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Lyu X, Sze KMF, Lee JMF, Husain A, Tian L, Imbeaud S, Zucman-Rossi J, Ng IOL, Ho DWH. Disparity landscapes of viral-induced structural variations in HCC: Mechanistic characterization and functional implications. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-01027. [PMID: 39270063 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is a common malignancy worldwide. About half of all new liver cancers worldwide each year occur in China, including Hong Kong, due to a high prevalence of HBV infection. HBV DNA integrates into the human genome, disrupting the endogenous tumor suppressors/regulatory genes or enhancing the activity of proto-oncogenes. It would be useful to examine the different NGS-based databases to provide a more unbiased and comprehensive survey of HBV integration. APPROACH AND RESULTS We aimed to take advantage of publicly available data sets of different regional cohorts to determine the disparity landscapes of integration events among sample cohorts, tissue types, chromosomal positions, individual host, and viral genes, as well as genic locations. By comparing HCC tumors with non tumorous livers, the landscape of HBV integration was delineated in gene-independent and gene-dependent manners. Moreover, we performed mechanistic investigations on how HBV-TERT integration led to TERT activation and derived a score to predict patients' prognostication according to their clonal disparity landscape of HBV integration. CONCLUSIONS Our study uncovered the different levels of clonal enrichment of HBV integration and identified mechanistic insights and prognostic biomarkers. This strengthens our understanding of HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce Man-Fong Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Abdullah Husain
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sandrine Imbeaud
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Paris, France
- FunGeST lab, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex Onco-Immunology, Institute du Cancer Paris CARPEM, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Paris, France
- FunGeST lab, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex Onco-Immunology, Institute du Cancer Paris CARPEM, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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2
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Zhang M, Chen H, Liu H, Tang H. The impact of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA on oncogenesis and antiviral therapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:84. [PMID: 39148134 PMCID: PMC11328401 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains high, with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients facing a significantly increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ultimate objective of antiviral therapy is to achieve a sterilizing cure for HBV. This necessitates the elimination of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the complete eradication of integrated HBV DNA. This review aims to summarize the oncogenetic role of HBV integration and the significance of clearing HBV integration in sterilizing cure. It specifically focuses on the molecular mechanisms through which HBV integration leads to HCC, including modulation of the expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, induction of chromosomal instability, and expression of truncated mutant HBV proteins. The review also highlights the impact of antiviral therapy in reducing HBV integration and preventing HBV-related HCC. Additionally, the review offers insights into future objectives for the treatment of CHB. Current strategies for HBV DNA integration inhibition and elimination include mainly antiviral therapies, RNA interference and gene editing technologies. Overall, HBV integration deserves further investigation and can potentially serve as a biomarker for CHB and HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Yang Z, Zeng J, Chen Y, Wang M, Luo H, Huang AL, Deng H, Hu Y. Detection of HBV DNA integration in plasma cell-free DNA of different HBV diseases utilizing DNA capture strategy. Virol Sin 2024; 39:655-666. [PMID: 38852920 PMCID: PMC11401475 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.06.003] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The landscape of hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration in the plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of HBV-infected patients with different stages of liver diseases [chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)] remains unclear. In this study, we developed an improved strategy for detecting HBV DNA integration in plasma cfDNA, based on DNA probe capture and next-generation sequencing. Using this optimized strategy, we successfully detected HBV integration events in chimeric artificial DNA samples and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells at day one post infection, with high sensitivity and accuracy. The characteristics of HBV integration events in the HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells and plasma cfDNA from HBV-infected individuals (CHB, LC, and HCC) were further investigated. A total of 112 and 333 integration breakpoints were detected in the HepG2-NTCP cells and 22 out of 25 (88%) clinical HBV-infected samples, respectively. In vivo analysis showed that the normalized number of support unique sequences (nnsus) in HCC was significantly higher than in CHB or LC patients (P values < 0.05). All integration breakpoints are randomly distributed on human chromosomes and are enriched in the HBV genome around nt 1800. The majority of integration breakpoints (61.86%) are located in the gene-coding region. Both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) interactions occurred during HBV integration across the three different stages of liver diseases. Our study provides evidence that HBV DNA integration can be detected in the plasma cfDNA of HBV-infected patients, including those with CHB, LC, or HCC, using this optimized strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingyan Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Mengchun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hongchun Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Haijun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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4
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Morozov S, Batskikh S. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection - an important aspect of multifaceted problem. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3193-3197. [PMID: 39086636 PMCID: PMC11287409 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i26.3193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology. We focus specifically on the problem of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, that is a result of previous hepatitis B (PHB) and a source for reactivation of HBV. The prevalence of PHB is underestimated due to the lack of population testing programs. However, this condition not only complicate anticancer treatment, but may be responsible for the development of other diseases, like cancer or autoimmune disorders. Here we unveil possible mechanisms responsible for realization of these processes and suggest practical approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Morozov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow 115446, Russia
| | - Sergey Batskikh
- Department of Hepatology, Moscow Clinical Scientific Center N.A. A.S. Loginov, Moscow 111123, Russia
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5
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Qian Z, Liang J, Huang R, Song W, Ying J, Bi X, Zhao J, Shi Z, Liu W, Liu J, Li Z, Zhou J, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Wu J, Wang L, Chen X, Mao R, Zhou Y, Guo L, Hu H, Ge D, Li X, Luo Z, Yao J, Li T, Chen Q, Wang B, Wei Z, Chen K, Qu C, Cai J, Jiao Y, Bao L, Zhao H. HBV integrations reshaping genomic structures promote hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2024; 73:1169-1182. [PMID: 38395437 PMCID: PMC11187386 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mostly characterised by HBV integrations, is prevalent worldwide. Previous HBV studies mainly focused on a few hotspot integrations. However, the oncogenic role of the other HBV integrations remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate HBV integration-induced tumourigenesis further. DESIGN Here, we illuminated the genomic structures encompassing HBV integrations in 124 HCCs across ages using whole genome sequencing and Nanopore long reads. We classified a repertoire of integration patterns featured by complex genomic rearrangement. We also conducted a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based gain-of-function genetic screen in mouse hepatocytes. We individually activated each candidate gene in the mouse model to uncover HBV integration-mediated oncogenic aberration that elicits tumourigenesis in mice. RESULTS These HBV-mediated rearrangements are significantly enriched in a bridge-fusion-bridge pattern and interchromosomal translocations, and frequently led to a wide range of aberrations including driver copy number variations in chr 4q, 5p (TERT), 6q, 8p, 16q, 9p (CDKN2A/B), 17p (TP53) and 13q (RB1), and particularly, ultra-early amplifications in chr8q. Integrated HBV frequently contains complex structures correlated with the translocation distance. Paired breakpoints within each integration event usually exhibit different microhomology, likely mediated by different DNA repair mechanisms. HBV-mediated rearrangements significantly correlated with young age, higher HBV DNA level and TP53 mutations but were less prevalent in the patients subjected to prior antiviral therapies. Finally, we recapitulated the TONSL and TMEM65 amplification in chr8q led by HBV integration using CRISPR/Cas9 editing and demonstrated their tumourigenic potentials. CONCLUSION HBV integrations extensively reshape genomic structures and promote hepatocarcinogenesis (graphical abstract), which may occur early in a patient's life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Junbo Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Shi
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yefan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbing Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanchi Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hanjie Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dazhuang Ge
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xingchen Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinjie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qichen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhewen Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- Department of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and R&D of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and R&D of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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6
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Zhang H, Li M, Liu H, Dong Y, Li W, Zhao P. Juveniles, young adults, and infants with hepatitis B virus infection: A genomic study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29530. [PMID: 38529528 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Integration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA into the human genome is recognized as an oncogenic factor and a barrier to hepatitis B cure. In the study, biopsy liver tissues were collected from adolescents and young adults with acute HBV infection younger than or equal to 35 years of age and from HBV-infected infant patients younger than or equal to 6 months of age. A high-throughput sequencing method was used to detect HBV DNA integration. Totally, 12 adolescents, young adults, and 6 infants were included. Among the 12 patients with acute HBV infection, immunohistochemical staining of intrahepatic hepatitis B surface antigen for all displayed negative results, and no HBV DNA integrants in the hepatocyte DNA were confirmed. All infant patients had elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and high levels of serum HBV DNA. Numerous gene sites of hepatocyte DNA were integrated by HBV DNA for each infant patient, ranging from 120 to 430 integration sites. The fragile histidine triad gene was the high-frequency integrated site in the intragenic region for infant patients. In conclusion, hepatocyte DNA is integrated by HBV DNA in babies with active hepatitis B but seems seldom affected among adolescents and young adults with acute HBV infection. Infantile hepatitis B should be taken seriously considering abundant HBV DNA integration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Zhang
- Chinese PLA Medical School & Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meina Li
- Faculty of Military Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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7
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Aasarey R, Yadav K, Kashyap BK, Prabha S, Kumar P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Role of Immunological Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Disease and Associated Pathways. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1801-1816. [PMID: 38093838 PMCID: PMC10714437 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the predominant causes of cancer-related mortality across the globe. It is attributed to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and infection by the hepatitis virus. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential, and local treatments such as surgical excision and percutaneous ablation are effective. Palliative systemic therapy, primarily with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib, is used in advanced cases. However, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor. This Review additionally describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC, which include aberrant molecular signaling, genomic instability, persistent inflammation, and the paradoxical position of the immune system in promoting and suppressing HCC. The paper concludes by discussing the growing body of research on the relationship between mitochondria and HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the progression of HCC. This Review focuses on immunological interactions between different mechanisms of HCC progression, including obesity, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Aasarey
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Kajal Yadav
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Brijendra Kumar Kashyap
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarit Prabha
- Department
of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana
Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh,India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Indian
Council of Medical Research, National Institute
of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), l-7, Sector-39, Noida-201301, National Capital Region, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Karmre, Kanke-835222, Ranchi, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Research
and Development Cell, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India
