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Ahmadi Badi S, Bereimipour A, Rohani P, Khatami S, Siadat SD. Interplay between gut microbiota and the master iron regulator, hepcidin, in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae005. [PMID: 38555503 PMCID: PMC10990161 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a proven role for hepcidin and the composition of gut microbiota and its derivatives in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis. AREA COVERED This review focuses on the literature search regarding the effect of hepcidin and gut microbiota on regulating liver physiology. We presented the regulating mechanisms of hepcidin expression and discussed the possible interaction between gut microbiota and hepcidin regulation. Furthermore, we investigated the importance of the hepcidin gene in biological processes and bacterial interactions using bioinformatics analysis. EXPERT OPINION One of the main features of liver fibrosis is iron accumulation in hepatic cells, including hepatocytes. This accumulation can induce an oxidative stress response, inflammation, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Hepcidin is a crucial regulator of iron by targeting ferroportin expressed on hepatocytes, macrophages, and enterocytes. Various stimuli, such as iron load and inflammatory signals, control hepcidin regulation. Furthermore, a bidirectional relationship exists between iron and the composition and metabolic activity of gut microbiota. We explored the potential of gut microbiota to influence hepcidin expression and potentially manage liver fibrosis, as the regulation of iron metabolism plays a crucial role in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ahmadi Badi
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
| | - Ahmad Bereimipour
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Pejman Rohani
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran,1963737611, Iran
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Wu M, Sun T, Xing L. Circ_0004913 Inhibits Cell Growth, Metastasis, and Glycolysis by Absorbing miR-184 to Regulate HAMP in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:708-719. [PMID: 33021399 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2020.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) can regulate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and potential mechanism of circ_0004913 in HCC are not explored. Methods: Circ_0004913 was identified from two GSE datasets (GSE94508 and GSE97322) as a differentially expressed circRNA between HCC and normal tissues. Levels of circ_0004913, microRNA-184 (miR-184), and hepcidin (HAMP) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were estimated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, colony formation, and Transwell assays, respectively. Levels of all proteins were examined by Western blot. Glucose consumption and lactate and ATP production were analyzed by the glucose, lactate, and ATP assay kits. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the interactions among miR-184 and circ_0004913 or HAMP. The mice xenograft models were established to assess the effect of circ_0004913 on tumor growth in vivo. Results: Circ_0004913 was downregulated in HCC, and its expression impeded cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, EMT, and glycolysis in HCC cells. miR-184 was identified as a target miRNA of circ_0004913, and their expression levels were negatively correlated. miR-184 overexpression could reverse the inhibitory effect of circ_0004913 on HCC cell progression. Moreover, as a target gene of miR-184, HAMP expression was positively correlated with circ_0004913 expression in HCC tissues, and repression of miR-184 could inhibit the progression of HCC cells by increasing HAMP expression. Circ_0004913 could inhibit JAK2/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway and tumor growth in vivo by regulating the miR-184/HAMP axis. Conclusion: Circ_0004913 inhibited the tumorigenesis of HCC by sponging miR-184 to regulate HAMP expression in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tanlezi Sun
- Basic Medical College, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianjun Xing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yin L, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhou J, Wang Q, Huang J, Li J, Yang H. Mechanism of iron on the intestinal epithelium development in suckling piglets. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2070-2085. [PMID: 37233872 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of iron on intestinal epithelium development of suckling piglets. Compared with newborn piglets, 7-day-old and 21-day-old piglets showed changes in the morphology of the jejunum, increased proliferation, differentiated epithelial cells, and expanded enteroids. Intestinal epithelium maturation markers and iron metabolism genes were significantly changed. These results suggest that lactation is a critical stage in intestinal epithelial development, accompanied by changes in iron metabolism. In addition, deferoxamine (DFO) treatment inhibited the activity of intestinal organoids at passage 4 (P4) of 0-day-old piglets, but no significant difference was observed in epithelial maturation markers at passage 1 (P1) and P4, and only argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (Ass1) and β-galactosidase (Gleb) were up-regulated at passage 7 (P7). These results in vitro show that iron deficiency may not directly affect intestinal epithelium development through intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The iron supplementation significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL-22RA2) in the jejunum of piglets. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of IL-22 in 7-day-old piglets was significantly higher than that in 0-day-old piglets. Adult epithelial markers were significantly up-regulated in organoids treated with recombinant murine cytokine IL-22. Thus, IL-22 may play a key role in iron-affecting intestinal epithelium development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanmei Yin
