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Ye J, Baer JM, Faget DV, Morikis VA, Ren Q, Melam A, Delgado AP, Luo X, Bagchi SM, Belle JI, Campos E, Friedman M, Veis DJ, Knudsen ES, Witkiewicz AK, Powers S, Longmore GD, DeNardo DG, Stewart SA. Senescent CAFs Mediate Immunosuppression and Drive Breast Cancer Progression. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1302-1323. [PMID: 38683161 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) profoundly influences tumorigenesis, with gene expression in the breast TME capable of predicting clinical outcomes. The TME is complex and includes distinct cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes whose contribution to tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here, we identify a subset of myofibroblast CAFs (myCAF) that are senescent (senCAF) in mouse and human breast tumors. Utilizing the MMTV-PyMT;INK-ATTAC (INK) mouse model, we found that senCAF-secreted extracellular matrix specifically limits natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity to promote tumor growth. Genetic or pharmacologic senCAF elimination unleashes NK cell killing, restricting tumor growth. Finally, we show that senCAFs are present in HER2+, ER+, and triple-negative breast cancer and in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) where they predict tumor recurrence. Together, these findings demonstrate that senCAFs are potently tumor promoting and raise the possibility that targeting them by senolytic therapy could restrain breast cancer development. Significance: senCAFs limit NK cell-mediated killing, thereby contributing to breast cancer progression. Thus, targeting senCAFs could be a clinically viable approach to limit tumor progression. See related article by Belle et al., p. 1324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Ye
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John M Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Douglas V Faget
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Vasilios A Morikis
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Qihao Ren
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anupama Melam
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ana Paula Delgado
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Xianmin Luo
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Satarupa Mullick Bagchi
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jad I Belle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Edward Campos
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael Friedman
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deborah J Veis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Erik S Knudsen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Agnieszka K Witkiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Scott Powers
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Gregory D Longmore
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sheila A Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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2
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Takagi F, Furuse M, Kuwabara H, Kambara A, Omura N, Tanabe S, Yagi R, Hiramatsu R, Kameda M, Nonoguchi N, Kawabata S, Takami T, Miyatake SI, Wanibuchi M. Expression and distribution of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in comparison between radiation necrosis and tumor tissue in metastatic brain tumor: A case report. Neuropathology 2024; 44:240-246. [PMID: 38069461 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12958] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with metastatic brain tumors who underwent surgical removal of the tumor and radiation necrosis. The patient had a history of colon cancer and had undergone surgical removal of a left occipital tumor. Histopathological evaluation revealed a metastatic brain tumor. The tumor recurred six months after surgical removal, followed by whole-brain radiotherapy, and the patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Six months later, the perifocal edema had increased, and the patient became symptomatic. The diagnosis was radiation necrosis and corticosteroids were initially effective. However, radiation necrosis became uncontrollable, and the patient underwent removal of necrotic tissue two years after stereotactic radiosurgery. Pathological findings predominantly showed necrotic tissue with some tumor cells. Since the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were expressed around the necrotic tissue, the main cause of the edema was determined as radiation necrosis. Differences in the expression levels and distribution of HIF-1α and VEGF were observed between treatment-naïve and recurrent tumor tissue and radiation necrosis. This difference suggests the possibility of different mechanisms for edema formation due to the tumor itself and radiation necrosis. Although distinguishing radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors using MRI remains challenging, the pathophysiological mechanism of perifocal edema might be crucial for differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fugen Takagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Motomasa Furuse
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kuwabara
- Department of Pathology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kambara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Naoki Omura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Shogo Tanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Ryokichi Yagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Ryo Hiramatsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kameda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Naosuke Nonoguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Shinji Kawabata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Takami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Miyatake
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Masahiko Wanibuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
