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Zhang Z, Yang J, Liu R, Ma J, Wang K, Wang X, Tang N. Inhibiting HMGCR represses stemness and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via Hedgehog signaling. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101285. [PMID: 39022130 PMCID: PMC11252768 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101285] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the current understanding of CSCs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains incomplete. Through a comprehensive analysis of the database, it has been observed that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), a critical enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, is up-regulated in HCC tissues and liver CSCs. Moreover, high expression of HMGCR is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Functionally, HMGCR promotes the stemness and metastasis of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. By screening various signaling pathway inhibitors, we have determined that HMGCR regulates stemness and metastasis by activating the Hedgehog signaling in HCC. Mechanistically, HMGCR positively correlates with the expression of the Smoothened receptor and facilitates the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional activator GLI family zinc finger 1. Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway can reverse the stimulatory effects of HMGCR on stemness and metastasis in HCC. Notably, simvastatin, an FDA-approved cholesterol-lowering drug, has been shown to inhibit stemness and metastasis of HCC by targeting HMGCR. Taken together, our findings suggest that HMGCR promotes the regeneration and metastasis of HCC through the activation of Hedgehog signaling, and simvastatin holds the potential for clinical suppression of HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jiayao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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2
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Shen D, Xia Y, Fu Y, Cao Q, Chen W, Zhu Y, Guo K, Sun L. Hedgehog pathway and cancer: A new area (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:116. [PMID: 38994763 PMCID: PMC11267502 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8775] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In years of research on classical pathways, the composition, information transmission mechanism, crosstalk with other pathways, and physiological and pathological effects of hedgehog (HH) pathway have been gradually clarified. HH also plays a critical role in tumor formation and development. According to the update of interpretation of tumor phenotypes, the latest relevant studies have been sorted out, to explore the specific mechanism of HH pathway in regulating different tumor phenotypes through gene mutation and signal regulation. The drugs and natural ingredients involved in regulating HH pathway were also reviewed; five approved drugs and drugs under research exert efficacy by blocking HH pathway, and at least 22 natural components have potential to treat tumors by HH pathway. Nevertheless, there is a deficiency of existing studies. The present review confirmed the great potential of HH pathway in future cancer treatment with factual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyi Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yuwei Xia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yuhan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Qiaochang Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Wenqian Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Kaibo Guo
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Leitao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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3
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Sales CBS, Dias RB, de Faro Valverde L, Bomfim LM, Silva LA, de Carvalho NC, Bastos JLA, Tilli TM, Rocha GV, Soares MBP, de Freitas LAR, Gurgel Rocha CA, Bezerra DP. Hedgehog components are overexpressed in a series of liver cancer cases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19507. [PMID: 39174588 PMCID: PMC11341691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70220-0] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, representing a global public health problem. This study evaluated nine patients with HCC. Six of the cases involved hepatic explants, and three involved hepatic segmentectomy for tumor resection. Eight out of nine tumors were HCC, with one being a combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma tumor. Conventional markers of hepatocellular differentiation (Hep Par-1, arginase, pCEA, and glutamine synthetase) were positive in all patients, while markers of hepatic precursor cells (CK19, CK7, EpCAM, and CD56) were negative in most patients, and when positive, they were detected in small, isolated foci. Based on in silico analysis of HCC tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found that Hedgehog (HH) pathway components (GLI1, GLI2, GLI3 and GAS1) have high connectivity values (module membership > 0.7) and are strongly correlated with each other and with other genes in biologically relevant modules for HCC. We further validated this finding by analyzing the gene expression of HH components (PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3) in our samples through qPCR, as well as by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, we conducted a chemosensitivity analysis using primary HCC cultures treated with a panel of 18 drugs that affect the HH pathway and/or HCC. Most HCC samples were sensitive to sunitinib. Our results offer a comprehensive view of the molecular landscape of HCC, highlighting the significance of the HH pathway and providing insight into focused treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Brandi Schlaepfer Sales
- Department of Biomorphology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, 40110-902, Brazil
| | - Rosane Borges Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Feira de Santana, Bahia, 44036-900, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Faro Valverde
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Lagarto, Sergipe, 49400-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Bomfim
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Lais Almeida Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Nanashara C de Carvalho
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana Martins Tilli
- Translational Oncology Platform, Center for Technological Development in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Gisele Vieira Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), São Rafael Hospital Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, Salvador, Bahia, 41650-010, Brazil
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
- SENAI Institute for Innovation in Advanced Health Systems, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, 41650-010, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Antonio Rodrigues de Freitas
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
- Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
| | - Clarissa A Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
- Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil.
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), São Rafael Hospital Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, Salvador, Bahia, 41650-010, Brazil.
