1
|
Prasad M, Tamil Selvan S, Shanmugam R, Murugan R, Fareed M. Analysing the Anticancer Properties of Pterostilbene Through Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) and Molecular Docking Studies. Cureus 2024; 16:e58425. [PMID: 38756274 PMCID: PMC11097614 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58425] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study is to examine the possible therapeutic effect of pterostilbene (PTS), a chemical present in grapes and blueberries, in the treatment of liver cancer by analysing its interactions with important proteins linked to the wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling system. Objective Using computational techniques like molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, this research focuses on examining the pharmacokinetics and molecular interactions of PTS with proteins such as vimentin (Vim), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3-β), epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and Wnt, all of which are connected to the Wnt signaling pathway in liver cancer. Methods The study includes the synthesis of proteins and ligands, ADME investigations for PTS, and AutoDock Vina molecular docking simulations to evaluate binding affinities and interactions. PTS is obtained from PubChem, while protein structures are obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Results Strong binding affinities between PTS and essential proteins in the Wnt signaling cascade are shown by molecular docking, which also highlights noteworthy hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic contacts. According to an ADME study, PTS has advantageous pharmacokinetic properties, such as moderate solubility, membrane permeability, and a minimal chance of drug interactions. Conclusion The extensive study highlights PTS's potential as a viable treatment option for liver cancer. The study promotes its investigation in cutting-edge liver cancer therapy approaches and urges more investigation into the molecular mechanisms, underpinning its anticancer properties. This paper sheds important light on the role of natural chemicals in cancer therapy and emphasizes the need for computational methods in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Prasad
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Silambarasan Tamil Selvan
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Rajeshkumar Shanmugam
- Nanobiomedicine Lab, Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Ramadurai Murugan
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Mohammad Fareed
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Papoutsoglou P, Pineau R, Leroux R, Louis C, L'Haridon A, Foretek D, Morillon A, Banales JM, Gilot D, Aubry M, Coulouarn C. TGFβ-induced long non-coding RNA LINC00313 activates Wnt signaling and promotes cholangiocarcinoma. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1022-1054. [PMID: 38332153 PMCID: PMC10933437 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00075-z] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating liver cancer characterized by high aggressiveness and therapy resistance, resulting in poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs and signals imposed by oncogenic pathways, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), frequently contribute to cholangiocarcinogenesis. Here, we explore novel effectors of TGFβ signalling in cholangiocarcinoma. LINC00313 is identified as a novel TGFβ target gene. Gene expression and genome-wide chromatin accessibility profiling reveal that nuclear LINC00313 transcriptionally regulates genes involved in Wnt signalling, such as the transcriptional activator TCF7. LINC00313 gain-of-function enhances TCF/LEF-dependent transcription, promotes colony formation in vitro and accelerates tumour growth in vivo. Genes affected by LINC00313 over-expression in CCA tumours are associated with KRAS and TP53 mutations and reduce overall patient survival. Mechanistically, ACTL6A and BRG1, subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex, interact with LINC00313 and affect TCF7 and SULF2 transcription. We propose a model whereby TGFβ induces LINC00313 in order to regulate the expression of hallmark Wnt pathway genes, in co-operation with SWI/SNF. By modulating key genes of the Wnt pathway, LINC00313 fine-tunes Wnt/TCF/LEF-dependent transcriptional responses and promotes cholangiocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Grants
- Recurrent Funding Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)
- Recurrent Funding,PhD felloship Université de Rennes 1 (University of Rennes 1)
- PhD fellowship Conseil Régional de Bretagne (Brittany Council)
- R22026NN,R21011NN Ligue Contre le Cancer (French League Against Cancer)
- R21043NN Fondation ARC pour la Recherche sur le Cancer (ARC)
- C18007NS,C20013NS,C20014NS INCa and ITMO Cancer AVIESAN (Alliance Nationale pour les Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé) dans le cadre du Plan cancer (Non-coding RNA in cancerology: fundamental to translational)
- R21095NN French Ministry of Health and the French National Cancer Institute, PRT-K20-136, CHU Rennes, CLCC Eugene Marquis, Rennes
- FIS PI18/01075,PI21/00922,CPII19/00008 Spanish Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) [(FIS PI18/01075, PI21/00922, and Miguel Servet Programme CPII19/00008) cofinanced by "Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional" (FEDER)] and CIBERehd (ISCIII)
- HR17-00601 'la Caixa' Foundation ('la Caixa')
- EU/2019/AMMFt/001 AMMF-The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity
- 06119JB PSC Partners US and PSC Supports UK
- 825510/ESCALON European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program
