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Han H, He T, Wu Y, He T, Zhou W. Multidimensional analysis of tumor stem cells: from biological properties, metabolic adaptations to immune escape mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1441081. [PMID: 39184916 PMCID: PMC11341543 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1441081] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
As a key factor in tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence and metastasis, the biological properties, metabolic adaptations and immune escape mechanisms of CSCs are the focus of current oncological research. CSCs possess self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation and tumorigenicity, and their mechanisms of action can be elucidated by the clonal evolution, hierarchical model and the dynamic CSCs model, of which the dynamic model is widely recognized due to its better explanation of the function and origin of CSCs. The origin hypothesis of CSCs involves cell-cell fusion, horizontal gene transfer, genomic instability and microenvironmental regulation, which together shape the diversity of CSCs. In terms of classification, CSCs include primary CSCs (pri-CSCs), precancerous stem cells (pre-CSCs), migratory CSCs (mig-CSCs), and chemo-radiotherapy-resistant CSCs (cr-CSCs and rr-CSCs), with each type playing a specific role in tumor progression. Surface markers of CSCs, such as CD24, CD34, CD44, CD90, CD133, CD166, EpCAM, and LGR5, offer the possibility of identifying, isolating, and targeting CSCs, but the instability and heterogeneity of their expression increase the difficulty of treatment. CSCs have adapted to their survival needs through metabolic reprogramming, showing the ability to flexibly switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), as well as adjustments to amino acid and lipid metabolism. The Warburg effect typifies their metabolic profiles, and altered glutamine and fatty acid metabolism further contributes to the rapid proliferation and survival of CSCs. CSCs are able to maintain their stemness by regulating the metabolic networks to maintain their stemness characteristics, enhance antioxidant defences, and adapt to therapeutic stress. Immune escape is another strategy for CSCs to maintain their survival, and CSCs can effectively evade immune surveillance through mechanisms such as up-regulating PD-L1 expression and promoting the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Together, these properties reveal the multidimensional complexity of CSCs, underscoring the importance of a deeper understanding of the biology of CSCs for the development of more effective tumor therapeutic strategies. In the future, therapies targeting CSCs will focus on precise identification of surface markers, intervention of metabolic pathways, and overcoming immune escape, with the aim of improving the relevance and efficacy of cancer treatments, and ultimately improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Ting He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Yingfan Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Tianmei He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
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Braghini MR, De Stefanis C, Tiano F, Castellano A, Cicolani N, Pezzullo M, Tocco V, Spada M, Alaggio R, Alisi A, Francalanci P. Focal adhesion kinase and its epigenetic interactors as diagnostic and therapeutic hints for pediatric hepatoblastoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1397647. [PMID: 38947885 PMCID: PMC11211568 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1397647] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric hepatic malignancy. Despite the progress in HB treatment, investigating HB pathomechanisms to optimize stratification and therapies remains a focal point to improve the outcome for high-risk patients. Methods Here, we pointed to explore the impact of these mechanisms in HB. An observational study was performed on liver samples from a cohort of 17 patients with a diagnosis of HB and two normal liver samples. The in vitro experiments were executed on the Huh6 human HB cell line treated with the FAK inhibitor TAE226. Results Our results highlight a significant up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of FAK in livers from HB with respect to normal livers. The increased protein expression of total and Tyr397 phosphorylated FAK (pTyr397FAK) was significantly correlated with the expression of some epigenetic regulators of histone H3 methylation and acetylation. Of note, the expression of pTyr397FAK, N-methyltransferase enzyme (EZH2) and tri-methylation of the H3K27 residue correlated with tumor size and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Finally, TAE226 caused a significant reduction of pTyr397FAK, epigenetic regulators, AFP, EPCAM, OCT4, and SOX2, in association with anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on HB cells. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of FAK in HB that requires further investigations mainly focused on the exploration of its effective diagnostic and therapeutic translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Braghini
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Tiano
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Division of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolo’ Cicolani
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Tocco
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Research Unit of Clinical Hepatogastroenterology and Transplantation; Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Li A, Wang R, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Yang J. Crosstalk between Epigenetics and Metabolic Reprogramming in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Sight. Metabolites 2024; 14:325. [PMID: 38921460 PMCID: PMC11205353 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming alterations are two important features of tumors, and their reversible, spatial, and temporal regulation is a distinctive hallmark of carcinogenesis. Epigenetics, which focuses on gene regulatory mechanisms beyond the DNA sequence, is a new entry point for tumor therapy. Moreover, metabolic reprogramming drives hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression, highlighting the significance of metabolism in this disease. Exploring the inter-regulatory relationship between tumor metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification has become one of the hot directions in current tumor metabolism research. As viral etiologies have given way to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-induced HCC, it is urgent that complex molecular pathways linking them and hepatocarcinogenesis be explored. However, how aberrant crosstalk between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming affects MASLD-induced HCC lacks comprehensive understanding. A better understanding of their linkages is necessary and urgent to improve HCC treatment strategies. For this reason, this review examines the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of MASLD-induced HCC, focusing on mechanisms regulating aberrant epigenetic alterations and metabolic reprogramming in the development of MASLD-induced HCC and interactions between them while also updating the current advances in metabolism and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic drugs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peiran Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