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
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4
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Hasan AM, Cavalu S, Saber S, Doghish AS, Hamad RS, Abdel-Reheim MA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alqarni AA, Rezigalla AA, Negm S, El-Kott AF, Alshehri AS, BinAfeef SF, Abdel-Ghany S, Attia MA, Mohammed OA. Hedgehog signaling mastery: R51211's promise in augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib. Life Sci 2024; 351:122791. [PMID: 38848936 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122791] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor employed for managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The emergence of sorafenib resistance presents an obstacle to its therapeutic efficacy. One notable approach to overcoming sorafenib resistance is the exploration of combination therapies. The role of hedgehog signaling in sorafenib resistance has been also examined in HCC. R51211, known as itraconazole, has been safely employed in clinical practice. Through in vitro and in vivo investigations, we assessed the potential of R51211 to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib by inhibiting the hedgehog signaling. The zero-interaction potency synergy model demonstrated a synergistic interaction between R51211 and sorafenib, a phenomenon reversed by the action of a smoothened receptor agonist. This dual therapy exhibited an increased capacity to induce apoptosis, as evidenced by alterations in the Bax/BCL-2 ratio and caspase-3, along with a propensity to promote autophagy, as indicated by changes in BECN1, p62, and the LC3I/LC3II ratio. Furthermore, the combination therapy resulted in significant reductions in biomarkers associated with liver preneoplastic alterations, improved liver microstructure, and mitigated changes in liver function enzymes. The substantial decrease in hedgehog components (Shh, SMO, GLI1, and GLI2) following R51211 treatment appears to be a key factor contributing to the increased efficacy of sorafenib. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of R51211 as an adjunct to sorafenib, introducing a new dimension to this combination therapy through the modulation of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Further investigations are essential to validate the therapeutic efficacy of this combined approach in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Madalin Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Rabab S Hamad
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; Central Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Aldawadmi 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Ali Alqarni
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sally Negm
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Art Mahyel Aseer, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61421 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
| | - Ali S Alshehri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61421 Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahad Fuad BinAfeef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sameh Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ibn Sina University for Medical Sciences, Amman 16197, Jordan.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyiah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
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5
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Wang S, Wang Y, Hao L, Chen B, Zhang J, Li X, Cao J, Liu B. BOC targets SMO to regulate the Hedgehog pathway and promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Brain Res Bull 2024; 216:111037. [PMID: 39084569 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111037] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BOC on glioblastoma cells and its underlying mechanisms. In vitro, BOC-knockdown was performed in glioma cell lines. CCK-8 and Transwell were used to assess the impact of BOC on the viability, invasion, and migration of gliobma cells. RNA-seq technology was employed to analyze the differential gene expression between BOC-knockdown glioma cells and the control group, and qRT-PCR was used to validate the expression of downstream differential genes. SMO-overexpression was performed to investigate the effects of SMO on glioma cells. A BOC-knockdown mouse subcutaneous tumor model was to verify the effects of BOC on mouse tumors. Tissue microarray technology was used to detect the expression of BOC and SMO in samples of normal human brain tissue and glioma tissue. In vitro, BOC-knockdown inhibited the viability, invasion, and migration of glioma cells, as well as downregulated the expression of downstream differential genes SMO, EGFR, HRAS, and MRAS. Conversely, SMO-overexpression upregulated the viability, invasion, and migration abilities of BOC-knockdown cells. In vivo, BOC-knockdown suppressed tumor growth in mice and downregulated the expression of downstream differential genes SMO, EGFR, HRAS, and MRAS. Tissue microarray results showed that both BOC and SMO were highly expressed in glioma tissues. BOC is aberrantly overexpressed in glioma patients and promotes glioma development. Mechanistically, BOC activates the Hedgehog (Hh) and RAS signaling pathways by upregulating the expression of SMO, EGFR, HRAS, and MRAS, thereby facilitating the Proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Yanhai Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Lingfang Hao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huhhot First Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Junwei Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010017, China.
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6
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Abdel-Tawab MS, Fouad H, Sedeak AY, Doudar NA, Rateb EE, Faruk E, Reyad HR. Effects of mesenchymal stem cells versus curcumin on sonic hedgehog signaling in experimental model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:740. [PMID: 38874802 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09613-3] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is a fundamental signaling pathway that controls tissue reconstruction, stem cell biology, and differentiation and has a role in gut tissue homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of SHH leads to the development of HCC. METHODS, AND RESULTS The present study was conducted to compare the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and curcumin on SHH molecular targets in an experimental model of HCC in rats. One hundred rats were divided equally into the following groups: control group, HCC group, HCC group received MSCs, HCC group received curcumin, and HCC group received MSCs and curcumin. Histopathological examinations were performed, and gene expression of SHH signaling target genes (SHH, PTCH1, SMOH, and GLI1) was assessed by real-time PCR in rat liver tissue. Results showed that SHH target genes were significantly upregulated in HCC-untreated rat groups and in MSC-treated groups, with no significant difference between them. Administration of curcumin with or without combined administration of MSCs led to a significant down-regulation of SHH target genes, with no significant differences between both groups. As regards the histopathological examination of liver tissues, both curcumin and MSCs, either through separate use or their combined use, led to a significant restoration of normal liver pathology. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, SHH signaling is upregulated in the HCC experimental model. MSCs do not inhibit the upregulated SHH target genes in HCC. Curcumin use with or without MSCs administration led to a significant down-regulation of SHH signaling in HCC and a significant restoration of normal liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Sayed Abdel-Tawab
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Hanan Fouad
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, POB 12613, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, POB 43711, Attaka, Suez Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Yahia Sedeak
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Noha A Doudar
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Enas Ezzat Rateb
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Eman Faruk
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hoda Ramadan Reyad
