a potent immunomodulator as well as a potential anti-tumor agent. This review is an interesting compilation of all the important results of the research carried out to date to investigate the immunomodulatory and anticancer properties of ZER. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive review is to supply updated information and a crucial evaluation on ZER, including its chemistry and immunomodulating and antitumour properties, which may be of principal importance to supply a novel pathway for subsequent investigation to discover new agents to treat cancers and immune-related sickness. In addition, updated information on the toxicology of ZER has been summarized to support its safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siavash Pourhossein
- Department of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, via Mersin 10, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Turkey
| | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haniyeh Kavoosi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nazgol Kermanshahi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Parisa Behnamrad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nima Ghavamikia
- Cardiology Department, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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17
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Samy AM, Kandeil MA, Sabry D, Abdel-Ghany AA, Mahmoud MO. Exosomal miR-122, miR-128, miR-200, miR-298, and miR-342 as novel diagnostic biomarkers in NAFL/NASH: Impact of LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3 pathway. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300631. [PMID: 38574101 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300631] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder affecting a quarter of the global residents. Progression of NAFL into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, and failure. Gut microbiota imbalance causes microbial components translocation into the circulation, triggering liver inflammation and NASH-related fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression via repressing target genes. Exosomal miRNAs are diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NAFL and NASH liver damage. Our work investigated the role of the gut microbiota in NAFLD pathogenesis via the lipopolysaccharide/toll-like receptor 4/Forkhead box protein O3 (LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3) pathway and certain miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for NAFL or its development to NASH. miRNA expression levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 50 NAFL patients, 50 NASH patients, and 50 normal controls. Plasma LPS, TLR-4, adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and FoxO3 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In NAFL and NASH patients, miR-122, miR-128, FoxO3, TLR-4, LPS, and PPAR-γ were upregulated while miR-200, miR-298, miR-342, and adiponectin were downregulated compared with the normal control. The examined miRNAs might distinguish NAFL and NASH patients from the normal control using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Our study is the first to examine these miRNAs in NAFLD. Our findings imply that these are potentially promising biomarkers for noninvasive early NAFL diagnosis and NASH progression. Understanding the LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3 pathway involvement in NAFL/NASH pathogenesis may aid disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Samy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A A Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assuit branch, Egypt
| | - Mohamed O Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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18
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Ramirez CFA, Taranto D, Ando-Kuri M, de Groot MHP, Tsouri E, Huang Z, de Groot D, Kluin RJC, Kloosterman DJ, Verheij J, Xu J, Vegna S, Akkari L. Cancer cell genetics shaping of the tumor microenvironment reveals myeloid cell-centric exploitable vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2581. [PMID: 38519484 PMCID: PMC10959959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46835-2] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are abundant and plastic immune cell subsets in the liver, to which pro-tumorigenic, inflammatory and immunosuppressive roles have been assigned in the course of tumorigenesis. Yet several aspects underlying their dynamic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remain elusive, including the impact of distinct genetic mutations in shaping a cancer-permissive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, in newly generated, clinically-relevant somatic female HCC mouse models, we identify cancer genetics' specific and stage-dependent alterations of the liver TME associated with distinct histopathological and malignant HCC features. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated, NrasG12D-driven tumors exhibit a mixed phenotype of prominent inflammation and immunosuppression in a T cell-excluded TME. Mechanistically, we report a NrasG12D cancer cell-driven, MEK-ERK1/2-SP1-dependent GM-CSF secretion enabling the accumulation of immunosuppressive and proinflammatory monocyte-derived Ly6Clow cells. GM-CSF blockade curbs the accumulation of these cells, reduces inflammation, induces cancer cell death and prolongs animal survival. Furthermore, GM-CSF neutralization synergizes with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor to restrain HCC outgrowth. These findings underscore the profound alterations of the myeloid TME consequential to MAPK pathway activation intensity and the potential of GM-CSF inhibition as a myeloid-centric therapy tailored to subsets of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christel F A Ramirez
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Taranto
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Masami Ando-Kuri
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix H P de Groot
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Efi Tsouri
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zhijie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Daniel de Groot
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof J C Kluin
- Genomics Core facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Kloosterman
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Serena Vegna
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Leila Akkari
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Safri F, Nguyen R, Zerehpooshnesfchi S, George J, Qiao L. Heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma: from mechanisms to clinical implications. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00764-w. [PMID: 38499648 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of primary liver cancer. Current treatment options have limited efficacy against this malignancy, primarily owing to difficulties in early detection and the inherent resistance to existing drugs. Tumor heterogeneity is a pivotal factor contributing significantly to treatment resistance and recurrent manifestations of HCC. Intratumoral heterogeneity is an important aspect of the spectrum of complex tumor heterogeneity and contributes to late diagnosis and treatment failure. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the molecular mechanisms of how tumor heterogeneity develops. This review aims to summarize the possible molecular dimensions of tumor heterogeneity with an emphasis on intratumoral heterogeneity, evaluate its profound impact on the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for HCC, and explore the suitability of appropriate pre-clinical models that can be used to best study tumor heterogeneity; thus, opening new avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Safri
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Romario Nguyen
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Shadi Zerehpooshnesfchi
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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20
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Lehrich BM, Zhang J, Monga SP, Dhanasekaran R. Battle of the biopsies: Role of tissue and liquid biopsy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:515-530. [PMID: 38104635 PMCID: PMC10923008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.030] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved significantly in recent years. With the introduction of immunotherapy-based combination therapy, there has been a notable expansion in treatment options for patients with unresectable HCC. Simultaneously, innovative molecular tests for early detection and management of HCC are emerging. This progress prompts a key question: as liquid biopsy techniques rise in prominence, will they replace traditional tissue biopsies, or will both techniques remain relevant? Given the ongoing challenges of early HCC detection, including issues with ultrasound sensitivity, accessibility, and patient adherence to surveillance, the evolution of diagnostic techniques is more relevant than ever. Furthermore, the accurate stratification of HCC is limited by the absence of reliable biomarkers which can predict response to therapies. While the advantages of molecular diagnostics are evident, their potential has not yet been fully harnessed, largely because tissue biopsies are not routinely performed for HCC. Liquid biopsies, analysing components such as circulating tumour cells, DNA, and extracellular vesicles, provide a promising alternative, though they are still associated with challenges related to sensitivity, cost, and accessibility. The early results from multi-analyte liquid biopsy panels are promising and suggest they could play a transformative role in HCC detection and management; however, comprehensive clinical validation is still ongoing. In this review, we explore the challenges and potential of both tissue and liquid biopsy, highlighting that these diagnostic methods, while distinct in their approaches, are set to jointly reshape the future of HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Lehrich
- Department of Pathology and Pittsburgh Liver Institute, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josephine Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Staford, CA, 94303, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology and Pittsburgh Liver Institute, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Staford, CA, 94303, USA.
