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Han S, Xu Q, Du Y, Tang C, Cui H, Xia X, Zheng R, Sun Y, Shang H. Single-cell spatial transcriptomics in cardiovascular development, disease, and medicine. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101163. [PMID: 39224111 PMCID: PMC11367031 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101163] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) impose a significant burden worldwide. Despite the elucidation of the etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of CVDs by numerous studies and recent discovery of effective drugs, their morbidity, disability, and mortality are still high. Therefore, precise risk stratification and effective targeted therapies for CVDs are warranted. Recent improvements in single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have improved our understanding of the mechanisms and cells involved in cardiovascular phylogeny and CVDs. Single-cell RNA sequencing can facilitate the study of the human heart at remarkably high resolution and cellular and molecular heterogeneity. However, this technique does not provide spatial information, which is essential for understanding homeostasis and disease. Spatial transcriptomics can elucidate intracellular interactions, transcription factor distribution, cell spatial localization, and molecular profiles of mRNA and identify cell populations causing the disease and their underlying mechanisms, including cell crosstalk. Herein, we introduce the main methods of RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics analysis and highlight the latest advances in cardiovascular research. We conclude that single-cell RNA sequencing interprets disease progression in multiple dimensions, levels, perspectives, and dynamics by combining spatial and temporal characterization of the clinical phenome with multidisciplinary techniques such as spatial transcriptomics. This aligns with the dynamic evolution of CVDs (e.g., "angina-myocardial infarction-heart failure" in coronary artery disease). The study of pathways for disease onset and mechanisms (e.g., age, sex, comorbidities) in different patient subgroups should improve disease diagnosis and risk stratification. This can facilitate precise individualized treatment of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjie Han
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yawen Du
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chuwei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Herong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
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Garcia A, Mathew SO. Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Immunotherapeutic Advances in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2446. [PMID: 39001508 PMCID: PMC11240753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132446] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the leading causes of death among many associated liver diseases. Various conventional strategies have been utilized for treatment, ranging from invasive surgeries and liver transplants to radiation therapy, but fail due to advanced disease progression, late screening/staging, and the various etiologies of HCC. This is especially evident within racially distinct populations, where incidence rates are higher and treatment outcomes are worse for racial/ethnic minorities than their Caucasian counterparts. However, with the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular and synthetic biology, many novel strategies have presented promising results and have provided potential treatment options. In this review, we summarize past treatments, how they have shaped current treatments, and potential treatment strategies for HCC that may prove more effective in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsis Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Stephen O Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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3
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Yang M, Mu Y, Yu X, Gao D, Zhang W, Li Y, Liu J, Sun C, Zhuang J. Survival strategies: How tumor hypoxia microenvironment orchestrates angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116783. [PMID: 38796970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116783] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
During tumor development, the tumor itself must continuously generate new blood vessels to meet their growth needs while also allowing for tumor invasion and metastasis. One of the most common features of tumors is hypoxia, which drives the process of tumor angiogenesis by regulating the tumor microenvironment, thus adversely affecting the prognosis of patients. In addition, to overcome unsuitable environments for growth, such as hypoxia, nutrient deficiency, hyperacidity, and immunosuppression, the tumor microenvironment (TME) coordinates angiogenesis in several ways to restore the supply of oxygen and nutrients and to remove metabolic wastes. A growing body of research suggests that tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia interact through a complex interplay of crosstalk, which is inextricably linked to the TME. Here, we review the TME's positive contribution to angiogenesis from an angiogenesis-centric perspective while considering the objective impact of hypoxic phenotypes and the status and limitations of current angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yufeng Mu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ye Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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4