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Luo Y, Li Z, Zhu H, Lu J, Lei Z, Su C, Liu F, Zhang H, Huang Q, Han S, Rao D, Wang T, Chen X, Cao H, Zhang Z, Huang W, Liang H. Transcription factor EHF drives cholangiocarcinoma development through transcriptional activation of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 and chemokine CCL2. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e535. [PMID: 38741887 PMCID: PMC11089446 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.535] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by rapid onset and high chance of metastasis. Therefore, identification of novel therapeutic targets is imperative. E26 transformation-specific homologous factor (EHF), a member of the E26 transformation-specific transcription factor family, plays a pivotal role in epithelial cell differentiation and cancer progression. However, its precise role in CCA remains unclear. In this study, through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that EHF plays a profound role in promoting CCA by transcriptional activation of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1). Moreover, EHF significantly recruited and activated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) through the C-C motif chemokine 2/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCL2/CCR2) axis, thereby remodeling the tumor microenvironment. In human CCA tissues, EHF expression was positively correlated with GLI1 and CCL2 expression, and patients with co-expression of EHF/GLI1 or EHF/CCL2 had the most adverse prognosis. Furthermore, the combination of the GLI1 inhibitor, GANT58, and CCR2 inhibitor, INCB3344, substantially reduced the occurrence of EHF-mediated CCA. In summary, our findings suggest that EHF is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with CCA, while also advocating the therapeutic approach of combined targeting of GLI1 and CCL2/CCR2-TAMs to inhibit EHF-driven CCA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Luo
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable AquacultureInstitute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - He Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Junli Lu
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zhen Lei
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Chen Su
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qibo Huang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shenqi Han
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationMinistry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Hong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable AquacultureInstitute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanChina
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationMinistry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery CentreTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanChina
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8
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Abida, Imran M, Eltaib L, Ali A, Alanazi RAS, Singla N, Asdaq SMB, Al-Hajeili M, Alhakami FA, Al-Abdulhadi S, Abdulkhaliq AA, Rabaan AA. LncRNAs: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155294. [PMID: 38603843 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155294] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
According to findings, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important function in the onset and growth of various cancers, including rectal cancer (RC). RC offers unique issues in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and results, needing a full understanding of the cellular mechanisms that cause it to develop. This thorough study digs into the various functions that lncRNAs perform in RC, giving views into their multiple roles as well as possible therapeutic consequences. The function of lncRNAs in RC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and infiltrating capacities, epithelial-mesenchymal shift, and therapy tolerance are discussed. Various lncRNA regulatory roles are investigated in depth, yielding information on their effect on essential cell functions such as angiogenesis, death, immunity, and growth. Systemic lncRNAs are currently acknowledged as potential indications for the initial stages of identification of cancer, with the ability to diagnose as well as forecast. Besides adding to their diagnostic utility, lncRNAs offer therapeutic opportunities as actors, contributing to the expanding landscape of cancer research. Moreover, the investigation looks into the assessment and predictive utility of lncRNAs as RC markers. The article also offers insight into lncRNAs as chemoresistance and drug resistance facilitators in the setting of RC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lina Eltaib
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akbar Ali
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Neelam Singla
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Jaipur 302017, India
| | | | - Marwan Al-Hajeili
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 23624, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatemah Abdulaziz Alhakami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Al-Abdulhadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh 11942, Saudi Arabia; Dr. Saleh Office for Medical Genetic and Genetic Counseling Services, The house of Expertise, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Dammam 32411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Altaf A Abdulkhaliq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
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9
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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10
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Ding J, Yang YY, Li PT, Ma Y, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Jin C, Li HY, Zhu YF, Liu XP, Liu ZJ, Jia HL, Liu PG, Wu J. TGF-β1/SMAD3-driven GLI2 isoform expression contributes to aggressive phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216768. [PMID: 38453045 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216768] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling is activated in response to liver injury, and modulates organogenesis. However, the role of non-canonical hedgehog activation via TGF-β1/SMAD3 in hepatic carcinogenesis is poorly understood. TGF-β1/SMAD3-mediated non-canonical activation was found in approximately half of GLI2-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and two new GLI2 isoforms with transactivating activity were identified. Phospho-SMAD3 interacted with active GLI2 isoforms to transactivate downstream genes in modulation of stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemo-resistance and metastasis in poorly-differentiated hepatoma cells. Non-canonical activation of hedgehog signaling was confirmed in a transgenic HBV-associated HCC mouse model. Inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling reduced lung metastasis in a mouse in situ hepatic xenograft model. In another cohort of 55 HCC patients, subjects with high GLI2 expression had a shorter disease-free survival than those with low expression. Moreover, co-positivity of GLI2 with SMAD3 was observed in 87.5% of relapsed HCC patients with high GLI2 expression, indicating an increased risk of post-resection recurrence of HCC. The findings underscore that suppressing the non-canonical hedgehog signaling pathway may confer a potential strategy in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yong-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng-Tao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan-Fei Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheng-Jin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200041, China
| | - Ping-Guo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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11
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Zhu Q, Yang X, Lv Y. HERC4 modulates ovarian cancer cell proliferation by regulating SMO-elicited hedgehog signaling. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130557. [PMID: 38181892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130557] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HERC4 has been reported to have functions in several types of tumors, but its roles in ovarian cancer have not been studied yet. METHODS Primary tissues from ovarian cancer patients and cell lines were collected for real-time PCR. Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to predict the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. HERC4 was overexpressed in cells by lentivirus, and CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. Real-time PCR and Western blot were carried out to analyze the mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Xenograft tumor models were established to analyze HERC4 function in vivo. RESULTS Firstly, we found that HERC4 was significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer. We then found that ovarian cancer patients with high HERC4 expression had significantly higher overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared with patients with low expression. Then, HERC4 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells, and we found that overexpression of HERC4 significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth, as well as the expression of the target protein SMO, and the key proteins in the downstream hedgehog signaling pathway. Finally, the xenograft tumor models revealed that overexpression of HERC4 significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results indicate that overexpression of HERC4 inhibits cell proliferation of ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that HERC4 may serve as an effective target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjuan Zhu
- N19 District Gynecology, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou First Hospital, Anji Road, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian, China.