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8
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Fukano K, Wakae K, Nao N, Saito M, Tsubota A, Toyoshima T, Aizaki H, Iijima H, Matsudaira T, Kimura M, Watashi K, Sugiura W, Muramatsu M. A versatile method to profile hepatitis B virus DNA integration. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0328. [PMID: 38051537 PMCID: PMC10697629 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV DNA integration into the host genome is frequently found in HBV-associated HCC tissues and is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Multiple detection methods, including hybrid capture-sequencing, have identified integration sites and provided clinical implications; however, each has advantages and disadvantages concerning sensitivity, cost, and throughput. Therefore, methods that can comprehensively and cost-effectively detect integration sites with high sensitivity are required. Here, we investigated the efficiency of RAISING (Rapid Amplification of Integration Site without Interference by Genomic DNA contamination) as a simple and inexpensive method to detect viral integration by amplifying HBV-integrated fragments using virus-specific primers covering the entire HBV genome. METHODS AND RESULTS Illumina sequencing of RAISING products from HCC-derived cell lines (PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B cells) identified HBV-human junction sequences as well as their frequencies. The HBV-human junction profiles identified using RAISING were consistent with those determined using hybrid capture-sequencing, and the representative junctions could be validated by junction-specific nested PCR. The comparison of these detection methods revealed that RAISING-sequencing outperforms hybrid capture-sequencing in concentrating junction sequences. RAISING-sequencing was also demonstrated to determine the sites of de novo integration in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, primary human hepatocytes, liver-humanized mice, and clinical specimens. Furthermore, we made use of xenograft mice subcutaneously engrafted with PLC/PRF/5 or Hep3B cells, and HBV-human junctions determined by RAISING-sequencing were detectable in the plasma cell-free DNA using droplet digital PCR. CONCLUSIONS RAISING successfully profiles HBV-human junction sequences with smaller amounts of sequencing data and at a lower cost than hybrid capture-sequencing. This method is expected to aid basic HBV integration and clinical diagnosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Fukano
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kousho Wakae
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naganori Nao
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, HU-IVReD, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masumichi Saito
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihito Tsubota
- Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takae Toyoshima
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Aizaki
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Iijima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Matsudaira
- Biotechnological Research Support Division, FASMAC Co., Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Moto Kimura
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Sugiura
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Muramatsu
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
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9
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Gao N, Guan G, Xu G, Wu H, Xie C, Mo Z, Deng H, Xiao S, Deng Z, Peng L, Lu F, Zhao Q, Gao Z. Integrated HBV DNA and cccDNA maintain transcriptional activity in intrahepatic HBsAg-positive patients with functional cure following PEG-IFN-based therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1086-1098. [PMID: 37644711 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance marks regression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, more than one-fifth of patients with functional cure following pegylated interferon-based therapy may experience HBsAg seroreversion. The mechanisms causing the HBV relapse remain unclear. AIM To investigate the level and origin of HBV transcripts in patients with functional cure and their role in predicting relapse. METHODS Liver tissue obtained from patients with functional cure, as well as uncured and treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were analysed for intrahepatic HBV markers. HBV capture and RNA sequencing were used to detect HBV integration and chimeric transcripts. RESULTS Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels and the proportion of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes in functionally cured patients were significantly lower than those in uncured and treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative patients. Integrated HBV DNA and chimeric transcripts declined in functionally cured patients compared to uncured patients. HBsAg-positive hepatocytes present in 25.5% of functionally cured patients, while intrahepatic HBV RNA remained in 72.2%. The levels of intrahepatic HBV RNA, integrated HBV DNA, and chimeric transcripts were higher in functionally cured patients with intrahepatic HBsAg than in those without. The residual intrahepatic HBsAg in functionally cured patients was mainly derived from transcriptionally active integrated HBV DNA; meanwhile, trace transcriptional activity of cccDNA could also remain. Two out of four functionally cured patients with intrahepatic HBsAg and trace active cccDNA experienced HBV relapse. CONCLUSION Integrated HBV DNA and cccDNA maintain transcriptional activity and maybe involved in HBsAg seroreversion in intrahepatic HBsAg-positive patients with functional cure and linked to virological relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ganlin Xu
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haishi Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chan Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhishuo Mo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuying Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Liang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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10
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Komatsu H, Inui A, Hoshino H, Umetsu S, Fujisawa T. Integration of Viral Genome to Human Genomic DNA in Nails of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. JMA J 2023; 6:426-436. [PMID: 37941707 PMCID: PMC10628332 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2023-0082] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA can be detected in patient genomes. However, it remains unknown whether viral DNA can be integrated into host genomic DNA and detected in fingernails. Methods Nails from patients with chronic HBV infection were investigated. A total of 60 patients (male/female = 20/40, age range from 2 years to 59 years, median 15 years) were included in this study. The viral DNA levels of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7), and HBV in nails were measured with real-time PCR. Viral DNA integration into host genomic DNA was analyzed by capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). Moreover, virus/host chimeric sequences, which were detected by capture-based NGS, were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results Of the 60 patients, 37 (62%) were positive for nail HBV DNA. All 60 patients were negative for nail HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV, EBV, or HHV-6 DNA. However, three patients were positive for nail HHV-7 DNA. All three nail HHV-7-positive patients were also positive for nail HBV DNA. The three nail samples that were positive for both HBV and HHV-7 DNA were used for viral integration analysis by capture-based NGS. One of the three nail samples showed HBV/host chimeric sequences. In addition, all three nail samples showed HHV-7/host chimeric sequences. However, these viral integration breakpoints were not confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Conclusions Viral integrations were detected in nails by capture-based NGS. However, Sanger sequencing did not confirm any virus/host chimeric sequences. This study could not show reliable evidence of viral integration in nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Komatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
- Komatsu Children's Clinic, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hoshino
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Umetsu
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoo Fujisawa
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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11
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Papatheodoridi A, Papatheodoridis G. Hepatocellular carcinoma: The virus or the liver? Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:22-30. [PMID: 35319167 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major public health problem being one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses have been classified as oncoviruses and are responsible for the majority of HCC cases, while the role of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in liver carcinogenesis has not been elucidated. HDV/HBV coinfection is related to more severe liver damage than HBV mono-infection and recent studies suggest that HDV/HBV patients are at increased risk of developing HCC compared to HBV mono-infected patients. HBV is known to promote hepatocarcinogenesis via DNA integration into host DNA, disruption of molecular pathways by regulatory HBV x (HBx) protein and excessive oxidative stress. Recently, several molecular mechanisms have been proposed to clarify the pathogenesis of HDV-related HCC including activation of signalling pathways by specific HDV antigens, epigenetic dysregulation and altered gene expression. Alongside, ongoing chronic inflammation and impaired immune responses have also been suggested to facilitate carcinogenesis. Finally, cellular senescence seems to play an important role in chronic viral infection and inflammation leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the impact of HDV in HCC development and discuss the potential interplay between HBV, HDV and neighbouring liver tissue in liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkistis Papatheodoridi
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Alexandra" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
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12
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Morozov S, Batskikh S. Commentary: Hepatitis B virus infection: an insight into the clinical connection and molecular interaction between hepatitis B virus and host extrahepatic cancer risk. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200405. [PMID: 37266431 PMCID: PMC10229800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Morozov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Federal Research Center of Nutrition and Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Batskikh
- Department of Hepatology, Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Moscow, Russia
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13
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Gan W, Gao N, Gu L, Mo Z, Pang X, Lei Z, Gao Z. Reduction in Intrahepatic cccDNA and Integration of HBV in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with a Functional Cure. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:314-322. [PMID: 36643049 PMCID: PMC9817062 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Functional cure (FC) is characterized by the clearance of the hepatitis B surface antigen from the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the level of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration remains unclear. We conducted this study to determine them and reveal their value in the treatment of CHB. Methods There were two sessions to elucidate the changes in intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV integration after antiviral therapy. In the first session, 116 patients were enrolled and divided into FC, non-functional cure (NFC), and CHB groups, including 48 patients with functionally cured CHB, 27 with CHB without functional cure after antiviral treatment, and 41 with treatment-naïve CHB. Patients were tested for both intrahepatic cccDNA and other viral markers. All patients in the FC group were followed up for at least 24 weeks to observe relapse. In the second session, another ten patients were included for in-depth whole-genome sequencing to analyze HBV integration. Results Thirteen patients in the FC group were negative for intrahepatic cccDNA. Intrahepatic cccDNA was much higher in the CHB group compared with the FC group. Seven patients had HBsAg seroreversion, including two with virological relapse. Integration of HBV was detected in one (33.3%) functionally cured patients and in seven (100%) with CHB. 28.0% of the HBV breakpoints were assigned in the 1,500 nt to 1,900 nt range of the HBV genome. Conclusions After achieving an FC, the rate of intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV integration was significantly reduced in patients with CHB. For those patients who cleared intrahepatic cccDNA, the chances of developing virological relapse were even lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhishuo Mo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuqing Pang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziying Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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14
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Nevola R, Beccia D, Rosato V, Ruocco R, Mastrocinque D, Villani A, Perillo P, Imbriani S, Delle Femine A, Criscuolo L, Alfano M, La Montagna M, Russo A, Marfella R, Cozzolino D, Sasso FC, Rinaldi L, Marrone A, Adinolfi LE, Claar E. HBV Infection and Host Interactions: The Role in Viral Persistence and Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7651. [PMID: 37108816 PMCID: PMC10145402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the advent of vaccines and potent antiviral agents able to suppress viral replication, recovery from chronic HBV infection is still an extremely difficult goal to achieve. Complex interactions between virus and host are responsible for HBV persistence and the risk of oncogenesis. Through multiple pathways, HBV is able to silence both innate and adaptive immunological responses and become out of control. Furthermore, the integration of the viral genome into that of the host and the production of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) represent reservoirs of viral persistence and account for the difficult eradication of the infection. An adequate knowledge of the virus-host interaction mechanisms responsible for viral persistence and the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis is necessary for the development of functional cures for chronic HBV infection. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to analyze how interactions between HBV and host concur in the mechanisms of infection, persistence, and oncogenesis and what are the implications and the therapeutic perspectives that follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nevola
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (D.M.); (P.P.); (E.C.)
