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Liu Y, El Jabbour T, Somma J, Nakanishi Y, Ligato S, Lee H, Fu ZY. Blastomas of the digestive system in adults: A review. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:1030-1042. [PMID: 38690053 PMCID: PMC11056657 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i4.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastomas, characterized by a mixture of mesenchymal, epithelial, and undifferentiated blastematous components, are rare malignant neoplasms originating from precursor blast cells. This review focuses on digestive system blastomas in adult patients, including gastroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and pancreatoblastoma. Gastroblastoma is a biphasic, epitheliomesenchymal tumor, with only sixteen cases reported to date. In addition to the characteristic histology, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 - glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 gene fusion is typical, although recently novel ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 - c-terminal binding protein 1 and patched 1 - glioma-associated oncogene homolog 2 fusions have been described. Hepatoblastoma is exceptionally rare in adults and can show a variety of histologic patterns which may cause diagnostic difficulty. Pancreatoblastoma, primarily a pediatric tumor, displays acinar differentiation and squamoid nests with other lines of differentiation also present, especially neuroendocrine. Diagnostic approaches for these blastomas include a combination of imaging modalities, histopathological examination, and molecular profiling. The treatment generally involves surgical resection, which may be supplemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in some cases. Prognoses vary with gastroblastoma generally showing favorable outcomes post-surgery whereas hepatoblastoma and pancreatoblastoma often have poorer outcomes, particularly in the setting of metastases. This review highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing these rare adult blastomas as well as the need for ongoing research to better understand their pathogenesis and improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Tony El Jabbour
- Department of Pathology, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford, CT 06102, United States
| | - Jonathan Somma
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Yukihiro Nakanishi
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Saverio Ligato
- Department of Pathology, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford, CT 06102, United States
| | - Hwajeong Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Zhi-Yan Fu
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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Porto E, Loula P, Strand S, Hankeln T. Molecular analysis of the human cytoglobin mRNA isoforms. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 251:112422. [PMID: 38016326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112422] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Multiple functions have been proposed for the ubiquitously expressed vertebrate globin cytoglobin (Cygb), including nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, lipid peroxidation/signalling, superoxide dismutase activity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) scavenging, regulation of blood pressure, antifibrosis, and both tumour suppressor and oncogenic effects. Since alternative splicing can expand the biological roles of a gene, we investigated whether this mechanism contributes to the functional diversity of Cygb. By mining of cDNA data and molecular analysis, we identified five alternative mRNA isoforms for the human CYGB gene (V-1 to V-5). Comprehensive RNA-seq analyses of public datasets from human tissues and cells confirmed that the canonical CYGB V-1 isoform is the primary CYGB transcript in the majority of analysed datasets. Interestingly, we revealed that isoform V-3 represented the predominant CYGB variant in hepatoblastoma (HB) cell lines and in the majority of analysed normal and HB liver tissues. CYGB V-3 mRNA is transcribed from an alternate upstream promoter and hypothetically encodes a N-terminally truncated CYGB protein, which is not recognized by some antibodies used in published studies. Little to no transcriptional evidence was found for the other CYGB isoforms. Comparative transcriptomics and flow cytometry on CYGB+/+ and gene-edited CYGB-/- HepG2 HB cells did not unveil a knockout phenotype and, thus, a potential function for CYGB V-3. Our study reveals that the CYGB gene is transcriptionally more complex than previously described as it expresses alternative mRNA isoforms of unknown function. Additional experimental data are needed to clarify the biological meaning of those alternative CYGB transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Porto
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Molecular Genetics & Genome Analysis Group, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, J. J. Becher-Weg 30A, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Paraskevi Loula
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Molecular Genetics & Genome Analysis Group, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, J. J. Becher-Weg 30A, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Strand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Molecular Hepatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 63, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Hankeln
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Molecular Genetics & Genome Analysis Group, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, J. J. Becher-Weg 30A, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
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3
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Nejak-Bowen K, Monga SP. Wnt-β-catenin in hepatobiliary homeostasis, injury, and repair. Hepatology 2023; 78:1907-1921. [PMID: 37246413 PMCID: PMC10687322 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Wnt-β-catenin signaling has emerged as an important regulatory pathway in the liver, playing key roles in zonation and mediating contextual hepatobiliary repair after injuries. In this review, we will address the major advances in understanding the role of Wnt signaling in hepatic zonation, regeneration, and cholestasis-induced injury. We will also touch on some important unanswered questions and discuss the relevance of modulating the pathway to provide therapies for complex liver pathologies that remain a continued unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Prochownik EV, Wang H. Lessons in aging from Myc knockout mouse models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1244321. [PMID: 37621775 PMCID: PMC10446843 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1244321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite MYC being among the most intensively studied oncogenes, its role in normal development has not been determined as Myc-/- mice do not survival beyond mid-gestation. Myc ± mice live longer than their wild-type counterparts and are slower to accumulate many age-related phenotypes. However, Myc haplo-insufficiency likely conceals other important phenotypes as many high-affinity Myc targets genes continue to be regulated normally. By delaying Myc inactivation until after birth it has recently been possible to study the consequences of its near-complete total body loss and thus to infer its normal function. Against expectation, these "MycKO" mice lived significantly longer than control wild-type mice but manifested a marked premature aging phenotype. This seemingly paradoxical behavior was potentially explained by a >3-fold lower lifetime incidence of cancer, normally the most common cause of death in mice and often Myc-driven. Myc loss accelerated the accumulation of numerous "Aging Hallmarks", including the loss of mitochondrial and ribosomal structural and functional integrity, the generation of reactive oxygen species, the acquisition of genotoxic damage, the detrimental rewiring of metabolism and the onset of senescence. In both mice and humans, normal aging in many tissues was accompaniued by the downregulation of Myc and the loss of Myc target gene regulation. Unlike most mouse models of premature aging, which are based on monogenic disorders of DNA damage recognition and repair, the MycKO mouse model directly impacts most Aging Hallmarks and may therefore more faithfully replicate the normal aging process of both mice and humans. It further establishes that the strong association between aging and cancer can be genetically separated and is maintained by a single gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- The Hillman Cancer Center of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- The Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Farooqui Z, Johnston M, Schepers E, Brewer N, Hartman S, Jenkins T, Bondoc A, Pai A, Geller J, Tiao GM. Quality of Life Outcomes for Patients Who Underwent Conventional Resection and Liver Transplantation for Locally Advanced Hepatoblastoma. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050890. [PMID: 37238438 DOI: 10.3390/children10050890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor of childhood, with liver transplant and extended resection used as surgical treatments for locally advanced tumors. Although each approach has well-described post-operative complications, quality-of-life outcomes have not been described following the two interventions. Long-term pediatric survivors of hepatoblastoma who underwent conventional liver resection or liver transplantation at a single institution from January 2000-December 2013 were recruited to complete quality-of-life surveys. Survey responses for the Pediatric Quality of Life Generic Core 4.0 (PedsQL, n = 30 patient and n = 31 parent surveys) and Pediatric Quality of Life Cancer Module 3.0 (PedsQL-Cancer, n = 29 patient and n = 31 parent surveys) were collected from patients and parents. The mean total patient-reported PedsQL score was 73.7, and the parent-reported score was 73.9. There were no significant differences in scores on the PedsQL between patients who underwent resection compared to those who underwent transplantation (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). On the PedsQL-Cancer module, procedural anxiety scores were significantly lower for patients who underwent resection as compared to transplant (M = 33.47 points less, CI [-60.41, -6.53], p-value 0.017). This cross-sectional study demonstrates that quality of life outcomes are overall similar among patients receiving transplants and resections. Patients who received a resection reported worse procedural anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishaan Farooqui
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, CARE/Crawley Building, Suite E-870 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Michael Johnston
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, CARE/Crawley Building, Suite E-870 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Emily Schepers
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, CARE/Crawley Building, Suite E-870 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nathalie Brewer
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Stephen Hartman
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, CARE/Crawley Building, Suite E-870 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Todd Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Alexander Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ahna Pai
- Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - James Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Gregory M Tiao
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Zhang SH, Chen GY, Wei L. Coexisting Infantile Hepatic Hemangioma and Hepatoblastoma in a Neonate: A Case Report. Int J Surg Pathol 2023; 31:485-490. [PMID: 37097887 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231171127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Infantile hepatic hemangioma and hepatoblastoma are the most common benign and malignant tumors of the liver in the neonatal and early childhood periods, respectively. However, the simultaneous occurrence of these 2 tumors in the same liver lesion is very rare. We report a case of a newborn infant diagnosed with a liver mass by ultrasound examination 4 days after birth. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated for his age (32,881.7 ng/mL). The liver mass was resected. Macroscopically, an externally protruding mass measuring 6 × 4 × 3.5 cm was identified. Microscopically, we observed the coexistence of infantile hepatic hemangioma and epithelial hepatoblastoma components within the tumor. The infantile hepatic hemangioma component was composed of multiple small vascular channels lined by endothelial cells. In the hepatoblastoma component, tumor cells were arranged in a 2- to 3-cell-thick trabecular formation. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the tumor cells in the infantile hepatic hemangioma component expressed CD34, CD31, FLI1, and ERG, and those in the hepatoblastoma component expressed hepatocyte, keratin AE1/AE3 and keratin 8, glypican 3, glutamine synthetase, and AFP. Pathological examination confirmed the presence of an infantile hepatic hemangioma combined with epithelial hepatoblastoma (fetal type). The boy did not undergo chemotherapy after the operation. Regular follow-up through serum AFP levels and liver ultrasound for 16 months to date show that the serum AFP levels decreased continuously to normal levels, with no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis. The coexistence of infantile hepatic hemangioma and hepatoblastoma is rare. Hepatoblastoma should be considered in neonates with liver tumors and elevated AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Yong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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7
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Lin Y, Fang H, Ma C, Zhou J, Ding M, Sun H, Xu Y, Shan Y, Gao H, Yang L, Gu S, Li H. ACLY-β-catenin axis modulates hepatoblastoma cell proliferation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 663:104-112. [PMID: 37121120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
HB (hepatoblastoma) is most common in children with liver cancer and few options for treating HB. Thus, it is of great significance to investigate the regulatory mechanism of HB and/or identify new therapeutic targets for clinical treatment of HB. Here, we showed that ACLY (ATP citrate lyase), an important lipometabolic enzyme for de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids and steroids, has a higher expression in HB tissues than noncancerous tissues, and is required for HB cell proliferation. Moreover, knocking down ACLY in HB cells caused severe S-phase arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, ACLY knockdown significantly silenced the Wnt signaling pathway and reduced β-catenin expression in HB cells. Conversely, the apoptotic alleviation of HB cells by overexpressing ACLY was blocked by silencing β-catenin, suggesting the modulation of HB cells by ACLY-β-catenin axis. Our results uncovered the role of ACLY in HB cells and presented a theoretical approach for HB targeted therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Houshun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Chunshuang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Jiquan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Huiying Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yuhua Shan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Hongxiang Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Liyuan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Song Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China; Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Fujian, China.