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Dhungel N, Dragoi AM. Exploring the multifaceted role of direct interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts in cancer progression. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1379971. [PMID: 38863965 PMCID: PMC11165130 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1379971] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells is a complex and mutually beneficial system that leads to rapid cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. It is now recognized that cancer cells are not isolated, and tumor progression is governed among others, by many components of the TME. The reciprocal cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment can be indirect through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling through exosomes, cytokines, and growth factors, or direct by cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules. Among TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of unique interest. As one of the most abundant components of the TME, CAFs play key roles in the reorganization of the extracellular matrix, facilitating metastasis and chemotherapy evasion. Both direct and indirect roles have been described for CAFs in modulating tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding the role of direct contact between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in driving tumor development and metastasis. We also summarize recent findings on the role of direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs in chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
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Zhang WQ, Sun JX, Lan ST, Sun XM, Guo YJ, Wen BC, Chen J, Liu G. Regulation of Fuzheng Huayu capsule on inhibiting the fibrosis-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38780602 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2355132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, bioinformatics analysis of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dataset was conducted with the hepatoprotective effect of the Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) capsule against the diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC progression analyzed. Eight cell clusters were defined and tanshinone IIA, arachidonic acid, and quercetin, compounds of the FZHY capsule, inhibit HCC progression-related fibrosis by regulating the expression of PLAU and IGFBP3. Combined with the ameliorative effect of the FZHY capsule against liver dysfunctions and expression of PLAU and IGFBP3, our study confirmed the effect of the FZHY capsule on inhibiting the fibrosis-associated HCC progression via regulating the expression of PLAU and IGFBP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Jia-Xin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Shu-Ting Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Yi-Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Bi-Chao Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
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Bai Y, Li L, Li J, Lu X. Association analysis of FXYD5 with prognosis and immunological characteristics across pan-cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30727. [PMID: 38774095 PMCID: PMC11107115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 5 (FXYD5) gene is a cancer promoter. However, evidence for an association between FXYD5 and various types of cancer is still lacking. Using multi-omics bioinformatics, our study aimed to reveal the expression distribution, prognostic value, immune infiltration correlation, and molecular functions of FXYD5. Methods Using pan-cancer multi-omics data (including The Cancer Genome Atlas, PrognoScan, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, cBioPortal, Gene Expression Omnibus, TIMER and scTIME Portal), we assessed the differences in the expression and prognostic value of FXYD5 in malignant tumors. Furthermore, at the single-cell level, we analyze the expression distribution of FXYD5 across different cell types within the tumor microenvironment, and its relationship with the immune microenvironment. Finally, focusing on ovarian cancer, we conducted preliminary validation of the above findings using cell and molecular biology techniques. Results Our results indicated that FXYD5 was up-regulated in various tumor types and was positively associated with tumor progression. We also revealed that FXYD5 was ubiquitously expressed in microenvironmental cells at the single-cell level, and its upregulation was associated with enhanced immune infiltration, cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration, and dysfunction of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocyte. Additionally, its expression was positively correlated with immune checkpoint genes, DNA mismatch repair genes, MSI (microsatellite instability) and TMB (tumor mutational burden) across various cancers. Its higher expression in cytotoxic T lymphocytes attenuated its ability to predict patient survival with PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) blockade therapy, and FXYD5 was found to be a potential regulator of tumor immune escape and resistance to cancer immunotherapies. Based on GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) and experimental verification, FXYD5 activated TGF-β/SMAD signaling and drove EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) to promote ovarian cancer progression. Conclusion In summary, our study revealed that FXYD5-TGFβ axis may coregulate the interaction between tumors, CAFs (carcinoma-associated fibroblasts) and immune cells to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Thus, FXYD5 could be used as an immune-related biomarker for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of multiple cancer types. Therefore, our findings suggest that targeting FXYD5 in TME (tumor microenvironment) may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangdong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
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Kubo T, Nishimura N, Kaji K, Tomooka F, Shibamoto A, Iwai S, Suzuki J, Kawaratani H, Namisaki T, Akahane T, Yoshiji H. Role of Epiregulin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis as a Mediator via EGFR Signaling in the Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4405. [PMID: 38673992 PMCID: PMC11050651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084405] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) have been reported to be important factors in promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the corresponding molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We hypothesize that epiregulin (EREG), an epidermal growth factor (EGF) family member derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and activated by LPS stimulation, is a crucial mediator of HCC progression with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in the tumor microenvironment. We used a mouse xenograft model of Huh7 cells mixed with half the number of LX-2 cells, with/without intraperitoneal LPS injection, to elucidate the role of EREG in LPS-induced HCC. In the mouse model, LPS administration significantly enlarged the size of xenografted tumors and elevated the expression of EREG in tumor tissues compared with those in negative controls. Moreover, CD34 immunostaining and the gene expressions of angiogenic markers by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed higher vascularization, with increased interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression in the tumors of the mice group treated with LPS compared to those without LPS. Our data collectively suggested that EREG plays an important role in the cancer microenvironment under the influence of LPS to increase not only the tumor cell growth and migration/invasion of EGFR-positive HCC cells but also tumor neovascularization via IL-8 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norihisa Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840, Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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Zhang X, Xiao Q, Zhang C, Zhou Q, Xu T. Construction of a prognostic model with CAFs for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of lung squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18262. [PMID: 38520221 PMCID: PMC10960179 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18262] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the subtypes of lung cancer (LC) that contributes to approximately 25%-30% of its prevalence. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key cellular components of the TME, and the large number of CAFs in tumour tissues creates a favourable environment for tumour development. However, the function of CAFs in the LUSC is complex and uncertain. First, we processed the scRNA-seq data and classified distinct types of CAFs. We also identified prognostic CAFRGs using univariate Cox analysis and conducted survival analysis. Additionally, we assessed immune cell infiltration in CAF clusters using ssGSEA. We developed a model with a significant prognostic correlation and verified the prognostic model. Furthermore, we explored the immune landscape of LUSC and further investigated the correlation between malignant features and LUSC. We identified CAFs and classified them into three categories: iCAFs, mCAFs and apCAFs. The survival analysis showed a significant correlation between apCAFs and iCAFs and LUSC patient prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in CAF cluster C showed a better survival probability compared to clusters A and B. In addition, we identified nine significant prognostic CAFRGs (CLDN1, TMX4, ALPL, PTX3, BHLHE40, TNFRSF12A, VKORC1, CST3 and ADD3) and subsequently employed multivariate Cox analysis to develop a signature and validate the model. Lastly, the correlation between CAFRG and malignant features indicates the potential role of CAFRG in promoting tumour angiogenesis, EMT and cell cycle alterations. We constructed a CAF prognostic signature for identifying potential prognostic CAFRGs and predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for LUSC. Our study may provide a more accurate prognostic assessment and immunotherapy targeting strategies for LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Lung cancer center, West China hospitalSichuan universityChengduChina
| | - Qingqing Xiao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic surgeryChengdu Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College)ChengduChina
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung cancer center, West China hospitalSichuan universityChengduChina
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
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Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Hao H, Shi X. Targeting YAP1 to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer: mechanism and strategy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1377722. [PMID: 38550587 PMCID: PMC10972981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1377722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading of tumor death, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are yielding much for sufferers to hope for patients, but only some patients with advanced liver tumor respond. Recent research showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the effectiveness of ICIs in advanced liver tumor. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming of liver tumor leads to immunosuppression in TME. These suggest that regulating the abnormal metabolism of liver tumor cells and firing up TME to turn "cold tumor" into "hot tumor" are potential strategies to improve the therapeutic effect of ICIs in liver tumor. Previous studies have found that YAP1 is a potential target to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in HCC. Here, we review that YAP1 promotes immunosuppression of TME, mainly due to the overstimulation of cytokines in TME by YAP1. Subsequently, we studied the effects of YAP1 on metabolic reprogramming in liver tumor cells, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Lastly, we summarized the existing drugs targeting YAP1 in the treatment of liver tumor, including some medicines from natural sources, which have the potential to improve the efficacy of ICIs in the treatment of liver tumor. This review contributed to the application of targeted YAP1 for combined therapy with ICIs in liver tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- Chinese Medicine Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
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Ruff SM, Pawlik TM. Emerging therapies targeting growth factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:255-262. [PMID: 38591252 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2340714] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that commonly arises in the background of chronic liver inflammation and/or cirrhosis. Chronic liver inflammation results in the production of different growth factors, remodeling of the microenvironment architecture into fibrosis, and eventually carcinogenesis. Overexpression of some growth factors has been associated with worse prognosis in patients with HCC. Targeted therapies against growth factors may disrupt cell signaling and the mechanisms that allow for cell survival (e.g. angiogenesis, proliferation, metastases). AREAS COVERED We herein review potential growth factor targets of HCC and the limited research that exists regarding targeted therapy of these ligands and their receptors. We performed an extensive literature search to investigate preclinical studies, clinical research, and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Systemic therapy for patients with HCC is continuing to evolve. Anti-angiogenic therapy holds the most promise among targeted therapy for growth factors among patients with HCC. Improving our understanding of growth factors in HCC will hopefully lead to the development of new targeted therapies and strategies for combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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10