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Domenico Beccia
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Valerio Rosato
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (D.M.); (P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Rachele Ruocco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Davide Mastrocinque
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (D.M.); (P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Angela Villani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Pasquale Perillo
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (D.M.); (P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Simona Imbriani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Augusto Delle Femine
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Livio Criscuolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Maria Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Marco La Montagna
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Aldo Marrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Luigi Elio Adinolfi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (R.R.); (A.V.); (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (M.L.M.); (R.M.); (D.C.); (F.C.S.); (L.R.); (A.M.); (L.E.A.)
| | - Ernesto Claar
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (D.M.); (P.P.); (E.C.)
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15
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Aggarwal A, Odorizzi PM, Brodbeck J, van Buuren N, Moon C, Chang S, Adona M, Suthram S, Suri V, Trowe T, Turner S, Marcellin P, Buti M, Gaggar A, Fletcher SP, Diehl L, Feierbach B, Balsitis S. Intrahepatic quantification of HBV antigens in chronic hepatitis B reveals heterogeneity and treatment-mediated reductions in HBV core-positive cells. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100664. [PMID: 36908748 PMCID: PMC9996321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Patterns of liver HBV antigen expression have been described but not quantified at single-cell resolution. We applied quantitative techniques to liver biopsies from individuals with chronic hepatitis B and evaluated sampling heterogeneity, effects of disease stage, and nucleos(t)ide (NUC) treatment, and correlations between liver and peripheral viral biomarkers. Methods Hepatocytes positive for HBV core and HBsAg were quantified using a novel four-plex immunofluorescence assay and image analysis. Biopsies were analysed from HBeAg-positive (n = 39) and HBeAg-negative (n = 75) participants before and after NUC treatment. To evaluate sampling effects, duplicate biopsies collected at the same time point were compared. Serum or plasma samples were evaluated for levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), and HBV RNA. Results Diffusely distributed individual HBV core+ cells and foci of HBsAg+ cells were the most common staining patterns. Hepatocytes positive for both HBV core and HBsAg were rare. Paired biopsies revealed large local variation in HBV staining within participants, which was confirmed in a large liver resection. NUC treatment was associated with a >100-fold lower median frequency of HBV core+ cells in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative participants, whereas reductions in HBsAg+ cells were not statistically significant. The frequency of HBV core+ hepatocytes was lower in HBeAg-negative participants than in HBeAg-positive participants at all time points evaluated. Total HBV+ hepatocyte burden correlated with HBcrAg, HBV DNA, and HBV RNA only in baseline HBeAg-positive samples. Conclusions Reductions in HBV core+ hepatocytes were associated with HBeAg-negative status and NUC treatment. Variation in HBV positivity within individual livers was extensive. Correlations between the liver and the periphery were found only between biomarkers likely indicative of cccDNA (HBV core+ and HBcrAg, HBV DNA, and RNA). Impact and Implications HBV infects liver hepatocyte cells, and its genome can exist in two forms that express different sets of viral proteins: a circular genome called cccDNA that can express all viral proteins, including the HBV core and HBsAg proteins, or a linear fragment that inserts into the host genome typically to express HBsAg, but not HBV core. We used new techniques to determine the percentage of hepatocytes expressing the HBV core and HBsAg proteins in a large set of liver biopsies. We find that abundance and patterns of expression differ across patient groups and even within a single liver and that NUC treatment greatly reduces the number of core-expressing hepatocytes.
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Key Words
- ADV, adefovir
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- Biomarkers
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- CNN, convolutional neural network
- HBV
- HBV core
- HBV core, hepatitis B core antigen
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HBcrAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen
- HBeAg
- HBeAg, Hepatitis B e antigen
- HBsAg
- HBsAg, Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- IF, immunofluorescence
- NUC
- NUC, nucleo(t)side
- Na+K+-ATPase, sodium–potassium ATPase
- QC, quality control
- TDF, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- cccDNA, covalently closed circular DNA
- dslDNA, double-stranded linear DNA
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Buti
- Hospital Universitario Valle Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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Hepatitis Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020533. [PMID: 36672482 PMCID: PMC9856776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, causing 600,000 deaths each year. Infectious factors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), have long been considered the major risk factors for the development and progression of HCC. These pathogens induce hepatocyte transformation through a variety of mechanisms, including insertional mutations caused by viral gene integration, epigenetic changes, and the induction of long-term immune dysfunction. The discovery of these mechanisms, while advancing our understanding of the disease, also provides targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In addition, the discovery and research of chronic HEV infection over the past decade indicate that this common hepatitis virus also seems to have the potential to induce HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the link between hepatitis virus and HCC, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HCC based on these findings. Finally, we also discuss the potential relationship between HEV and HCC. In conclusion, these associations will further optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infection-associated HCC and call for better management policies.
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Demir AB, Benvenuto D, Karacicek B, Erac Y, Spoto S, Angeletti S, Ciccozzi M, Tosun M. Implications of Possible HBV-Driven Regulation of Gene Expression in Stem Cell-like Subpopulation of Huh-7 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122065. [PMID: 36556285 PMCID: PMC9786676 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122065] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of STIM1, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor/buffering protein, appear to be correlated with poor cancer prognosis in which microRNAs are also known to play critical roles. The purpose of this study is to investigate possible HBV origins of specific microRNAs we identified in a stem cell-like subpopulation of Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines with enhanced STIM1 and/or Orai1 expression that mimicked poor cancer prognosis. Computational strategies including phylogenetic analyses were performed on miRNome data we obtained from an EpCAM- and CD133-expressing Huh-7 HCC stem cell-like subpopulation with enhanced STIM1 and/or Orai1 expression originally cultured in the present work. Results revealed two putative regions in the HBV genome based on the apparent clustering pattern of stem loop sequences of microRNAs, including miR3653. Reciprocal analysis of these regions identified critical human genes, of which their transcripts are among the predicted targets of miR3653, which was increased significantly by STIM1 or Orai1 enhancement. Briefly, this study provides phylogenetic evidence for a possible HBV-driven epigenetic remodeling that alters the expression pattern of Ca2+ homeostasis-associated genes in STIM1- or Orai1 overexpressing liver cancer stem-like cells for a possible mutual survival outcome. A novel region on HBV-X protein may affect liver carcinogenesis in a genotype-dependent manner. Therefore, detection of the viral genotype would have a clinical impact on prognosis of HBV-induced liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Banu Demir
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics, 35330 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (UCBM), 200 Rome, Italy
| | - Bilge Karacicek
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Erac
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Silvia Spoto
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Division, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Clinical Laboratory Science Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (UCBM), 200 Rome, Italy
- Clinical Laboratory Research Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (M.T.); Tel.: +39-06225411461 (S.A.); +90-2324889843 (M.T.)
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (UCBM), 200 Rome, Italy
| | - Metiner Tosun
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics, 35330 Izmir, Turkey
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (M.T.); Tel.: +39-06225411461 (S.A.); +90-2324889843 (M.T.)
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Wang W, Chen Y, Wu L, Zhang Y, Yoo S, Chen Q, Liu S, Hou Y, Chen XP, Chen Q, Zhu J. HBV genome-enriched single cell sequencing revealed heterogeneity in HBV-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:134. [PMID: 35710421 PMCID: PMC9205089 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is heterogeneous and frequently contains multifocal tumors, but how the multifocal tumors relate to each other in terms of HBV integration and other genomic patterns is not clear. METHODS To interrogate heterogeneity of HBV-HCC, we developed a HBV genome enriched single cell sequencing (HGE-scSeq) procedure and a computational method to identify HBV integration sites and infer DNA copy number variations (CNVs). RESULTS We performed HGE-scSeq on 269 cells from four tumor sites and two tumor thrombi of a HBV-HCC patient. HBV integrations were identified in 142 out of 269 (53%) cells sequenced, and were enriched in two HBV integration hotspots chr1:34,397,059 (CSMD2) and chr8:118,557,327 (MED30/EXT1). There were also 162 rare integration sites. HBV integration sites were enriched in DNA fragile sites and sequences around HBV integration sites were enriched for microhomologous sequences between human and HBV genomes. CNVs were inferred for each individual cell and cells were grouped into four clonal groups based on their CNVs. Cells in different clonal groups had different degrees of HBV integration heterogeneity. All of 269 cells carried chromosome 1q amplification, a recurrent feature of HCC tumors, suggesting that 1q amplification occurred before HBV integration events in this case study. Further, we performed simulation studies to demonstrate that the sequential events (HBV infecting transformed cells) could result in the observed phenotype with biologically reasonable parameters. CONCLUSION Our HGE-scSeq data reveals high heterogeneity of HCC tumor cells in terms of both HBV integrations and CNVs. There were two HBV integration hotspots across cells, and cells from multiple tumor sites shared some HBV integration and CNV patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Sema4, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- The Hepatic Surgery Centre at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Mathematics, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Seungyeul Yoo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Sema4, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Sema4, Stamford, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- The Hepatic Surgery Centre at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- The Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China.