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Longhitano L, Distefano A, Musso N, Bonacci P, Orlando L, Giallongo S, Tibullo D, Denaro S, Lazzarino G, Ferrigno J, Nicolosi A, Alanazi AM, Salomone F, Tropea E, Barbagallo IA, Bramanti V, Li Volti G, Lazzarino G, Torella D, Amorini AM. (+)-Lipoic acid reduces mitochondrial unfolded protein response and attenuates oxidative stress and aging in an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Transl Med 2024; 22:82. [PMID: 38245790 PMCID: PMC10799515 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04880-x] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disorder characterized by the ac-cumulation of fat in hepatocytes without alcohol consumption. Mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play significant roles in NAFLD pathogenesis. The unfolded protein response in mitochondria (UPRmt) is an adaptive mechanism that aims to restore mitochondrial protein homeostasis and mitigate cellular stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ( +)-Lipoic acid (ALA) on UPRmt, inflammation, and oxidative stress in an in vitro model of NAFLD using HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid and oleic acid to induce steatosis. RESULTS Treatment with palmitic and oleic acids increased UPRmt-related proteins HSP90 and HSP60 (heat shock protein), and decreased CLPP (caseinolytic protease P), indicating ER stress activation. ALA treatment at 1 μM and 5 μM restored UPRmt-related protein levels. PA:OA (palmitic acid:oleic acid)-induced ER stress markers IRE1α (Inositol requiring enzyme-1), CHOP (C/EBP Homologous Protein), BIP (Binding Immunoglobulin Protein), and BAX (Bcl-2-associated X protein) were significantly reduced by ALA treatment. ALA also enhanced ER-mediated protein glycosylation and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased GPX1 (Glutathione peroxidase 1), GSTP1 (glutathione S-transferase pi 1), and GSR (glutathione-disulfide reductase) expression and increased GSH (Glutathione) levels, and improved cellular senescence as shown by the markers β-galactosidase, γH2Ax and Klotho-beta. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, ALA ameliorated ER stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation in HepG2 cells treated with palmitic and oleic acids, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for NAFLD providing a possible biochemical mechanism underlying ALA beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonacci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Orlando
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Denaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Ferrigno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Nicolosi
- Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Amer M Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Federico Salomone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale Di Acireale, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Bramanti
- U.O.S. Laboratory Analysis, Maggiore "Nino Baglieri" Hospital - ASP Ragusa, 97015, Modica (RG), Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via Di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Torella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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Kong W, Gao Y, Zhao S, Yang H. Cancer stem cells: advances in the glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04861-6. [PMID: 37882986 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04861-6] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a class of cells with self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential, which are present in most tumors, particularly in aggressive tumors, and perform a pivotal role in recurrence and metastasis and are expected to be one of the important targets for tumor therapy. Studies of tumor metabolism in recent years have found that the metabolic characteristics of CSCs are distinct from those of differentiated tumor cells, which are unique to CSCs and contribute to the maintenance of the stemness characteristics of CSCs. Moreover, these altered metabolic profiles can drive the transformation between CSCs and non-CSCs, implying that these metabolic alterations are important markers for CSCs to play their biological roles. The identification of metabolic changes in CSCs and their metabolic plasticity mechanisms may provide some new opportunities for tumor therapy. In this paper, we review the metabolism-related mechanisms of CSCs in order to provide a theoretical basis for their potential application in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yunge Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Kiseleva OI, Kurbatov IY, Arzumanian VA, Ilgisonis EV, Zakharov SV, Poverennaya EV. The Expectation and Reality of the HepG2 Core Metabolic Profile. Metabolites 2023; 13:908. [PMID: 37623852 PMCID: PMC10456947 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To represent the composition of small molecules circulating in HepG2 cells and the formation of the "core" of characteristic metabolites that often attract researchers' attention, we conducted a meta-analysis of 56 datasets obtained through metabolomic profiling via mass spectrometry and NMR. We highlighted the 288 most commonly studied compounds of diverse chemical nature and analyzed metabolic processes involving these small molecules. Building a complete map of the metabolome of a cell, which encompasses the diversity of possible impacts on it, is a severe challenge for the scientific community, which is faced not only with natural limitations of experimental technologies, but also with the absence of transparent and widely accepted standards for processing and presenting the obtained metabolomic data. Formulating our research design, we aimed to reveal metabolites crucial to the Hepg2 cell line, regardless of all chemical and/or physical impact factors. Unfortunately, the existing paradigm of data policy leads to a streetlight effect. When analyzing and reporting only target metabolites of interest, the community ignores the changes in the metabolomic landscape that hide many molecular secrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga I. Kiseleva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street, 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (E.V.I.); (E.V.P.)