| | - Xin Yang
- N19 District Gynecology, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou First Hospital, Anji Road, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yuchun Lv
- N19 District Gynecology, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou First Hospital, Anji Road, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian, China.
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12
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Chen S, Zhou B, Huang W, Li Q, Yu Y, Kuang X, Huang H, Wang W, Xie P. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP44 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling and PDL1 expression. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:830. [PMID: 38097536 PMCID: PMC10721641 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06358-y] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. Research into the key genes that maintain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is crucial for the treatment of HCC. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 44 (USP44), a member of the deubiquitinase family, as a novel regulator of HCC progression. The tumor suppressive function of USP44 was evaluated in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Through quantitative proteomics examination, we demonstrated that USP44 inhibits HCC PDL1 expression by downregulating the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that USP44 directly interacts with Itch, an E3 ligase involved in Hh signaling, and promotes the deubiquitination and stabilization of Itch. These events result in the proteasomal degradation of Gli1 and subsequent inactivation of Hh signaling, which ultimately suppresses PDL1 expression and the progression of HCC. Furthermore, the HCC tissue microarray was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate the pathological relevance of the USP44/Itch/Gli1/PDL1 axis. Finally, the Gli1 inhibitor GANT61 was found to act in synergy with anti-PDL1 therapy. Overall, USP44 can act as a suppressive gene in HCC by modulating Hh signaling, and co-inhibition of Gli1 and PDL1 might be an effective novel combination strategy for treating HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Binghai Zhou
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Ye Yu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xiuqing Kuang
- Department of Physical Examination, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Huabin Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China.
| | - Peiyi Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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13
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Zhou Y, Zhang L, Ma Y, Xie L, Yang YY, Jin C, Chen H, Zhou Y, Song GQ, Ding J, Wu J. Secretome of senescent hepatic stellate cells favors malignant transformation from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-fibrotic progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2023; 13:4430-4448. [PMID: 37649614 PMCID: PMC10465212 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85369] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a premalignant lesion, and how injured hepatocytes transform into malignancy in a fibrotic microenvironment is poorly understood. Senescence is one of major fates of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Paucity of literature is available regarding the influence of senescent HSCs on behavior of steatotic hepatocytes. Methods: Senescent HSCs were identified in a murine model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-fibrosis-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and human NASH-HCC specimens. Secretome of senescent HSCs was analyzed by label-free mass-spectrum (NanoRPLC-MS/MS) and verified quantitatively. Results: Senescent HSCs were increased along with the progression from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), NASH to NASH-fibrosis, and reached a peak at the stage of advanced fibrosis and then decreased when hepatocellular dysplasia or HCC was developed. Critical components affecting proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or migration were identified from secretome of senescent HSCs, and may activate morphogenic hedgehog or oncogenic Wnt signaling pathways to accelerate malignant transformation of steatotic or dysplastic hepatocytes. Primary hepatocytes stimulated with conditioned medium from senescent HSCs, in co-culture or co-cultured in 3D spheroids with senescent HSCs exhibited an enhanced proliferating or EMT profile. Conclusion: Senescent HSCs secreted a characterized protein profile favoring malignant transformation of steatotic or dysplastic hepatocytes through activating morphogenic hedgehog or oncogenic Wnt signaling pathways in the progression from NASH to malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong-yu Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Joint Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Puheng Technology Co., Ltd, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Guang-qi Song
- Joint Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Puheng Technology Co., Ltd, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
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14
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Dunatov Huljev A, Kelam N, Benzon B, Šoljić V, Filipović N, Pešutić Pisac V, Glavina Durdov M, Vukojević K. Expression Pattern of Sonic Hedgehog, Patched and Smoothened in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108935. [PMID: 37240278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108935] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the deadliest neoplasm of the urinary tract, and we are still far from completely understanding ccRCC development and treatment. The renal tissue paraffin blocks (20) of patients with ccRCC were collected at the University Hospital in Split from 2019 to 2020, and tissue sections were stained with patched (PTCH), anti-smoothened (SMO) and anti-Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibodies. SHH was highly expressed (31.9%) in grade 1 tumour, it being higher than all other grades and the control (p < 0.001-p < 0.0001). The trend of a linear decrease in the expression of SHH was observed with the progression of the tumour grade (p < 0.0001). PTCH expression was significantly lower in grades 1 and 2 in comparison to the control (p < 0.01) and grade 4 (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the expression of SMO was found in grade 4 compared to all other grades (p < 0.0001) and the control (p < 0.001). The strong expression of SHH was observed in carcinoma cells of the G1 stage with a diffuse staining pattern (>50% of neoplastic cells). Stroma and/or inflammatory infiltrate display no staining and no expression of SHH in G1 and G2, while mild focal staining (10-50% of neoplastic cells) was observed in G3 and G4. Patients with high PTCH and low SMO expression had significant time survival differences (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.029, respectively). Therefore, high levels of PTCH and low levels of SMO expression are important markers of better survival rates in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dunatov Huljev
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nela Kelam
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Valdi Pešutić Pisac
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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15