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21
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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22
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Zhu S, Jin Q, Zhang S, Song Z, Zhang S, Zhao Z. Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Against Glioma. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-024-04887-6. [PMID: 38381309 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-024-04887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Glioma has a high mortality and can hardly be completely cured. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is a prevalent component in traditional Chinese medicine used for tumor treatments. We explored the mechanism of RPR in treating glioma using network pharmacology and experiments. A network pharmacology approach was used to screen active ingredients, targets of RPR and glioma. We then constructed a herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network and conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, as well as Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was also performed. Using CCK-8, colony formation, and xenograft experiments, we evaluated the effect of RPR on glioma. The involved pathway and proteins were identified by Western blot. From public databases, we identified nine active RPR ingredients and 40 overlapping targets among 109 RPR targets and 1360 glioma-associated targets. The PPI analysis revealed ten targets, such as AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA, which were identified as hub genes. The results from GO and KEGG analysis highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. A herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. By docking molecular structures, six suitable conformations have been identified. The RPR extract demonstrated anti-tumor properties by inhibiting glioma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, likely achieved by suppressing the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RPR concurrently downregulated the phosphorylation level of AKT1 and the protein expression level of VEGFA, while upregulating the expression of P53 in the U251 cell line. Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study not only predicted the impact of RPR on glioma but also delineated the herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network. Experimentally, we confirmed that RPR may exert its anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, including AKT1, and by regulating the expression levels of VEGFA and P53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qianxu Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zihan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zongmao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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23
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Kreis NN, Moon HH, Wordeman L, Louwen F, Solbach C, Yuan J, Ritter A. KIF2C/MCAK a prognostic biomarker and its oncogenic potential in malignant progression, and prognosis of cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis as biomarker. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38344808 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2309933] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
KIF2C/MCAK (KIF2C) is the most well-characterized member of the kinesin-13 family, which is critical in the regulation of microtubule (MT) dynamics during mitosis, as well as interphase. This systematic review briefly describes the important structural elements of KIF2C, its regulation by multiple molecular mechanisms, and its broad cellular functions. Furthermore, it systematically summarizes its oncogenic potential in malignant progression and performs a meta-analysis of its prognostic value in cancer patients. KIF2C was shown to be involved in multiple crucial cellular processes including cell migration and invasion, DNA repair, senescence induction and immune modulation, which are all known to be critical during the development of malignant tumors. Indeed, an increasing number of publications indicate that KIF2C is aberrantly expressed in multiple cancer entities. Consequently, we have highlighted its involvement in at least five hallmarks of cancer, namely: genome instability, resisting cell death, activating invasion and metastasis, avoiding immune destruction and cellular senescence. This was followed by a systematic search of KIF2C/MCAK's expression in various malignant tumor entities and its correlation with clinicopathologic features. Available data were pooled into multiple weighted meta-analyses for the correlation between KIF2Chigh protein or gene expression and the overall survival in breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Furthermore, high expression of KIF2C was correlated to disease-free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma. All meta-analyses showed poor prognosis for cancer patients with KIF2Chigh expression, associated with a decreased overall survival and reduced disease-free survival, indicating KIF2C's oncogenic potential in malignant progression and as a prognostic marker. This work delineated the promising research perspective of KIF2C with modern in vivo and in vitro technologies to further decipher the function of KIF2C in malignant tumor development and progression. This might help to establish KIF2C as a biomarker for the diagnosis or evaluation of at least three cancer entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ha Hyung Moon
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Linda Wordeman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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24
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Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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25
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Lu S, Huang J, Zhang J, Wu C, Huang Z, Tao X, You L, Stalin A, Chen M, Li J, Tan Y, Wu Z, Geng L, Li Z, Fan Q, Liu P, Lin Y, Zhao C, Wu J. The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of Aidi injection was related to the synergistic action of cantharidin, formononetin, and isofraxidin through BIRC5, FEN1, and EGFR. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117209. [PMID: 37757991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117209] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aidi injection (ADI) is a popular anti-tumor Chinese patent medicine, widely used in clinics for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with remarkable therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways. However, the scientific evidence of the synergistic role of the complex chemical component system and the potential mechanism for treating diseases are ignored and remain to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to elucidate and verify the cooperative association between the potential active ingredient of ADI, which is of significance to enlarge our understanding of its anti-HCC molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the anti-HCC effect of ADI was evaluated in various HCC cells and the zebrafish xenograft model. Subsequently, a variety of bioinformatic technologies, including network pharmacology, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), meta-analysis of gene expression profiles, and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to construct the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of ADI intervention in HCC and to establish the relationship between the critical targets/pathways and the key corresponding components, which were involved in ADI against HCC in a synergistic way and were validated by molecular biology experiments. RESULTS ADI exerted remarkable anti-HCC in vitro cells and in vivo zebrafish model, especially that the Hep 3B2.1-7 cell showed substantial sensibility to ADI. The ceRNA network revealed that the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was identified as the promising pathway. Furthermore, the meta-analysis also demonstrated the critical role of BIRC5 and FEN1 as key targets. Finally, the synergistic effect of ADI was revealed by discovering the inhibitory effect of cantharidin on BIRC5, formononetin on FEN1 and EGFR, as well as isofraxidin on EGFR. CONCLUSION Our study unveiled that the incredible protective effect of ADI on HCC resulted from the synergistic inhibition effect of cantharidin, formononetin, and isofraxidin on multiple targets/pathways, including BIRC5, FEN1, and EGFR/PI3K/AKT, respectively, providing a scientific interpretation of ADI against HCC and a typical example of pharmacodynamic evaluation of other proprietary Chinese patent medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Tao
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Leiming You
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China.