| | - Ilya Y. Kurbatov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street, 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (E.V.I.); (E.V.P.)
| | - Viktoriia A. Arzumanian
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street, 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (E.V.I.); (E.V.P.)
| | - Ekaterina V. Ilgisonis
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street, 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (E.V.I.); (E.V.P.)
| | - Svyatoslav V. Zakharov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory Street, 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina V. Poverennaya
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street, 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (E.V.I.); (E.V.P.)
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Giallongo S, Costa F, Longhitano L, Giallongo C, Ferrigno J, Tropea E, Vicario N, Li Volti G, Parenti R, Barbagallo I, Bramanti V, Tibullo D. The Pleiotropic Effects of Fumarate: From Mitochondrial Respiration to Epigenetic Rewiring and DNA Repair Mechanisms. Metabolites 2023; 13:880. [PMID: 37512586 PMCID: PMC10384640 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070880] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor onset and its progression are strictly linked to its metabolic rewiring on the basis of the Warburg effect. In this context, fumarate emerged as a putative oncometabolite mediating cancer progression. Fumarate accumulation is usually driven by fumarate hydratase (FH) loss of function, the enzyme responsible for the reversible conversion of fumarate into malate. Fumarate accumulation acts as a double edge sword: on one hand it takes part in the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells, while on the other it also plays a crucial role in chromatin architecture reorganization. The latter is achieved by competing with a-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes, eventually altering the cellular methylome profile, which in turn leads to its transcriptome modeling. Furthermore, in recent years, it has emerged that FH has an ability to recruit DNA double strand breaks. The accumulation of fumarate into damaged sites might also determine the DNA repair pathway in charge for the seizure of the lesion, eventually affecting the mutational state of the cells. In this work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the role of fumarate as an oncometabolite orchestrating the cellular epigenetic landscape and DNA repair machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Advanced Technologies "Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Ferrigno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Hondo T, Ota C, Nakatani K, Miyake Y, Furutani H, Bamba T, Toyoda M. Attempts to Detect Lipid Metabolites from a Single Cell Using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Micro-Scale Supercritical Fluid Extraction: A Preliminary Study. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 2022; 11:A0112. [PMID: 36713805 PMCID: PMC9853953 DOI: 10.5702/massspectrometry.a0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton-transfer-reaction (PTR) mass spectrometry (MS), a widely used method for detecting trace-levels of volatile organic compounds in gaseous samples, can also be used for the analysis of small non-volatile molecules by using supercritical fluid as a transporter for the molecules. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a method that permits lipophilic compounds to be rapidly and selectively extracted from complex matrices. The combination of the high sensitivity of PTR MS with the SFE is a potentially novel method for analyzing small molecules in a single cell, particularly for the analysis of lipophilic compounds. We preliminarily evaluated this method for analyzing the components of a single HeLa cell that is fixed on a stainless steel frit and is then directly introduces the SFE extracts into the PTR MS. A total of 200/91 ions were observed in positive/negative ion mode time-of-flight mass spectra, and the masses of 11/10 ions could be matched to chemical formulae obtained from the LipidMaps lipids structure database. Using various authentic lipophilic samples, the method could be used to detect free fatty acids in the sub-femtomole to femtomole order in the negative ion mode, the femtomole to sub-picomole order for fat-soluble vitamins, and the picomole order for poly aromatic hydrocarbons in both the positive and negative ion mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinobu Hondo
- MS-Cheminformatics LLC, 2–13–21 Sasao-nishi, Toin, Inabe, Mie 511–0231, Japan
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1–1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ota
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1–1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kansai University, 3–3–35 Yamate-cho, Suita, Osaka 564–8680, Japan
| | - Kohta Nakatani
- Division of Metabolomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3–1–1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812–8582, Japan
| | - Yumi Miyake
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1–1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Furutani
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1–1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
- Center for Scientific Instrument Renovation and Manufacturing Support, Osaka University, 1–2 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
| | - Takeshi Bamba
- Division of Metabolomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3–1–1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812–8582, Japan
| | - Michisato Toyoda
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1–1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560–0043, Japan
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Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010023. [PMID: PMID: 36612019 PMCID: PMC9818030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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Mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance in human liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:394. [PMID: 35449193 PMCID: PMC9023565 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer mainly includes the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). Recent studies have indicated that there are differences in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties among different types of liver cancer. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also called liver tumor-initiating cells, have been viewed as drivers of tumor initiation and metastasis. Many mechanisms and factors, such as mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, epigenetic modifications, the tumor microenvironment, and tumor plasticity, are involved in the regulation of cancer stemness in liver cancer. In this review, we analyze cancer stemness in different liver cancer types. Moreover, we further evaluate the mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance of LCSCs and discuss promising treatments for eradicating LCSCs.