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yitong Zhang
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Jun Li
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Safety Technology for Meat Products, Yinxiang Group, Fujian Aonong BiologicaI Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd., Key Laboratory of Swine Nutrition and Feed Science of Fujian Province, Zhangzhou, 363000, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Safety Technology for Meat Products, Yinxiang Group, Fujian Aonong BiologicaI Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd., Key Laboratory of Swine Nutrition and Feed Science of Fujian Province, Zhangzhou, 363000, China
| | - Qiye Wang
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Huansheng Yang
- Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
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Formica V, Riondino S, Morelli C, Guerriero S, D'Amore F, Di Grazia A, Del Vecchio Blanco G, Sica G, Arkenau HT, Monteleone G, Roselli M. HIF2α, Hepcidin and their crosstalk as tumour-promoting signalling. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:222-236. [PMID: 37081189 PMCID: PMC10338631 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Not all aspects of the disruption of iron homeostasis in cancer have been fully elucidated. Iron accumulation in cancer cells is frequent for many solid tumours, and this is often accompanied by the contemporary rise of two key iron regulators, HIF2α and Hepcidin. This scenario is different from what happens under physiological conditions, where Hepcidin parallels systemic iron concentrations while HIF2α levels are inversely associated to Hepcidin. The present review highlights the increasing body of evidence for the pro-tumoral effect of HIF2α and Hepcidin, discusses the possible imbalance in HIF2α, Hepcidin and iron homeostasis during cancer, and explores therapeutic options relying on these pathways as anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Formica
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Riondino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Morelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Systems and Experimental Medicine (XXXV cycle), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Guerriero
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica D'Amore
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Grazia
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Monteleone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Roselli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Mutlu T, Ozoran E, Trabulus DC, Talu CK, Erhan D, Mete M, Guven M. Expression of genes related to iron homeostasis in breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5157-5163. [PMID: 37119411 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08433-1] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dysfunctions in the metabolism of iron have an important role in many pathological conditions, ranging from disease with iron deposition to cancer. Studies on malignant diseases of the breast reported irregular expression in genes associated with iron metabolism. The variations are related to findings that have prognostic significance. This study evaluated the relationship of the expression levels of transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1), hepcidin (HAMP), ferroportin 1 (FPN1), hemojuvelin (HFE2), matriptase 2 (TMPRSS6), and miR-122 genes in the normal and malignant tissues of breast cancer patients. METHODS & RESULTS The normal and malignant tissues from 75 women with breast malignancies were used in this study. The patients did not receive any treatment previously. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used in figuring the levels of gene expression associated with iron metabolism. When the malignant and normal tissues gene expression levels were analyzed, expression of TFRC increased (1.586-fold); IRP1 (0.594 fold) and miR-122 (0.320 fold) expression decreased; HAMP, FPN1, HFE2, and TMPRSS6 expressions did not change. FPN1 and IRP1 had a positive association, and this association was statistically significant (r = 0.266; p = 0.022). IRP1 and miR-122 had a positive association, and this association had statistical significance (r = 0.231; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Our study portrayed the important association between genes involved in iron hemostasis and breast malignancy. The results could be used to establish new diagnostic techniques in the management of breast malignancies. The alterations in the metabolism of malignant breast cells with normal breast cells could be utilized to achieve advantages in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Mutlu
- Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Arel University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Emre Ozoran
- Department of General Surgery, Koc University Hospital, 34365, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Didem Can Trabulus
- Department of General Surgery, Istanbul Education Research Hospital, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Canan Kelten Talu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Education Research Hospital, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Duygu Erhan
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medicine Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meltem Mete
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medicine Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Guven
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medicine Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey.