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Libo Geng
- Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guiyang, 550008, Guizhou, China.
| | - Zhiqi Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Qiqi Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Pengyun Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yifan Lin
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Chongjun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
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Chen C, Xie Z, Ni Y, He Y. Screening immune-related blood biomarkers for DKD-related HCC using machine learning. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339373. [PMID: 38318171 PMCID: PMC10838782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339373] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem worldwide, often leading to diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which may also influence the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship and diagnostic biomarkers between DKD and HCC are unclear. Methods Using public database data, we screened DKD secretory RNAs and HCC essential genes by limma and WGCNA. Potential mechanisms, drugs, and biomarkers for DKD-associated HCC were identified using PPI, functional enrichment, cMAP, and machine learning algorithms, and a diagnostic nomogram was constructed. Then, ROC, calibration, and decision curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the nomograms. In addition, immune cell infiltration in HCC was explored using CIBERSORT. Finally, the detectability of critical genes in blood was verified by qPCR. Results 104 DEGs associated with HCC using WGCNA were identified. 101 DEGs from DKD were predicated on secreting into the bloodstream with Exorbase datasets. PPI analysis identified three critical modules considered causative genes for DKD-associated HCC, primarily involved in inflammation and immune regulation. Using lasso and RM, four hub genes associated with DKD-associated HCC were identified, and a diagnostic nomogram confirmed by DCA curves was established. The results of immune cell infiltration showed immune dysregulation in HCC, which was associated with the expression of four essential genes. PLVAP was validated by qPCR as a possible blood-based diagnostic marker for DKD-related HCC. Conclusion We revealed the inflammatory immune pathways of DKD-related HCC and developed a diagnostic nomogram for HCC based on PLVAP, C7, COL15A1, and MS4A6A. We confirmed with qPCR that PLVAP can be used as a blood marker to assess the risk of HCC in DKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
- Instrumentation and Service Center for Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhinan Xie
- Medical Engineering Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Ying Ni
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Zhu W, Dong X, Tian N, Feng Z, Zhou W, Song W. CSTB accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23506. [PMID: 38187282 PMCID: PMC10770458 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23506] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to global cancer-related deaths, leading to high mortality rates. However, the pathogenesis of HCC remains unclear. In this research, by the bioinformatics data analysis, we found that elevated CSTB expression correlated with advanced disease and predicted diminished overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. We subsequently verified the oncogenic role of CSTB as well as the potential underlying mechanisms in HCC through a series of in vitro experiments, such as CCK-8 assays, cloning assays, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and western blotting. Our findings illustrated that the silencing of CSTB effectively suppressed cellular proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase and impaired HCC cell invasion and migration by stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, we analyzed the pathways enriched in HCC using RNA sequencing and found that the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was related to increased CSTB expression in HCC. Finally, we confirmed the tumorigenic role of CSTB via in vivo experiments. Thus, our findings revealed that silencing CSTB inhibited the HCC progression via the ERK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, highlighting new perspectives for investigating the mechanisms of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangjun Dong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Tian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihui Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihong Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
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Das S, Halder D, Jeyaprakash RS. Computational-guided approach for identification of PI3K alpha inhibitor in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by virtual screening and water map analysis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38197431 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300131] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly disorders, with a relative survival rate of 36% in the last 5 years. After an extensive literature survey and pathophysiology analysis, PI3Kα was found to be a promising biological target as PIK3CA gene upregulation was observed in HCC, resulting in the loss of apoptosis of cells, which leads to uncontrollable growth and proliferation. Due to superior selectivity and promising therapeutic activity, the PI3K-targeted molecule library was selected, and the ligand preparation was executed. The study mainly focused on e-pharmacophore development, virtual screening and receptor-ligand docking analysis. Then, MMGBSA and ADME prediction analysis was performed with the top 10 molecules; for further analysis of ligand-receptor binding affinity at the catalytic binding site, induced fit docking was performed with the top two molecules. The analysis of quantum chemical stability descriptors, i.e., frontier molecular orbital analysis, was performed followed by molecular dynamics simulation of 100 ns to better understand the ligand-receptor binding. In this study, water map analysis played a significant role in the hit optimization and analysis of the thermodynamic properties of the receptor-ligand complex. The two hit molecules K894-1435 and K894-1045 represented superior docking scores, enhanced stability, and inhibitory action targeting Valine 851 amino acid residue at the catalytic binding site. Hence, the study has significance for the quest for selective PI3Kα inhibitors through the process of hit-to-lead optimization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subham Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Debojyoti Halder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - R S Jeyaprakash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Yang A, Huang H, Xie J, Tian Y, Wang L, Liu D, Wei X, Tan P, Chai X, Zha X, Tu P, Hu Z. Interfering with the AKT/mTOR/STAT3/ID1 signaling axis with usenamine A restrains the proliferative and invasive potential of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Chin Med 2024; 19:4. [PMID: 38183094 PMCID: PMC10770941 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00875-w] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usenamine A, a novel natural compound initially isolated from the lichen Usnea longissima, has exhibited promising efficacy against hepatoma in prior investigation. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms responsible for its antihepatoma effects remain unclear. Furthermore, the role of the AKT/mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding 1 (ID1) signaling axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the potential anti-HCC effects of drugs targeting this pathway are not well understood. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to investigate the effects of usenamine A on the proliferation of human HCC cells. Moreover, the effects of usenamine A on the invasion ability of human HCC cells were evaluated by transwell assay. In addition, expression profiling analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, RNAi, immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to explore the effects of usenamine A on the newly identified AKT/mTOR/STAT3/ID1 signaling axis in human HCC cells. RESULTS Usenamine A inhibited the proliferation and invasion of human HCC cell lines (HepG2 and SK-HEP-1). Through the analysis of gene expression profiling, we identified that usenamine A suppressed the expression of ID1 in human HCC cells. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that usenamine A facilitated the degradation of the ID1 protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Moreover, usenamine A inhibited the activity of STAT3 in human HCC cells. ChIP analysis demonstrated that STAT3 positively regulated ID1 expression at the transcriptional level in human HCC cells. The STAT3/ID1 axis played a role in mediating the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive impacts of usenamine A on human HCC cells. Additionally, usenamine A suppressed the STAT3/ID1 axis through AKT/mTOR signaling in human HCC cells. CONCLUSION Usenamine A displayed robust anti-HCC potential, partly attributed to its capacity to downregulate the AKT/mTOR/STAT3/ID1 signaling pathway and promote ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated ID1 degradation. Usenamine A has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for HCC cases characterized by abnormal AKT/mTOR/STAT3/ID1 signaling, and targeting the AKT/mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway may be a viable option for treating patients with HCC exhibiting elevated ID1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Yang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Huiming Huang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinxin Xie