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Wang F, Stappenbeck F, Parhami F. Oxy210, a Semi-Synthetic Oxysterol, Inhibits Profibrotic Signaling in Cellular Models of Lung and Kidney Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 36678611 PMCID: PMC9862207 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010114] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxy210, a semi-synthetic oxysterol derivative, displays cell-selective inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages as well as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of liver fibrosis. In the present report, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in cellular models of lung and kidney fibrosis, such as human lung fibroblast cell lines IMR-90, derived from healthy lung tissue, and LL97A, derived from an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient. In addition, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in primary human renal fibroblasts, pericytes, mesangial cells, and renal tubular epithelial cells, known for their involvement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney fibrosis. We demonstrate in fibroblasts that the expression of several profibrotic TGF-β target genes, including fibronectin (FN), collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are inhibited by Oxy210, both at the basal level and following TGF-β stimulation in a statistically significant manner. The inhibition of COL1A1 gene expression translated directly to significantly reduced COL1A1 protein expression. In human primary small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) and renal tubular epithelial cells, Oxy210 significantly inhibited TGF-β target gene expression associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Oxy210 also inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts, pericytes, and mesangial cells in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farhad Parhami
- MAX BioPharma, Inc., 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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16
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Sadeghi M, Gholizadeh M, Safataj N, Tahmasebivand M, Mohajeri G, Lotfi H, Bostanabad SY, Safar B, Salehi M. GLIS2 and CCND1 expression levels in breast cancer patients. Breast Dis 2023; 42:251-259. [PMID: 37574724 DOI: 10.3233/bd-220068] [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: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women, with increasing incidence and death rates in recent years. Disruptions of different signaling pathways partially cause breast cancer. Hence, different genes through particular pathways are involved in BC tumorigenesis. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the expression level of GLIS2 and CCND1 genes in 50 patients. Also, in-silico analyses were used to enrich related signaling pathways involving the mentioned genes. RESULTS The results showed an increased expression level of Cyclin D1 and decreased expression level of GLIS2 in BC patients. Moreover, a relationship between aberrant expression levels of GLIS2 and CCND1 and BC development was determined. CONCLUSION These observations could help uncover new therapeutic targets for treating patients with BC in the progressive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoosh Sadeghi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Majid Gholizadeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Safataj
- Department of Genetics, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Tahmasebivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mohajeri
- Department of Surgery, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hajie Lotfi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saber Yari Bostanabad
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Behnaz Safar
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mansoor Salehi
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center of Genome, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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17
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Shi J, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Chen Z, Jia G. Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Profile Alteration Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in HepG2 Cells. TOXICS 2022; 10:724. [PMID: 36548557 PMCID: PMC9785481 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The liver is considered the major target organ affected by oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), but the mechanism of hepatotoxicity is not fully understood. This study investigated the effect of TiO2 NPs on the expression profile of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in hepatocytes and tried to understand the potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity through bioinformatics analysis. The human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were treated with TiO2 NPs at doses of 0-200 μg/mL for 48 h and then RNA sequencing was implemented. The differential lncRNAs between the control and TiO2 NPs-treated groups were screened, then the lncRNA-mRNA network and enrichment pathways were analyzed via multivariate statistics. As a result, 46,759 lncRNAs were identified and 129 differential lncRNAs were screened out. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the targeted mRNAs of those differential lncRNAs were enriched in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, Vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption, and Glutamatergic synapse. Moreover, two lncRNA-mRNA networks, including lncRNA NONHSAT256380.1-JRK and lncRNA NONHSAT173563.1-SMIM22, were verified by mRNA detection. This study demonstrated that an alteration in the lncRNA expression profile could be induced by TiO2 NPs and epigenetics may play an important role in the mechanism of hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhangjian Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guang Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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18
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Wang ZD, Tian X, Wang Y, Wang JJ, Ye SQ, Huang YQ, Qu YY, Chang K, Shi GH, Ye DW, Gu CY. The expression and prognostic value of transporter 1, ATP binding cassette subfamily B member in clear cell renal cell cancer with experimental validation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1013790. [PMID: 36419887 PMCID: PMC9676953 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1013790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporter associated with antigen processing 1(TAP1) serves as a protein to transport antigenic peptides from the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum when the antigens are presented by major histocompatibility complex type I (MHC-I), which has been identified to play a critical role in antigen presentation in innate immunity. In tumors, the role of TAP1 seems to remain controversial. On the one hand, given the role of TAP1 in antigen presentation, it is indicated that high TAP1 expression corresponds to the emergence of more neoantigens epitopes that facilitate the recognition for phagocytes, T cells and other cells. On the other hand, the genetic ablation of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) results in the presentation of new class I-restricted epitopes encoded in house-keeping products. Opposite result has been revealed by studies in other tumors suggest, which implies a more complex function of TAP1. Therefore, it's significant to clarify the role of TAP1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we found the elevated expression levels in mRNA and protein of TAP1 in ccRCC tissues, which indicated a relatively worse prognosis. Transwell assay and Scratch assay in vitro demonstrated the promotive role of TAP1 in ccRCC migration as well as a significant role in metastasis. And the increased expression of TAP1 resulted in more immune cells infiltrated in cancer tissues. TAP1 was also demonstrated to be related to immune regulator genes, as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated its significant role in immune regulation. The results of CancerSEA indicated the positive association of the high-level TAP1 expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the inverse association with Cell Cycle. The effective drugs were also predicted based on TAP1 expression, of which the high level was indeed associated with resistance to multiple drugs, but some effective drugs still identified based on high TAP1 expression. According to the analysis of various databases, the role of TAP1 in ccRCC was explored, especially in relationship of TAP1 with tumor microenvironment. These results indicate that TAP1 can serve as a potential target for treatment of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Da Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Tian
