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Yu B, Ma W. Biomarker discovery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for personalized treatment and enhanced prognosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024:S1359-6101(24)00067-4. [PMID: 39191624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.08.006] [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: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide and presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its heterogeneous nature. The discovery of biomarkers has become crucial in addressing these challenges, promising early detection, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. Key biomarkers, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) glypican 3 (GPC3) and des gamma carboxy prothrombin (DCP) have shown potential in improving clinical results. Progress in proteomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), mass spectrometry, and liquid biopsies detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), has deepened our understanding of HCC's molecular landscape. Immunological markers, like PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), also play a crucial role in guiding immunotherapy decisions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in biomarker validation, standardization, integration into clinical practice, and cost-related barriers. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and machine learning offer promising avenues for further exploration. Continued investment in research and collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is vital to harness the potential of biomarkers fully, ultimately revolutionizing HCC management and improving patient outcomes through personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofa Yu
- Taimei Baofa Cancer Hospital, Dongping, Shandong 271500, China; Jinan Baofa Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China; Beijing Baofa Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100010, China; Immune Oncology Systems, Inc, San Diego, CA 92102, USA.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2350-2361. [PMID: 38994143 PMCID: PMC11236219 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2814-2825. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Boros C, Sutter O, Cauchy F, Ganne-Carrié N, Nahon P, N'kontchou G, Ziol M, Grando V, Demory A, Blaise L, Dondero F, Durand F, Soubrane O, Lesurtel M, Laurent A, Seror O, Nault JC. Upfront multi-bipolar radiofrequency ablation for HCC in transplant-eligible cirrhotic patients with salvage transplantation in case of recurrence. Liver Int 2024; 44:1464-1473. [PMID: 38581233 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15900] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aim to assess the long-term outcomes of percutaneous multi-bipolar radiofrequency (mbpRFA) as the first treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in transplant-eligible cirrhotic patients, followed by salvage transplantation for intrahepatic distant tumour recurrence or liver failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included transplant-eligible patients with cirrhosis and a first diagnosis of HCC within Milan criteria treated by upfront mbp RFA. Transplantability was defined by age <70 years, social support, absence of significant comorbidities, no active alcohol use and no recent extrahepatic cancer. Baseline variables were correlated with outcomes using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox models. RESULTS Among 435 patients with HCC, 172 were considered as transplantable with HCCs >2 cm (53%), uninodular (87%) and AFP >100 ng/mL (13%). Median overall survival was 87 months, with 75% of patients alive at 3 years, 61% at 5 years and 43% at 10 years. Age (p = .003) and MELD>10 (p = .01) were associated with the risk of death. Recurrence occurred in 118 patients within Milan criteria in 81% of cases. Local recurrence was observed in 24.5% of cases at 10 years and distant recurrence rates were observed in 69% at 10 years. After local recurrence, 69% of patients were still alive at 10 years. At the first tumour recurrence, 75 patients (65%) were considered transplantable. Forty-one patients underwent transplantation, mainly for distant intrahepatic tumour recurrence. The overall 5-year survival post-transplantation was 72%, with a tumour recurrence of 2.4%. CONCLUSION Upfront multi-bipolar RFA for a first diagnosis of early HCC on cirrhosis coupled with salvage liver transplantation had a favourable intention-to-treat long-term prognosis, allowing for spare grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Boros
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Olivier Sutter
- Interventional Radiology Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - François Cauchy
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Nahon
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
| | - Gisele N'kontchou
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, and Centre de ressources biologiques (BB-0033-00027) Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Université Paris Norr, Bobigny, France
| | - Véronique Grando
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Alix Demory
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Lorraine Blaise
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Fédérica Dondero
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, APHP, Beaujon Hospital-University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - François Durand
- Liver Unit, Beaujon Hospital, APHP, Beaujon Hospital-University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Soubrane
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Mickael Lesurtel
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, APHP, Beaujon Hospital-University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Oliver Seror
- Interventional Radiology Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
| | - Jean Charles Nault
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
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Todorović N, Amedei A. Metadherin-driven promotion of cancer stem cell phenotypes and its effect on immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2624-2628. [PMID: 38855151 PMCID: PMC11154677 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i20.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In this editorial we provide commentary on the article published by Wang et al, featured in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2024. We focus on the metadherin (MTDH), also known as astrocyte elevated gene-1 or lysine rich CEACAM1, and its effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Most HCC cases develop in the context of liver cirrhosis. Among the pivotal mechanisms of carcinogenesis are gene mutations, dysregulation of diverse signaling pathways, epigenetic alterations, hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, chronic inflammation, impact of tumor microenvironment, oxidative stress. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted on the MTDH role in various tumor pathologies, such as lung, breast, ovarian, gastric, hepatocellular, colorectal, renal carcinoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, and leukemias. Specifically, its involvement in tumor development processes including transformation, apoptosis evasion, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis via multiple signaling pathways. It has been demonstrated that knockdown or knockout of MTDH disrupt tumor development and metastasis. In addition, numerous reports have been carried out regarding the MTDH influence on HCC, demonstrating its role as a predictor of poor prognosis, aggressive tumor phenotypes prone to metastasis and recurrence, and exhibiting significant potential for therapy resistance. Finally, more studies finely investigated the influence of MTDH on CSCs. The CSCs are a small subpopulation of tumor cells that sharing traits with normal stem cells like self-renewal and differentiation abilities, alongside a high plasticity that alters their phenotype. Beyond their presumed role in tumor initiation, they can drive also disease relapse, metastasis, and resistance to chemo and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Todorović