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Brown A, Pan Q, Fan L, Indersie E, Tian C, Timchenko N, Li L, Hansen BS, Tan H, Lu M, Peng J, Pruett-Miller SM, Yu J, Cairo S, Zhu L. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit switching in hepatoblastoma drug response and relapse. Commun Biol 2023; 6:249. [PMID: 36882565 PMCID: PMC9992519 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04630-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of children with high-risk hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common pediatric liver cancer, remains poor. In this study, we found ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) subunit M2 (RRM2) was one of the key genes supporting cell proliferation in high-risk HB. While standard chemotherapies could effectively suppress RRM2 in HB cells, they induced a significant upregulation of the other RNR M2 subunit, RRM2B. Computational analysis revealed distinct signaling networks RRM2 and RRM2B were involved in HB patient tumors, with RRM2 supporting cell proliferation and RRM2B participating heavily in stress response pathways. Indeed, RRM2B upregulation in chemotherapy-treated HB cells promoted cell survival and subsequent relapse, during which RRM2B was gradually replaced back by RRM2. Combining an RRM2 inhibitor with chemotherapy showed an effective delaying of HB tumor relapse in vivo. Overall, our study revealed the distinct roles of the two RNR M2 subunits and their dynamic switching during HB cell proliferation and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Brown
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qingfei Pan
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Cheng Tian
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nikolai Timchenko
- Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Liyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Baranda S Hansen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Haiyan Tan
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Meifen Lu
- Center for Comparative Pathology Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jiyang Yu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Liqin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Schepers EJ, Lake C, Glaser K, Bondoc AJ. Inhibition of Glypican-3 Cleavage Results in Reduced Cell Proliferation in a Liver Cancer Cell Line. J Surg Res 2023; 282:118-128. [PMID: 36272230 PMCID: PMC10893758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a surface-bound proteoglycan overexpressed in pediatric liver cancer and utilized clinically as an immunohistochemical tumor marker. Furin is a proprotein convertase that is ubiquitously expressed and shown to modify GPC3 post-translationally. In experimental models of epithelial-based cancers, furin inhibition decreased tumor cell migration and proliferation representing a potential therapeutic target. METHODS Using a synthetic furin inhibitor, we evaluated proliferation, migration, protein, and RNA expression in two liver cancer cell lines, HepG2 (GPC3-positive) and SKHep1 cells (GPC3-negative). Total furin protein and GPC3 protein expression were assessed to evaluate functional levels of furin. RESULTS There was a reduction in HepG2 proliferation with addition of furin inhibitor at the 48-h timepoint, however there was an increase in HepG2 migration. CONCLUSIONS GPC3 cleavage in hepatoblastoma (HB) has a role in cell proliferation with therapeutic potential, however furin inhibition is not an appropriate target for GPC3-expressing HB due to increased migration which may enhance metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Schepers
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Charissa Lake
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alexander J Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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10
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Hurley EH, Tao J, Liu S, Krutsenko Y, Singh S, Monga SP. Inhibition of Heat Shock Factor 1 Signaling Decreases Hepatoblastoma Growth via Induction of Apoptosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:148-160. [PMID: 36336065 PMCID: PMC9887635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although rare compared with adult liver cancers, hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignancy, and its incidence is increasing. Currently, the treatment includes surgical resection with or without chemotherapy, and in severe cases, liver transplantation in children. The effort to develop more targeted, HB-specific therapies has been stymied by the lack of fundamental knowledge about HB biology. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), a transcription factor, is a canonical inducer of heat shock proteins, which act as chaperone proteins to prevent or undo protein misfolding. Recent work has shown a role for HSF1 in cancer beyond the canonical heat shock response. The current study found increased HSF1 signaling in HB versus normal liver. It showed that less differentiated, more embryonic tumors had higher levels of HSF1 than more differentiated, more fetal-appearing tumors. Most strikingly, HSF1 expression levels correlated with mortality. This study used a mouse model of HB to test the effect of inhibiting HSF1 early in tumor development on cancer growth. HSF1 inhibition resulted in fewer and smaller tumors, suggesting HSF1 is needed for aggressive tumor growth. Moreover, HSF1 inhibition also increased apoptosis in tumor foci. These data suggest that HSF1 may be a viable pharmacologic target for HB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Hurley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Junyan Tao
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Silvia Liu
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yekaterina Krutsenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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11
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Brown A, Pan Q, Fan L, Indersie E, Tian C, Timchenko N, Li L, Hansen BS, Tan H, Lu M, Peng J, Pruett-Miller SM, Yu J, Cairo S, Zhu L. Ribonucleotide Reductase Subunit Switching in Hepatoblastoma Drug Response and Relapse. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36747774 PMCID: PMC9900781 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prognosis of children with high-risk hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common pediatric liver cancer, remains poor. In this study, we found ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) subunit M2 ( RRM2 ) was one of the key genes supporting cell proliferation in high-risk HB. While standard chemotherapies could effectively suppress RRM2 in HB cells, they induced a significant upregulation of the other RNR M2 subunit, RRM2B . Computational analysis revealed distinct signaling networks RRM2 and RRM2B were involved in HB patient tumors, with RRM2 supporting cell proliferation and RRM2B participating heavily in stress response pathways. Indeed, RRM2B upregulation in chemotherapy-treated HB cells promoted cell survival and subsequent relapse, during which RRM2B was gradually replaced back by RRM2. Combining an RRM2 inhibitor with chemotherapy showed an effective delaying of HB tumor relapse in vivo. Overall, our study revealed the distinct roles of the two RNR M2 subunits and their dynamic switching during HB cell proliferation and stress response.
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12
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Bhandari R, Shaikh II, Bhandari R, Chapagain S. LINC01023 Promotes the Hepatoblastoma Tumorigenesis via miR-378a-5p/WNT3 Axis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022:10.1007/s11010-022-04636-5. [PMID: 36576714 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common type of hepatic tumors occurring in children between 0 and 5 years. And the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still mysterious. Accumulating studies on LncRNA have shown its pivotal role in the development and progression of distinct human cancers. However, the role of LINC01023 in hepatoblastoma is unknown. The relative expression of LINC01023, miR-378a-5p, and Wnt3 on hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effect of LINC01023 downregulation and upregulation on cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis activities in HUH6 and HepG2 Cells was assessed by CKK8, clonogenic and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Dual luciferase, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down were performed to confirm the interaction between LINC01023 and miR-378a-5p. Similarly, Dual luciferase assay was performed to confirmed the interaction between Wnt3 and miR-378a-5p. The xenograft tumorgenicity test was performed to elucidate the tumorgenicity potential of LINC01023. LINC01023 was significantly upregulated in hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines rather than in adjacent normal hepatic tissue and QSG7701 cell lines. LINC01023 silencing attenuated cell proliferation, colony formation and increased cell apoptosis. Conversely, LINC01023 upregulation results in significant increase in cell proliferation, and colony formation activities however, a significant reduction in apoptosis activity was reported. Interaction between the LINC01023 and WNT3 was confirmed by dual luciferase assay. Xenograft animal tumorgenicity test confirmed the in-vivo tumorigenesis potential of LINC01203. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study demonstrating the role of LINC01023 in hepatoblastoma tumorigenesis through the LINC01023/miR-378a-5p/Wnt3 axis. It could be a potential therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker in hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Bhandari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth Peoples Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China.