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Tian
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Longyan Wang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Wei
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Tan
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyun Chai
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Xie H, Yang K, Qin C, Zhou X, Liu J, Nong J, Luo J, Wei Y, Hua H, Han C, Liao X, Yang C, Su H, Zhu G, Ye X, Peng T. Sarcosine dehydrogenase as an immune infiltration-associated biomarker for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:149-165. [PMID: 38164283 PMCID: PMC10751682 DOI: 10.7150/jca.89616] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the prognostic value and clinical significance of sarcosine dehydrogenase (SARDH) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), HPA and CPTAC databases were adopted to analyze the expression of SARDH mRNA and protein between normal liver tissue and HCC, and examine their relationship with clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression, as well as nomogram were adopted to explore the prognostic value of SARDH in HCC. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) together with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were adopted to analyze the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of SARDH in HCC; while MethSurv, STRING, GeneMANIA, TIMER database data and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm were used for other bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of SARDH. Compared to normal liver tissue, SARDH expression was markedly lower in HCC. A lower SARDH expression was linked with Pathologic T stage (T3&T4), pathologic stage (Stage III&IV), and histologic grade (G3&4), which further indicates worse prognosis. Besides, results of bioinformatic analysis proved that SARDH expression was correlated with immune infiltration. In addition, SARDH hypermethylation was related to a poorer prognosis. SARDH expression was related to several key genes in the Ferroptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kejian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongjiu Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jusen Nong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhu Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongguang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Huasheng Hua
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengkun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinping Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, 530021, Nanning, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of early Prevention & Treatment for regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
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Üremiş N, Aslan M, Taşlidere E, Gürel E. Dexpanthenol exhibits antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against nicotine-induced liver damage by modulating Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3/9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23622. [PMID: 38229321 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23622] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic tobacco use can lead to liver damage and inflammation due to the accumulation of various toxins in the body. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of nicotine-induced liver injury, the caspase cascade, and the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the protective effects of dexpanthenol (DEX). Male rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of nicotine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg/day and/or DEX at a concentration of 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, liver function tests were conducted on serum samples, and tissue samples were analyzed for protein levels of Akt, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, along with histopathological changes. Additionally, assessments of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were carried out. Nicotine administration led to elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index, accompanied by decreased TAS levels. Moreover, nicotine exposure reduced the p-Akt/Akt ratio, increased NF-κB, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 protein levels, and decreased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL levels. DEX treatment significantly mitigated these effects, restoring the parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group. Nicotine-induced liver injury resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways. Conversely, DEX effectively attenuated nicotine-induced liver injury by modulating apoptosis through NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax inhibition, and Bcl-xL activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Üremiş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Meral Aslan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Elif Taşlidere
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Elif Gürel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Zhou T, Ke Z, Ma Q, Xiang J, Gao M, Huang Y, Cheng X, Su Z. Molecular mechanism of CCDC106 regulating the p53-Mdm2/MdmX signaling axis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21892. [PMID: 38081879 PMCID: PMC10713525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 (p53) is regulated by murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) and its homologous MdmX in maintaining the basal level of p53. Overexpressed Mdm2/MdmX inhibits cellular p53 activity, which is highly relevant to cancer occurrence. Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 106 (CCDC106) has been identified as a p53-interacting partner. However, the molecular mechanism of the p53/Mdm2/MdmX/CCDC106 interactions is still elusive. Here, we show that CCDC106 functions as a signaling regulator of the p53-Mdm2/MdmX axis. We identified that CCDC106 directly interacts with the p53 transactivation domain by competing with Mdm2 and MdmX. CCDC106 overexpression downregulates the cellular level of p53 and Mdm2/MdmX, and decreased p53 reversibly downregulates the cellular level of CCDC106. Our work provides a molecular mechanism by which CCDC106 regulates the cellular levels of p53 and Mdm2/MdmX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100, Daxuedong Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ke
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China
| | - Qianqian Ma
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Jiani Xiang
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xiyao Cheng
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100, Daxuedong Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
| | - Zhengding Su
- Protein Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Sciences Group, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
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Abou-Shanab AM, Gaser OA, Salah RA, El-Badri N. Application of the Human Amniotic Membrane as an Adjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 38036871 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current therapeutic approaches suffer significant side effects and lack of clear understanding of their molecular targets. Recent studies reported the anticancer effects, immunomodulatory properties, and antiangiogenic effects of the human amniotic membrane (hAM). hAM is a transparent protective membrane that surrounds the fetus. Preclinical studies showed pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative properties of hAM treatment on cancer cells. Herein, we present the latest findings of the application of the hAM in combating HCC tumorigenesis and the underlying molecular pathogenies and the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), P53, WNT/beta-catenin, and PI3K/AKT pathways. The emerging clinical applications of hAM in cancer therapy provide evidence for its diverse and unique features and suitability for the management of a wide range of pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abou-Shanab
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ola A Gaser
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.