- EU TRANSCAN23-002-2023-129,INCa_18688 Institut National Du Cancer (INCa)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papoutsoglou
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, CNRS UMR3244, Sorbonne University, PSL University, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Pineau
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
| | - Raffaële Leroux
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
| | - Corentin Louis
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
| | - Anaïs L'Haridon
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
| | - Dominika Foretek
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, CNRS UMR3244, Sorbonne University, PSL University, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Morillon
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, CNRS UMR3244, Sorbonne University, PSL University, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, Paris, France
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, CIBERehd, Ikerbasque, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Gilot
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-48183, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Marc Aubry
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, OSS (Oncogenesis, Stress, Signaling) laboratory, UMR_S 1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F-35042, Rennes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yu Y, Wang J, Guo Q, Luo H. LINC01134: a pivotal oncogene with promising predictive maker and therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1265762. [PMID: 38450182 PMCID: PMC10915649 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1265762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading and fatal malignancy within the gastrointestinal tract. Recent advancements highlight the pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diverse biological pathways and pathologies, particularly in tumorigenesis. LINC01134, a particular lncRNA, has attracted considerable attention due to its oncogenic potential in hepatoma. Current research underscores LINC01134's potential in augmenting the onset and progression of HCC, with notable implications in drug resistance. This review comprehensively explores the molecular functions and regulatory mechanisms of LINC01134 in HCC, offering a fresh perspective for therapeutic interventions. By delving into LINC01134's multifaceted roles, we aim to foster novel strategies in HCC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Yu
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jialing Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qingfa Guo
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongliang Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Q, Li X, Long M, Xie X, Liu Q. Integrated analysis of histone lysine lactylation (Kla)-specific genes suggests that NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B are novel therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18642. [PMID: 37903971 PMCID: PMC10616101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46057-4] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine lactylation (Kla) plays a vital role in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence, we focused on Kla-specific genes to select novel therapeutic targets. Differentially expressed Kla-specific genes (DEKlaGs) were identified from TCGA with the cut-off criteria |log2(FlodChange (FC))| > 2, p-value < 0.05, following investigating the prognostic value. The correlation between lactate accumulation and prognostic DEKlaGs expression was further investigated. On the other hand, we explored the roles of Kla activation in the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. We conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to predict the pathways influenced by Kla. The predictive power of Cox model was further identified in ICGC and GEO databases. A total of 129 DEKlaGs were identified, and 32 molecules might be potential prognostic biomarkers. A Cox model including ARHGEF37, MTFR2, NR6A1, NT5DC2, OSBP2, RNASEH2A, SFN, and UNC119B was constructed, which suggested unfavorable overall survival in high-risk score group, and risk score could serve as an indicator for large tumor size, poor pathological grade and advanced stage. NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B could inhibit NK cell as well as TIL cell infiltration, and impair Type-I and II IFN responses in HCC, thereby contributing to unsatisfactory prognosis and immunotherapy resistance. OSBP2 and UNC119B were identified to be related to chemotherapy resistance. GSEA showed that WNT, MTOR, MAPK and NOTCH signaling pathways were activated, indicating that these pathways might play a crucial role during the Kla process. On the other hand, we showed that NR6A1 and OSBP2 were overexpressed in GEO. OSBP2 and UNC119B contributed to poor survival and advanced stage in ICGC. In summary, histone Kla was related to HCC prognosis and might serve as an independent biomarker. NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B were associated with the prognosis, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B might be novel candidate therapeutic targets for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinjuan Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pain, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Menghong Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Pain, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Hejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Luzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dhanasekaran R, Suzuki H, Lemaitre L, Kubota N, Hoshida Y. Molecular and immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma to guide therapeutic decision-making. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00480. [PMID: 37300379 PMCID: PMC10713867 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer, primarily HCC, exhibits highly heterogeneous histological and molecular aberrations across tumors and within individual tumor nodules. Such intertumor and intratumor heterogeneities may lead to diversity in the natural history of disease progression and various clinical disparities across the patients. Recently developed multimodality, single-cell, and spatial omics profiling technologies have enabled interrogation of the intertumor/intratumor heterogeneity in the cancer cells and the tumor immune microenvironment. These features may influence the natural history and efficacy of emerging therapies targeting novel molecular and immune pathways, some of which had been deemed undruggable. Thus, comprehensive characterization of the heterogeneities at various levels may facilitate the discovery of biomarkers that enable personalized and rational treatment decisions, and optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Such companion biomarkers will also refine HCC treatment algorithms across disease stages for cost-effective patient management by optimizing the allocation of limited medical resources. Despite this promise, the complexity of the intertumor/intratumor heterogeneity and ever-expanding inventory of therapeutic agents and regimens have made clinical evaluation and translation of biomarkers increasingly challenging. To address this issue, novel clinical trial designs have been proposed and incorporated into recent studies. In this review, we discuss the latest findings in the molecular and immune landscape of HCC for their potential and utility as biomarkers, the framework of evaluation and clinical application of predictive/prognostic biomarkers, and ongoing biomarker-guided therapeutic clinical trials. These new developments may revolutionize patient care and substantially impact the still dismal HCC mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka
| | - Lea Lemaitre
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Naoto Kubota
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Lattanzio R, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Wingless/It/β-catenin signaling in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: A focus on biological mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2764-2783. [PMID: 37274070 PMCID: PMC10237106 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i18.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common site of metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) are the result of molecular mechanisms that involve different cells of the liver microenvironment. The aberrant activation of Wingless/It (Wnt)/β-catenin signals downstream of Wnt ligands initially drives the oncogenic transformation of the colon epithelium, but also the progression of metastatization through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition/mesenchymal-epithelial transition interactions. In liver microenvironment, metastatic cells can also survive and adapt through dormancy, which makes them less susceptible to pro-apoptotic signals and therapies. Treatment of CRLMs is challenging due to its variability and heterogeneity. Advances in surgery and oncology have been made in the last decade and a pivotal role for Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been re-cognized in chemoresistance. At the state of art, there is a lack of clear understanding of why and how this occurs and thus where exactly the opportunities for developing anti-CRLMs therapies may lie. In this review, current knowledge on the involvement of Wnt signaling in the development of CRLMs was considered. In addition, an overview of useful biomarkers with a revision of surgical and non-surgical therapies currently accepted in the clinical practice for colorectal liver metastasis patients were provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Selvaggi
- Department of Surgical, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata of Chieti, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, Villa Serena - Del Dott. L. Petruzzi, Città Sant’Angelo 65013, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu P, Zong B, Chen Q, Shao R, Chen M, Yang Y, Shao G. Microtubule-associated protein 4 promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular cancer cells via regulating GSK3β/β-catenin pathway. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14309. [PMID: 36938447 PMCID: PMC10020083 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a major obstacle in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) plays an important role as a coordinator between microtubules and microfilaments. However, the role of MAP4 in HCC migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is unclear. We compared the protein and mRNA levels of MAP4 in human HCC and adjacent normal tissues using western blotting, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. The migration and invasion abilities and the levels of EMT markers (E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail) were compared between MAP4-knockdown and MAP4-overexpressed HCC cells. Finally, we examined whether β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) are involved in the stimulatory effects of MAP4 on HCC migration, invasion and EMT. The results revealed that MAP4 levels were higher in the HCC tissues than in the normal hepatic tissues. More importantly, MAP4 knockdown suppressed migration and invasion abilities and EMT processes in HCC cells, which were confirmed by the stimulatory effects of MAP4 overexpression on EMT processes in HCC cells. Further evidence demonstrated that the up-regulation of β-catenin activity induced by the interaction between MAP4 and GSK3β possibly accounted for the pro-migration and pro-EMT effects of MAP4 on HCC cells. Taken together, these results suggest that MAP4 promotes migration, invasion, and EMT in HCC cells by regulating the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hu