| | - Imran Ibrahim Shaikh
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Rajeev Bhandari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth Peoples Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Sadikchha Chapagain
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth Peoples Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
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13
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Julson JR, Beierle EA. Embryology and surgical anatomy of pediatric solid tumors. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151233. [PMID: 36423516 PMCID: PMC10084944 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J R Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - E A Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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14
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Cárcamo B, Masotto B, Baquero-Vaquer A, Ceballos-Saenz D, Zapata-Aldana E. "Cancer in ARID1A-Coffin-Siris syndrome: Review and report of a child with hepatoblastoma". Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104600. [PMID: 36049608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104600] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is a rare neurodevelopmental and multisystemic disorder with wide genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variability caused by pathogenic variants in the BAF complex with 341 cases enrolled in the CSS/BAF-related disorders registry by 2021. Pathogenic variants of ARID1A account for 7-8% of cases with CSS phenotype. Malignancy has been previously reported in six individuals with CSS associated with BAF mutations. Two of these malignancies including one acute lymphoid leukemia and one hepatoblastoma were reported in ARID1A-associated CSS (ARID1A-CSS). Alterations in ARID1A are among the most common molecular aberrations in human cancer. Somatic deletion of 1p and specifically of 1p36.11 containing ARID1A is frequently seen in hepatoblastoma and has been associated with high-risk features. Here we report a child with CSS Phenotype and a novel de novo variant of ARID1A with hepatoblastoma. Because hepatoblastoma has an incidence of 1 per million children, the presence of hepatoblastoma in 2 of 30 known cases of ARID1A-CSS is significant. ARID1A-CSS should be included among the cancer predisposition syndromes associated with an increased risk of hepatoblastoma and tumour surveillance considered for these patients. The role of ARID1A in the pathogenesis and outcome of hepatoblastoma deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Cárcamo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA; El Paso Children's Hospital, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Delia Ceballos-Saenz
- Telethon Children's Rehabilitation Centre (Centro de Rehabilitación e inclusión Infantil Teleton), Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Eugenio Zapata-Aldana
- Telethon Children's Rehabilitation Centre (Centro de Rehabilitación e inclusión Infantil Teleton), Guerrero, Mexico; Medical Genetics, Sistemas Genómicos, Paterna, Spain.
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15
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Nucleic acid therapy in pediatric cancer. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106441. [PMID: 36096420 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The overall survival, progress free survival, and life quality of cancer patients have improved due to the advance in minimally invasive surgery, precision radiotherapy, and various combined chemotherapy in the last decade. Furthermore, the discovery of new types of therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and immune cell therapies have facilitated both patients and doctors to fight with cancers. Moreover, in the context of the development in biocompatible and cell type targeting nano-carriers as well as nucleic acid-based drugs for initiating and enhancing the anti-tumor response have come to the age. The treatment paradigms utilization of nucleic acids, including short interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), and messenger RNA (mRNA), can target specific protein expression to achieve the therapeutic effects. Over ten nucleic acid therapeutics have been approved by the FDA and EMA in rare diseases and genetic diseases as well as dozens of registered clinical trails for varies cancers. Though generally less dangerous of pediatric cancers than adult cancers was observed during the past decades, yet pediatric cancers accounted for a significant proportion of child deaths which hurt those family very deeply. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention for improving the treatment of pediatric cancer and discovering new nucleic acid therapeutics which may help to improve the therapeutic effect and prognoses in turns to ameliorate the survival period and quality of life for children patient. In this review, we focus on the nucleic acid therapy in pediatric cancers.
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16
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Fragoulis A, Schenkel J, Schröder N, Brandt EF, Weiand M, Neu T, Ramadori P, Caspers T, Kant S, Pufe T, Mohs A, Trautwein C, Longerich T, Streetz KL, Wruck CJ. Nrf2 induces malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells by inducing β-catenin expression. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102453. [PMID: 36209041 PMCID: PMC9618468 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nrf2 signaling pathway prevents cancer initiation, but genetic mutations that activate this pathway are found in various types of cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying this Janus-headed character are still not understood. Here, we show that sustained Nrf2 activation induces proliferation and dedifferentiation of a Wnt-responsive perivenular hepatic progenitor cell population, transforming them into metastatic cancer cells. The neoplastic lesions display many histological features known from human hepatoblastoma. We describe an Nrf2-induced upregulation of β-catenin expression and its activation as the underlying mechanism for the observed malignant transformation. Thus, we have identified the Nrf2–β-catenin axis promoting proliferation of hepatic stem cells and triggering tumorigenesis. These findings support the concept that different functional levels of Nrf2 control both the protection against various toxins as well as liver regeneration by activating hepatic stem cells. Activation of the hepatic stem cell compartment confers the observation that unbridled Nrf2 activation may trigger tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Schenkel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Schröder
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Weiand
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Tabita Neu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Pierluigi Ramadori
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Caspers
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kant
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Antje Mohs
- Department of Medicine III, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
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17
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Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Primary Liver Tumours: From Microenvironment Signaling to Therapeutic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081912. [PMID: 35454818 PMCID: PMC9024538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancers (PLCs) are steadily increasing in incidence and mortality in the world. They have a poor prognosis due to their silent nature, late discovery and resistance to common chemotherapy. At present, there are limited treatment alternatives, and the understanding of PLC molecular aspects is essential to develop more efficient drugs and therapeutic surgical and loco-regional strategies. A clear causal link with liver damage, inflammation, and regeneration has been found in the occurrence of PLC over the last few decades. Physiologically, Wingless/It (Wnt)-β-catenin signaling plays a key role in liver development, metabolic zonation and regeneration. Loss of functional homeostasis of this pathway appears to be a major driver of carcinogenesis in the liver parenchyma. In the hepatic microenvironment, molecular deregulations that exceed the Wnt signaling biological capacity can induce tumor initiation and progression. Indeed, somatic mutations are identified in key components of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling and in PLCs and precancerous lesions. In this review, the altered functions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are considered in human PLCs, with emphasis on hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) and hepatoblastomas (HB). Based on recent literature, we also focused on liver cancerogenesis through Wnt deregulation. An overview of preclinical and clinical studies on approved and experimental drugs, targeting the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in PLCs, is proposed. In addition, the clinical implication of molecule inhibitors that have been shown to possess activity against the Wnt pathway in association with conventional surgical and loco-regional therapies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, Ospedale Floraspe Renzetti, 66034 Lanciano, Chieti, Italy;
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant’Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Molecular Markers of Pediatric Solid Tumors—Diagnosis, Optimizing Treatments, and Determining Susceptibility: Current State and Future Directions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071238. [PMID: 35406801 PMCID: PMC8997439 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular technologies, from genomics and transcriptomics to epigenetics, are providing unprecedented insight into the molecular landscape of pediatric tumors. Multi-omics approaches provide an opportunity to identify a wide spectrum of molecular alterations that account for the initiation of the neoplastic process in children, response to treatment and disease progression. The detection of molecular markers is crucial to assist clinicians in accurate tumor diagnosis, risk stratification, disease subtyping, prediction of treatment response, and surveillance, allowing also for personalized cancer management. This review summarizes the most recent developments in genomics research and their relevance to the field of pediatric oncology with the aim of generating an overview of the most important, from the clinical perspective, molecular markers for pediatric solid tumors. We present an overview of the molecular markers selected based on therapeutic protocols, guidelines from international committees and scientific societies, and published data.
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19
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Archana B, D'Cruze L, Nazneen S, Thanka J, Scott JX. Immunohistochemical expression of beta-catenin in hepatoblastoma and its clinical significance. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:677-680. [PMID: 35900540 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1575_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Primary hepatic malignancies account for 0.5-2% of all solid tumours in childhood. Hepatoblastoma, a rare embryonic tumour in the general population, represents the most frequent primary hepatic malignancy in the paediatric age group, with an incidence of one new case per million under 15 years of age, median age at diagnosis being 1 year. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway is likely to result in tumorigenesis of hepatoblastoma. The nuclear and intra-cytoplasmic accumulations of beta-catenin correlate with the likely prognosis of the disease. Nuclear expression of beta catenin is associated with a shorter survival, higher stage, and seen in embryonal/undifferentiated types. Aim To study the expression of beta-catenin in hepatoblastoma by immunohistochemistry and correlate it with the tumour histology and survival outcome. Materials & Methods This is a retrospective study of 11 children over a period of 5 years with the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. These children underwent partial hepatectomy or liver transplantation at the Department of Paediatric Surgery. The clinical, histological and survival data were collected. Immunohistochemical analysis with beta-catenin was done and analysed. Results Mean birth weight of the children was 2.75kg.63.6% had an epithelial type of histology.Beta catenin expression by IHC was studied in 11 cases and found to be positive in 4 cases. Nuclear positivity was noted in 2/4 cases of embryonal type and Cytoplasmic and membranous positivity was seen in the other 2/4 cases. Normal liver showed a membranous pattern of positivity in one case. Negative staining was seen in 6 out of 11 cases. Conclusion Beta catenin is considered to be an useful tool for assessing the prognosis of patients with hepatoblastoma and its expression is associated with a poor survival outcome. There are no validated biomarkers for prognosis so far. However, larger studies incorporating molecular profiling is warranted to establish prognostic factors for planning effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Archana
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lawrence D'Cruze
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sarah Nazneen
- MBBS Student, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - J Thanka
- Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Julius Xavier Scott
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Holczbauer Á, Wangensteen KJ, Shin S. Cellular origins of regenerating liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100416. [PMID: 35243280 PMCID: PMC8873941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary cancer arising from the liver and is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The cellular origin of HCC has been a topic of great interest due to conflicting findings regarding whether it originates in hepatocytes, biliary cells, or facultative stem cells. These cell types all undergo changes during liver injury, and there is controversy about their contribution to regenerative responses in the liver. Most HCCs emerge in the setting of chronic liver injury from viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol, and environmental exposures. The injuries are marked by liver parenchymal changes such as hepatocyte regenerative nodules, biliary duct cellular changes, expansion of myofibroblasts that cause fibrosis and cirrhosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, all of which may contribute to carcinogenesis. Addressing the cellular origin of HCC is the key to identifying the earliest events that trigger it. Herein, we review data on the cells of origin in regenerating liver and HCC and the implications of these findings for prevention and treatment. We also review the origins of childhood liver cancer and other rare cancers of the liver.