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Sema4, Stamford, CT, USA.
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Hsu YC, Suri V, Nguyen MH, Huang YT, Chen CY, Chang IW, Tseng CH, Wu CY, Lin JT, Pan DZ, Gaggar A, Podlaha O. Inhibition of Viral Replication Reduces Transcriptionally Active Distinct Hepatitis B Virus Integrations With Implications on Host Gene Dysregulation. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1160-1170.e1. [PMID: 34995536 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may arise from integration of viral DNA into the host genome. We aimed to gauge the effect of viral inhibition on transcriptionally active HBV-host integration events and explore the correlation of viral integrations with host gene dysregulation. METHODS We leveraged data and biospecimens from an interventional trial, in which patients with HBV viremia above 2000 IU/mL and minimally raised serum liver enzyme were randomized to receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo for 3 years. Total RNA-sequencing was performed on paired liver biopsies taken before and after the 3-year intervention in 119 patients. Virus-host chimeric reads were captured to quantify the number of distinct viral integrations. Dysregulation of a host gene disrupted by viral integration was defined by aberrant expression >2 standard deviations away from samples without viral integration. RESULTS The TDF (n = 64) and placebo groups (n = 55) were comparable at baseline. Expressed viral integrations were detected in all pre- and posttreatment samples. The number of distinct viral integrations significantly correlated with circulatory biomarkers indicative of viral activities including HBV DNA, RNA, and viral antigens (P < .0003 for all correlations). Moreover, TDF vs placebo achieved a significantly greater reduction in distinct viral integrations, with 3.28-fold and 1.81-fold decreases in the expressed integrations per million reads, respectively (analysis of covariance, P = .037). Besides, viral integrations significantly correlated with host gene dysregulation. CONCLUSION Inhibition of viral replication reduces the number of transcriptionally active distinct HBV-host DNA integrations in patients with substantial viremia. Given the mutagenic potentials of viral integrations, such treatment effects should be considered in patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Vithika Suri
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Yen-Tsung Huang
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - I-Wei Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ying Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Translational Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Town Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - David Z Pan
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Anuj Gaggar
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
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Salpini R, D’Anna S, Benedetti L, Piermatteo L, Gill U, Svicher V, Kennedy PTF. Hepatitis B virus DNA integration as a novel biomarker of hepatitis B virus-mediated pathogenetic properties and a barrier to the current strategies for hepatitis B virus cure. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:972687. [PMID: 36118192 PMCID: PMC9478028 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.972687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. HBV-DNA integration into the human genome is recognized as a frequent event occurring during the early phases of HBV infection and characterizing the entire course of HBV natural history. The development of refined molecular biology technologies sheds new light on the functional implications of HBV-DNA integration into the human genome, including its role in the progression of HBV-related pathogenesis and in triggering the establishment of pro-oncogenic mechanisms, promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the current body of knowledge on HBV-DNA integration, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV-DNA integration and its occurrence throughout the different phases characterizing the natural history of HBV infection. Furthermore, here we discuss the main clinical implications of HBV integration as a biomarker of HBV-related pathogenesis, particularly in reference to hepatocarcinogenesis, and how integration may act as a barrier to the achievement of HBV cure with current and novel antiviral therapies. Overall, a more refined insight into the mechanisms and functionality of HBV integration is paramount, since it can potentially inform the design of ad hoc diagnostic tools with the ability to reveal HBV integration events perturbating relevant intracellular pathways and for identifying novel therapeutic strategies targeting alterations directly related to HBV integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Livia Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Upkar Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Svicher,
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Patrick T. F. Kennedy,
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21
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a non-cytopathic, hepatotropic virus with the potential to cause a persistent infection, ultimately leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Over the past four decades, the basic principles of HBV gene expression and replication as well as the viral and host determinants governing infection outcome have been largely uncovered. Whereas HBV appears to induce little or no innate immune activation, the adaptive immune response mediates both viral clearance as well as liver disease. Here, we review our current knowledge on the immunobiology and pathogenesis of HBV infection, focusing in particular on the role of CD8+ T cells and on several recent breakthroughs that challenge current dogmas. For example, we now trust that HBV integration into the host genome often serves as a relevant source of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression during chronic infection, possibly triggering dysfunctional T cell responses and favouring detrimental immunopathology. Further, the unique haemodynamics and anatomy of the liver - and the changes they frequently endure during disease progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis - profoundly influence T cell priming, differentiation and function. We also discuss why therapeutic approaches that limit the intrahepatic inflammatory processes triggered by HBV-specific T cells might be surprisingly beneficial for patients with chronic infection.
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22
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Svicher V, Salpini R, Piermatteo L, Carioti L, Battisti A, Colagrossi L, Scutari R, Surdo M, Cacciafesta V, Nuccitelli A, Hansi N, Ceccherini Silberstein F, Perno CF, Gill US, Kennedy PTF. Whole exome HBV DNA integration is independent of the intrahepatic HBV reservoir in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. Gut 2021; 70:2337-2348. [PMID: 33402415 PMCID: PMC8588301 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The involvement of HBV DNA integration in promoting hepatocarcinogenesis and the extent to which the intrahepatic HBV reservoir modulates liver disease progression remains poorly understood. We examined the intrahepatic HBV reservoir, the occurrence of HBV DNA integration and its impact on the hepatocyte transcriptome in hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). DESIGN Liver tissue from 84 HBeAg-negative patients with CHB with low (n=12), moderate (n=25) and high (n=47) serum HBV DNA was analysed. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) were evaluated by quantitative PCR, whole exome and transcriptome sequencing was performed by Illumina, and the burden of HBV DNA integrations was evaluated by digital droplet PCR. RESULTS Patients with low and moderate serum HBV DNA displayed comparable intrahepatic cccDNA and pgRNA, significantly lower than in patients with high HBV DNA, while hepatitis B core-related antigen correlated strongly with the intrahepatic HBV reservoir, reflecting cccDNA quantity. Whole exome integration was detected in a significant number of patients (55.6%, 14.3% and 25% in high, moderate and low viraemic patients, respectively), at a frequency ranging from 0.5 to 157 integrations/1000 hepatocytes. Hepatitis B surface antigen >5000 IU/mL predicted integration within the exome and these integrations localised in genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, regulation of lipid/drug metabolism and antiviral/inflammatory responses. Transcript levels of specific genes, including the proto-oncogene hRAS, were higher in patients with HBV DNA integration, supporting an underlying oncogenic risk in patients with low-level to moderate-level viraemia. CONCLUSIONS HBV DNA integration occurs across all HBeAg-negative patients with CHB, including those with a limited HBV reservoir; localising in genes involved in carcinogenesis and altering the hepatocyte transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy,Barts Liver Cente, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Luna Colagrossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy,Department of Microbiology and Virology, University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Rossana Scutari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Matteo Surdo
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Eurofins GENOMA, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | | | | | - Navjyot Hansi
- Barts Liver Cente, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Oncology and Haematooncology, University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Upkar S Gill
- Barts Liver Cente, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Cente, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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23
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Ghosh S, Chakraborty A, Banerjee S. Persistence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Multi-Faceted Player for Hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:678537. [PMID: 34526974 PMCID: PMC8435854 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.678537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a multi-dimensional effect on the host, which not only alters the dynamics of immune response but also persists in the hepatocytes to predispose oncogenic factors. The virus exists in multiple forms of which the nuclear localized covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the most stable and the primary reason for viral persistence even after clearance of surface antigen and viral DNA. The second reason is the existence of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) containing virion particles. On the other hand, the integration of the viral genome in the host chromosome also leads to persistent production of viral proteins along with the chromosomal instabilities. The interferon treatment or administration of nucleot(s)ide analogs leads to reduction in the viral DNA load, but the pgRNA and surface antigen clearance are a slow process and complete loss of serological HBsAg is rare. The prolonged exposure of immune cells to the viral antigens, particularly HBs antigen, in the blood circulation results in T-cell exhaustion, which disrupts immune clearance of the virus and virus-infected cells. In addition, it predisposes immune-tolerant microenvironment, which facilitates the tumor progression. Thus cccDNA, pgRNA, and HBsAg along with the viral DNA could be the therapeutic targets in the early disease stages that may improve the quality of life of chronic hepatitis B patients by impeding the progression of the disease toward hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soma Banerjee
- Centre for Liver Research, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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24
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Qu B, Brown RJP. Strategies to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus at the Transcript Level. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071327. [PMID: 34372533 PMCID: PMC8310268 DOI: 10.3390/v13071327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite four decades of effective HBV vaccination. During chronic infection, HBV forms two distinct templates responsible for viral transcription: (1) episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and (2) host genome-integrated viral templates. Multiple ubiquitous and liver-specific transcription factors are recruited onto these templates and modulate viral gene transcription. This review details the latest developments in antivirals that inhibit HBV gene transcription or destabilize viral transcripts. Notably, nuclear receptor agonists exhibit potent inhibition of viral gene transcription from cccDNA. Small molecule inhibitors repress HBV X protein-mediated transcription from cccDNA, while small interfering RNAs and single-stranded oligonucleotides result in transcript degradation from both cccDNA and integrated templates. These antivirals mediate their effects by reducing viral transcripts abundance, some leading to a loss of surface antigen expression, and they can potentially be added to the arsenal of drugs with demonstrable anti-HBV activity. Thus, these candidates deserve special attention for future repurposing or further development as anti-HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Qu
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
| | - Richard J. P. Brown
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