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Wang L, Wang J, Ma X, Ju G, Shi C, Wang W, Wu J. USP35 promotes HCC development by stabilizing ABHD17C and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:421. [PMID: 37993419 PMCID: PMC10665393 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01714-5] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
S-palmitoylation is a reversible protein lipidation that controls the subcellular localization and function of targeted proteins, including oncogenes such as N-RAS. The depalmitoylation enzyme family ABHD17s can remove the S-palmitoylation from N-RAS to facilitate cancer development. We previously showed that ABHD17C has oncogenic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and its mRNA stability is controlled by miR-145-5p. However, it is still unclear whether ABHD17C is regulated at the post-translational level. In the present study, we identified multiple ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) that can stabilize ABHD17C by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation. Among them, USP35 is the most potent stabilizer of ABHD17C. We found a positive correlation between the elevated expression levels of USP35 and ABHD17C, together with their association with increased PI3K/AKT pathway activity in HCCs. USP35 knockdown caused decreased ABHD17C protein level, impaired PI3K/AKT pathway, reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and mitigated migration and invasion. USP35 can interact with and stabilize ABHD17C by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Overexpression of ABHD17C can rescue the defects caused by USP35 knockdown in HCC cells. In support of these in vitro observations, xenograft assay data also showed that USP35 deficiency repressed HCC development in vivo, characterized by reduced proliferation and disrupted PI3K/AKT signaling. Together, these findings demonstrate that USP35 may promote HCC development by stabilization of ABHD17C and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linpei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Ma
- Department of Health Medicine, The 910th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Guomin Ju
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chunfeng Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Nguyen TH, Nguyen TM, Ngoc DTM, You T, Park MK, Lee CH. Unraveling the Janus-Faced Role of Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16255. [PMID: 38003445 PMCID: PMC10671265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy and mitophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is an essential cellular process in maintaining cell homeostasis. Still, its dysregulation is associated with the development of liver diseases, including HCC, which is one of leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. We focus on elucidating the dual role of autophagy in HCC, both in tumor initiation and progression, and highlighting the complex nature involved in the disease. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of a small subset of autophagy- and mitophagy-related molecules, revealing their specific functions during tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC cells. By understanding these mechanisms, we aim to provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to manipulate autophagy effectively. The goal is to improve the therapeutic response of liver cancer cells and overcome drug resistance, providing new avenues for improved treatment options for HCC patients. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the complex role of autophagy in HCC and its potential as a target for innovative therapies aimed to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ha Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuan Minh Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Taesik You
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Park
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy National Cance Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Healthcare, Hwasung Medi-Science University, Hwaseong-si 18274, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
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Wang S, Yi W, Xu Z, Shi M. PYCR2 promotes growth and aerobic glycolysis in human liver cancer by regulating the AKT signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:15-24. [PMID: 37708598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the world's third most fatal cancer. Because metabolic rewiring is a hallmark of HCC, studies into the causes of aberrant glycolysis could provide insight into novel HCC therapeutic strategies. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 2 (PYCR2), a key enzyme of proline synthesis, has previously been found to play vital roles in various malignancies regarding amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress response. Our study investigated the mechanistic function of PYCR2 in HCC. We used Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis to perform bioinformatics analysis of PYCR2 expression and survival in human HCC patients based on the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The function of PYCR2 in cell viability and glycolysis was assessed using CCK-8 and ECAR assays. Transducing shRNA or overexpression vectors into the HCC cell line altered the expression status of PYCR2. PYCR2 expression was validated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. In mouse xenograft models, the role of PYCR2 in HCC tumor formation was confirmed. PYCR2 was overexpressed in human HCC tumor tissue and was associated with a poor prognosis. The functional assay revealed that silencing PYCR2 inhibited cell viability, glycolysis, and AKT activation. Furthermore, the xenograft experiment demonstrated that silencing PYCR2 significantly inhibited tumor growth and Ki67 expression. On the other hand, PYCR2 overexpression significantly promoted cell viability and glycolysis, which could be inhibited by either a glycolysis inhibitor or an AKT inhibitor, indicating that PYCR2 may function via glycolysis and the AKT pathway. Moreover, despite the overexpression of PYCR2 in vivo, treatment with a glycolysis inhibitor may considerably suppress tumor growth. Our findings suggest that PYCR2 may play an oncogenic role in HCC growth by promoting glycolysis and activating AKT, emphasizing PYCR2's clinical relevance in HCC management as a novel potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Wenyan Yi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Minyu Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China.
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37
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Peytam F, Emamgholipour Z, Mousavi A, Moradi M, Foroumadi R, Firoozpour L, Divsalar F, Safavi M, Foroumadi A. Imidazopyridine-based kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: A review. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106831. [PMID: 37683538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Considering the fundamental role of protein kinases in the mechanism of protein phosphorylation in critical cellular processes, their dysregulation, especially in cancers, has underscored their therapeutic relevance. Imidazopyridines represent versatile scaffolds found in abundant bioactive compounds. Given their structural features, imidazopyridines have possessed pivotal potency to interact with different protein kinases, inspiring researchers to carry out numerous structural variations. In this comprehensive review, we encompass an extensive survey of the design and biological evaluations of imidazopyridine-based small molecules as potential agents targeting diverse kinases for anticancer applications. We describe the structural elements critical to inhibitory potency, elucidating their key structure-activity relationships (SAR) and mode of actions, where available. We classify these compounds into two groups: Serine/threonine and Tyrosine inhibitors. By highlighting the promising role of imidazopyridines in kinase inhibition, we aim to facilitate the design and development of more effective, targeted compounds for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Peytam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Emamgholipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mousavi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahfam Moradi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roham Foroumadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Loghman Firoozpour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Divsalar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maliheh Safavi
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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38
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Wang Y, Mang X, Li D, Chen Y, Cai Z, Tan F. Piezoeletric cold atmospheric plasma induces apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through blocking glycolysis and AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:134-152. [PMID: 37543168 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Advanced or metastatic HCC is currently managed using systemic drug therapy with unsatisfactory patient survival. Cold atmospheric plasma has emerged as a promising, physicochemical, and broad-spectrum oncotherapy. In this preclinical study, we investigated the anti-neoplastic functions and mechanism of piezoelectric direct discharge technology-based CAP, Piezo-CAP, on HCC in vitro and in vivo. Various HCC cells lines, such as SMMC7721, HepG2 and LM3, were used as in vitro cancer model for the phenotypic and mechanistic studies. Specifically, the cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, Western blot, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and glutathione to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) assay were used to demonstrate plasma-induced changes in HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, intracellular ROS, and antioxidant capacity, respectively. In addition, the Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed for cellular and subcellular assessment of HCC cell apoptosis. The Ad-mCherry-RFP-LC3B fluorescent double-labeled lentiviral system was used to detect autophagic flux. On the other hand, RNA-sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot were used to demonstrate plasma-induced metabolic and molecular disruption of tumor glycolysis and oncogenic proliferation, respectively. In vivo experiments using a human cell-line-derived xenograft model and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to investigate the mechanism. Piezo-CAP exerted anti-neoplastic functions through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis and autophagy. Treatment of Piezo-CAP could suppress proliferation and induce autophagy of HCC cells through simultaneously disrupts cancer survival pathways of redox deregulation, glycolytic pathway, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF1α pathway signaling. Moreover, upon translation of these in vitro results into the tissue level, Piezo-CAP significantly suppressed in situ tumor growth. These findings collectively suggest that Piezo-CAP-induced apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells though a multitargeted blockade of major cancer survival pathways of deregulated redox balance, glycolysis, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wang
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200432, China; Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, And School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200432, China
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhenyu Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fei Tan
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200432, China; The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK.