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21
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Tsvetkova V, Magro G, Broggi G, Luchini C, Cappello F, Caporalini C, Buccoliero AM, Santoro L. New insights in gastrointestinal "pediatric" neoplasms in adult patients: pancreatoblastoma, hepatoblastoma and embryonal sarcoma of the liver. A practical approach by GIPPI-GIPAD Groups. Pathologica 2022; 114:64-78. [PMID: 35212317 PMCID: PMC9040550 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric solid neoplasms are rare and very different from those observed in adults. The majority of them are referred to as embryonal because they arise as a result of alterations in the processes of organogenesis or normal growth and are characterized by proliferation of primitive cells, reproducing the corresponding tissue at various stages of embryonic development. This review will focus on embryonal gastrointestinal pediatric neoplasms in adult patients, including pancreatoblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and embryonal sarcoma of the liver. Although they are classically considered pediatric neoplasms, they may (rarely) occur in adult patients. Hepatoblastoma represents the most frequent liver neoplasm in the pediatric population, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma and embryonal sarcoma of the liver; while pancreatoblastoma is the most common malignant pancreatic tumor in childhood. Both in children and adults, the mainstay of treatment is complete surgical resection, either up front or following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Unresectable and/or metastatic neoplasms may be amenable to complete delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, these neoplasms display a more aggressive behavior and overall poorer prognosis in adults than in children, probably because they are diagnosed in later stages of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilena Tsvetkova
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, Verona University and Hospital Trust; Verona, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, Verona University and Hospital Trust; Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo Cappello
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Luisa Santoro
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Padova, Padova, Italy
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22
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Pfister SM, Reyes-Múgica M, Chan JKC, Hasle H, Lazar AJ, Rossi S, Ferrari A, Jarzembowski JA, Pritchard-Jones K, Hill DA, Jacques TS, Wesseling P, López Terrada DH, von Deimling A, Kratz CP, Cree IA, Alaggio R. A Summary of the Inaugural WHO Classification of Pediatric Tumors: Transitioning from the Optical into the Molecular Era. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:331-355. [PMID: 34921008 PMCID: PMC9401511 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric tumors are uncommon, yet are the leading cause of cancer-related death in childhood. Tumor types, molecular characteristics, and pathogenesis are unique, often originating from a single genetic driver event. The specific diagnostic challenges of childhood tumors led to the development of the first World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Pediatric Tumors. The classification is rooted in a multilayered approach, incorporating morphology, IHC, and molecular characteristics. The volume is organized according to organ sites and provides a single, state-of-the-art compendium of pediatric tumor types. A special emphasis was placed on "blastomas," which variably recapitulate the morphologic maturation of organs from which they originate. SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we briefly summarize the main features and updates of each chapter of the inaugural WHO Classification of Pediatric Tumors, including its rapid transition from a mostly microscopic into a molecularly driven classification systematically taking recent discoveries in pediatric tumor genomics into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John K C Chan
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Departments of Pathology & Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sabrina Rossi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Jason A Jarzembowski
- Department of Pathology, Children's Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - D Ashley Hill
- Department of Pathology, Children's National Hospital, Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Thomas S Jacques
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pieter Wesseling
- Laboratory for Childhood Cancer Pathology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dolores H López Terrada
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Kratz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ian A Cree
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Patel K, Phipps WS, Luu HS, Rakheja D. Laboratory testing in pediatric cancer patients. Cancer Biomark 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824302-2.00010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Grundy M, Narendran A. The hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal epithelial transition factor axis in high-risk pediatric solid tumors and the anti-tumor activity of targeted therapeutic agents. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:910268. [PMID: 36034555 PMCID: PMC9399617 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.910268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials completed in the last two decades have contributed significantly to the improved overall survival of children with cancer. In spite of these advancements, disease relapse still remains a significant cause of death in this patient population. Often, increasing the intensity of current protocols is not feasible because of cumulative toxicity and development of drug resistance. Therefore, the identification and clinical validation of novel targets in high-risk and refractory childhood malignancies are essential to develop effective new generation treatment protocols. A number of recent studies have shown that the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-MET) influence the growth, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells. Therefore, the c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase and HGF have been identified as potential targets for cancer therapeutics and recent years have seen a race to synthesize molecules to block their expression and function. In this review we aim to summarize the literature that explores the potential and biological rationale for targeting the HGF/c-MET pathway in common and high-risk pediatric solid tumors. We also discuss selected recent and ongoing clinical trials with these agents in relapsed pediatric tumors that may provide applicable future treatments for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Grundy
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- POETIC Laboratory for Preclinical and Drug Discovery Studies, Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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25
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Guo JJ, Ye YQ, Liu YD, Wu WF, Mei QQ, Zhang XY, Lao J, Wang B, Wang JY. Interaction between human leukocyte antigen (HLA-C) and killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR2DL) inhibits the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in patients with hepatoblastoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:947729. [PMID: 36507493 PMCID: PMC9726742 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.947729] [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: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver malignancy in childhood with poor prognosis and lack of effective therapeutic targets. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology has been widely used in the study of malignant tumors, which can understand the tumor microenvironment and tumor heterogeneity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two children with HB and a healthy child were selected as the research subjects. Peripheral blood and tumor tissue were collected for single-cell transcriptome sequencing, and the sequencing data were compared and analyzed to describe the differences in the immune microenvironment between children with HB and normal children. RESULTS There were significant differences in the number and gene expression levels of natural killer cells (NK cells) between children with HB and normal children. More natural killer cells were seen in children with HB compared to normal control. KIR2DL were highly expressed in children with HB. CONCLUSION Single-cell transcriptome sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and tumor tissue from children with HB revealed that KIR2DL was significantly up-regulated in NK cells from children with HB. HLA-C molecules on the surface of tumor cells interact with inhibitory receptor KIR2DL on the surface of NK cells, inhibiting the cytotoxicity of NK cells, resulting in immune escape of tumors. Inhibitors of related immune checkpoints to block the interaction between HLA-C and KIR2DL and enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells, which may be a new strategy for HB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jie Guo
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Qin Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Di Liu
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei-Fang Wu
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian-Qian Mei
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi-Yun Zhang
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Lao
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Wang,
| | - Jian-Yao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Jian-Yao Wang,
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26
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Feng J, Zhu R, Yin Y, Wang S, Zhou L, Lv F, Zhao D. Re-Recognizing the Cellular Origin of the Primary Epithelial Tumors of the Liver. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1537-1563. [PMID: 34917552 PMCID: PMC8668194 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s334935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary epithelial tumors of the liver (PETL) are composed of a series of heterogeneous tumors. Although the classification of PETLs has been updated several times by the World Health Organization, the cellular origins of some tumors in this family remain to be precisely depicted. In addition, certain tumors in different categories have similar histology, molecular phenotypes and biological characteristics, suggesting that they may have the same cellular origin. In this work, a narrative review method was adopted to review the relevant papers. By comparing the expression profiles of biomarkers of liver epithelium at different lineages and stages of differentiation, the cells-of-origin of some major members of the PETL family were reassessed. We propose that 1) hepatic adenomas, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and pure fetal hepatoblastomas (HBs) share the same spectrum in their cellular origin including the hepatocytic-committed progenitors (HCP) and their differentiated descendants. 2) Bile duct adenomas, peribiliary cysts and intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICCs) can share the same spectrum in their cellular origin including the cholangiocytic-committed progenitors (CCP) and their differentiated descendants. 3) The cells-of-origin of embryonal HBs include liver stem cells (LSCs), hepatoblasts, and transitional cells between them. Embryonal HB with small cell element, small cell undifferentiated HB and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver can have the same or similar cells-of-origin from LSC. Embryonal HB lacking the small cell component of the LSC phenotype and presenting both hepatocytic and bile duct/ductule components may originate from actual hepatoblasts/hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) as the combined HCC-ICC does. 4) Teratoid hepatoblastoma and mixed epithelial/mesenchymal HBs can be derived from the LSCs or even less committed extrahepatic pluripotent stem cell. 5) Many members of the PETLs family, including those derived from LSCs, hepatoblasts/HPCs, early HCPs and CCPs, have neuroendocrine potentiality. Except for those primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor (PHNET) exhibit hepatocytic and/or cholangiocytic phenotypes, other PHNETs subtype may be derived from the descendants of LSC that differentiate towards the upper digestive tract, pancreas or other lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Feng