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HAMP as a Potential Diagnostic, PD-(L)1 Immunotherapy Sensitivity and Prognostic Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020360. [PMID: 36830729 PMCID: PMC9953231 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020360] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global medical problem. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a powerful weapon against many cancers, but it is not sensitive to some patients with HCC. We obtained datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database on HCC patients and PD-1 immunotherapy to select seven intersecting DEGs. Through Lasso regression, two intersecting genes were acquired as predictors of HCC and PD-1 treatment prognosis, including HAMP and FOS. Logistic regression was performed to build a prediction model. HAMP had a better ability to diagnose HCC and predict PD1 treatment sensitivity. Further, we adapted the support vector machine (SVM) technique using HAMP to predict triple-classified outcomes after PD1 treatment in HCC patients, which had an excellent classification ability. We also performed external validation using TCGA data, which showed that HAMP was elevated in the early stage of HCC. HAMP was positively correlated with the infiltration of 18 major immune cells and the expression of 2 important immune checkpoints, PDCD1 and CTLA4. We discovered a biomarker that can be used for the early diagnosis, prognosis and PD1 immunotherapy efficacy prediction of HCC for the first time and developed a diagnostic model, prognostic model and prediction model of PD1 treatment sensitivity and treatment outcome for HCC patients accordingly.
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Leng J, Xing Z, Li X, Bao X, Zhu J, Zhao Y, Wu S, Yang J. Assessment of Diagnosis, Prognosis and Immune Infiltration Response to the Expression of the Ferroptosis-Related Molecule HAMP in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:913. [PMID: 36673667 PMCID: PMC9858726 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) is a key factor in maintaining iron metabolism, which may induce ferroptosis when upregulated. However, its prognostic value and relation to immune infiltrating cells remains unclear. METHODS This study analyzed the expression levels of HAMP in the Oncomine, Timer and Ualcan databases, and examined its prognostic potential in KIRC with R programming. The Timer and GEPIA databases were used to estimate the correlations between HAMP and immune infiltration and the markers of immune cells. The intersection genes and the co-expression PPI network were constructed via STRING, R programming and GeneMANIA, and the hub genes were selected with Cytoscape. In addition, we analyzed the gene set enrichment and GO/KEGG pathways by GSEA. RESULTS Our study revealed higher HAMP expression levels in tumor tissues including KIRC, which were related to poor prognosis in terms of OS, DSS and PFI. The expression of HAMP was positively related to the immune infiltration level of macrophages, Tregs, etc., corresponding with the immune biomarkers. Based on the intersection genes, we constructed the PPI network and used the 10 top hub genes. Further, we performed a pathway enrichment analysis of the gene sets, including Huntington's disease, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, ammonium ion metabolic process, and so on. CONCLUSION In summary, our study gave an insight into the potential prognosis of HAMP, which may act as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target related to immune infiltration in KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Leng
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Zixuan Xing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Xinyue Bao
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Junzheya Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yunhan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Shaobo Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
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Lin F, Tuffour A, Hao G, Peprah FA, Huang A, Zhou Y, Zhang H. Distinctive modulation of hepcidin in cancer and its therapeutic relevance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1141603. [PMID: 36895478 PMCID: PMC9989193 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1141603] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin, a short peptide synthesized primarily by hepatocytes in response to increased body iron and inflammation, is a crucial iron-regulating factor. Hepcidin regulates intestinal iron absorption and releases iron from macrophages into plasma through a negative iron feedback mechanism. The discovery of hepcidin inspired a torrent of research into iron metabolism and related problems, which have radically altered our understanding of human diseases caused by an excess of iron, an iron deficiency, or an iron disparity. It is critical to decipher how tumor cells manage hepcidin expression for their metabolic requirements because iron is necessary for cell survival, particularly for highly active cells like tumor cells. Studies show that tumor and non-tumor cells express and control hepcidin differently. These variations should be explored to produce potential novel cancer treatments. The ability to regulate hepcidin expression to deprive cancer cells of iron may be a new weapon against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Alex Tuffour
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijie Hao
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | | | - Aixia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