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Zhang J, Pan Y, Jin L, Yang H, Cao P. Exosomal-miR-522-3p derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts accelerates tumor metastasis and angiogenesis via repression bone morphogenetic protein 5 in colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:107-120. [PMID: 37984826 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a gastrointestinal tract malignancy. Exosomes secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are reported to participate in tumor progression by delivering noncoding RNA or small proteins. However, the function of exosomal miR-522-3p in CRC remains unclear. METHODS CAFs were derived from tumor tissues, and exosomes were identified by western blot or TEM/NTA and originated from CAFs/NFs. The viability, invasion, and migration of HUVECs and CRC cells was examined using MTT, Transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. The molecular interactions were validated using dual luciferase reporter assay and RIP. Xenograft and lung metastasis mouse models were generated to assess tumor growth and metastasis. RESULTS Exosomes extracted from CAFs/NFs showed high expression of CD63, CD81, and TSG101. CAF-derived exosomes significantly increased the viability, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration of HUVECs and CRC cells, thereby aggravating tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis in vivo. miR-522-3p was upregulated in CAF-derived exosomes and CRC tissues. Depletion of miR-522-3p reversed the effect of exosomes derived from CAFs in migration, angiogenesis, and invasion of HUVECs and CRC cells. Furthermore, bone morphogenetic protein 5 (BMP5) was identified as a target gene of miR-522-3p, and upregulation of BMP5 reversed the promoting effect of miR-522-3p mimics or CAF-derived exosomes on cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs and CRC cells. CONCLUSION Exosomal miR-522-3p from CAFs promoted the growth and metastasis of CRC through downregulating BMP5, which might provide new strategies for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yuliang Pan
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Huiyun Yang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Peiguo Cao
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
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11
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Argentiero A, Delvecchio A, Fasano R, Andriano A, Caradonna IC, Memeo R, Desantis V. The Complexity of the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Emerging Therapeutic Developments. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7469. [PMID: 38068521 PMCID: PMC10706931 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores various aspects of the HCC TME, including both cellular and non-cellular components, to elucidate their roles in tumor development and progression. Specifically, it highlights the significance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their contributions to tumor progression, angiogenesis, immune suppression, and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, this review emphasizes the role of immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment that promotes tumor growth and immune evasion. Furthermore, we also focused only on the non-cellular components of the HCC TME, including the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the role of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Alterations in the composition of ECM and stiffness have been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis, while hypoxia-driven angiogenesis promotes tumor growth and metastatic spread. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, including the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, are also discussed. In addition to elucidating the complex TME of HCC, this review focuses on emerging therapeutic strategies that target the TME. It highlights the potential of second-line treatments, such as regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, in improving overall survival for advanced HCC patients who have progressed on or were intolerant to first-line therapy. Furthermore, this review explores the implications of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and classification system in guiding HCC management decisions. The BCLC system, which incorporates tumor stage, liver function, and performance status, provides a framework for treatment stratification and prognosis prediction in HCC patients. The insights gained from this review contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment approaches for HCC patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Delvecchio
- Unit of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, “F. Miulli” General Hospital, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Andriano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ingrid Catalina Caradonna
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Memeo
- Unit of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, “F. Miulli” General Hospital, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Desantis
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Bicer F, Kure C, Ozluk AA, El-Rayes BF, Akce M. Advances in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9789-9812. [PMID: 37999131 PMCID: PMC10670350 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110711] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. More than half of patients with HCC present with advanced stage, and highly active systemic therapies are crucial for improving outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies have emerged as novel therapy options for advanced HCC. Only one third of patients achieve an objective response with ICI-based therapies due to primary resistance or acquired resistance. The liver tumor microenvironment is naturally immunosuppressive, and specific mutations in cell signaling pathways allow the tumor to evade the immune response. Next, gene sequencing of the tumor tissue or circulating tumor DNA may delineate resistance mechanisms to ICI-based therapy and provide a rationale for novel combination therapies. In this review, we discuss the results of key clinical trials that have led to approval of ICI-based therapy options in advanced HCC and summarize the ongoing clinical trials. We review resistance mechanisms to ICIs and discuss how immunotherapies may be optimized based on the emerging research of tumor biomarkers and genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuat Bicer
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Catrina Kure
- Department of Medicine, Northside Hospital-Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, USA;
| | - Anil A. Ozluk
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.A.O.); (B.F.E.-R.)
| | - Bassel F. El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.A.O.); (B.F.E.-R.)
| | - Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.A.O.); (B.F.E.-R.)