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jiliang Feng Clinical-Pathology Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai Street, FengTai District, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-10-83997342Fax +86-10-83997343 Email
| | - Ruidong Zhu
- General Surgical Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Yin
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College/Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fudong Lv
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dawei Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
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Xie X, Chen J, Wo D, Ma E, Ning Y, Peng J, Zhu W, Ren DN. Babao Dan is a robust anti-tumor agent via inhibiting wnt/β-catenin activation and cancer cell stemness. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114449. [PMID: 34332067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is being increasingly used worldwide due to its diverse efficacy and relatively low side effects. Babao Dan (BBD) is a well-known TCM formula that is currently used for the effective treatment of various cancers, however its underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY Tumor growth and tumor recurrence are characterized by two distinct populations of cells, namely the well-differentiated cancer cells composing the majority of tumor bulk, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) involved in tumor relapse, which are both strongly associated with excessive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our study aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the anti-tumor proliferative effects of Babao Dan (BBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 with stem cell-like traits that harbors a constitutively active mutant of β-catenin in order to study the anti-tumor ability of BBD via targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RESULTS BBD robustly attenuated both the intrinsic and extrinsic activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells, as well as Wnt target genes. Moreover, BBD significantly inhibited both the proliferation of well-differentiated cancer cells, as well as the stem-like property of CSCs as evidenced by EpCAM, a Wnt target gene and a novel marker of cancer cell stemness. In addition, mice administered with BBD using HepG2 cell line derived xenograft model had marked reductions in tumor size and weight, as well as significantly decreased expressions of Wnt target genes and cancer cell stemness. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the robust anti-tumor effects of BBD via potent inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and implicate its use in the clinical treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jinxiao Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Da Wo
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - En Ma
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Research Institute of Heart Failure Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of Ministry of Education, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongling Ning
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weidong Zhu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dan-Ni Ren
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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28
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Chen H, Duan F, Wang M, Zhu J, Zhang J, Cheng J, Li L, Li S, Li Y, Yang Z, Xia H, Niu H, He J. Polymorphisms in METTL3 gene and hepatoblastoma risk in Chinese children: A seven-center case-control study. Gene 2021; 800:145834. [PMID: 34274483 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver cancer in childhood, yet its etiology remains unclear. As an m6A methylation modifier, methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) has an active methyltransferase domain that functionally participates in various tumor occurrence and development. However, little is known about how METTL3 polymorphisms affect the occurrence of hepatoblastoma. Here, we attempted to investigate the associations between METTL3 gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma risk in a seven-center case-control study. We genotyped four METTL3 polymorphisms (rs1061026 T > G, rs1061027 C > A, rs1139130 A > G, rs1263801 G > C) by TaqMan technique in 313 cases and 1446 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the contributions of these four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to hepatoblastoma susceptibility. In single genotype analysis, we detected no significant correlation between these four polymorphisms in METTL3 and hepatoblastoma risk. However, in the combined analysis, the presence of 2-4 risk genotypes of METTL3 was associated with an increased risk of hepatoblastoma compared with that of 0-1 risk genotypes (adjusted OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.03-2.12, P = 0.035). The stratified analysis further revealed that carriers of 2-4 risk genotypes are more susceptible to hepatoblastoma in the subgroups of subjects aged under 17 months (adjusted OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.12-3.16, P = 0.016) and females (adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.06-3.05, P = 0.031). Overall, our results revealed that none of these four SNPs could increase susceptibility to hepatoblastoma individually. Carriers with 2-4 risk genotypes in the combined analysis tend to increase the risk of hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Duan
- Department of Pediatric General Surgery, Hebei Children's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050031, Hebei, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinhong Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Biobank, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Li
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Children Infection and Immunity, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Yunnan Institute of Pediatrics Research, Yunnan Medical Center for Pediatric Diseases, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming 650228, Yunnan, China
| | - Suhong Li
- Department of Pathology, Children Hospital and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan 030013, Shannxi, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonghua Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Xia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Huizhong Niu
- Department of Pediatric General Surgery, Hebei Children's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050031, Hebei, China.
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China.
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29
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Feng SG, Bhandari R, Ya L, Zhixuan B, Qiuhui P, Jiabei Z, Sewi M, Ni Z, Jing W, Fenyong S, Ji M, Bhandari R. SNHG9 promotes Hepatoblastoma Tumorigenesis via miR-23a-5p/Wnt3a Axis. J Cancer 2021; 12:6031-6049. [PMID: 34539877 PMCID: PMC8425203 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatoblastoma is a common hepatic tumor occurring in children between 0-5 years. Accumulating studies have shown lncRNA's potential role in distinct cancer progression and development, including hepatoblastoma. SnoRNA host gene 9 (SNHG9) is associated with the progression of distinct human cancers, but, its specific molecular mechanisms in hepatoblastoma is not unknown. Methods: In this study, we estimated SNHG9 expression in hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Next, we downregulated and upregulated SNHG9 expression in hepatoblastoma cell lines and then determined cell proliferation (CCK-8), colony formation, and cellular apoptosis activity. The dual luciferase reporter activity, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), biotin RNA pull down and Spemann's Pearson correlation coefficient assay were performed to establish the interaction between SNHG9, WNt3a and miR- 23a-5p. A xenograft in-vivo tumorgenicity test was performed to elucidate the role of SNHG9 hepatoblastoma in tumorigenesis. SNHG9 role in Cisplatin drug resistance in hepatoblastoma was also determined. Results: SNHG9 was significantly upregulated in hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines. SNHG9 overexpression on HUH6 & HepG2 resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation and clonogenic activity while SNHG9 knock down resulted in a sustained inhibition of cell proliferation and clonogenic activity. Dual luciferase activity, RNA immunoprecipitation and biotin pull down confirmed the direct interaction of miR-23a-5p with SNHG9. The xenograft tumorgenicity test showed SNHG9 downregulation significantly inhibited the tumor growth in BALB/c mice. ROC and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed potential prognostic and diagnostic importance of SNHG9 in hepatoblastoma. Conclusion: We concluded that SNHG9/miR-23a-5p/Wnt3a axis promotes the progression hepatoblastoma tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Gui Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Second Peoples Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610021, PR China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Rajeev Bhandari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Second Peoples Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610021, PR China
| | - Liu Ya
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Bian Zhixuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Pan Qiuhui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhu Jiabei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Mao Sewi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhen Ni
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wang Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Sun Fenyong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Ma Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ramesh Bhandari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine Shanghai, China
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30
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Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is involved in oncogenesis of hepatoblastomas (HBs). Prior genomic profiling studies showed higher EpCAM expression and worse prognosis in HBs containing primitive histotypes, however, this has not been fully addressed from an immunohistochemical perspective. Our goal is to characterize differential EpCAM immunohistochemistry (EpCAM-IHC) among HBs histotypes. We retrieved 62 HBs from 52 patients. EpCAM-IHC was performed (anti-MOC-31, 1:50 dilution; Cell Marque Corporation, Rocklin, CA) and graded in histotypes using the immunoreactive score. The median age of patients was 2 years (range: 0.4 to 9 y) with a M:F ratio of 1.9. Outcome information was available in 38 patients (alive=30, alive with disease=3, and deceased=5) with median follow-up of 60 months (range: 2 to 171 mo). EpCAM-IHC showed notable overexpression (immunoreactive score >4) in embryonal (89%) and crowded fetal (74%) in contrast to glandular (33%), well-differentiated fetal (32%), and small cell undifferentiated/blastemal (3%) components. Mesenchymal elements were negative. In summary, EpCAM-IHC is helpful to distinguish between epithelial components as it is progressively lost in the transition from embryonal to crowded fetal and into well-differentiated fetal histotypes. Its preferential expression among primitive HBs might have therapeutic and prognostic implications. The significance of its largely negative expression in small cell undifferentiated/blastema is interesting despite its presumed immaturity, deserving further studies.