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Tang Y, Ge S, Zheng X, Zheng J. High Hepcidin expression predicts poor prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Diagn Pathol 2022; 17:100. [PMID: 36585741 PMCID: PMC9805116 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-022-01274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a growing public health challenge worldwide. Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, the roles and functions of HAMP in ccRCC remain unclear. In the present study, we integrated systematic bioinformatics approaches to investigate the roles and functions of HAMP and its association with immune cell infiltration in ccRCC. Compared with paracancerous tissue, HAMP expression was significantly upregulated in ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, we found good diagnostic performance of HAMP for ccRCC patients and its close associations with the clinicopathological features of ccRCC patients. In addition, we found that HAMP is closely related to multiple immune pathways and positively correlated with various immune cells. HAMP was a significant independent predictor for ccRCC. High expression of HAMP was associated with worse clinical prognosis and more immune cell infiltration in ccRCC patients. HAMP may offer potential as a biomarker to predict prognosis and the clinical treatment outcome of ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Tang
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Rehabilitation, Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengdong Ge
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Urology, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Rehabilitation, Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiejiao Zheng
- grid.413597.d0000 0004 1757 8802Department of Rehabilitation, HuaDong Hospital, FuDan University, Shanghai, 200040 People’s Republic of China
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Lu F, Hu F, Qiu B, Zou H, Xu J. Identification of novel biomarkers in septic cardiomyopathy via integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Front Genet 2022; 13:929293. [PMID: 35957694 PMCID: PMC9358039 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is an important world public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to identify SCM biomarkers at the genetic level to identify new therapeutic targets and strategies. Method: DEGs in SCM were identified by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of microarray datasets (GSE53007 and GSE79962) downloaded from the GEO database. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis was used to conduct an in-depth exploration of DEGs, including GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, PPI network construction, and key gene identification. The top ten Hub genes were identified, and then the SCM model was constructed by treating HL-1 cells and AC16 cells with LPS, and these top ten Hub genes were examined using qPCR. Result: STAT3, SOCS3, CCL2, IL1R2, JUNB, S100A9, OSMR, ZFP36, and HAMP were significantly elevated in the established SCM cells model. Conclusion: After bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, it was demonstrated that STAT3, SOCS3, CCL2, IL1R2, JUNB, S100A9, OSMR, ZFP36, and HAMP might play important roles in SCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Feng Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Baiquan Qiu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongpeng Zou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianjun Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Xu,
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Yang J, Wei H, Liu M, Huang T, Fang X, Ren X, Yuan H, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y. Prognostic biomarker HAMP and associates with immune infiltration in gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108839. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hepcidin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:185-192. [PMID: 35264787 PMCID: PMC9296449 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01753-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common reasons for cancer-related deaths. Excess iron increases HCC risk. Inevitably, hepcidin, the iron hormone that maintains systemic iron homoeostasis is involved in HCC pathology. Distinct from other cancers that show high hepcidin expression, HCC patients can show low hepcidin levels. Thus, it is of immense clinical benefit to address the regulation and action of hepcidin in HCC as this may help in identifying molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. Accordingly, this review explores hepcidin in HCC. It presents the levels of tissue and serum hepcidin and explains the mechanisms that contribute to hepcidin reduction in HCC. These include downregulation of HAMP, TfR2, HJV, ALK2 and circular RNA circ_0004913, upregulation of matriptase-2 and GDF15, inactivation of RUNX3 and mutation in TP53. The enigmas around mir-122 and the functionalities of two major hepcidin inducers BMP6 and IL6 in relation to hepcidin in HCC are discussed. Effects of hepcidin downregulation are explained, specifically, increased cancer proliferation via activation of CDK1/STAT3 pathway and increased HCC risk due to reduction in a hepcidin-mediated protective effect against hepatic stellate cell activation. Hepcidin–ferroportin axis in HCC is addressed. Finally, the role of hepcidin in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics of HCC is highlighted.