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Huang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Qu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Chang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Hai Shi
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Wei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Yuan Gu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Research progress on the role of cholesterol in hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175410. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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HajiEsmailPoor Z, Tabnak P, Ahmadzadeh B, Ebrahimi SS, Faal B, Mashatan N. Role of hedgehog signaling related non-coding RNAs in developmental and pathological conditions. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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21
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Malla R, Puvalachetty K, Vempati RK, Marni R, Merchant N, Nagaraju GP. Cancer Stem Cells and Circulatory Tumor Cells Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:507-514. [PMID: 35688785 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic, pathological cancer that significantly affects women worldwide. The mortality rate of BC is related to its heterogeneity, aggressive phenotype, and metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the interplay between metastasis mediators in BC. BC stem cells, tumor-derived exosomes, circulatory tumor cells (CTCs), and signaling pathways dynamically remodel the TME and promote metastasis. This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that facilitate metastasis. This review also discusses the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), tumor-derived exosomes, and CTs in promoting BC metastasis. Furthermore, the review emphasizes major signaling pathways that mediate metastasis in BC. Finally, the interplay among CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in mediating metastasis have been highlighted. Therefore, understanding the molecular cues that mediate the association of CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in TME helps to optimize systemic therapy to target metastatic BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kiran Puvalachetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul K Vempati
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rakshmitha Marni
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Merchant
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Vanasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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22
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Liu Y, Fu B, Yu Z, Song G, Zeng H, Gong Y, Ding Y, Huang D. Identification of KRBA1 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltration and m6A Modification in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:497-516. [PMID: 35669909 PMCID: PMC9166909 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s363862] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with high incidence, but its prognosis is not optimistic. KRBA1 is a member of the KRAB family and participates in the regulation of gene transcription. However, no studies have focused on the role of KRBA1 in HCC. Patients and Methods In this study, we first analyzed the expression of KRBA1 in HCC using TCGA and ICGC databases and validated by Immunohistochemistry in clinical HCC samples. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to determine the relationship between KRBA1 expression and clinicopathological features. Subsequently, we used Kaplan-Meier online website analysis and Cox regression model to predict the prognostic value of KRBA1 in HCC patients. Furthermore, the functions of KRBA1 were identified by enrichment analysis. TIMER and GSCALite were used to investigate the relationship between KRBA1 expression in HCC and immune infiltration and drug targets, respectively. Finally, the relationship between KRBA1 expression and m6A modification in HCC was analyzed using the TCGA and ICGA datasets. Results The results showed that KRBA1 was upregulated in HCC and was associated with many clinicopathological features. High KRBA1 causes poor overall survival and may be an independent risk factor for HCC. KRBA1 tends to be hypermethylated and associated with poor prognosis in HCC compared with normal tissues. Enrichment analysis indicates that KRBA1 is associated with cell cycle and immune processes, and TIMER analysis shows that KRBA1 expression is associated with infiltration levels and immune characteristics of various immune cells. Silenced KRBA1 evidently reduced three chemokine expression in HCC cells. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that KRBA1 was sensitive to 39 drug small molecules. KRBA1 showed a strong positive correlation with five m6A related genes. Conclusion KRBA1 is a prognostic biomarker associated with HCC immunity and m6a modification, serving as an effective target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China.,Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bidong Fu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zichuan Yu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gelin Song
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqi Ding
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330000, People's Republic of China
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23
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Kast RE, Alfieri A, Assi HI, Burns TC, Elyamany AM, Gonzalez-Cao M, Karpel-Massler G, Marosi C, Salacz ME, Sardi I, Van Vlierberghe P, Zaghloul MS, Halatsch ME. MDACT: A New Principle of Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Using Combinations of Multiple Repurposed Drugs, with an Example Regimen. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2563. [PMID: 35626167 PMCID: PMC9140192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In part one of this two-part paper, we present eight principles that we believe must be considered for more effective treatment of the currently incurable cancers. These are addressed by multidrug adjunctive cancer treatment (MDACT), which uses multiple repurposed non-oncology drugs, not primarily to kill malignant cells, but rather to reduce the malignant cells' growth drives. Previous multidrug regimens have used MDACT principles, e.g., the CUSP9v3 glioblastoma treatment. MDACT is an amalgam of (1) the principle that to be effective in stopping a chain of events leading to an undesired outcome, one must break more than one link; (2) the principle of Palmer et al. of achieving fractional cancer cell killing via multiple drugs with independent mechanisms of action; (3) the principle of shaping versus decisive operations, both being required for successful cancer treatment; (4) an idea adapted from Chow et al., of using multiple cytotoxic medicines at low doses; (5) the idea behind CUSP9v3, using many non-oncology CNS-penetrant drugs from general medical practice, repurposed to block tumor survival paths; (6) the concept from chess that every move creates weaknesses and strengths; (7) the principle of mass-by adding force to a given effort, the chances of achieving the goal increase; and (8) the principle of blocking parallel signaling pathways. Part two gives an example MDACT regimen, gMDACT, which uses six repurposed drugs-celecoxib, dapsone, disulfiram, itraconazole, pyrimethamine, and telmisartan-to interfere with growth-driving elements common to cholangiocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. gMDACT is another example of-not a replacement for-previous multidrug regimens already in clinical use, such as CUSP9v3. MDACT regimens are designed as adjuvants to be used with cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Alfieri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