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Abdoli Shadbad M, Miraki Feriz A, Baradaran B, Safarpour H. Tumor-infiltrating CD8 + sub-populations in primary and recurrent glioblastoma: An in-silico study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27329. [PMID: 38495199 PMCID: PMC10943382 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains an incurable primary brain tumor. CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can target malignant cells; however, their anti-tumoral immune responses mostly do not lead to GBM rejection in GBM patients. We profiled the sub-populations of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cells, i.e., naïve, cytotoxic, and exhausted cells, in primary and recurrent GBM tissues and provided a blueprint for future precision-based GBM immunotherapy. Method We re-analyzed the raw data of single-cell RNA sequencing on the cells residing in the GBM microenvironment and leveraged tumor bulk RNA analyses to study the significance of CD8+ TILs sub-populations in primary and recurrent GBM. We investigated cell-cell interaction between exhausted CD8+ TILs and other immune cells residing in the primary and recurrent GBM microenvironments and profiled the expression changes following CD8+ TILs' transition from primary GBM to recurrent GBM. Results Exhausted CD8+ TILs are the majority of CD8+ TILs sub-populations in primary and recurrent GBM, and cytotoxic CD8+ TILs display decreased expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint (IC) molecules in the primary and recurrent GBM. In the primary and recurrent GBM microenvironment, exhausted CD8+ TILs interact most with tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates the profiles of CD8+ TILs sub-populations in primary and recurrent GBM and provides a proof-of-concept for future precision-based GBM immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Adib Miraki Feriz
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Zhang J, Xiao Y, Zhang J, Yang Y, Zhang L, Liang F. Recent advances of engineered oncolytic viruses-based combination therapy for liver cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:3. [PMID: 38167076 PMCID: PMC10763442 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04817-w] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a major malignant tumor, which seriously threatens human health and increases the economic burden on patients. At present, gene therapy has been comprehensively studied as an excellent therapeutic measure in liver cancer treatment. Oncolytic virus (OV) is a kind of virus that can specifically infect and kill tumor cells. After being modified by genetic engineering, the specificity of OV infection to tumor cells is increased, and its influence on normal cells is reduced. To date, OV has shown its effectiveness and safety in experimental and clinical studies on a variety of tumors. Thus, this review primarily introduces the current status of different genetically engineered OVs used in gene therapy for liver cancer, focuses on the application of OVs and different target genes for current liver cancer therapy, and identifies the problems encountered in OVs-based combination therapy and the corresponding solutions, which will provide new insights into the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhe Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Yunxi Xiao
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yun Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Liao Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Fan Liang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
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Li Y, Wang C, Yin X, Jiang L, Li X, Yang J. Profile and clinical significance of interferon gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and its receptor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14879-14888. [PMID: 37599316 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines play a vital role in tumor progression, metastasis and prognosis; however, the profile and clinical significance of gamma interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and its receptor (CXCR3) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well evaluated. METHODS Liquid-phase chip technology was used to detect the serum IP-10 in 85 patients with HBV-related HCC, 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 50 liver cirrhosis subjects (CS); simultaneously, the CXCR3 and Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were determined. Additionally, their mRNA or protein expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), liver tumor and paracancerous tissues were quantified using qRT-PCR or ELISA. Moreover, the IP-10 and CXCR3 expression was verified by the online data from Gene Expression Omnibus. Furthermore, the relationships of serum IP-10, CXCR3 and AFP levels with their overall survival rate were also analyzed. RESULTS The levels of IP-10 and CXCR3 in HCC group were significantly higher than those in CHB and CS groups, and their mRNA of PBMC is significantly positive correlation with those in their liver tissues or HBV DNA load (P < 0.0001), respectively. The serum IP-10 and CXCR3 in HCC were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, metastases staging and distant metastasis (P < 0.05), but not related to gender, age and tumor size (P > 0.05, except IP-10 based on age). CONCLUSIONS The serum IP-10 (142.6 pg/mL) and CXCR3 (241.2 pg/mL) could be differential diagnostic surrogates that distinguish HCC from CS, and the lower IP-10 level may be conducive to the postoperative survival of HCC patients. Moreover, the IP-10 and CXCR3 would be related to anti-tumor immunity in HCC patients and be a potential target for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chengfei Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xuying Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xuefen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jiezuan Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Wang S, Wang R, Xu N, Wei X, Yang Y, Lian Z, Cen B, Shen C, Li W, Wang J, Zhang Z, Tang L, Wei Q, Lu D, Xu X. SULT2B1-CS-DOCK2 axis regulates effector T-cell exhaustion in HCC microenvironment. Hepatology 2023; 78:1064-1078. [PMID: 36626623 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC is a malignant disease. Compared with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (the classical therapy), immune checkpoint inhibitors are more effective in the treatment of HCC, despite their limited efficacy. Among these restricted factors, exhaustion of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes, especially CD8 + T cells, is a core event. We aimed to determine the key factors contributing to CD8 + T-cell infiltration in HCC and investigate the underlying mechanisms. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using machine learning and multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis, we showed that dedicator of cytokinesis protein 2 (DOCK2) was a potential indicator of infiltrated CD8 + T cells in HCC. Using RNA sequencing, flow cytometry analysis, and mouse HCC models, we demonstrated that DOCK2 inactivation accounted for infiltrated CD8 + T-cell exhaustion in tumors. Using quasi-targeted metabolomics, mass spectrum, and mass cytometry by time of flight analysis, we found that cholesterol sulfate synthesized by sulfotransferase 2B1 in tumor cells suppressed DOCK2 enzymatic activity of T cells. Through virtual screening, molecular docking simulation, and experiments validation, we demonstrated that tolazamide reversed DOCK2 inactivation-mediated CD8 + T-cell exhaustion and enhanced anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibody+apatinib immunotherapeutic effects on HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that DOCK2 controls CD8 + T-cell infiltration in HCC, and cholesterol sulfate synthesized by sulfotransferase 2B1 in tumor cells promotes effector T-cell exhaustion. The findings suggest that the usage of conventional drugs affects immunotherapy efficacy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yijie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Beini Cen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chenchen Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wangyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhensheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linsong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Di Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Liu B, Cao J, Wu B, Hao K, Wang X, Chen X, Shen Z. METTL3 and STAT3 form a positive feedback loop to promote cell metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37231451 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01148-7] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-established that most Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients die of metastasis, yet the potential mechanisms orchestrating metastasis remain poorly understood. Current evidence suggests that the dysregulation of METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification is closely associated with cancer progression. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that reportedly plays a central role in the occurrence and development of HCC. However, the relationship between METTL3 and STAT3 in HCC metastasis remains unclear. METHODS The relationship between METTL3 expression and the survival of HCC patients was assessed by online tools GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Western blotting, Tissue microarray (TMA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were used to evaluate the expression levels of METTL3 and STAT3 in HCC cell lines and metastatic and non-metastatic tissues. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), MeRIP sequencing (MeRIP-seq), qRT-PCR, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Western blotting and luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to clarify the mechanism of METTL3 regulating STAT3 expression. Immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), IHC staining, TMA and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were performed to explore the mechanism of STAT3 modulating METTL3 localization. Cell viability, wound healing and transwell assay, and orthotopic xenograft model were used to evaluate the role of METTL3-STAT3 feedback loop in the promotion of HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS METTL3 and STAT3 are both abundantly expressed in high-metastatic HCC cells and tissues. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the expression of STAT3 and METTL3 in HCC tissues. Mechanistically, METTL3 could induce the m6A modification of STAT3 mRNA, and then promote the translation of m6A-contained STAT3 mRNA by interacting with the translation initiation machinery. In contrast, STAT3 promoted nuclear localization of METTL3 via transcriptionally upregulating WTAP, a vital member of the methyltransferase complex, and facilitated the methyltransferase function of METTL3. METTL3 and STAT3 form a positive feedback loop to accelerate HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of HCC metastasis and uncover the METTL3-STAT3 feedback signaling as a potential target for the anti-metastatic treatment of HCC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Liu
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinling Cao
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Biting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Kaixuan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xiangyun Wang
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifa Shen