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25
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Distinct Patterns of HBV Integration and TERT Alterations between in Tumor and Non-Tumor Tissue in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137056. [PMID: 34209079 PMCID: PMC8268258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the cellular genome is well known in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients, its biological role still remains uncertain. This study investigated the patterns of HBV integration and correlated them with TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) alterations in paired tumor and non-tumor tissues. Compared to those in non-tumors, tumoral integrations occurred less frequently but with higher read counts and were more preferentially observed in genic regions with significant enrichment of integration into promoters. In HBV-related tumors, TERT promoter was identified as the most frequent site (38.5% (10/26)) of HBV integration. TERT promoter mutation was observed only in tumors (24.2% (8/33)), but not in non-tumors. Only 3.00% (34/1133) of HBV integration sites were shared between tumors and non-tumors. Within the HBV genome, HBV breakpoints were distributed preferentially in the 3' end of HBx, with more tumoral integrations detected in the preS/S region. The major genes that were recurrently affected by HBV integration included TERT and MLL4 for tumors and FN1 for non-tumors. Functional enrichment analysis of tumoral genes with integrations showed enrichment of cancer-associated genes. The patterns and functions of HBV integration are distinct between tumors and non-tumors. Tumoral integration is often enriched into both human-virus regions with oncogenic regulatory function. The characteristic genomic features of HBV integration together with TERT alteration may dysregulate the affected gene function, thereby contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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26
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Zhang D, Zhang K, Protzer U, Zeng C. HBV Integration Induces Complex Interactions between Host and Viral Genomic Functions at the Insertion Site. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:399-408. [PMID: 34221926 PMCID: PMC8237140 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), one of the well-known DNA oncogenic viruses, is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In infected hepatocytes, HBV DNA can be integrated into the host genome through an insertional mutagenesis process inducing tumorigenesis. Dissection of the genomic features surrounding integration sites will deepen our understanding of mechanisms underlying integration. Moreover, the quantity and biological activity of integration sites may reflect the DNA damage within affected cells or the potential survival benefits they may confer. The well-known human genomic features include repeat elements, particular regions (such as telomeres), and frequently interrupted genes (e.g., telomerase reverse transcriptase [i.e. TERT], lysine methyltransferase 2B [i.e. KMT2B], cyclin E1 [CCNE1], and cyclin A2 [CCNA2]). Consequently, distinct genomic features within diverse integrations differentiate their biological functions. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence has shown that viral proteins produced by integrants may cause cell damage even after the suppression of HBV replication. The integration-derived gene products can also serve as tumor markers, promoting the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HCC. Viral integrants can be single copy or multiple copies of different fragments with complicated rearrangement, which warrants elucidation of the whole viral integrant arrangement in future studies. All of these considerations underlie an urgent need to develop novel methodology and technology for sequence characterization and function evaluation of integration events in chronic hepatitis B-associated disease progression by monitoring both host genomic features and viral integrants. This endeavor may also serve as a promising solution for evaluating the risk of tumorigenesis and as a companion diagnostic for designing therapeutic strategies targeting integration-related disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- SCG Cell Therapy Pte. Ltd, Singapore
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Urlike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Changqing Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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27
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Liu Y, Veeraraghavan V, Pinkerton M, Fu J, Douglas MW, George J, Tu T. Viral Biomarkers for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence and Recurrence. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:665201. [PMID: 34194408 PMCID: PMC8236856 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.665201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The most common risk factor for developing HCC is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Early stages of HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC) are generally asymptomatic. Moreover, while serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abdominal ultrasound are widely used to screen for HCC, they have poor sensitivity. Thus, HBV-HCC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, in which there are limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Serum biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are crucial for earlier diagnosis of HCC and improving survival rates. As viral-host interactions are key determinants of pathogenesis, viral biomarkers may add greater diagnostic power for HCC than host biomarkers alone. In this review, we summarize recent research on using virus-derived biomarkers for predicting HCC occurrence and recurrence; including circulating viral DNA, RNA transcripts, and viral proteins. Combining these viral biomarkers with AFP and abdominal ultrasound could improve sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis, increasing the survival of patients with HBV-HCC. In the future, as the mechanisms that drive HBV-HCC to become clearer, new biomarkers may be identified which can further improve early diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaishnavi Veeraraghavan
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Monica Pinkerton
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jianjun Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Goyal A. Modeling reveals no direct role of the extent of HBV DNA integrations on the outcome of infection. J Theor Biol 2021; 526:110793. [PMID: 34087271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110793] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) with its high prevalence and death toll is one of the most important infectious diseases to study. Yet, there is very little progress in the development of within-host models for HBV, which has subsequently hindered our understanding of this virus. The uncertainty around the proliferation of infected hepatocytes has been studied but never in association with other important biological continuous events such as integrations and superinfections. This is despite the fact that these processes affect the diversity and composition of infected cell population in the liver and an improved understanding of the cellular composition will undoubtedly assist in strategizing against this viral infection. Here, we developed novel mathematical models that incorporate these key biological processes and analyzed them both analytically and numerically. Unaffected by the extent of integrated DNA (IDNA), the outcome of HBV infection was primarily dictated by the balance between processes generating and killing infected hepatocytes containing covalent closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The superinfection was found to be a key process in the spread of HBV infection as its exclusion could not reproduce experimentally observed composition of infected hepatocytes at peak of acute HBV infection, a stage where our model predicts that infected hepatocytes most likely carry both cccDNA and IDNA. Our analysis further suggested the existence of some form of selective advantage of infected hepatocytes containing only IDNA to explain the viral dynamics observed during antiviral treatment and the transition from peak to acute infection. Finally, the fine line between liver destruction and resolution of acute HBV infection was found to be highly influenced by the fate of cccDNA during cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Goyal
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, United States
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29
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Zheng B, Liu XL, Fan R, Bai J, Wen H, Du LT, Jiang GQ, Wang CY, Fan XT, Ye YN, Qian YS, Wang YC, Liu GJ, Deng GH, Shen F, Hu HP, Wang H, Zhang QZ, Ru LL, Zhang J, Gao YH, Xia J, Yan HD, Liang MF, Yu YL, Sun FM, Gao YJ, Sun J, Zhong CX, Wang Y, Kong F, Chen JM, Zheng D, Yang Y, Wang CX, Wu L, Hou JL, Liu JF, Wang HY, Chen L. The Landscape of Cell-Free HBV Integrations and Mutations in Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3772-3783. [PMID: 33947693 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intratumoral hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrations and mutations are related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has shown itself as a powerful noninvasive biomarker for cancer. However, the HBV integration and mutation landscape on cfDNA remains unclear. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A cSMART (Circulating Single-Molecule Amplification and Resequencing Technology)-based method (SIM) was developed to simultaneously investigate HBV integration and mutation landscapes on cfDNA with HBV-specific primers covering the whole HBV genome. Patients with HCC (n = 481) and liver cirrhosis (LC; n = 517) were recruited in the study. RESULTS A total of 6,861 integration breakpoints including TERT and KMT2B were discovered in HCC cfDNA, more than in LC. The concentration of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was positively correlated with the detection rate of these integration hotspots and total HBV integration events in cfDNA. To track the origin of HBV integrations in cfDNA, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on their paired tumor tissues. The paired comparison of WGS data from tumor tissues and SIM data from cfDNA confirmed most recurrent integration events in cfDNA originated from tumor tissue. The mutational landscape across the whole HBV genome was first generated for both HBV genotype C and B. A region from nt1100 to nt1500 containing multiple HCC risk mutation sites (OR > 1) was identified as a potential HCC-related mutational hot zone. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides an in-depth delineation of HBV integration/mutation landscapes at cfDNA level and did a comparative analysis with their paired tissues. These findings shed light on the possibilities of noninvasive detection of virus insertion/mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, PR China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Bai
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, PR China
| | - Lu-Tao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.,The Clinical Research Center of Shandong Province for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, PR China
| | - Guo-Qing Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | | | - Xiao-Tang Fan
- Dept of Hepatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, PR China
| | - Yi-Nong Ye
- The Department of Infectious Disease, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan City, PR China
| | - Yun-Song Qian
- Hepatology Department, Ningbo Hwamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Ying-Chao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | | | - Guo-Hong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, PR China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - He-Ping Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | | | - Lan-Lan Ru
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan-Hang Gao
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, PR China
| | - Jie Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hua-Dong Yan
- Hepatology Department, Ningbo Hwamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Min-Feng Liang
- The Department of Infectious Disease, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan City, PR China
| | - Yan-Long Yu
- Chifeng Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, PR China
| | - Fu-Ming Sun
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Gao
- Xuzhou Infectious Diseases Hospital, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chun-Xiu Zhong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yin Wang
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China
| | - Fei Kong
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, PR China
| | - Jin-Ming Chen
- Chifeng Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, PR China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chuan-Xin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.,The Clinical Research Center of Shandong Province for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, PR China
| | - Lin Wu
- Berry Oncology Corporation. Beijing, PR China.
| | - Jin-Lin Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Jing-Feng Liu
- Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou City, PR China.