| | - Hazem I. Assi
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
| | - Terry C. Burns
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Ashraf M. Elyamany
- Oncology Unit, Hemato-Oncology Department, SECI Assiut University Egypt/King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 7790, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Maria Gonzalez-Cao
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Christine Marosi
- Clinical Division of Medical Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael E. Salacz
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Mohamed S. Zaghloul
- Children’s Cancer Hospital & National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt;
| | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
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24
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Bose C, Das U, Kuilya TK, Mondal J, Bhadra J, Banerjee P, Goswami RK, Sinha S. Cananginone Abrogates EMT in Breast Cancer Cells through Hedgehog Signaling. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202100823. [PMID: 35298074 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cananginones, a family of linear acetogenins found as secondary metabolites in the plant kingdom, show cytotoxicity against several types of cancer cells. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of cananginone and its mechanism as an anti-cancer agent. Our initial screening of Cananginone against HepG2, PC3, A549, and MCF7 cells showed anti-cancer activities and is more potent against MCF7 cells, consistent with the previous report. Next, cell-based assays have revealed that cananginone abrogates cancer stem cell renewal as well as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and increased the ROS level beyond the threshold level thus reducing the viability of cancer cells. In the connection of Hh-Gli to EMT, our study indicated that cananginone inhibits Gli1 in a non-canonical pathway. Presumably, this is the first report on the inhibitory activity of cananginone in the Hh pathway and is different from Hh-antagonists cyclopamine and GANT 61 considering the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bose
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ujjal Das
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Kuilya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Joyanta Mondal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Jhuma Bhadra
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Priyanjalee Banerjee
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Rajib Kumar Goswami
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Surajit Sinha
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
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25
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Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
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26
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Jin B, He S, Dang Y, Zhao T, Jin Z. The Emerging Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870316. [PMID: 35464958 PMCID: PMC9023792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is one of the key pathways that is indispensable for many developmental processes and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated HH signaling could lead to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis in a variety of tissues via inherited or sporadic mutation, gene overexpression, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that HH signaling is targeted by viruses to facilitate viral transcription, immune evasion, and uncontrolled growth, leading to effective viral replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we will summarize recent advances in functional interaction between HH signaling and different types of viruses, particularly focusing on the pathological role of HH signaling in viral infections and related diseases.
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27
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Wang X, Lee J, Xie C. Autophagy Regulation on Cancer Stem Cell Maintenance, Metastasis, and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020381. [PMID: 35053542 PMCID: PMC8774167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Certain types of cancer have higher relapse rates compared to others, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been shown as the main drivers of cancer relapse and cancer severity. This subpopulation of cells displays stem-like characteristics which bolster tumorigenesis along with metastasis and lead to poorer prognoses. Autophagy has been studied as a mechanism by which CSCs maintain stemness and acquire resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. The aim of this review is to condense and organize what has been recently published on the connection between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and autophagy. Multiple studies on autophagy have suggested that the pathway is a double-edged sword, which can either undermine or enhance CSC characteristics depending on interactions with different pathways. Thus, future research should investigate regulation of autophagy in combination with traditional cancer therapies as a possible method to effectively eliminate CSCs and minimize cancer relapse. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of the tumor population that play critical roles in tumorigenicity, metastasis, and relapse. A key feature of CSCs is their resistance to numerous therapeutic strategies which include chemotherapy, radiation, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In recent years, there is a growing body of literature that suggests a link between CSC maintenance and autophagy, a mechanism to recycle intracellular components during moments of environmental stress, especially since CSCs thrive in a tumor microenvironment that is plagued with hypoxia, acidosis, and lack of nutrients. Autophagy activation has been shown to aid in the upkeep of a stemness state along with bolstering resistance to cancer treatment. However, recent studies have also suggested that autophagy is a double-edged sword with anti-tumorigenic properties under certain circumstances. This review summarizes and integrates what has been published in the literature in terms of what role autophagy plays in stemness maintenance of CSCs and suggests that there is a more complex interplay between autophagy and apoptosis which involves multiple pathways of regulation. Future cancer therapy strategies are needed to eradicate this resistant subset of the cell population through autophagy regulation.