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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Ouranos K, Chatziioannou A, Goulis I, Sinakos E. Role of immunotherapy in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation. World J Transplant 2022; 12:331-346. [PMID: 36437845 PMCID: PMC9693898 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver neoplasm that, according to tumor stage, can be treated with resection, transplantation, locoregional treatment options, or systemic therapy. Although interventions only in early-stage disease can offer complete tumor regression, systemic therapy in advanced disease can significantly prolong overall survival, according to published clinical trials. The emergence of immunotherapy in the field of cancer therapy has had a positive impact on patients with HCC, resulting in atezolizumab–bevacizumab currently being the first-line option for treatment of advanced HCC. In light of this, application of immunotherapy in the preoperative process could increase the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for liver transplantation (LT). Implementation of this approach is faced with challenges regarding the safety of immunotherapy and the possibly increased risk of rejection in the perioperative period. Case reports and clinical trials assessing the safety profile and effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, highlight important aspects regarding this newly evolving approach to HCC management. More studies need to be conducted in order to reach a consensus regarding the optimal way to administer immunotherapy prior to LT. In this review, we summarize the role, safety profile and future considerations regarding the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to LT in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ouranos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Anthi Chatziioannou
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Shadbad MA, Ghorbaninezhad F, Hassanian H, Ahangar NK, Hosseinkhani N, Derakhshani A, Shekari N, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. A scoping review on the significance of programmed death-ligand 1-inhibiting microRNAs in non-small cell lung treatment: A single-cell RNA sequencing-based study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1027758. [PMID: 36388933 PMCID: PMC9659572 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1027758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/PD-1 axis is one of the well-established inhibitory axes in regulating immune responses. Besides the significance of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 expression in immune evasion, its oncogenic role has been implicated in various malignancies, like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRs) have pivotal roles in cancer biology. The current study aimed to systematically review the current knowledge about the significance of PD-L1-inhibiting miRs in NSCLC inhibition and their underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted the current scoping review based on the PRISMA-ScR statement. We systematically searched Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, and Pascal-Francis up to 4 April 2021. We also performed in silico tumor bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing to further the current knowledge of the non-coding RNA-mediated tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 regulation and the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in NSCLC. RESULTS The ectopic expression of hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR-326, hsa-miR-526b-3p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p, hsa-miR-138-5p, hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-200c-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p, as PD-L1-inhibiting miR, inhibits NSCLC development. These PD-L1-inhibiting miRs can substantially regulate the cell cycle, migration, clonogenicity, invasion, apoptosis, tumor chemosensitivity, and host anti-tumoral immune responses. Based on single-cell RNA sequencing results, PD-L1 inhibition might liberate the tumor-infiltrated CD8+ T-cells and dendritic cells (DCs)-mediated anti-tumoral immune responses via disrupting the PD-L1/PD-1 axis. CONCLUSION Given the promising preclinical results of these PD-L1-inhibiting miRs in inhibiting NSCLC development, their ectopic expression might improve NSCLC patients' prognosis; however, further studies are needed to translate this approach into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamidreza Hassanian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Noora Karim Ahangar
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negar Hosseinkhani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Najibeh Shekari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Increased Expression of NXPH4 Correlates with Immune Cell Infiltration and Unfavorable Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5005747. [PMID: 36245978 PMCID: PMC9560829 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5005747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading malignant carcinomas. Despite the advancement in the treatment for HCC, such as precise hepatectomy, radiotherapy, transarterial therapies, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy, the 5-year overall survival rate of HCC is extremely low. Hence, novel biomarkers are urgently needed for advancing the therapy and prognosis of HCC. Neurexophilin 4 (NXPH4) is a neuropeptide-like glycoprotein. The study is designed to investigate the function of NXPH4 in HCC through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. NXPH4 expression status and prognostic values were analyzed via multiple datasets, such as TCGA, GEO, and ICGC. The association between NXPH4 and immune cell infiltration was estimated by TIMER, TISIDB, and CIBERSORT. In vitro, we explored the biological function of NXPH4 in JHH7 and SNU182 cells through knocking down the expression of NXPH4 via siRNA. In general, NXPH4 was predominantly upregulated in HCC tumors, and increased NXPH4 expression predicted unfavorable prognosis. The gene enrichment analysis displayed that NXPH4 was related with metabolic pathways. NXPH4 expression was correlated with immune cell infiltration. NXPH4 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of JHH7 and SNU182 cells. This study suggested that the upregulation of NXPH4 is associated with adverse prognosis and immune cell infiltration in HCC. NXPH4 could be a novel biomarker of unfavorable prognosis and an underlying target for immunotherapy in HCC.