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, PR China. .,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, PR China. .,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
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30
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Péneau C, Zucman-Rossi J, Nault JC. Genomics of Viral Hepatitis-Associated Liver Tumors. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1827. [PMID: 33922394 PMCID: PMC8122827 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-related liver carcinogenesis is one of the main contributors of cancer-related death worldwide mainly due to the impact of chronic hepatitis B and C infections. Three mechanisms have been proposed to explain the oncogenic properties of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: induction of chronic inflammation and cirrhosis, expression of HBV oncogenic proteins, and insertional mutagenesis into the genome of infected hepatocytes. Hepatitis B insertional mutagenesis modifies the function of cancer driver genes and could promote chromosomal instability. In contrast, hepatitis C virus promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence mainly through cirrhosis development whereas the direct oncogenic role of the virus in human remains debated. Finally, adeno associated virus type 2 (AAV2), a defective DNA virus, has been associated with occurrence of HCC harboring insertional mutagenesis of the virus. Since these tumors developed in a non-cirrhotic context and in the absence of a known etiological factor, AAV2 appears to be the direct cause of tumor development in these patients via a mechanism of insertional mutagenesis altering similar oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes targeted by HBV. A better understanding of virus-related oncogenesis will be helpful to develop new preventive strategies and therapies directed against specific alterations observed in virus-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Péneau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.P.); (J.Z.-R.)
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.P.); (J.Z.-R.)
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.P.); (J.Z.-R.)
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, F-93000 Bobigny, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris Nord, F-93000 Bobigny, France
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31
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HBV-Integration Studies in the Clinic: Role in the Natural History of Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030368. [PMID: 33652619 PMCID: PMC7996909 DOI: 10.3390/v13030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem causing acute and chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is essential for viral replication and the establishment of a persistent infection. Integrated HBV DNA represents another stable form of viral DNA regularly observed in the livers of infected patients. HBV DNA integration into the host genome occurs early after HBV infection. It is a common occurrence during the HBV life cycle, and it has been detected in all the phases of chronic infection. HBV DNA integration has long been considered to be the main contributor to liver tumorigenesis. The recent development of highly sensitive detection methods and research models has led to the clarification of some molecular and pathogenic aspects of HBV integration. Though HBV integration does not lead to replication-competent transcripts, it can act as a stable source of viral RNA and proteins, which may contribute in determining HBV-specific T-cell exhaustion and favoring virus persistence. The relationship between HBV DNA integration and the immune response in the liver microenvironment might be closely related to the development and progression of HBV-related diseases. While many new antiviral agents aimed at cccDNA elimination or silencing have been developed, integrated HBV DNA remains a difficult therapeutic challenge.
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32
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Abstract
Chronic infection of the liver by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A multitude of studies have investigated the mechanism of liver cancer pathogenesis due to chronic HBV infection. Chronic inflammation, expression of specific viral proteins such as HBx, the integration site of the viral genome into the host genome, and the viral genotype, are key players contributing to HCC pathogenesis. In addition, the genetic background of the host and exposure to environmental carcinogens are also predisposing parameters in hepatocarcinogenesis. Despite the plethora of studies, the molecular mechanism of HCC pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. In this review, the focus is on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC. Epigenetic mechanisms are dynamic molecular processes that regulate gene expression without altering the host DNA, acting by modifying the host chromatin structure via covalent post-translational histone modifications, changing the DNA methylation status, expression of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, and altering the spatial, 3-D organization of the chromatin of the virus-infected cell. Herein, studies are described that provide evidence in support of deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the HBV-infected/-replicating hepatocyte and their contribution to hepatocyte transformation. In contrast to genetic mutations which are permanent, epigenetic alterations are dynamic and reversible. Accordingly, the identification of essential molecular epigenetic targets involved in HBV-mediated HCC pathogenesis offers the opportunity for the design and development of novel epigenetic therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Andrisani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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33
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Hu G, Huang MX, Li WY, Gan CJ, Dong WX, Peng XM. Liver damage favors the eliminations of HBV integration and clonal hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:60-70. [PMID: 33534083 PMCID: PMC7886763 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background HBV integration is suspected to be an obstinate risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the era of antiviral therapy. Integration events start to occur in the immunotolerance phase, but their fates in the immune clearance phase have not yet been clarified. Here, we report the influences of liver damage on HBV integration and clonal hepatocyte expansion in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods HBV integration breakpoints in liver biopsy samples from 54 CHB patients were detected using a modified next-generation sequencing assay. Results A total of 3729 (69 per sample) integration breakpoints were found in the human genome, including some hotspot genes and KEGG pathways, especially in patients with abnormal transaminases. The number of breakpoint types, an integration risk parameter, was negatively correlated with HBV DNA load and transaminase levels. The average, maximum and total frequencies of given breakpoint types, parameters of clonal hepatocyte expansion, were negatively correlated with HBV DNA load, transaminase levels and liver inflammation activity grade score. The HBV DNA load and inflammation activity grade score were further found to be positively correlated with transaminase levels. Moreover, nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) treatment that normalized transaminases nonsignificantly reduced the types, but significantly increased the average frequency and negated the enrichments of integration breakpoints. Conclusion Liver damage mainly removed the inventories of viral integration and clonal hepatocytes in CHB. NUC treatment may have reduced HBV integration but clearly increased clonal hepatocyte expansion, which may explain why HCC risk cannot be ruled out by NUC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12072-020-10125-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Hu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Ming X. Huang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Wei Y. Li
- Jining Medical University, Jining, 272057 Shandong China
| | - Chong J. Gan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Wen X. Dong
- Center of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Xiao M. Peng
- Center of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
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34
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Tu T, Zhang H, Urban S. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration: In Vitro Models for Investigating Viral Pathogenesis and Persistence. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020180. [PMID: 33530322 PMCID: PMC7911709 DOI: 10.3390/v13020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a globally-distributed pathogen and is a major cause of liver disease. HBV (or closely-related animal hepadnaviruses) can integrate into the host genome, but (unlike retroviruses) this integrated form is replication-defective. The specific role(s) of the integrated HBV DNA has been a long-standing topic of debate. Novel in vitro models of HBV infection combined with sensitive molecular assays now enable researchers to investigate this under-characterised phenomenon with greater ease and precision. This review covers the contributions these systems have made to understanding how HBV DNA integration induces liver cancer and facilitates viral persistence. We summarise the current findings into a working model of chronic HBV infection and discuss the clinical implications of this hypothetical framework on the upcoming therapeutic strategies used to curb HBV-associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Henrik Zhang
- Storr Liver Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Zeng X, Zhao L, Shen C, Zhou Y, Li G, Sung WK. HIVID2: an accurate tool to detect virus integrations in the host genome. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:1821-1827. [PMID: 33453108 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Virus integration in the host genome is frequently reported to be closely associated with many human diseases, and the detection of virus integration is a critically challenging task. However, most existing tools show limited specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop a method for accurate detection of virus integration into host genomes. RESULTS Herein, we report a novel method termed HIVID2 that is a significant upgrade of HIVID. HIVID2 performs a paired-end combination (PE-combination) for potentially integrated reads. The resulting sequences are then remapped onto the reference genomes, and both split and discordant chimeric reads are used to identify accurate integration breakpoints with high confidence. HIVID2 represents a great improvement in specificity and sensitivity, and predicts breakpoints closer to the real integrations, compared with existing methods. The advantage of our method was demonstrated using both simulated and real data sets. HIVID2 uncovered novel integration breakpoints in well-known cervical cancer-related genes, including FHIT and LRP1B, which was verified using protein expression data. In addition, HIVID2 allows the user to decide whether to automatically perform advanced analysis using the identified virus integrations. By analyzing the simulated data and real data tests, we demonstrated that HIVID2 is not only more accurate than HIVID but also better than other existing programs with respect to both sensitivity and specificity. We believe that HIVID2 will help in enhancing future research associated with virus integration. AVAILABILITY HIVID2 can be accessed at https://github.com/zengxi-hada/HIVID2/. CONTACT Xi Zeng (zengxi@mail.hzau.edu.cn), Linghao Zhao (michael_yifan@126.com). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zeng
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Linghao Zhao
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chenhang Shen
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wing-Kin Sung
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117417, Singapore.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
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36
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Tasneem AA, Luck NH. Digestive tract neoplasms in young individuals: Demographics, staging and risk factors. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 4:e1319. [PMID: 33295088 PMCID: PMC8451370 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digestive tract neoplasms (DTN) have become increasingly common worldwide among young individuals (YIs) over the last few decades. Aim Aim of this research was to study the types, demographics, stage at presentation and risk factors of digestive tract neoplasms in young individuals. Methods and results In this cross‐sectional study, YI (ie, ≤40 years) presenting with any DTN including gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN), hepatobiliary neoplasms (HBN), periampullary neoplasms (PAN) and others from June 2016 to May 2020 were included. Baseline laboratory tests, tissue diagnosis and staging were performed while risk factors were documented. A total of 163 patients were included in the study, of whom 82 (50.3%) were males. Mean age was 29.9 (±9.57) (range: 8 months‐40 years). Most DTN (93.3%; n = 152) were malignant. The commonest neoplasms were lower GIN (LGIN) 52 (31.9%), followed by HBN 46 (28.2%), upper GIN (UGIN) 44 (27%) and PAN 18 (11%). Commonest among LGIN were rectal 37; among HBN: hepatocellular cancer (HCC) 9, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) 9; and among UGIN: esophageal 25 and stomach 14. Rectal cancers were mostly sporadic (82.7%) with frequent signet ring cell histology (40.5%), and affected relatively younger ages compared to upper GIN and PAN. GIN were mostly locally advanced with higher resectability (LGIN 90.4%; UGIN 79.5%) while HBN were more advanced with lower resectability (HCC [44.4%]; CC [33.3%]). Poor dietary habits and poor socioeconomic status were common with UGIN (63.6%, 50%) and HBN (56.5%, 54.3%), respectively. Conclusion The commonest DTN among YI were LGIN followed by HBN, UGIN and PAN. Rectal cancers affected relatively younger ages and were mostly sporadic. HBN were more advanced in stage and unresectable compared to GIN. Poor dietary habits and poor socioeconomic status may be important contributors in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ali Tasneem