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31
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Yuan MX, Ji CY, Gao HQ, Sheng XY, Xie WX, Yin Q. lncRNA TUG1 regulates angiogenesis via the miR‑204‑5p/JAK2/STAT3 axis in hepatoblastoma. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:553. [PMID: 34080023 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant hepatic tumour type with hypervascularity in early childhood. In recent decades, emerging evidence has proven that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve an important oncogenic role in the pathogenesis of hepatoblastoma. However, the underlying mechanism of lncRNA taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1) in the angiogenesis of hepatoblastoma remains unknown. The expression patterns of TUG1 and microRNA (miR)‑204‑5p were detected in hepatoblastoma tissues and cell lines via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and were analysed using a Pearson's correlation test. A tube formation assay was performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells to assess the vasculogenic activity of treated HuH‑6 cells. ELISA was used to detect the level of the secretory proangiogenic factor VEGFA in the culture media of HuH‑6 cells. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding relationships of TUG1/miR‑204‑5p and miR‑204‑5p/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Moreover, western blotting was conducted to measure the protein expression levels of VEGFA, phosphorylated (p)‑JAK2, JAK2, p‑STAT3 and STAT3. It was identified that TUG1 was upregulated, while miR‑204‑5p was downregulated in hepatoblastoma tissues and cells. TUG1 knockdown inhibited angiogenesis induced by hepatoblastoma cells. Furthermore, miR‑204‑5p was identified as a target of TUG1. The results demonstrated that TUG1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR‑204‑5p on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and promoted angiogenesis in hepatoblastoma cells. In summary, TUG1 was upregulated in hepatoblastoma and suppressed miR‑204‑5p, thereby activating the downstream signalling pathway of JAK2/STAT3 to facilitate angiogenesis. The present findings will provide novel targets for the treatment of hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Xian Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Yi Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Qiang Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yi Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Xin Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital General Surgery, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
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32
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Prochownik EV. Reconciling the Biological and Transcriptional Variability of Hepatoblastoma with Its Mutational Uniformity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13091996. [PMID: 33919162 PMCID: PMC8122429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13091996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common form of childhood liver cancer, is associated with dual mutation and/or dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways in ~50% of cases. However, this mutational simplicity cannot explain HB’s biological and histologic diversity. This discussion focuses upon recent work showing that specific β-catenin mutants are key determinants of this HB variability as well as their metabolic and transcriptional signatures. Dysregulation of the anti-oxidant NFE2L2 pathway also contributes to tumorigenesis by being directly transforming in association with either of the other two factors. The transcriptional overlap of tumors generated by pairs of factors identifies crucial targets that likely mediate HB tumorigenesis, behavior and appearance. Abstract Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common childhood liver cancer, is associated with seven distinct histologic subtypes and variable degrees of clinical aggressiveness and presentation. Yet it is among the least genomically altered tumors known, with about half of HBs showing mutation and/or dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways. This raises the question of how this mutational simplicity can generate such biological and histologic complexity. Recent work shows that the identity of the underlying β-catenin mutation is a major contributor. Mutation or over-expression of the NFE2L2/NRF2 transcription factor, previously thought only to promote anti-oxidant responses, has also recently been shown to accelerate the growth of HBs generated by mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways while imparting novel features such as the tumor-associated cysts and necrosis. Moreover, patient-associated NFE2L2 mutations are overtly transforming when co-expressed with either mutant β-catenin or a Hippo pathway effector. The finding that tumorigenesis can be driven by any two arms of the β-catenin/Hippo/NFE2L2 axis has permitted the identification of a small subset of coordinately regulated tumor-specific transcripts, some of whose levels correlate with inferior long-term outcomes in HB and other cancers. Collectively, these findings begin to provide for more refined and molecularly based classification, survival algorithms and design of chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA;
- The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- The University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- The University of Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Liu J, Gao C, Wang L, Jian X, Ma M, Li T, Hao X, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Zhao J, Niu H, Zhu C, Zhao J, Xia N, Li Z, Dong Q. Trans-Ancestry Mutation Landscape of Hepatoblastoma Genomes in Children. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669560. [PMID: 33968779 PMCID: PMC8096978 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant tumor in the liver of infants and young children. The incidence rate varies among different populations. However, genetic differences in HB patients with different epidemiological and ancestral backgrounds have not been found. In this study, we aim to analyze data from 16 patients treated at our center and collected published data from whole-exome sequencing studies on HB, and to explore the genetic differences between races. Data from a total of 75 HB patients of three races (24 Asian, 37 Caucasian and 14 Hispanic) were analyzed. We identified 16 genes with recurrent somatic mutations and 7 core pathway modules. Among them, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway had the highest mutation rate, and the mutation frequency in Caucasians and Hispanics was approximately twice as high as that in Asians. In addition, this study compared the characteristics of gene mutations between patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and those who did not and found that there was no significant difference in gene mutations between the two groups. We also preliminarily verified the function of cancer-associated candidate genes (CTNNB1 and KMT2D). In conclusion, we found ethnic differences in HB biology at the genomic level, which expands our understanding of the genetics of HB in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Chengwen Gao
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory, Department of Urology and Andrology, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuemin Jian
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education) and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingdi Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - XiWei Hao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanbin Chen
- Key Laboratory, Department of Urology and Andrology, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haitao Niu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengzhan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Institute of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong College Collaborative Innovation Center of Digital Medicine Clinical Treatment and Nutrition Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Institute of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Computer-assisted Surgery, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong College Collaborative Innovation Center of Digital Medicine Clinical Treatment and Nutrition Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Prochownik EV, Wang H. The Metabolic Fates of Pyruvate in Normal and Neoplastic Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040762. [PMID: 33808495 PMCID: PMC8066905 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate occupies a central metabolic node by virtue of its position at the crossroads of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and its production and fate being governed by numerous cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The former includes the cell’s type, redox state, ATP content, metabolic requirements and the activities of other metabolic pathways. The latter include the extracellular oxygen concentration, pH and nutrient levels, which are in turn governed by the vascular supply. Within this context, we discuss the six pathways that influence pyruvate content and utilization: 1. The lactate dehydrogenase pathway that either converts excess pyruvate to lactate or that regenerates pyruvate from lactate for use as a fuel or biosynthetic substrate; 2. The alanine pathway that generates alanine and other amino acids; 3. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex pathway that provides acetyl-CoA, the TCA cycle’s initial substrate; 4. The pyruvate carboxylase reaction that anaplerotically supplies oxaloacetate; 5. The malic enzyme pathway that also links glycolysis and the TCA cycle and generates NADPH to support lipid bio-synthesis; and 6. The acetate bio-synthetic pathway that converts pyruvate directly to acetate. The review discusses the mechanisms controlling these pathways, how they cross-talk and how they cooperate and are regulated to maximize growth and achieve metabolic and energetic harmony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA;
- The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- The Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- The Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(412)-692-6795
| | - Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA;
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Aghajanzadeh T, Tebbi K, Talkhabi M. Identification of potential key genes and miRNAs involved in Hepatoblastoma pathogenesis and prognosis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:131-142. [PMID: 33051830 PMCID: PMC7904995 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is one of the most common liver malignancies in children, while the molecular basis of the disease is largely unknown. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key genes and molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of HB using a bioinformatics approach. The gene expression dataset GSE131329 was used to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional and enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed by the EnrichR. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the up-regulated genes was constructed and visualized using STRING database and Cytoscape software, respectively. MCODE was used to detect the significant modules of the PPI network, and cytoHubba was utilized to rank the important nodes (genes) of the PPI modules. Overall, six ranking methods were employed and the results were validated by the Oncopression database. Moreover, the upstream regulatory network and the miRNA-target interactions of the up-regulated DEGs were analyzed by the X2K web and the miRTarBase respectively. A total of 594 DEGs, including 221 up- and 373 down-regulated genes, were obtained, which were enriched in different cellular and metabolic processes, human diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, 15 hub genes were screened, out of which, 11 were validated. Top 10 transcription factors, kinases, and miRNAs were also determined. To the best of our knowledge, the association of RACGAP1, MKI67, FOXM1, SIN3A, miR-193b, and miR-760 with HB was reported for the first time. Our findings may be used to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of HB and provide new insights for better prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Tebbi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
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Wu Y, Zeng L, Qiu R, Zhang J, Su J, Liao M, Deng X. Two-stage laparoscopic resection of giant hepatoblastoma in infants combined with liver partial partition and artery ligation. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:63. [PMID: 33632257 PMCID: PMC7908728 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Laparoscopic resection of giant hepatoblastoma (HB) in children has long been a subject of controversy. Here, a new procedure of two-stage laparoscopic resection of giant HB in infants was firstly reported and the feasibility was discussed. Methods The clinical data of three infants with HB were retrospectively reviewed, all of which received 3–5 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Stage 1 laparoscopic selective hepatic artery ligation and liver partial partition were performed. Stage 2 laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed 2 weeks later. Results The results demonstrated that (1) the tumors shrank considerably in size and had relatively clear boundaries after neoadjuvant chemotherapy; (2) after stage 1 surgery, the tumor volume further reduced, while the intratumoral necrosis expanded; (3) 2 weeks later, stage 2 laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed successfully; (4) none of the cases had intraoperative complications such as tumor rupture, air embolism, hemorrhage, biliary fistula, or liver failure, and there was no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. Conclusions Two-stage laparoscopic hepatectomy associating selective hepatic artery ligation and liver partial partition for HB in infants has the benefits of small invasiveness, fast recovery, improved safety, and high feasibility. However, more cases and longer follow-up are needed to assess its long-term efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lexiang Zeng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronglin Qiu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhang Su
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minyi Liao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogeng Deng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Patient-Derived Mutant Forms of NFE2L2/NRF2 Drive Aggressive Murine Hepatoblastomas. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:199-228. [PMID: 33618031 PMCID: PMC8102178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.02.004] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common pediatric liver cancer, often bears β-catenin mutations and deregulates the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Murine HBs can be generated by co-expressing β-catenin mutants and the constitutively active Hippo effector YAPS127A. Some HBs and other cancers also express mutants of NFE2L2/NRF2 (NFE2L2), a transcription factor that tempers oxidative and electrophilic stress. In doing so, NFE2L2 either suppresses or facilitates tumorigenesis. METHODS We evaluated NFE2L2's role in HB pathogenesis by co-expressing all combinations of mutant β-catenin, YAPS127A, and the patient-derived NFE2L2 mutants L30P and R34P in murine livers. We evaluated growth, biochemical and metabolic profiles, and transcriptomes of the ensuing tumors. RESULTS In association with β-catenin+YAPS127A, L30P and R34P markedly accelerated HB growth and generated widespread cyst formation and necrosis, which are otherwise uncommon features. Surprisingly, any 2 members of the mutant β-catenin-YAPS127A-L30P/R34P triad were tumorigenic, thus directly establishing NFE2L2's oncogenicity. Each tumor group displayed distinct features but shared 22 similarly deregulated transcripts, 10 of which perfectly correlated with survival in human HBs and 17 of which correlated with survival in multiple adult cancers. One highly up-regulated transcript encoded serpin E1, a serine protease inhibitor that regulates fibrinolysis, growth, and extracellular matrix. Although the combination of mutant β-catenin, YAPS127A, and serpin E1 did not accelerate cystogenic tumor growth, it did promote the widespread necrosis associated with mutant β-catenin-YAPS127A-L30P/R34P tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings establish the direct oncogenicity of NFE2L2 mutants and key transcripts, including serpin E1, that drive specific HB features.