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Tian BW, Han CL, Dong ZR, Tan SY, Wang DX, Li T. Role of Exosomes in Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164036. [PMID: 36011030 PMCID: PMC9406927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies, having a significantly poor prognosis. Immunotherapy, as an emerging tumor treatment option, provides new hope for many cancer patients. However, a large proportion of patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. As a critical cell-to-cell communication mediator in the tumor immune microenvironment, exosomes may play a unique role in hepatocellular carcinoma immune response and thus affect the efficiency of immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss related research on the roles of exosomes in the current immunotherapy resistance mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, we also clarify the excellent predictive value of exosomes and the roles they play in improving immunotherapy efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. We hope that our review can help readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of exosomes’ roles in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, having a significantly poor prognosis and no sufficiently efficient treatments. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has provided new therapeutic approaches for HCC patients. Nevertheless, most patients with HCC do not benefit from immunotherapy. Exosomes are biologically active lipid bilayer nano-sized vesicles ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm and can be secreted by almost any cell. In the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), numerous cells are involved in tumor progression, and exosomes—derived from tumor cells and immune cells—exhibit unique composition profiles and act as intercellular communicators by transporting various substances. Showing the dual characteristics of tumor promotion and suppression, exosomes exert multiple functions in shaping tumor immune responses in the crosstalk between tumor cells and surrounding immune cells, mediating immunotherapy resistance by affecting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis or the anti-tumor function of immune cells in the TME. Targeting exosomes or the application of exosomes as therapies is involved in many aspects of HCC immunotherapies (e.g., ICIs, tumor vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy) and may substantially enhance their efficacy. In this review, we discuss the impact of exosomes on the HCC TME and comprehensively summarize the role of exosomes in immunotherapy resistance and therapeutic application. We also discuss the potential of exosomes as biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy to help clinicians in identifying HCC patients who are amenable to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Wen Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Cheng-Long Han
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-531-8216-6651
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Advances in the Immunomodulatory Properties of Glycoantigens in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081854. [PMID: 35454762 PMCID: PMC9032556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This work reviews the role of aberrant glycosylation in cancer cells during tumour growth and spreading, as well as in immune evasion. The interaction of tumour-associated glycans with the immune system through C-type lectin receptors can favour immune escape but can also provide opportunities to develop novel tumour immunotherapy strategies. This work highlights the main findings in this area and spotlights the challenges that remain to be investigated. Abstract Aberrant glycosylation in tumour progression is currently a topic of main interest. Tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) are expressed in a wide variety of epithelial cancers, being both a diagnostic tool and a potential treatment target, as they have impact on patient outcome and disease progression. Glycans affect both tumour-cell biology properties as well as the antitumor immune response. It has been ascertained that TACAs affect cell migration, invasion and metastatic properties both when expressed by cancer cells or by their extracellular vesicles. On the other hand, tumour-associated glycans recognized by C-type lectin receptors in immune cells possess immunomodulatory properties which enable tumour growth and immune response evasion. Yet, much remains unknown, concerning mechanisms involved in deregulation of glycan synthesis and how this affects cell biology on a major level. This review summarises the main findings to date concerning how aberrant glycans influence tumour growth and immunity, their application in cancer treatment and spotlights of unanswered challenges remaining to be solved.
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