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Hemojuvelin deficiency promotes liver mitochondrial dysfunction and predisposes mice to hepatocellular carcinoma. Commun Biol 2022; 5:153. [PMID: 35194137 PMCID: PMC8863832 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemojuvelin (HJV) enhances signaling to the iron hormone hepcidin and its deficiency causes iron overload, a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We utilized Hjv−/− mice to dissect mechanisms for hepatocarcinogenesis. We show that suboptimal treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) triggers HCC only in Hjv−/− but not wt mice. Liver proteomics data were obtained by mass spectrometry. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that Hjv deficiency and DEN elicit similar liver proteomic responses, including induction of mitochondrial proteins. Dietary iron overload of wt mice does not recapitulate the liver proteomic phenotype of Hjv−/− animals, which is only partially corrected by iron depletion. Consistent with these data, primary Hjv−/− hepatocytes exhibit mitochondrial hyperactivity, while aged Hjv−/− mice develop spontaneous HCC. Moreover, low expression of HJV or hepcidin (HAMP) mRNAs predicts poor prognosis in HCC patients. We conclude that Hjv has a hepatoprotective function and its deficiency in mice promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocarcinogenesis. Hemojuvelin (HJV), a BMP co-receptor promoting hepcidin expression in the liver, has a hepatoprotective function and its deficiency in mice triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Guo Q, Li L, Hou S, Yuan Z, Li C, Zhang W, Zheng L, Li X. The Role of Iron in Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:778492. [PMID: 34858857 PMCID: PMC8631356 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.778492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element for the human body, and its deficiency or excess can induce a variety of biological processes. Plenty of evidences have shown that iron metabolism is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, iron plays an important role in cell death, which is very important for the development of potential strategies for tumor treatment. Here, we reviewed the latest research about iron metabolism disorders in various types of tumors, the functions and properties of iron in ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, and new opportunities for iron-based on treatment methods for tumors, providing more information regarding the prevention and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liwen Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenhui Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoman Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Wang Z, Du Y. Identification of a novel mutation gene signature HAMP for cholangiocarcinoma through comprehensive TCGA and GEO data mining. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108039. [PMID: 34426102 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL), the second most common malignant liver tumor, is clinically heterogeneous. In this study, we used gene expression profiles of CHOL obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify novel mutation signatures in CHOL. Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) was identified as a novel diagnostic biomarker for CHOL using the intersection of mutation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We then explored the expression signatures of HAMP in CHOL. HAMP-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for the identification of hub genes related to HAMP and for prognostic prediction model analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the HAMP-related DEGs were mainly enriched for signaling pathways related to cholangiocarcinoma development. Through immunohistochemistry validation, clinical cohorts analysis, and TCGA analysis, we investigated the association between HAMP and clinical parameters and found that decreased HAMP expression was correlated with advanced pathological grade and poor prognosis. Besides, we estimated the immune infiltration level in CHOL and its relationship with HAMP expression. The proportion of tumor-infiltrating cells revealed that gamma delta T cells and monocytes were positively correlated with HAMP expression. Besides, HAMP was also correlated with chemokine, CCL16. This evidence suggested that HAMP might contribute to immune activation in the CHOL microenvironment. Therefore, HAMP may play a synergistic role with these immune cells and chemokines to inhibit CHOL development. HAMP serves as a valuable biomarker in CHOL and is closely correlated with its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaqi Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Peng Y, Dong S, Song Y, Hou D, Wang L, Li B, Wang H. Key sunitinib-related biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:6917-6930. [PMID: 34402193 PMCID: PMC8495283 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) contributed to 403,262 new cases worldwide in 2018, which constitutes 2.2% of global cancer, nevertheless, sunitinib, one of the major targeted therapeutic agent for RCC, often developed invalid due to resistance. Emerging evidences suggested sunitinib can impact tumor environment which has been proven to be a vital factor for tumor progression. Methods In the present study, we used ssGSEA to extract the immune infiltrating abundance of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and normal control samples from GSE65615, TCGA, and GTEx; key immune cells were determined by Student's t‐test and univariable Cox analysis. Co‐expression network combined with differentially expressed analysis was then applied to derive key immune‐related genes for ccRCC, followed by the identification of hub genes using differential expression analysis. Subsequently, explorations and validations of the biological function and the immune‐related and sunitinib‐related characteristics were conducted in KEGG, TISIDB, Oncomine, ICGC, and GEO databases. Results We refined immature dendritic cells and central memory CD4 T cells which showed associations with sunitinib and ccRCC. Following, five hub genes (CRYBB1, RIMBP3C, CEACAM4, HAMP, and LYL1) were identified for their strong relationships with sunitinib and immune infiltration in ccRCC. Further validations in external data refined CRYBB1, CEACAM4, and HAMP which play a vital role in sunitinib resistance, immune infiltrations in ccRCC, and the development and progression of ccRCC. In conclusion, our findings could shed light on the resistance of sunitinib in ccRCC and provide novel biomarkers or drug targets for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Peng
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiqiang Dong
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dingkun Hou