- Department of Pathology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Bin Zong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qian Chen
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Rui Shao
- Department of Pathology, Zhenjiang First People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhenjiang First People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Genbao Shao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Expression and Function of BMP and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) in Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043473. [PMID: 36834884 PMCID: PMC9964332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BAMBI (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) is a transmembrane pseudoreceptor structurally related to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type 1 receptors (TGF-β1Rs). BAMBI lacks a kinase domain and functions as a TGF-β1R antagonist. Essential processes such as cell differentiation and proliferation are regulated by TGF-β1R signaling. TGF-β is the best-studied ligand of TGF-βRs and has an eminent role in inflammation and fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is the end stage of almost all chronic liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and at the moment, there is no effective anti-fibrotic therapy available. Hepatic BAMBI is downregulated in rodent models of liver injury and in the fibrotic liver of patients, suggesting that low BAMBI has a role in liver fibrosis. Experimental evidence convincingly demonstrated that BAMBI overexpression is able to protect against liver fibrosis. Chronic liver diseases have a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and BAMBI was shown to exert tumor-promoting as well as tumor-protective functions. This review article aims to summarize relevant studies on hepatic BAMBI expression and its role in chronic liver diseases and HCC.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tabnak P, Ghasemi Y, Natami M, Khorram R, Ebrahimnezhad M. Role of m 6A modification in dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114023. [PMID: 36403567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs in eukaryotes. Dysregulation of m6A readers, writers, and erasers can significantly promote tumorigenesis by altering the expression of various genes. Wnt/β-catenin is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of many cancers. Given the significance of this pathway in regulating normal tissue homeostasis and stem cell differentiation, a subtle understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying its dysregulation is required for effective targeting. There is mounting evidence that m6A regulators are highly implicated in the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Since m6A regulators can affect Wnt pathway components and dysregulation of either leads to carcinogenesis, this study aims to clarify the relationship between m6A regulators and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to investigate their combined impact on tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Tabnak
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran.
| | - Yaser Ghasemi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou Y, Li J, Ma Y, Tang M, Yuan X, Shen L. Elevated serum uric acid is associated with the risk of advanced staging and vascular involvement in patients with hepatoblastoma: a 14-year retrospective study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1144349. [PMID: 37124543 PMCID: PMC10140562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1144349] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uric acid is the end product of the purine metabolism pathway, and has been linked to cancer risks and prognosis, but its relationship with hepatoblastoma (HB) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and the advanced tumor staging and unfavorable extra-parenchymal tumor characteristics in patients with HB. Methods This study enrolled pediatric patients from Xinhua Hospital between 2007 to 2021. A total of 101 participants with newly diagnosed HB were recruited in the study. PRETreatment EXTent of disease (PRETEXT)/PostTreatment Extent of disease (POSTTEXT) staging were evaluated at diagnosis and following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Adjusted smoothing spline plots, subgroup analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to estimate the association of different levels of SUA with the advanced tumor staging and present annotation factors. Results In accordance with SUA tertiles, those patients with higher pretreatment SUA levels showed increased percentages of PRETEXT group IV, vessel involvement and multifocality of tumors. After fully adjustment with the confounding factors, SUA was positively associated with advanced PRETEXT stage IV (OR: 1.72, 95%CI 1.15-2.57, p=0.0080), as well as vascular invasion (OR: 1.29, 95%CI 1.01-1.64, p=0.0396). Compared with the lowest SUA concentration tertile, the highest tertile were independently associated with vessel involvement of tumor in all of the adjusted models. Following NAC, SUA levels were significantly reduced in response to the downstaging of tumors. SUA remained positively associated with advanced POSTTEXT staging and vessel involvement in adjusted models. Patients with highest tertile of posttreatment SUA showed worse 5-year EFS and OS. Conclusion Elevated SUA were associated with an increased occurrence of advanced PRETEXT/POSTTEXT staging and unfavorable vessel involvement at diagnosis and following NAC in patients with HB. High posttreatment SUA reflected poor tumor responses to NAC. This study linked SUA, a non-invasive laboratory test, with tumor staging and risk prediction for HB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinning Li