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Wang H, Lu J, Chen X, Schwalbe M, Gorka JE, Mandel JA, Wang J, Goetzman ES, Ranganathan S, Dobrowolski SF, Prochownik EV. Acquired deficiency of peroxisomal dicarboxylic acid catabolism is a metabolic vulnerability in hepatoblastoma. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100283. [PMID: 33450224 PMCID: PMC7948956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming provides transformed cells with proliferative and/or survival advantages. Capitalizing on this therapeutically, however, has been only moderately successful because of the relatively small magnitude of these differences and because cancers may further adapt their metabolism to evade metabolic pathway inhibition. Mice lacking the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) and supplemented with the 12-carbon fatty acid lauric acid (C12) accumulate the toxic metabolite dodecanedioic acid (DDDA), which causes acute hepatocyte necrosis and liver failure. We noted that, in a murine model of pediatric hepatoblastoma (HB) and in primary human HBs, downregulation of Ehhadh occurs in association with the suppression of mitochondrial β- and endosomal/peroxisomal ω-fatty acid oxidation pathways. This suggested that HBs might be more susceptible than normal liver tissue to C12 dietary intervention. Indeed, HB-bearing mice provided with C12- and/or DDDA-supplemented diets survived significantly longer than those on standard diets. In addition, larger tumors developed massive necrosis following short-term DDDA administration. In some HBs, the eventual development of DDDA resistance was associated with 129 transcript differences, ∼90% of which were downregulated, and approximately two-thirds of which correlated with survival in numerous human cancers. These transcripts often encoded extracellular matrix components, suggesting that DDDA resistance arises from reduced Ehhadh uptake. Lower Ehhadh expression was also noted in murine hepatocellular carcinomas and in subsets of certain human cancers, supporting the likely generality of these results. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of C12 or DDDA dietary supplementation that is nontoxic, inexpensive, and likely compatible with more standard chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jie Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; School of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Marie Schwalbe
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joanna E Gorka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jordan A Mandel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Eric S Goetzman
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Steven F Dobrowolski
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Hillman Cancer Center, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Pittsburgh Liver Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant primary liver tumor in children. While the prognosis is favorable when the tumor can be resected, the outcome is dismal for patients with progressed HB. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for HB is imperative for early detection and effective treatment. Sequencing analysis of human HB specimens unraveled the pivotal role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in this disease. Nonetheless, β-catenin activation alone does not suffice to induce HB, implying the need for additional alterations. Perturbations of several pathways, including Hippo, Hedgehog, NRF2/KEAP1, HGF/c-Met, NK-1R/SP, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades and aberrant activation of c-MYC, n-MYC, and EZH2 proto-oncogenes, have been identified in HB, although their role requires additional investigation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on HB molecular pathogenesis, the relevance of the preclinical findings for the human disease, and the innovative therapeutic strategies that could be beneficial for the treatment of HB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Antonio Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefano Cairo
- XenTech, Evry, France,Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Abbas AA, Samkari AM, Almehdar AS. Hepatoblastoma: Review of Pathology, Diagnosis and Modern Treatment Strategies. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716666200206103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary malignant hepatic tumor of childhood
and, occurring predominantly in the first two years of life. Approximately 100 cases are diagnosed
every year in the United States of America. The management of HB has changed markedly
over the last three decades. Alfa feto protein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta
HCG) are the main tumor markers and are markers for diagnosis and follow up. International collaborative
efforts have led to the implementation of the Pre - Treatment Extent of the Disease PRETEXT
staging system consensus classification to assess upfront resectability. Complete surgical
resection plays a key role in successful management. Overall, outcomes have greatly improved over
the past decades mainly because of advances in chemotherapy (CTR) agents and administration
protocols, newer surgical approaches and liver transplantation (LT). Targeted medications towards
the newly discovered β-catenin and Wnt genetic pathways in tumor cells may soon become an option
for treatment. The current disease free survival (DFS) rates are approaching 85%. For the 25%
of patients with metastasis at presentation, the overall survival (OS) remains poor. A more individualized
approach to treating the heterogeneous spectrum of HB may become the basis of successful
treatment in complex cases. Newer medications and surgical techniques are being exploited.
Here we present a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the management of HB. A wide
literature search was made using internet search engines such as PubMed and Google scholar. More
than 100 articles were reviewed and the information extrapolated was arranged to produce this
review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil A. Abbas
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Section, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Oncology Centre, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa M.N. Samkari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer S. Almehdar
- Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Karalexi MA, Servitzoglou M, Moschovi M, Moiseenko R, Bouka P, Ntzani E, Kachanov D, Petridou ET. Survival and prognostic factors for childhood malignant liver tumors: analysis of harmonized clinical data. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 70:101850. [PMID: 33220637 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite overall striking advances in survival of childhood liver tumors, outcomes remain poor for specific patient segments. We aimed to assess overall survival (OS) of this rare disease and evaluate the generalizability of prognostic variables included in international collaborative systems using, for the first time, harmonized clinical data from two geographically different cohorts (Greece and Moscow). METHODS Data for children (0-14 years) with liver tumors were retrieved from two Southern-Eastern European areas (Greece; 2001-2019 and Moscow; 2012-2019). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed, and OS values were derived from Cox proportional models controlling for study variables. RESULTS A total of 171 newly diagnosed cases (54.4% males) were included. The OS5-year exceeded 80% in patients <5 years, reaching 85% among 133 patients with hepatoblastoma (HBL). By contrast, children with other than HBL histology, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had significantly worse prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] HCC: 7.09, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.56-19.65; HR other liver tumors: 5.18; 95%CI: 2.15-12.49). The OS5-year was poorer (40%-60%) in patients with extensive local, metastatic or relapsed disease. By contrast, a significantly lower risk of death was shown in case of microscopically margin-negative resection (HR: 0.06, 95%CI: 0.02-0.17) and liver transplantation (HR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.63) compared to the non- operated group. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of patients with liver tumors registered in two SEE areas were comparable to those reported by major collaborative trials. Ongoing clinical cancer registration could facilitate comparison of outcomes between different study groups in order to shape state of the art of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Karalexi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Servitzoglou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Moschovi
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Roman Moiseenko
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Panagiota Bouka
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Ntzani
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Greece; Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Denis Kachanov
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is gradually rising. HCC occurs as a sequela to various chronic liver diseases and ensuing cirrhosis. There have been many therapies approved for unresectable HCC in the last 5 years, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the overall response rates have improved. However, there are many cases that do not respond, and personalized medicine is lacking, making HCC an unmet clinical need. Generation of appropriate animal models have been key to our understanding of HCC. Based on the overall concept of hepatocarcinogenesis, two major categories of animal models are discussed herein that can be useful to address specific questions. One category is described as the outside-in model of HCC and is based on the premise that it takes decades of hepatocyte injury, death, wound healing, and regeneration to eventually lead to DNA damage and mutations in a hepatocyte, which initiates tumorigenesis. Several animal models have been generated, which attempt to recapitulate this complex tissue damage and cellular interplay through genetics, diets, and toxins. The second category is the inside-out model of HCC, where clinically relevant genes can be coexpressed in a small subset of hepatocytes to yield a tumor, which matches HCC subsets in gene expression. This model has been made possible in part by the widely available molecular characterization of HCC, and in part by modalities like sleeping beauty transposon/transposase, Crispr/Cas9, and hydrodynamic tail vein injection. These two categories of HCC have distinct pros and cons, which are discussed in this Thinking Out Loud article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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Saltsman JA, Hammond WJ, Narayan NJC, Requena D, Gehart H, Lalazar G, LaQuaglia MP, Clevers H, Simon S. A Human Organoid Model of Aggressive Hepatoblastoma for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2668. [PMID: 32962010 PMCID: PMC7563272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common childhood liver cancer. Although survival has improved significantly over the past few decades, there remains a group of children with aggressive disease who do not respond to current treatment regimens. There is a critical need for novel models to study aggressive hepatoblastoma as research to find new treatments is hampered by the small number of laboratory models of the disease. Organoids have emerged as robust models for many diseases, including cancer. We have generated and characterized a novel organoid model of aggressive hepatoblastoma directly from freshly resected patient tumors as a proof of concept for this approach. Hepatoblastoma tumor organoids recapitulate the key elements of patient tumors, including tumor architecture, mutational profile, gene expression patterns, and features of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that are hallmarks of hepatoblastoma pathophysiology. Tumor organoids were successfully used alongside non-tumor liver organoids from the same patient to perform a drug screen using twelve candidate compounds. One drug, JQ1, demonstrated increased destruction of liver organoids from hepatoblastoma tumor tissue relative to organoids from the adjacent non-tumor liver. Our findings suggest that hepatoblastoma organoids could be used for a variety of applications and have the potential to improve treatment options for the subset of hepatoblastoma patients who do not respond to existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Saltsman
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - William J. Hammond
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Nicole J. C. Narayan
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Helmuth Gehart
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Michael P. LaQuaglia
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanford Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
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Shen G, Shen H, Zhang J, Yan Q, Liu H. DNA methylation in Hepatoblastoma-a literature review. Ital J Pediatr 2020; 46:113. [PMID: 32758256 PMCID: PMC7409486 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-00877-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the formation and development of HB. Genes in HB show a global hypomethylation change, accompanied by hypermethylation of specific tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). This article reviews the hypermethylation changes in several TSGs, such as RASSF1A, SOCS1, APC, HHIP, and P16, and analyzes the pathways and mechanisms of TSGs regulating gene expression. The role of the methylation-regulating enzymes DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) family members enzymes in the methylation changes of HB was analyzed, and it was speculated that the occurrence of HB is partly due to the obstruction of liver differentiation in the early stage of differentiation. The origin cells may be incompletely differentiated hepatocytes remaining in the liver of children after birth. Therefore, further studying the role of methylation regulating enzymes in methylation changes in HB is a promising future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Shen
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Weifang Peoples' Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Hongyu Shen
- Ultrasound Department, Weifang Haifushan Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Weifang Peoples' Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Qingtao Yan
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Weifang Peoples' Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Huixian Liu
- Dermatology Department, Weifang Peoples' Hospital, No. 151, Guangwen Street, Kuiwen District, Weifang, 261041, China.