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Monroe JD, Fraher D, Huang X, Mellett NA, Meikle PJ, Sinclair AJ, Lirette ST, Maihle NJ, Gong Z, Gibert Y. Identification of novel lipid biomarkers in xmrk- and Myc-induced models of hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. Cancer Metab 2022; 10:7. [PMID: 35379333 PMCID: PMC8981695 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-022-00283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and is accompanied by complex dysregulation of lipids. Increasing evidence suggests that particular lipid species are associated with HCC progression. Here, we aimed to identify lipid biomarkers of HCC associated with the induction of two oncogenes, xmrk, a zebrafish homolog of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Myc, a regulator of EGFR expression during HCC. METHODS We induced HCC in transgenic xmrk, Myc, and xmrk/Myc zebrafish models. Liver specimens were histologically analyzed to characterize the HCC stage, Oil-Red-O stained to detect lipids, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyzed to assign and quantify lipid species. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure lipid metabolic gene expression in liver samples. Lipid species data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic modeling to correlate lipid class levels with HCC progression. RESULTS We found that induction of xmrk, Myc and xmrk/Myc caused different stages of HCC. Lipid deposition and class levels generally increased during tumor progression, but triglyceride levels decreased. Myc appears to control early HCC stage lipid species levels in double transgenics, whereas xmrk may take over this role in later stages. Lipid metabolic gene expression can be regulated by either xmrk, Myc, or both oncogenes. Our computational models showed that variations in total levels of several lipid classes are associated with HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that xmrk and Myc can temporally regulate lipid species that may serve as effective biomarkers of HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry D Monroe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Daniel Fraher
- Metabolic Genetic Diseases Laboratory, Metabolic Research Unit, Deakin University School of Medicine, 75 Pigdons Road, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Xiaoqian Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natalie A Mellett
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter J Meikle
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew J Sinclair
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Seth T Lirette
- Department of Data Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Nita J Maihle
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yann Gibert
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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12
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Braghini MR, Lo Re O, Romito I, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Barbaro B, Pomella S, Rota R, Vinciguerra M, Avila MA, Alisi A. Epigenetic remodelling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:107. [PMID: 35331312 PMCID: PMC8943959 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, being the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. As other heterogeneous solid tumours, HCC results from a unique synergistic combination of genetic alterations mixed with epigenetic modifications.In HCC the patterns and frequencies of somatic variations change depending on the nearby chromatin. On the other hand, epigenetic alterations often induce genomic instability prone to mutations. Epigenetics refers to heritable states of gene expression without alteration to the DNA sequence itself and, unlike genetic changes, the epigenetic modifications are reversible and affect gene expression more extensively than genetic changes. Thus, studies of epigenetic regulation and the involved molecular machinery are greatly contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms that underline HCC onset and heterogeneity. Moreover, this knowledge may help to identify biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as future new targets for more efficacious therapeutic approaches.In this comprehensive review we will discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about the epigenetic landscape in hepatocarcinogenesis, including evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic role of non-coding RNAs, modifications occurring at the chromatin level, and their role in the era of precision medicine.Apart from other better-known risk factors that predispose to the development of HCC, characterization of the epigenetic remodelling that occurs during hepatocarcinogenesis could open the way to the identification of personalized biomarkers. It may also enable a more accurate diagnosis and stratification of patients, and the discovery of new targets for more efficient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ilaria Romito
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Barbaro