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Oncology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Oncology, The 2nd Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Wang J, Liu W, Li JC, Li M, Li B, Zhu R. Hepcidin Downregulation Correlates With Disease Aggressiveness And Immune Infiltration in Liver Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:714756. [PMID: 34277457 PMCID: PMC8278784 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.714756] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepcidin is a polypeptide hormone mainly produced by hepatocytes to modulate systemic iron balance. A drastic downregulation of the hepcidin gene was found in liver cancers. However, there is a paucity of information about the clinical significance of hepcidin gene downregulation in liver cancers. Methods Hepcidin expression profiles were assessed using multiple public datasets via several bioinformatics platforms. Clinical and pathological information was utilized to stratify patients for comparison. Patient survival outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter, a meta-analysis tool. Tumor immune infiltration was analyzed using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) approach on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Hepcidin antagonist Fursultiamine was used to treat liver cancer HepG2 and Huh7 cells together with Sorafenib. Results Hepcidin gene was predominantly expressed in benign liver tissues but drastically decreased in liver cancer tissues. Hepcidin reduction in liver cancers correlated with risk factors like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis, as well as cancer grade and tumor stage. Hepcidin downregulation was associated with a rapid cancer progression and worse disease-specific survival, especially in patients of the White race without alcohol consumption history. Hepcidin expression in liver cancer tissues positively correlated with the bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BPM6)/interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokines and cytotoxic immune infiltration. Blocking hepcidin action with its antagonist Fursultiamine moderately reduced Sorafenib-induced apoptotic cell death in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Conclusion Hepcidin downregulation in liver cancers correlated with liver cancer risk factors, cancer aggressiveness, cytotoxic immune cell infiltration, and patient survival outcomes. BMP6/IL6 pathway insufficiency is a potential cause of hepcidin downregulation in liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,Pediatric Oncology Program, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wang Liu
- Department of Urology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jean C Li
- Department of Urology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Mingyi Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Benyi Li
- Department of Urology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Runzhi Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,Pediatric Oncology Program, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Hu L, Wu C. In silico analysis suggests disruption of interactions between HAMP from hepatocytes and SLC40A1 from macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:128. [PMID: 34001107 PMCID: PMC8130390 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of factors associated with proliferation in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment aids in understanding the mechanisms of disease progression and provides druggable targets. Gene expression profiles of individual cells in HCC and para-carcinoma tissues can be effectively obtained using the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) technique. Here, we aimed to identify proliferative hepatocytes from HCC and para-carcinoma tissues, detect differentially expressed genes between the two types of proliferative hepatocytes, and investigate their potential roles in aberrant proliferation. RESULTS Two respective gene signatures for proliferative cells and hepatocytes were established and used to identify proliferative hepatocytes from HCC and para-carcinoma tissues based on scRNA-Seq data. Gene expression profiles between the two types of proliferative hepatocytes were compared. Overall, 40 genes were upregulated in proliferative hepatocytes from para-carcinoma tissue, whereas no upregulated genes were detected in those from HCC tissue. Twelve of the genes, including HAMP, were specifically expressed in the liver tissue. Based on previous reports, we found that HAMP modulates cell proliferation through interaction with its receptor SLC40A1. Comprehensive analysis of cells in HCC and para-carcinoma tissues revealed that: (1) HAMP is specifically expressed in hepatocytes and significantly downregulated in malignant hepatocytes; (2) a subset of macrophages expressing SLC40A1 and genes reacting to various infections is present in para-carcinoma but not in HCC tissue. We independently validated the findings with scRNA-Seq and large-scale tissue bulk RNA-Seq/microarray analyses. CONCLUSION HAMP was significantly downregulated in malignant hepatocytes. In addition, a subset of macrophages expressing SLC40A1 and genes reacting to various infections was absent in HCC tissue. These findings support the involvement of HAMP-SLC40A1 signaling in aberrant hepatocyte proliferation in the HCC microenvironment. The collective data from our in silico analysis provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying HCC progression and require further validation with wet laboratory experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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19
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Iron elevates mesenchymal and metastatic biomarkers in HepG2 cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21926. [PMID: 33318518 PMCID: PMC7736862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver iron excess is observed in several chronic liver diseases and is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, apart from oxidative stress, other cellular mechanisms by which excess iron may mediate/increase HCC predisposition/progression are not known. HCC pathology involves epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the basis of cancer phenotype acquisition. Here, the effect of excess iron (holo-transferrin 0–2 g/L for 24 and 48 h) on EMT biomarkers in the liver-derived HepG2 cells was investigated. Holo-transferrin substantially increased intracellular iron. Unexpectedly, mRNA and protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin either remained unaltered or increased. The mRNA and protein levels of metastasis marker N-cadherin and mesenchymal marker vimentin increased significantly. While the mRNA expression of EMT transcription factors SNAI1 and SNAI2 increased and decreased, respectively after 24 h, both factors increased after 48 h. The mRNA expression of TGF-β (EMT-inducer) showed no significant alterations. In conclusion, data showed direct link between iron and EMT. Iron elevated mesenchymal and metastatic biomarkers in HepG2 cells without concomitant decrement in the epithelial marker E-cadherin and altered the expression of the key EMT-mediating transcription factors. Such studies can help identify molecular targets to devise iron-related adjunctive therapies to ameliorate HCC pathophysiology.