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Hassan Luck
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
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Jang JW, Kim JS, Kim HS, Tak KY, Nam H, Sung PS, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Roberts LR. Persistence of intrahepatic hepatitis B virus DNA integration in patients developing hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 27:207-218. [PMID: 33317255 PMCID: PMC7820213 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the host genome in hepatocarcinogenesis following hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains unknown. Our study aimed to investigate and characterize HBV integration events in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after HBsAg seroclearance. Methods Using probe-based HBV capturing followed by next-generation sequencing technology, HBV integration was examined in 10 samples (seven tumors and three non-tumor tissues) from seven chronic carriers who developed HCC after HBsAg loss. Genomic locations and patterns of HBV integration were investigated. Results HBV integration was observed in six patients (85.7%) and eight (80.0%) of 10 tested samples. HBV integration breakpoints were detected in all of the non-tumor (3/3, 100%) and five of the seven (71.4%) tumor samples, with an average number of breakpoints of 4.00 and 2.43, respectively. Despite the lower total number of tumoral integration breakpoints, HBV integration sites in the tumors were more enriched within the genic area. In contrast, non-tumor tissues more often showed intergenic integration. Regarding functions of the affected genes, tumoral genes with HBV integration were mostly associated with carcinogenesis. At enrollment, patients who did not remain under regular HCC surveillance after HBsAg seroclearance had a large HCC, while those on regular surveillance had a small HCC. Conclusions The biological functions of HBV integration are almost comparable between HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-serocleared HCCs, with continuing pro-oncogenic effects of HBV integration. Thus, ongoing HCC surveillance and clinical management should continue even after HBsAg seroclearance in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Seoub Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Yong Tak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
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Ringlander J, Skoglund C, Prakash K, Andersson ME, Larsson SB, Tang KW, Rydell GE, Abrahamsson S, Castedal M, Norder H, Hellstrand K, Lindh M. Deep sequencing of liver explant transcriptomes reveals extensive expression from integrated hepatitis B virus DNA. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1162-1170. [PMID: 32592629 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integration of HBV DNA into the human genome may contribute to oncogenesis and to the production of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Whether integrations contribute to HBsAg levels in the blood is poorly known. Here, we characterize the HBV RNA profile of HBV integrations in liver tissue in patients with chronic HBV infection, with or without concurrent hepatitis D infection, by transcriptome deep sequencing. Transcriptomes were determined in liver tissue by deep sequencing providing 200 million reads per sample. Integration points were identified using a bioinformatic pipeline. Explanted liver tissue from five patients with end-stage liver disease caused by HBV or HBV/HDV was studied along with publicly available transcriptomes from 21 patients. Almost all HBV RNA profiles were devoid of reads in the core and the 3' redundancy (nt 1830-1927) regions, and contained a large number of chimeric viral/human reads. Hence, HBV transcripts from integrated HBV DNA rather than from covalently closed circular HBV DNA (cccDNA) predominated in late-stage HBV infection, in particular in cases with hepatitis D virus co-infection. The findings support the suggestion that integrated HBV DNA can be a significant source of HBsAg in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ringlander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Catarina Skoglund
- The Transplant Institute, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kasthuri Prakash
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon B Larsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ka-Wei Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gustaf E Rydell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sanna Abrahamsson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Castedal
- The Transplant Institute, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heléne Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Hellstrand
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Lindh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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39
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Lau KC, Burak KW, Coffin CS. Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Genetic Variation, Integration, and Lymphotropism in Antiviral Treatment and Oncogenesis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1470. [PMID: 32987867 PMCID: PMC7599633 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health burden. Although, effective treatment and vaccinations against HBV are available, challenges still exist, particularly in the development of curative therapies. The dynamic nature and unique features of HBV such as viral variants, integration of HBV DNA into host chromosomes, and extrahepatic reservoirs are considerations towards understanding the virus biology and developing improved anti-HBV treatments. In this review, we highlight the importance of these viral characteristics in the context of treatment and oncogenesis. Viral genotype and genetic variants can serve as important predictive factors for therapeutic response and outcomes in addition to oncogenic risk. HBV integration, particularly in coding genes, is implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, we will discuss emerging research that has identified various HBV nucleic acids and infection markers within extrahepatic sites (lymphoid cells). Intriguingly, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated HBV variants and viral integration within the lymphoid cells may contribute towards the development of extrahepatic malignancies. Improved understanding of these HBV characteristics will enhance the development of a cure for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C.K. Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Kelly W. Burak
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Carla S. Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
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40
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which was discovered in 1965, is a threat to global public health. HBV infects human hepatocytes and leads to acute and chronic liver diseases, and there is no cure. In cells infected by HBV, viral DNA can be integrated into the cellular genome. HBV DNA integration is a complicated process during the HBV life cycle. Although HBV integration normally results in replication-incompetent transcripts, it can still act as a template for viral protein expression. Of note, it is a primary driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, with the development of detection methods and research models, the molecular biology and the pathogenicity of HBV DNA integration have been better revealed. Here, we review the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, including molecular mechanisms, detection methods, research models, the effects on host and viral gene expression, the role of HBV integrations in the pathogenesis of HCC, and potential treatment strategies. Finally, we discuss possible future research prospects of HBV DNA integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Andrew Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, National Heart Lung Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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41
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Yao M, Sai W, Zheng W, Wang L, Dong Z, Yao D. Secretory Clusterin as a Novel Molecular-targeted Therapy for Inhibiting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3290-3301. [PMID: 31232234 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190624161158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although secretory clusterin (sCLU) plays a crucial role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation, Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR), metastasis and so on, its targeted effects and exact mechanism are still unknown. This review summarizes some new progress in sCLU as a molecular-targeted therapy in the treatment of HCC. METHODS A systematic review of the published English-language literature about sCLU and HCC has been performed using the PubMed and bibliographic databases. Some valuable studies on sCLU in HCC progression were searched for relevant articles with the keywords: HCC, diagnosis, MDR, as molecular-targeted in treatment, and so on. RESULTS The incidence of the positive rate of sCLU was significantly higher in HCC tissues as compared to the surrounding tissues at mRNA or protein level, gradually increasing with tumor-nodemetastasis staging (P<0.05). Also, the abnormal level of sCLU was related to poor differentiation degree, and considered as a useful marker for HCC diagnosis or independent prognosis for patients. Hepatic sCLU could be silenced at mRNA level by specific sCLU-shRNA or by OGX-011 to inhibit cancer cell proliferation with an increase in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reversal MDR, alteration of cell migration or invasion behaviors, and a decrease in GSK-3β or AKT phosphorylation in vitro, as well as significant suppression of the xenograft growth by down-regulating β-catenin, p-GSK3β, and cyclinD1 expression in vivo. CONCLUSION Abnormal hepatic sCLU expression should not only be a new diagnostic biomarker but also a novel promising target for inhibiting HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenli Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Wang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhizhen Dong
- Department of Diagnostics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dengfu Yao
- Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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42
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Giannuzzi D, Aresu L. A First NGS Investigation Suggests No Association Between Viruses and Canine Cancers. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:365. [PMID: 32766289 PMCID: PMC7380080 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 10–15% of worldwide human cancers are attributable to viral infection. When operating as carcinogenic elements, viruses may act with various mechanisms, but the most important is represented by viral integration into the host genome, causing chromosome instability, genomic mutations, and aberrations. In canine species, few reports have described an association between viral integration and canine cancers, but more comprehensive studies are needed. The advancement of next-generation sequencing and the cost reduction have resulted in a progressive increasing of sequencing data in veterinary oncology offering an opportunity to study virome in canine cancers. In this study, we have performed viral detection and integration analyses using VirusFinder2 software tool on available whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data of different canine cancers. Several viral sequences were detected in lymphomas, hemangiosarcomas, melanomas, and osteosarcomas, but no reliable integration sites were identified. Even if with some limitations such as the depth and type of sequencing, a restricted number of available nonhuman genomes software, and a limited knowledge on endogenous retroviruses in the canine genome, results are compelling. However, further experiments are needed, and similarly to feline species, dedicated analysis tools for the identification of viral integration sites in canine cancers are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Giannuzzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Luca Aresu
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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43
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Seitz S, Habjanič J, Schütz AK, Bartenschlager R. The Hepatitis B Virus Envelope Proteins: Molecular Gymnastics Throughout the Viral Life Cycle. Annu Rev Virol 2020; 7:263-288. [PMID: 32600157 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