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Romito I, Porru M, Braghini MR, Pompili L, Panera N, Crudele A, Gnani D, De Stefanis C, Scarsella M, Pomella S, Levi Mortera S, de Billy E, Conti AL, Marzano V, Putignani L, Vinciguerra M, Balsano C, Pastore A, Rota R, Tartaglia M, Leonetti C, Alisi A. Focal adhesion kinase inhibitor TAE226 combined with Sorafenib slows down hepatocellular carcinoma by multiple epigenetic effects. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:364. [PMID: 34784956 PMCID: PMC8597092 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumours worldwide. Sorafenib (SOR) is one of the most effective single-drug systemic therapy against advanced HCC, but the identification of novel combination regimens for a continued improvement in overall survival is a big challenge. Recent studies highlighted the crucial role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in HCC growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of three different FAK inhibitors (FAKi), alone or in combination with SOR, using in vitro and in vivo models of HCC. Methods The effect of PND1186, PF431396, TAE226 on cell viability was compared to SOR. Among them TAE226, emerging as the most effective FAKi, was tested alone or in combination with SOR using 2D/3D human HCC cell line cultures and HCC xenograft murine models. The mechanisms of action were assessed by gene/protein expression and imaging approaches, combined with high-throughput methods. Results TAE226 was the more effective FAKi to be combined with SOR against HCC. Combined TAE226 and SOR treatment reduced HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo by affecting tumour-promoting gene expression and inducing epigenetic changes via dysregulation of FAK nuclear interactome. We characterized a novel nuclear functional interaction between FAK and the NuRD complex. TAE226-mediated FAK depletion and SOR-promoted MAPK down-modulation caused a decrease in the nuclear amount of HDAC1/2 and a consequent increase of the histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation, thus counteracting histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation. Conclusions Altogether, our findings provide the first evidence that TAE226 combined with SOR efficiently reduces HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Also, our data highlight that deep analysis of FAK nuclear interactome may lead to the identification of new promising targets for HCC therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02154-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Romito
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Porru
- Unit of Oncogenomic and Epigenetic, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pompili
- Unit of Oncogenomic and Epigenetic, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Panera
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Scarsella
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Levi Mortera
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuel de Billy
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Marzano
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Microbiomics, Microbiology and Immunological Diagnostics, Department of Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, 9002, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Clara Balsano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences MESVA, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Francesco Balsano Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pastore
- Research Unit of Diagnostical and Management Innovations, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- Unit of Oncogenomic and Epigenetic, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Rivas Serna IM, Sitina M, Stokin GB, Medina-Inojosa JR, Lopez-Jimenez F, Gonzalez-Rivas JP, Vinciguerra M. Lipidomic Profiling Identifies Signatures of Poor Cardiovascular Health. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11110747. [PMID: 34822405 PMCID: PMC8624456 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11110747] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) is defined for the presence of ideal behavioral and health metrics known to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association of circulatory phospho- and sphingo-lipids to primary reduction in cardiovascular risk is unclear. Our aim was to determine the association of CVH metrics with the circulating lipid profile of a population-based cohort. Serum sphingolipid and phospholipid species were extracted from 461 patients of the randomly selected prospective Kardiovize study based on Brno, Czech Republic. Lipids species were measured by a hyphenated mass spectrometry technique, and were associated with poor CVH scores, as defined by the American Heart Association. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) species were significantly lower in ideal and intermediate scores of health dietary metric, blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood fasting glucose compared to poor scores. Current smokers presented higher levels of PC, PE and LPE individual species compared to non-smokers. Ceramide (Cer) d18:1/14:0 was altered in poor blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose metrics. Poor cardiovascular health metric is associated with a specific phospho- and sphingolipid pattern. Circulatory lipid profiling is a potential biomarker to refine cardiovascular health status in primary prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Magaly Rivas Serna
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne’s University Hospital, 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.M.R.S.); (M.S.); (G.B.S.); (J.P.G.-R.)
| | - Michal Sitina
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne’s University Hospital, 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.M.R.S.); (M.S.); (G.B.S.); (J.P.G.-R.)
| | - Gorazd B. Stokin
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne’s University Hospital, 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.M.R.S.); (M.S.); (G.B.S.); (J.P.G.-R.)
| | - Jose R. Medina-Inojosa
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (J.R.M.-I.); (F.L.-J.)
- Marriot Heart Disease Research Program, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Francisco Lopez-Jimenez
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (J.R.M.-I.); (F.L.-J.)
| | - Juan P. Gonzalez-Rivas
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne’s University Hospital, 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.M.R.S.); (M.S.); (G.B.S.); (J.P.G.-R.)
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne’s University Hospital, 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.M.R.S.); (M.S.); (G.B.S.); (J.P.G.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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