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28
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Hu A, Hu Z, Ye J, Liu Y, Lai Z, Zhang M, Ji W, Huang L, Zou H, Chen B, Zhong J. Metformin exerts anti-tumor effects via Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway by targeting AMPK in HepG2 cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:142-151. [PMID: 34990285 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a traditional first-line pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes, has recently been shown to impart anti-cancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanism of metformin on its antitumor activity is still not completely clear. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is closely associated with the initiation and progression of HCC. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of metformin on the biological behavior of HCC and the underlying functional mechanism of metformin on the Shh pathway. The HCC cellular was induced in HepG2 cells by recombinant human Shh (rhShh). The effects of metformin on proliferation and metastasis were evaluated by proliferation, wound healing and invasion assays in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression levels of proteins related to the Shh pathway were measured by western blotting, quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Metformin inhibited rhShh-induced proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, metformin decreased mRNA and protein expression of components of the Shh pathway including Shh, Ptch, Smo and Gli-1. Silencing of AMPK in the presence of metformin revealed that metformin could exert its inhibitory effect via AMPK. Our findings demonstrate that metformin can suppress the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells via AMPK-mediated inhibition of the Shh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Hu
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Zeming Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China;
| | - Jianming Ye
- First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, 477808, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Zhonghong Lai
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Mi Zhang
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Weichao Ji
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Lili Huang
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Haohong Zou
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Bin Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, 477808, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Jianing Zhong
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, China, 341000;
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Priming, Triggering, Adaptation and Senescence (PTAS): A Hypothesis for a Common Damage Mechanism of Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212545. [PMID: 34830427 PMCID: PMC8624051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212545] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathomechanism of steatohepatitis (SH) is hampered by the difficulty of distinguishing between causes and consequences, by the broad spectrum of aetiologies that can produce the phenotype, and by the long time-span during which SH develops, often without clinical symptoms. We propose that SH develops in four phases with transitions: (i) priming lowers stress defence; (ii) triggering leads to acute damage; (iii) adaptation, possibly associated with cellular senescence, mitigates tissue damage, leads to the phenotype, and preserves liver function at a lower level; (iv) finally, senescence prevents neoplastic transformation but favours fibrosis (cirrhosis) and inflammation and further reduction in liver function. Escape from senescence eventually leads to hepatocellular carcinoma. This hypothesis for a pathomechanism of SH is supported by clinical and experimental observations. It allows organizing the various findings to uncover remaining gaps in our knowledge and, finally, to provide possible diagnostic and intervention strategies for each stage of SH development.
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Xu Y, Guo Q, Wei L. The Emerging Influences of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Tumorigenesis and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205096. [PMID: 34680245 PMCID: PMC8534193 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and its mortality rate is the third-highest, after lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Currently, systematic targeted therapies for HCC mainly include multiple kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. However, these drugs carry a black-box warning about the potential for inducing severe toxicity, and they do not significantly prolong the survival period of patients due to the highly heterogeneous characteristics of HCC etiology. In order to improve the prediction, effective treatment and prognosis of HCC, the tools and different biomarkers in clinical practices are recommended. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the earliest and the most widely used serum marker in the detection of HCC. Interestingly, serum AFP and cytoplasmic AFP show different, even opposite, roles in the cancer progression of HCC. This review focuses on biological characteristics, regulatory mechanisms for gene expression, emerging influences of AFP in HCC and its possible implications in HCC-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Libin Wei
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-25-83271055
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Bondoc A, Glaser K, Jin K, Lake C, Cairo S, Geller J, Tiao G, Aronow B. Identification of distinct tumor cell populations and key genetic mechanisms through single cell sequencing in hepatoblastoma. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1049. [PMID: 34497364 PMCID: PMC8426487 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver malignancy of childhood, and molecular investigations are limited and effective treatment options for chemoresistant disease are lacking. There is a knowledge gap in the investigation of key driver cells of HB in tumor. Here we show single cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis of human tumor, background liver, and patient derived xenograft (PDX) to demonstrate gene expression patterns within tumor and to identify intratumor cell subtype heterogeneity to define differing roles in pathogenesis based on intracellular signaling in pediatric HB. We have identified a driver tumor cell cluster in HB by genetic expression which can be examined to define disease mechanism and treatments. Identification of both critical mechanistic pathways combined with unique cell populations provide the basis for discovery and investigation of novel treatment strategies in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kang Jin
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Developmental Biology, and Pediatrics, Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Charissa Lake
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stefano Cairo
- Research and Development Unit, XenTech, Genopole-Campus 3, Fontaine, France
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Corso Stati Uniti, Padua, Italy
| | - James Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Tiao
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Developmental Biology, and Pediatrics, Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Gupta S, Kumar A, Tejavath KK. Unfolding antifungals: as a new foe to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma-a mini-review. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:2945-2956. [PMID: 33796989 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increased deaths caused due to pancreatic cancer (PC) is drawing much attention towards an immediate need for therapeutics that could possibly control this disease and increase the patients' survival rate. Despite the long list of well-established chemotherapeutic drugs in several cancers none have proved to be efficient against PC, and the increasing chemoresistance to the gold standard drug gemcitabine calls a need to search for solutions in other categories of drug. To the rescue, antifungals have shown themselves to be effective against PC and can increase gemcitabine sensitivity against PC. In this mini-review, we reported how antifungals have targeted PC and helped to reduce its lethality. Additionally, it is emphasized that how the antifungals show new mechanisms that could be triggered by using either monotherapy or combination therapy of these antifungals with chemotherapeutic drugs in PC. Moreover it shows an approach of using other drugs with possible same or other mechanism to know their effect on PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Atul Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kiran Kumar Tejavath
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India.
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