New hepatitis B virions released from infected hepatocytes are the result of an intricate maturation process that starts with the formation of the nucleocapsid providing a confined space where the viral DNA genome is synthesized via reverse transcription. Virion assembly is finalized by the enclosure of the icosahedral nucleocapsid within a heterogeneous envelope. The latter contains integral membrane proteins of three sizes, collectively known as hepatitis B surface antigen, and adopts multiple conformations in the course of the viral life cycle. The nucleocapsid conformation depends on the reverse transcription status of the genome, which in turn controls nucleocapsid interaction with the envelope proteins for virus exit. In addition, after secretion the virions undergo a distinct maturation step during which a topological switch of the large envelope protein confers infectivity. Here we review molecular determinants for envelopment and models that postulate molecular signals encoded in the capsid scaffold conducive or adverse to the recruitment of envelope proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Seitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Jelena Habjanič
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anne K Schütz
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; .,Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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44
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Jiang YC, Li YF, Zhou L, Zhang DP. Comparative metabolomics unveils molecular changes and metabolic networks of syringin against hepatitis B mice by untargeted mass spectrometry. RSC Adv 2020; 10:461-473. [PMID: 35492557 PMCID: PMC9048208 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06332c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Untargeted metabolomics technology was used to discover the metabolic pathways and biomarkers for revealing the potential biological mechanism of syringin on hepatitis B virus. Serum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based comparative metabolomics coupled with pattern recognition methods and network pathway. In addition, the histopathology, HBV DNA detection of liver tissue, and biochemical indicators of liver function change were also explored for investigating the antiviral effect of syringin. In comparison to the model group, the metabolic profiles of the turbulence in transgenic mice tended to recover to the same as the control group after syringin therapy. A total of 33 potential biomarkers were determined to explore the metabolic disorders in the hepatitis B animal model, of which 25 were regulated by syringin, and 8 metabolic pathways, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, were involved. Syringin markedly reduced the liver pathology change, inhibited HBV DNA replication, and improved liver function. Amino acid metabolism is a potential target for the treatment of hepatitis B. The hepatoprotective effect of syringin may contribute to ameliorating oxidative stress and preventing protein and DNA replication. Comparative metabolomics is a promising tool for discovering metabolic pathways and biomarkers of the hepatitis B animal model as targets to reveal the effects and mechanism of syringin, which benefits the development of natural products and advances the treatment of diseases. Untargeted metabolomics technology was used to discover the metabolic pathways and biomarkers for revealing the potential biological mechanism of syringin on hepatitis B virus.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-chang Jiang
- Third Department of Orthopedics
- First Affiliated Hospital
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
- Harbin 150040
- China
| | - Yuan-feng Li
- Third Department of Orthopedics
- First Affiliated Hospital
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
- Harbin 150040
- China
| | - Ling Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
- Harbin 150040
- China
| | - Da-peng Zhang
- Third Department of Orthopedics
- First Affiliated Hospital
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
- Harbin 150040
- China
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45
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Bender D, Hildt E. Effect of Hepatitis Viruses on the Nrf2/Keap1-Signaling Pathway and Its Impact on Viral Replication and Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184659. [PMID: 31546975 PMCID: PMC6769940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With respect to their genome and their structure, the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are complete different viruses. However, both viruses can cause an acute and chronic infection of the liver that is associated with liver inflammation (hepatitis). For both viruses chronic infection can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. In light of this, this review summarizes the impact of both viruses on ROS-generating and ROS-inactivating mechanisms. The focus is on the effect of both viruses on the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2). By binding to its target sequence, the antioxidant response element (ARE), Nrf2 triggers the expression of a variety of cytoprotective genes including ROS-detoxifying enzymes. The review summarizes the literature about the pathways for the modulation of Nrf2 that are deregulated by HBV and HCV and describes the impact of Nrf2 deregulation on the viral life cycle of the respective viruses and the virus-associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bender
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straβe 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany.
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straβe 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany.
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46
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Yao L, Zhou Y, Sui Z, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Xie H, Gao H, Fan H, Zhang Y, Liu M, Li S, Tang H. HBV-encoded miR-2 functions as an oncogene by downregulating TRIM35 but upregulating RAN in liver cancer cells. EBioMedicine 2019; 48:117-129. [PMID: 31530503 PMCID: PMC6838411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been well established as a high-risk factor for the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cellular microRNA (miRNA) is involved in tumorigenesis by accelerating the malignant phenotype in HCC. However, whether HBV can encode miRNAs that contribute to HCC is not entirely clear. METHODS In this study, an miRNA encoded by HBV (HBV-miR-2) was identified by Solexa sequencing in HBV-positive HCC specimens and further verified in serum samples from HCC patients with HBV infection and in HBV-positive HCC cell lines. To evaluate the roles of HBV-miR-2 in liver cancer cells, we determined cell viability and migration/invasion ability by gain-of-function experiment in HBV(-) liver cancer cells (HepG2 and Huh7) and loss-of-function experiments in Huh7 cells stably expressing HBV-miR-2 (Huh7/HBV-miR-2 cells) and HepG2.2.15 cells. Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanism by which HBV-miR-2 work on cell malignancy, we identified and studied the effect of two target genes (TRIM35 and RAN) of HBV-miR-2 in liver cancer cells. FINDINGS We revealed that HBV-miR-2 promoted HCC cell growth ability by suppressing apoptosis and promoting migration and invasion by enhancing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), functioning as an oncogene in the development of HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HBV-miR-2 suppresses the expression of TRIM35 but enhances RAN expression by targeting their 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTR) and that the ectopic expression of TRIM35 or knockdown of RAN counteracted the malignant phenotypes induced by HBV-miR-2. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that an HBV-encoded miRNA, HBV-miR-2, promotes oncogenic activity by downregulating TRIM35 expression and upregulating RAN expression in liver cancer cells, likely providing insight into tumorigenesis in HBV-related liver cancer. FUND: This work was supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No: 81830094; 91629302; 31270818) and the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin (No: 12JCZDJC25100).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yao
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yadi Zhou
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhenhua Sui
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yankun Liu
- The Cancer Institute, Tangshan People's Hospital, Tangshan 063001, China
| | - Hong Xie
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Huijie Gao
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hongxia Fan
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Min Liu
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shengping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Hua Tang
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, Tianjin Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
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Wang W, Smits R, Hao H, He C. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E926. [PMID: 31269694 PMCID: PMC6679127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is among the leading global healthcare issues associated with high morbidity and mortality. Liver cancer consists of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), and several other rare tumors. Progression has been witnessed in understanding the interactions between etiological as well as environmental factors and the host in the development of liver cancers. However, the pathogenesis remains poorly understood, hampering the design of rational strategies aiding in preventing liver cancers. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the initiation and progression of HCC, CCA, and HB. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling potentiates a novel avenue for liver cancer treatment, which may benefit from the development of numerous small-molecule inhibitors and biologic agents in this field. In this review, we discuss the interaction between various etiological factors and components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling early in the precancerous lesion and the acquired mechanisms to further enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote robust cancer formation at later stages. Additionally, we shed light on current relevant inhibitors tested in liver cancers and provide future perspectives for preclinical and clinical liver cancer studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Chaoyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Goyal A, Chauhan R. The dynamics of integration, viral suppression and cell-cell transmission in the development of occult Hepatitis B virus infection. J Theor Biol 2018; 455:269-280. [PMID: 29969598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out of several phases of HBV infection, the least understood phase is occult hepatitis B virus infection. The paucity of data due to non-availability of biological tissues and the prerequisite of ultra-sensitive assays for the detection of occult hepatitis B virus infection prompted us to utilize mathematical modeling in determining mechanisms that lead to occult hepatitis B virus infection and characteristics of HBV infection during occult hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS We proposed two mathematical models (M1 and M2), considering two different phenomenon for episomal maintenance and accumulation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in infected hepatocytes: (i) M1 - recirculation of the relaxed circular DNA/double-stranded linear DNA from cytoplasm to the nucleus, and (ii) M2 - reinfection of infected hepatocytes with virions. We further incorporated the dynamics of integrated Hepatitis B virus DNA (iHBV) to investigate its role in the development of occult hepatitis B virus infection. RESULTS The analysis showed that the main mechanism for the spread of infection during occult hepatitis B virus infection is cell-to-cell transmission and not cell-free virus transmission. A significant viral suppression (of at least 99% from its peak production values) was essential but not sufficient in the development of occult hepatitis B virus infection under M1; however under M2, the viral suppression was neither sufficient nor essential as the inhibition of the production of HBsAg without viral suppression can also explain the development of occult hepatitis B virus infection. Our analysis also revealed that occult hepatitis B virus infection seropositive cases are more likely to progress into liver cirrhosis compared to occult hepatitis B virus infection seronegative cases. The iHBV was found to be mostly silent (by either being absent or non-productive for HBsAg) during occult hepatitis B virus infection. CONCLUSION The viral suppression is neither essential nor sufficient to explain the development of occult hepatitis B virus infection on its own. Not only the viral suppression but the inhibition -of the production and the export of HBsAg from cccDNA and iHBV also plays an important role in the development of occult hepatitis B virus infection. This is the first study, which incorporates the dynamics of iHBV and shows that HBV primarily spreads via cell-cell transmission during occult hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Goyal
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
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