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Intracellular localization of beta-catenin expression plays a possible prognostic role on the outcome of hepatoblastoma patients. Pediatr Surg Int 2020; 36:817-825. [PMID: 32436062 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wnt/Beta-catenin pathway plays an essential role in liver development and regeneration. Abnormal activation in this pathway leads to development of hepatoblastoma (HB). Although its importance has invoked attention, its prognostic role is debatable. We aimed to evaluate the significance of intracellular localization of beta-catenin (BC) expression in the outcome of hepatoblastoma patients. METHODS Medical records of HB patients between 2004 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to intracellular localization of BC expression by immunohistochemistry as being cytoplasmic or nuclear. Demographics, radiological images, PRETEXT classifications, vascular involvement, risk groups, chemotherapy responses, and survival rates were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS There were 41 patients. Thirteen patients were excluded for unavailability of records in four, negative/unclear BC expressions in seven. Cytoplasmic expression of BC was observed in 17 patients whereas 13 patients displayed nuclear expression. Demographics were similar in both groups. Cytoplasmic BC expression was associated with poor chemotherapy response (p = 0.001) and increased vascular involvement (p = 0.0162) requiring more extensive surgeries (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION Although the numbers are limited in our series, the intracellular localization of BC expression has been found to be a promising determining factor for hepatoblastoma prognosis. With larger patient series, more reliable results can be achieved.
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Chen X, Kiss A, Schaff Z, Evert K, Zhang Y, Zhong S, Wang J, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X. CDK9 is dispensable for YAP-driven hepatoblastoma development. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28221. [PMID: 32124532 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignancy, occurring mainly during the first 4 years of life. Recent studies unraveled the frequent, coordinated activation of Wnt/β-catenin and YAP/Hippo (where YAP is yes-associated protein) pathways in human HB samples. Furthermore, it was found that concomitant overexpression of activated forms of β-catenin and YAP in the mouse liver triggers HB formation in YAP/β-catenin mice. Cyclin-dependent kinases 9 (CDK9) is an elongating kinase, which has been shown to mediate YAP-driven tumorigenesis. The role of CDK9 in HB molecular pathogenesis has not been investigated to date. METHODS CDK9 expression was determined in human HB lesions, HB cell lines, and YAP/β-catenin mouse livers. CDK9 was silenced in human HB cell lines and the effects on growth rate and YAP targets were analyzed. Hydrodynamic transfection of YAPS127A and ∆N90-β-catenin together with either shCdk9 or control shLuc (where Luc is luciferase) plasmids was employed to assess the requirement of Cdk9 for HB development in vivo. RESULTS Nuclear immunoreactivity for CDK9 protein was more pronounced in human HB samples and YAP/β-catenin mouse HB tumor tissues than in corresponding surrounding nontumorous liver tissues. CDK9 protein was also expressed in human HB cell lines. Silencing of CDK9 in human HB cell lines did not lead to consistent effects on HB cell growth or YAP target gene expression. Surprisingly, silencing of Cdk9 led to accelerated liver tumorigenesis in YAP/β-catenin mice. CONCLUSION CDK9 is not a major downstream mediator of YAP oncogenic function in HB development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Andras Kiss
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Schaff
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Zhang S, Zhang J, Evert K, Li X, Liu P, Kiss A, Schaff Z, Ament C, Zhang Y, Serra M, Evert M, Chen N, Xu F, Chen X, Tao J, Calvisi DF, Cigliano A. The Hippo Effector Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Cooperates with Oncogenic β-Catenin to Induce Hepatoblastoma Development in Mice and Humans. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1397-1413. [PMID: 32283103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver tumor. Though Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo cascades are implicated in HB development, studies on crosstalk between β-catenin and Hippo downstream effector transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in HB are lacking. Expression levels of TAZ and β-catenin in human HB specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Functional interplay between TAZ and β-catenin was determined by overexpression of an activated form of TAZ (TAZS89A), either alone or combined with an oncogenic form of β-catenin (ΔN90-β-catenin), in mouse liver via hydrodynamic transfection. Activation of TAZ often co-occurred with that of β-catenin in clinical specimens. Although the overexpression of TAZS89A alone did not induce hepatocarcinogenesis, concomitant overexpression of TAZS89A and ΔN90-β-catenin triggered the development of HB lesions exhibiting both epithelial and mesenchymal features. Mechanistically, TAZ/β-catenin-driven HB development required TAZ interaction with transcriptional enhanced associate domain factors. Blockade of the Notch cascade did not inhibit TAZ/β-catenin-dependent HB formation in mice but suppressed the mesenchymal phenotype. Neither Yes-associated protein nor heat shock factor 1 depletion affected HB development in TAZ/β-catenin mice. In human HB cell lines, silencing of TAZ resulted in decreased cell growth, which was further reduced when TAZ knockdown was associated with suppression of either β-catenin or Yes-associated protein. Overall, our study identified TAZ as a crucial oncogene in HB development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Thoracic Oncology II, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, PR China
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, PR China
| | - Pin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Andras Kiss
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Schaff
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cindy Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Monica Serra
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nianyong Chen
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Downregulation of SFRP1 is a protumorigenic event in hepatoblastoma and correlates with beta-catenin mutations. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1153-1167. [PMID: 32189106 PMCID: PMC7142044 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatoblastoma (HB) and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most common malignant liver tumors in childhood. Both tumor types exhibit genetic and epigenetic alterations in the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is a key regulator of liver progenitor cells in embryonic development. The tumors demonstrate a high rate of β-catenin mutations and gene expression changes of several WNT antagonists. However, the role of the WNT inhibitory factor secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) has not been addressed in pediatric liver cancer so far. Results In our study, we investigated the gene expression level, DNA methylation status and functional relevance of SFRP1 in HB cell lines and in pediatric liver tumor patient samples. SFRP1 was downregulated due to DNA promoter methylation in all tested HB cell lines. Overexpression of SFRP1 in HB cell lines diminished tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and migration potential. In addition, the SFRP1-expressing HB cell lines showed reduced WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway activity and decreased expression of WNT target genes. To evaluate the utility of SFRP1 as a biomarker in pediatric liver cancer, we determined the gene expression level and DNA methylation status of SFRP1 in 45 pediatric liver tumor patient samples. The correlation analysis of different clinical parameters and tumor characteristics revealed a significant correlation of reduced SFRP1 expression with the presence of mutant β-catenin. The methylation status of SFRP1 was furthermore associated to a pediatric liver tumor type with HCC-like characteristics, TERT mutations and an older age at diagnosis. Conclusion Altogether, our data demonstrate that the epigenetic suppression of the WNT/β-catenin antagonist SFRP1 has an important impact on the malignant behavior of HB cells. Although SFRP1 methylation is a common event in HCC-like pediatric liver tumors, its potential as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker needs to be further investigated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-020-03182-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Cui X, Wang Z, Li J, Zhu J, Ren Z, Zhang D, Zhao W, Fan Y, Zhang D, Sun R. Cross talk between RNA N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase-like 3 and miR-186 regulates hepatoblastoma progression through Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12768. [PMID: 31967701 PMCID: PMC7106953 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous epigenetic RNA modification that plays a pivotal role in tumour development and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profiling, clinical significance, biological function and the regulation of m6A‐related genes in hepatoblastoma (HB). Materials and Methods The mRNA and protein expression levels of m6A‐related genes were analysed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and tissue microarray (TMA) cohort. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of m6A‐related genes in HB. Knockdown of m6A‐related genes was conducted to analyse its function on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification were used to explore the potential molecular mechanism and signalling pathway. Results We found that most m6A‐related genes were significantly upregulated in HB tumour tissues. High levels of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3, P = .013), YTHDF2 (P = .037) and FTO (P = .032) indicated poor clinical outcomes, and the upregulation of METTL3 was an independent prognostic factor in HB patients. Functional assays showed that knockdown of METTL3 could dramatically suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of HB cells. In addition, METTL3 was identified to be a direct target of microRNA‐186 (miR‐186). Consistently, miR‐186 was low expressed in HB tumour tissues. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐186 significantly inhibited cell aggressive phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, while the inhibitory effect could be reversed by METTL3 overexpression. Mechanism study indicated that miR‐186/METTL3 axis contributed to the progression of HB via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Conclusions M6A‐related genes were frequently dysregulated in HB. miR‐186/METTL3/Wnt/β‐catenin axis might serve as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Cui
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhifang Wang
- Endocrinology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianming Zhu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Pathology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingzhong Fan
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Da Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ranran Sun
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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