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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Luxuan CHEN, Qionghua LIAN, Gui ZHANG, Jiayao WU, Guandi ZENG, Xuejuan GAO. [TRIM21 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
by Interacting with ZSWIM1]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2024; 27:337-344. [PMID: 38880921 PMCID: PMC11183318 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2024.101.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly morbid and fatal cancer. Despite advancements in modern medical treatment, the 5-year survival rate of patients remains suboptimal. Our previous study revealed that zinc finger SWIM-type containing 1 (ZSWIM1), a novel protein, promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif protein 21 (TRIM21) on ZSWIM1-mediated cell proliferation and migration. METHODS The interaction and co-localization between TRIM21 and ZSWIM1 were verified using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence (IF). The effects of TRIM21 and ZSWIM1 on the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells were assessed through MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot (WB) analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of TRIM21 and ZSWIM1 on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in LUAD cells. The influence of TRIM21 on the ubiquitination of ZSWIM1 was examined using Co-IP combined with WB. RESULTS TRIM21 was found to interact and co-localize with ZSWIM1. Overexpression of TRIM21 inhibited the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells. Overexpression of TRIM21 reduced the promoting effect of ZSWIM1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and reversed the impact of ZSWIM1 on the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin. Conversely, knockdown of TRIM21 further enhanced the promoting effect of ZSWIM1 on the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells. Mechanistically, we observed that overexpression of TRIM21 significantly enhanced the ubiquitination level of ZSWIM1, leading to a decrease in ZSWIM1 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS TRIM21 binds to and promotes the ubiquitination of ZSWIM1, resulting in reduced protein expression of ZSWIM1, which leads to the inhibition of ZSWIM1-mediated promotion of proliferation, migration, and invasion in LUAD cells.
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Rashid S, Sun Y, Ali Khan Saddozai U, Hayyat S, Munir MU, Akbar MU, Khawar MB, Ren Z, Ji X, Ihsan Ullah Khan M. Circulating tumor DNA and its role in detection, prognosis and therapeutics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:195-214. [PMID: 38751441 PMCID: PMC11090798 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.02.07] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the fifth most prevalent cancer among all types of cancers and has the third most morbidity value. It has the most frequent duplication time and a high recurrence rate. Recently, the most unique technique used is liquid biopsies, which carry many markers; the most prominent is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Varied methods are used to investigate ctDNA, including various forms of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [emulsion PCR (ePCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and bead, emulsion, amplification, magnetic (BEAMing) PCR]. Hence ctDNA is being recognized as a potential biomarker that permits early cancer detection, treatment monitoring, and predictive data on tumor burden are subjective to therapy or surgery. Numerous ctDNA biomarkers have been investigated based on their alterations such as 1) single nucleotide variations (either insertion or deletion of a nucleotide) markers including TP53, KRAS, and CCND1; 2) copy number variations which include markers such as CDK6, EFGR, MYC and BRAF; 3) DNA methylation (RASSF1A, SEPT9, KMT2C and CCNA2); 4) homozygous mutation includes ctDNA markers as CDKN2A, AXIN1; and 5) gain or loss of function of the genes, particularly for HCC. Various researchers have conducted many studies and gotten fruitful results. Still, there are some drawbacks to ctDNA namely low quantity, fragment heterogeneity, less stability, limited mutant copies and standards, and differential sensitivity. However, plenty of investigations demonstrate ctDNA's significance as a polyvalent biomarker for cancer and can be viewed as a future diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic agent. This article overviews many conditions in genetic changes linked to the onset and development of HCC, such as dysregulated signaling pathways, somatic mutations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and genomic instability. Additionally, efforts are also made to develop treatments for HCC that are molecularly targeted and to unravel some of the genetic pathways that facilitate its early identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Rashid
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Yingchuan Sun
- Department of Internal Oncology (Section I), Xuchang Municipal Central Hospital, Xuchang 461000, China
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Sikandar Hayyat
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Munir
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Muhammad Usman Akbar
- Gomal Center of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29111, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal Punjab 51600, Pakistan
| | - Zhiguang Ren
- Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory for Infection and Biosafety, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xinying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou 450064, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian 456400, China
| | - Malik Ihsan Ullah Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
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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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9
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Praveen Kumar PK, Sundar H, Balakrishnan K, Subramaniam S, Ramachandran H, Kevin M, Michael Gromiha M. The Role of HSP90 and TRAP1 Targets on Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01151-4. [PMID: 38684604 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01151-4] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and arises due to dysregulation of the cell cycle control machinery. Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) and mitochondrial HSP90, also referred to as TRAP1 are important critical chaperone target receptors for early diagnosis and targeting HCC. Both HSP90 and TRAP1 expression was found to be higher in HCC patients. Hence, the importance of HSP90 and TRAP1 inhibitors mechanism and mitochondrial targeted delivery of those inhibitors function is widely studied. This review also focuses on importance of protein-protein interactions of HSP90 and TRAP1 targets and association of its interacting proteins in various pathways of HCC. To further elucidate the mechanism, systems biology approaches and computational biology approach studies are well explored in the association of inhibition of herbal plant molecules with HSP90 and its mitochondrial type in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India.