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39
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Up-regulated Circular RNAs Which Mediate Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:500-521. [PMID: 37889063 PMCID: PMC10614070 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20401] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranges as number two with respect to the incidence of tumors and is associated with a dismal prognosis. The therapeutic efficacy of approved multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors is modest. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and entities is of paramount importance. We searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in preclinical in vivo models of HCC. Our search resulted in 14 circRNAs which up-regulate plasma membrane transmembrane receptors, while 5 circRNAs induced secreted proteins. Two circRNAs facilitated replication of Hepatitis B or C viruses. Three circRNAs up-regulated high mobility group proteins. Six circRNAs regulated components of the ubiquitin system. Seven circRNAs induced GTPases of the family of ras-associated binding proteins (RABs). Three circRNAs induced redox-related proteins, eight of them up-regulated metabolic enzymes and nine circRNAs induced signaling-related proteins. The identified circRNAs up-regulate the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs. Identified circRNAs and their targets have to be validated by standard criteria of preclinical drug development. Identified targets can potentially be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-based moieties and circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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40
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Qiu K, Xia Q, Chen H, Ye Q, Mao H, Tian M, Gan Y, Huang Q, Wang H, Duan S. Exploring the anticancer potential of Actinidia chinensis Planch root extracts ( acRoots) on hepatocellular carcinoma: A molecular mechanism study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21851. [PMID: 38027882 PMCID: PMC10656260 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21851] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ranking as the seventh most prevalent cancer worldwide, poses a significant health challenge. Actinidia chinensis Planch Root extracts (acRoots), a traditional Chinese medicine, has exhibited promising inhibitory effects on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of various cancer cell types. Nevertheless, its specific impact and underlying mechanisms concerning HCC remain unclear. This research aimed to elucidate the anticancer properties and potential molecular mechanisms of acRoots in the HepG2 and LM3 cell lines. Our findings demonstrate that acRoots effectively hampers the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, acRoots induces apoptosis and autophagy by impeding the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, with its inhibitory effects on cells being restored under AKT activator induction. This study, for the first time, elucidates that acRoots can suppress HepG2 and LM3 cell proliferation by blocking the Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby activating apoptosis and autophagy. These results underscore the potential of acRoots as a promising antitumor agent for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Qing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Qiong Ye
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Haixiang Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Mei Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yichao Gan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Qinyuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Haibiao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315048, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
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41
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Guang B, Gao X, Chen X, Li R, Ma L. Dissection of action mechanisms of Zuogui Pill in the treatment of liver cancer based on machine learning and network pharmacology: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35628. [PMID: 37861529 PMCID: PMC10589513 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of Zuogui Pill in its efficacy against liver cancer, employing a combination of data mining approaches and network pharmacology methods. A novel clustering analysis algorithm was proposed to identify the core gene modules of Zuogui Pill. This algorithm successfully identified 5 core modules, with the first large module comprised of twelve proteins forming a 12-clique, representing the strongest connections among them. By utilizing GEO platform, ten key target proteins were detected, including FOS, PTGS2, and MYC. According to the GO annotation and KEGG analysis, desired target proteins were significantly enriched in various biological processes (BP). The analysis showed that ten key targets were strongly associated with signaling pathways mainly centered on MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathway. Additionally, molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between core active ingredients of Zuogui Pill and these key targets, and the best affinity modes were observed for PTGS2-Sesamin, PRKCA-Sesamin, FOS-delta-Carotene. In order to establish the relationships between clinical symptoms and drug targets, a heterogeneous targets-related network was constructed. A total of 60 key target-symptom association pairs were detected, exemplified by the strongly association between fever and PTGS2 through the intermediary of Shu Di Huang. In summary, symptom-target associations are valuable in uncovering the underlying molecular mechanisms of Zuogui Pill. Our work reinforced the notion that Zuogui pill exhibits therapeutic potential on liver cancer through network targets, as well as synergistic effects of multi-component and multi-pathway. This study provided specific references for future experiments at the cost of less time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Guang
- College of Information Engineering, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Institute of Liver Disease, Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangrong Chen
- School of Foreign Language, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - RuiLing Li
- College of Information Engineering, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Information Engineering, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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42
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Kholodenko IV, Kholodenko RV, Yarygin KN. The Crosstalk between Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Hepatocytes in Homeostasis and under Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15212. [PMID: 37894893 PMCID: PMC10607347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015212] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases, characterized by high morbidity and mortality, represent a substantial medical problem globally. The current therapeutic approaches are mainly aimed at reducing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the diseases. Organ transplantation remains the only effective treatment method in cases of severe liver pathology. In this regard, the development of new effective approaches aimed at stimulating liver regeneration, both by activation of the organ's own resources or by different therapeutic agents that trigger regeneration, does not cease to be relevant. To date, many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been published confirming the effectiveness of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation in the treatment of liver diseases of various severities and etiologies. However, despite the successful use of MSCs in clinical practice and the promising therapeutic results in animal models of liver diseases, the mechanisms of their protective and regenerative action remain poorly understood. Specifically, data about the molecular agents produced by these cells and mediating their therapeutic action are fragmentary and often contradictory. Since MSCs or MSC-like cells are found in all tissues and organs, it is likely that many key intercellular interactions within the tissue niches are dependent on MSCs. In this context, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying communication between MSCs and differentiated parenchymal cells of each particular tissue. This is important both from the perspective of basic science and for the development of therapeutic approaches involving the modulation of the activity of resident MSCs. With regard to the liver, the research is concentrated on the intercommunication between MSCs and hepatocytes under normal conditions and during the development of the pathological process. The goals of this review were to identify the key factors mediating the crosstalk between MSCs and hepatocytes and determine the possible mechanisms of interaction of the two cell types under normal and stressful conditions. The analysis of the hepatocyte-MSC interaction showed that MSCs carry out chaperone-like functions, including the synthesis of the supportive extracellular matrix proteins; prevention of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; support of regeneration; elimination of lipotoxicity and ER stress; promotion of antioxidant effects; and donation of mitochondria. The underlying mechanisms suggest very close interdependence, including even direct cytoplasm and organelle exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kholodenko
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman V. Kholodenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Yarygin