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20
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Wang R, Liu X, Wu J, Liu H, Wang W, Chen X, Yuan L, Wang Y, Du X, Ma Y, Losiewicz MD, Zhang X, Zhang H. Role of microRNA-122 in microcystin-leucine arginine-induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:822-830. [PMID: 32170997 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria. MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is specifically expressed in the liver. This study focuses on the role of miR-122 in MC-LR-induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis in C57BL/6 mice. The thirty mice were randomly divided into five groups (Control, 12.5 μg/kg·BW MC-LR, 25 μg/kg·BW MC-LR, Negative control agomir and 25 μg/kg·BW MC-LR + miR-122 agomir). The results show that MC-LR decreases the expressions of miR-122, Hamp, and its related regulators, while increasing the content of hepatic iron and the expressions of FPN1 and Tmprss6. Furthermore, miR-122 agomir pretreatment improves MC-LR induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis by arousing the related regulators and reducing the expression of Tmprss6. These results suggest that miR-122 agomir can prevent the accumulation of hepatic iron induced by MC-LR, which may be related to the regulation of hepcidin by BMP/SMAD and IL-6/STAT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinxia Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- School of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Le Yuan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueqin Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Ma
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael D Losiewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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21
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Natri HM, Wilson MA, Buetow KH. Distinct molecular etiologies of male and female hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:951. [PMID: 31615477 PMCID: PMC6794913 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-differences in cancer occurrence and mortality are evident across tumor types; men exhibit higher rates of incidence and often poorer responses to treatment. Targeted approaches to the treatment of tumors that account for these sex-differences require the characterization and understanding of the fundamental biological mechanisms that differentiate them. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with the incidence rapidly rising. HCC exhibits a male-bias in occurrence and mortality, but previous studies have failed to explore the sex-specific dysregulation of gene expression in HCC. METHODS Here, we characterize the sex-shared and sex-specific regulatory changes in HCC tumors in the TCGA LIHC cohort using combined and sex-stratified differential expression and eQTL analyses. RESULTS By using a sex-specific differential expression analysis of tumor and tumor-adjacent samples, we uncovered etiologically relevant genes and pathways differentiating male and female HCC. While both sexes exhibited activation of pathways related to apoptosis and cell cycle, males and females differed in the activation of several signaling pathways, with females showing PPAR pathway enrichment while males showed PI3K, PI3K/AKT, FGFR, EGFR, NGF, GF1R, Rap1, DAP12, and IL-2 signaling pathway enrichment. Using eQTL analyses, we discovered germline variants with differential effects on tumor gene expression between the sexes. 24.3% of the discovered eQTLs exhibit differential effects between the sexes, illustrating the substantial role of sex in modifying the effects of eQTLs in HCC. The genes that showed sex-specific dysregulation in tumors and those that harbored a sex-specific eQTL converge in clinically relevant pathways, suggesting that the molecular etiologies of male and female HCC are partially driven by differential genetic effects on gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Sex-stratified analyses detect sex-specific molecular etiologies of HCC. Overall, our results provide new insight into the role of inherited genetic regulation of transcription in modulating sex-differences in HCC etiology and provide a framework for future studies on sex-biased cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini M Natri
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kenneth H Buetow
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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