| | - Harini Sundar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Kamalavarshini Balakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Sakthivel Subramaniam
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Hemalatha Ramachandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - M Kevin
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
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Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Fallah F, Bashash D, Karimi A. Unleashing the potential of gene signatures as prognostic and predictive tools: A step closer to personalized medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3913. [PMID: 38269520 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3913] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the growing malignancies globally, affecting a myriad of people and causing numerous cancer-related deaths. Despite therapeutic improvements in treatment strategies over the past decades, HCC still remains one of the leading causes of person-years of life lost. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the characteristics of HCC with the aim of predicting its prognosis and responsiveness to treatment. However, the identified biomarkers have shown limited sensitivity, and the translation of these findings into clinical practice has faced challenges. The development of sequencing techniques has facilitated the exploration of a wide range of genes, leading to the emergence of gene signatures. Although several studies assessed differentially expressed genes in normal and HCC tissues to find the unique gene signature with prognostic value, to date, no study has reviewed the task, and to the best of our knowledge, this review represents the first comprehensive analysis of relevant studies in HCC. Most gene signatures focused on immune-related genes, while others investigated genes related to metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis. Even though no identical gene signatures were found, NDRG1, SPP1, BIRC5, and NR0B1 were the most extensively studied genes with prognostic value. Finally, despite challenges such as the lack of consistent patterns in gene signatures, we believe that comprehensive analysis of pertinent gene signatures will bring us a step closer to personalized medicine in HCC, where treatment strategies can be tailored to individual patients based on their unique molecular profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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van der Meeren PE, de Wilde RF, Sprengers D, IJzermans JNM. Benefit and harm of waiting time in liver transplantation for HCC. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00646. [PMID: 37972979 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most successful treatment for limited-stage HCC. The waiting time for liver transplantation (LT) can be a critical factor affecting the oncological prognosis and outcome of patients with HCC. Efficient strategies to optimize waiting time are essential to maximize the benefits of LT and to reduce the harm of delay in transplantation. The ever-increasing demand for donor livers emphasizes the need to improve the organization of the waiting list for transplantation and to optimize organ availability for patients with and without HCC. Current progress in innovations to expand the donor pool includes the implementation of living donor LT and the use of grafts from extended donors. By expanding selection criteria, an increased number of patients are eligible for transplantation, which necessitates criteria to prevent futile transplantations. Thus, the selection criteria for LT have evolved to include not only tumor characteristics but biomarkers as well. Enhancing our understanding of HCC tumor biology through the analysis of subtypes and molecular genetics holds significant promise in advancing the personalized approach for patients. In this review, the effect of waiting time duration on outcome in patients with HCC enlisted for LT is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam Elisabeth van der Meeren
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roeland Frederik de Wilde
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Nicolaas Maria IJzermans
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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12
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Xie S, Wang M, Zeng C, Ou Y, Zhao L, Wang D, Chen L, Kong F, Yi D. Research progress of targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1197698. [PMID: 37305582 PMCID: PMC10248438 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1197698] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. Molecularly targeted drugs combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown unique advantages over single-agent applications, significantly prolonging patient survival. This paper reviews the research progress of molecular-targeted drugs combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and discusses the effectiveness and safety of the combination of the two drugs to provide a reference for the further application of molecular-targeted drugs combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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13
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The Liver Cancer Immune Microenvironment: Emerging Concepts for Myeloid Cell Profiling with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051522. [PMID: 36900313 PMCID: PMC10000678 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide [...].
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