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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Buyl K, Vrints M, Fernando R, Desmae T, Van Eeckhoutte T, Jans M, Van Der Schueren J, Boeckmans J, Rodrigues RM, De Boe V, Rogiers V, De Kock J, Beirinckx F, Vanhaecke T. Human skin stem cell-derived hepatic cells as in vitro drug discovery model for insulin-driven de novo lipogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:175989. [PMID: 37572939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175989] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation and can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), activated by glucose and insulin, is a central pathway contributing to early-stage development of MASLD. The emerging global prevalence of MASLD highlights the urgent need for pharmaceutical intervention to combat this health threat. However, the identification of novel drugs that could inhibit hepatic DNL is hampered by a lack of reliable, insulin-sensitive, human, in vitro, hepatic models. Here, we report human skin stem cell-derived hepatic cells (hSKP-HPC) as a unique in vitro model to study insulin-driven DNL (iDNL), evidenced by both gene expression and lipid accumulation readouts. Insulin-sensitive hSKP-HPC showed increased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) expression, a key transcription factor for DNL. Furthermore, this physiologically relevant in vitro human steatosis model allowed both inhibition and activation of the iDNL pathway using reference inhibitors and activators, respectively. Optimisation of the lipid accumulation assay to a high-throughput, 384-well format enabled the screening of a library of annotated compounds, delivering new insights on key players in the iDNL pathway and MASLD pathophysiology. Together, these results establish the value of the hSKP-HPC model in preclinical development of antisteatotic drugs to combat MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolien Buyl
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Martine Vrints
- Galapagos NV, Industriepark Mechelen Noord, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, B-2880, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Ruani Fernando
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Terry Desmae
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Eeckhoutte
- Galapagos NV, Industriepark Mechelen Noord, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, B-2880, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Mia Jans
- Galapagos NV, Industriepark Mechelen Noord, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, B-2880, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Der Schueren
- Galapagos NV, Industriepark Mechelen Noord, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, B-2880, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Joost Boeckmans
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle De Boe
- Department of Urology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ-Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joery De Kock
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Beirinckx
- Galapagos NV, Industriepark Mechelen Noord, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, B-2880, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Zhu M, He Q, Wang Y, Duan L, Rong K, Wu Y, Ding Y, Mi Y, Ge X, Yang X, Yu Y. Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1238841. [PMID: 37900162 PMCID: PMC10600456 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone compound extracted from the rhizome of the natural plant rhubarb. Initially, it was shown that AE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies revealed its antitumor activity against various types of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of AE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and evaluated its therapeutic effect through in vitro experiments. Methods: CTD, Pharmmapper, SuperPred and TargetNet were the databases to obtain potential drug-related targets. DisGenet, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD were used to identify potential disease-related targets. Intersection genes for drugs and diseases were obtained through the Venn diagram. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of intersecting genes were conducted by the website of Bioinformatics. Intersection genes were introduced into STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network, while the Cytoscape3.9.1 software was used to visualize and analyze the core targets. AutoDock4.2.6 was utilized to achieve molecular docking between drug and core targets. In vitro experiments investigated the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of AE. Results: 63 overlapped genes were obtained and GO analysis generated 3,646 entries by these 63 intersecting genes. KEGG analysis mainly involved apoptosis, proteoglycans in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, TP53 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, TP53, and SRC have been identified as core targets because the binding energies of them between aloe-emodin were less than -5 kcal/Mol.The mRNA and protein expression, prognosis, mutation status, and immune infiltration related to core targets were further revealed. The involvement of AKT1 and EGFR, as well as the key target of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, indicated the importance of this signaling pathway in the treatment of HCC using AE. The results of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow analysis demonstrated the therapeutic effect of AE. The downregulation of EGFR, PI3KR1, AKT1, and BCL2 in mRNA expression and PI3KR1, AKT,p-AKT in protein expression confirmed our hypothesis. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study initially showed that AE exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by modulating multiple signaling pathways. Various analyses confirmed the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic effect of AE on HCC through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study revealed the therapeutic mechanism of AE in the treatment of HCC through a novel approach, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kang Rong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaocui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Zhao H, Zhang Y, Fu X, Chen C, Khattak S, Wang H. The double-edged sword role of hydrogen sulfide in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1280308. [PMID: 37886126 PMCID: PMC10598729 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1280308] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With an increasing worldwide prevalence, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver in the world. It is also the primary reason for cancer-related death in the world. The pathogenesis of HCC is complex, such as DNA methylation changes, immune regulatory disorders, cell cycle disorders, chromosomal instability, and so on. Although many studies have been conducted on HCC, the molecular mechanisms of HCC are not completely understood. At present, there is no effective treatment for HCC. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been regarded as a toxic gas with the smell of rotten eggs, but recent studies have shown that it is an important gasotransmitter along with carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO). Increasing evidence indicates that H2S has multiple biological functions, such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, and so on. Recently, a lot of evidence has shown that H2S has a "double-edged sword" effect in HCC, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the progress on the role and mechanism of H2S in HCC in recent years, hoping to provide a theoretical reference for future related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Zhao
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanting Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xiaodi Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Chaoren Chen
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Honggang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
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Guo W, Li S, Qian Y, Li L, Wang F, Tong Y, Li Q, Zhu Z, Gao W, Liu Y. KDM6A promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and dictates lenvatinib efficacy by upregulating FGFR4 expression. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1452. [PMID: 37846441 PMCID: PMC10580016 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1452] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of death from cancer and has a very poor prognosis with few effective therapeutic options. Despite the approval of lenvatinib for the treatment of patients suffering from advanced HCC, only a small number of patients can benefit from this targeted therapy. METHODS Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-CCL4 mouse liver tumour and the xenograft tumour models were used to evaluate the function of KDM6A in HCC progression. The xenograft tumour model and HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the role of KDM6A in HCC drug sensitivity to lenvatinib. RNA-seq and ChIP assays were conducted for mechanical investigation. RESULTS We revealed that KDM6A exhibited a significant upregulation in HCC tissues and was associated with an unfavourable prognosis. We further demonstrated that KDM6A knockdown remarkably suppressed HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, hepatic Kdm6a loss also inhibited liver tumourigenesis in a mouse liver tumour model. Mechanistically, KDM6A loss downregulated the FGFR4 expression to suppress the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway, leading to a glucose and lipid metabolism re-programming in HCC. KDM6A and FGFR4 levels were positively correlated in HCC specimens and mouse liver tumour tissues. Notably, KDM6A knockdown significantly inhibited the efficacy of lenvatinib therapy in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that KDM6A promoted HCC progression by activating FGFR4 expression and may be an essential molecule for influencing the efficacy of lenvatinib in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Songling Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med‐X Research InstituteShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yifei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Linfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Qianyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Zijun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wei‐Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med‐X Research InstituteShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerDepartment of Liver SurgeryRenji‐Med‐X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and ImmonologyShanghai Institute of TransplantationShanghaiP. R. China