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lisong Shen, ; Xiaojun Yuan,
| | - Lisong Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Experimental Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lisong Shen, ; Xiaojun Yuan,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li P, Ma X, Huang D, Gu X. Development and evaluation of a risk score model based on a WNT score gene-associated signature for predicting the clinical outcome and the tumour microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231218179. [PMID: 38054921 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231218179] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently one of the most life-threatening diseases worldwide. However, the factors, genes, and processes involved in the mechanisms of HCC initiation, development, and metastasis remain to be identified.Methods: WNT signalling pathways may play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Thus, it would be informative to construct a WNT signature-based gene model for the prognosis of HCC and the prediction of therapeutic efficacy. We curated genomic profiles for HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and divided them into training and internal validation datasets. We also used samples from GSE14520 and HCCDB18 as validation datasets and clustered them by ConsensusClusterPlus analysis. We applied WebGestaltR to the WNT score-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conducted a signalling pathway enrichment analysis. We assessed the tumour immune microenvironment with ESTIMATE, Microenvironment Cell Populations (MCP)-counter, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and tumour immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE).Results: We performed a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to identify the prognosis-related hub genes, identified the risk and protective factor genes associated with HCC, classified them into two clusters, and found that Cluster 2 had a significantly better prognosis than Cluster 1. Moreover, the latter had advanced clinical features compared with the former. Uridine-cytosine kinase 1 (UCK1), myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate-like protein 1 (MARCKSL1), P-antigen family member 1 (PAGE1), and killer cell lectin-like receptor B1 (KLRB1) were detected and used to construct a simplified prognostic model for HCC. The high risk score subgroup showed a poorer prognosis than the low risk score subgroup, and the model assessed HCC prognosis consistently and effectively.Conclusions: The WNT score-related gene-based model designed and evaluated herein had strong prognostic and predictive ability for HCC and could, therefore, facilitate decision-making in the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy assessment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- The Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Phosphorylation-Mediated Activation of β-Catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs Pathway Is an Essential Event in Development of Aggressive Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246062. [PMID: 36551548 PMCID: PMC9775972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HBL), a deadly malignancy in children, is the most common type of pediatric liver cancer. We recently demonstrated that β-catenin, phosphorylated at S675 (ph-S675-β-catenin), causes pathological alterations in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC), by activating oncogenes and fibrotic genes via human genomic regions, known as cancer-enhancing genomic regions or aggressive liver cancer domains (CEGRs/ALCDs). The aim of this study was to determine the role of the ph-S675-β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway in HBL. METHODS The ph-S675-β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway was examined in a large cohort of HBL specimens, in HBL cell lines HepG2 and Huh6, and in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RESULTS β-catenin is phosphorylated at S675 in a large portion of tested HBL patients. In these patients, ph-S675-β-catenin forms complexes with TCF4 and opens CEGRs/ALCDs-dependent oncogenes for transcription, leading to a massive overexpression of the oncogenes. The inhibition of the β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs axis inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor growth in HBL cell lines and HBL-PDXs. The ph-S675-β-catenin is abundant in mitotic cells. We found that markers of HBL Glypican 3 (GPC3) and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) are increased in HBL patients by β-catenin-TCF4-p300 complexes. CONCLUSIONS The phosphorylation-mediated activation of the β-catenin-TCF4-p300-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway increases oncogene expression in patients with aggressive liver cancer and promotes the development of hepatoblastoma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Leung RWH, Lee TKW. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215468. [PMID: 36358885 PMCID: PMC9656505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3400-8799; Fax: +852-2364-9932
| |
Collapse
|