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Urade R, Chang WT, Ko CC, Li RN, Yang HM, Chen HY, Huang LY, Chang MY, Wu CY, Chiu CC. A fluorene derivative inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by ROS-mediated apoptosis, anoikis and autophagy. Life Sci 2023; 329:121835. [PMID: 37295712 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluorene was previously reported to have anticancer activity against human cancer cells. In this study, we examined the in vitro function of 9-methanesulfonylmethylene-2, 3-dimethoxy-9 H -fluorene (MSDF), a novel fluorene derivative, its anticancer potential in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its underlying molecular mechanism. The disruption of cellular homeostasis caused by MSDF was found to promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to the activation of cellular apoptosis. As a survival strategy, cells undergo autophagy during oxidative stress. MSDF-induced apoptosis occurred through both receptor-mediated extrinsic and mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic routes. The development of acidic vesicular organelles and the accumulation of LC3-II protein suggest an increase in the autophagic process. Apoptosis was detected by double staining. The MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were indeed suppressed during treatment. Along with elevated ROS generation and apoptosis, MSDF also caused anoikis and cell death by causing cells to lose contact with their extracellular matrix. ROS production was induced by MSDF and sustained by an NAC scavenger. MSDF-induced apoptosis led to increased autophagy, as shown by the suppression of apoptosis by Z-VAD-FMK. However, inhibition of autophagy by inhibitor 3-MA increased MSDF-induced apoptosis. More evidence shows that MSDF downregulated the expression of immune checkpoint proteins, suggesting that MSDF could be used in the future as an adjuvant to improve the effectiveness of HCC immunotherapy. Altogether, our results highlight the potential of MSDF as a multitarget drug for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Urade
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsan Chang
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chung Ko
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan; Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan717, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Nian Li
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environment Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Min Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Chen
- Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Ya Huang
- Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Yang Chang
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chang-Yi Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Tu S, Qiu Y. Molecular subtypes and scoring tools related to Foxo signaling pathway for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and treatment responsiveness. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1213506. [PMID: 37693891 PMCID: PMC10483071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1213506] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Transcription factors in Foxo signaling pathway influence hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition-related pathways. Prognostic factors in the Foxo signaling pathway are feasible for HCC prognosis and therapeutic management. Methods: Based on the differentially expressed genes and Foxo signaling pathway genes in HCC, the ConsensusClusterPlus package was conducted to identify Foxo signaling pathway-related molecular subtypes in HCC. Based on the DEGs in the FMSs, the optimal prognostic factors in HCC were screened by cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox analysis to form the Foxo prognosis score (FPS). The prognostic predictive effectiveness of FPS was assessed by Kaplan Meier (K-M) analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Additionally, tumor microenvironment (TME) score, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and treatment sensitivity differences in FMSs and FPS groups were also evaluated. Results: There were low, medium and high Foxo signaling pathway activity molecular subtypes in HCC named FMS 1, FMS 2 and FMS 3, respectively. FMS 1 with lowest Foxo signaling pathway activity presented an excellent survival advantage, while FMS 3 with highest Foxo signaling pathway activity exhibited an inhibitory TME status. According to FPS grouping, low FPS exhibited favorable survival, low TMB and anti-tumor activity. Patients in the low FPS group were mostly in the early stage of cancer. Moreover, we found that patients with high and low FPS exhibited different sensitivity to chemotherapy, and patients with low FPS were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Conclusion: We revealed a novel molecular subtype and prognostic tool based on Foxo signaling pathway signature, which could potentially provide a direction for accurate and effective assessment of potential personalized treatment options and prognostic management for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunqing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Liu J, Liu B, Li Y, Mi Z, Tan H, Rong P. PCMT1 is a potential target related to tumor progression and immune infiltration in liver cancer. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:289. [PMID: 37596654 PMCID: PMC10436427 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01216-1] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a prevalent and deadly form of cancer with high incidence and mortality rates. The PCMT1 protein has been linked to cell anti-apoptosis and tumor metastasis, but its significance in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains largely unexplored. METHODS We conducted a pan-cancer analysis to examine the expression differences of PCMT1. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to assess the prognostic impact of PCMT1 on LIHC patients, and we investigated the association between PCMT1 and clinical features, which we validated using a GEO therapeutic dataset. Gene enrichment analysis helped identify signaling pathways associated with PCMT1 expression. Moreover, we evaluated the relationship between PCMT1 and immune cell infiltration, as well as the differences in gene mutations between high-expression and low-expression groups. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to assess the effect of PCMT1 on tumor cell lines and mouse tumor models, and potential pathways were explored through gene sequencing. RESULT PCMT1 is highly expressed in most tumors and exhibits a significant association with prognosis in LIHC patients. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that PCMT1 is involved in cell cycle regulation, immunity, and other processes. Further immune analysis demonstrated that high expression of PCMT1 could reduce tumor-killing immune cell infiltration. In vitro experiments indicated that PCMT1 knockdown could inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis. In vivo experiments showed that PCMT1 knockdown significantly reduced tumor growth rate, enhanced CD8+T cell infiltration, and increased caspase-3 expression in the tumor area. Gene sequencing suggested that PCMT1 may function through the PI3K-AKT pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that PCMT1 acts as a promoter of liver cancer progression and may serve as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for patients with LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Liu
- Department of Radiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Baiying Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Radiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Ze Mi
- Department of Radiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Hongpei Tan
- Department of Radiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
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Bang J, Jun M, Lee S, Moon H, Ro SW. Targeting EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2130. [PMID: 37631344 PMCID: PMC10458925 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082130] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health concern, with its incidence steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a multifaceted, multi-step process involving alterations in various signaling cascades. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. In particular, the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC has garnered renewed attention from both basic and clinical researchers. Preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo have shown the effectiveness of targeting the key components of this signaling pathway in human HCC cells. Thus, targeting these signaling pathways with small molecule inhibitors holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for patients with HCC. In this review, we explore recent advancements in understanding the role of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC and assess the effectiveness of targeting this signaling cascade as a potential strategy for HCC therapy based on preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea; (J.B.); (M.J.); (S.L.); (H.M.)
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