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Zhong X, Long H, Chen L, Xie Y, Shi Y, Peng J, Zheng R, Su L, Duan Y, Xie X, Lin M. Stiffness on shear wave elastography as a potential microenvironment biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:147. [PMID: 37697029 PMCID: PMC10495298 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the pathologic basis and prognostic value of tumor and liver stiffness measured pre-operatively by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who undergo hepatic resection. METHODS A total of 191 HBV-infected patients with solitary resectable HCC were prospectively enrolled. The stiffness of intratumoral tissue, peritumoral tissue, adjacent liver tissue, and distant liver tissue was evaluated by 2D-SWE. The correlations between stiffness and pathological characteristics were analyzed in 114 patients. The predictive value of stiffness for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated, and Cutoff Finder was used for determining optimal cut-off stiffness values. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent predictors of RFS. RESULTS Pathologically, intratumoral stiffness was associated with stroma proportion and microvascular invasion (MVI) while peritumoral stiffness was associated with tumor size, capsule, and MVI. Adjacent liver stiffness was correlated with capsule and liver fibrosis stage while distant liver stiffness was correlated with liver fibrosis stage. Peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, and distant liver stiffness were all correlated to RFS (all p < 0.05). Higher peritumoral stiffness (> 49.4 kPa) (HR = 1.822, p = 0.023) and higher adjacent liver stiffness (> 24.1 kPa) (HR = 1.792, p = 0.048) were significant independent predictors of worse RFS, along with tumor size and MVI. The nomogram based on these variables showed a C-index of 0.77 for RFS prediction. CONCLUSIONS Stiffness measured by 2D-SWE could be a tumor microenvironment and tumor invasiveness biomarker. Peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness showed important values in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Tumor and liver stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, reflecting biological behavior and tumor microenvironment. KEY POINTS • Stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a useful biomarker of tumor microenvironment and invasiveness. • Higher stiffness indicated more aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The study showed the prognostic value of peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness for recurrence-free survival. • The nomogram integrating peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, tumor size, and microvascular invasion showed a C-index of 0.77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haiyi Long
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuhua Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yifan Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianyun Peng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liya Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Manxia Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Radić J, Kožik B, Nikolić I, Kolarov-Bjelobrk I, Vasiljević T, Vranjković B, Despotović S. Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11745. [PMID: 37511503 PMCID: PMC10380739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kolarov-Bjelobrk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vasiljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Vranjković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Sanja Despotović
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Wang H, Wang N, Tang Z, Liu Q, Nie S, Tao W. An 8-gene predicting survival model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to pyroptosis and cuproptosis. Hereditas 2023; 160:30. [PMID: 37464443 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to establish a prognostic survival model with 8 pyroptosis-and-cuproptosis-related genes to examine the prognostic effect in patients of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We downloaded gene expression data and clinical information of HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The clustering analysis and cox regression with LASSO were used for constructing an 8 PCmRNAs survival model. Using TCGA, ICGC and GEO cohort, the overall survival (OS) between high- and low- risk group was determined. We also evaluated independent prognostic indicators using univariate and multivariate analyses. The relatively bioinformatics analysis, including immune cell infiltration, function enrichment and drug sensitivity analyses, was performed as well. The gene expression of 8 PCmRNAs in vitro were validated in several HCC cell lines by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The relationship between GZMA and Fludarabine were further checked by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS The survival prognostic model was constructed with ATP7A, GLS, CDKN2A, BAK1, CHMP4B, NLRP6, NOD1 and GZMA using data from TCGA cohort. The ICGC and GEO cohort were used for model validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed a good survival prediction by this model. Risk scores had the highest predictable value for survival among Stage, Age, Gender and Grade. Most Immune cells and immune functions were decreased in high-risk group. Besides, function enrichment analyses showed that steroid metabolic process, hormone metabolic process, collagen - containing extracellular matrix, oxidoreductase activity and pyruvate metabolism were enriched. Potential drugs targeted different PCDEGs like Nelarabine, Dexamethasone and Fludarabine were found as well. ATP7A, GLS, CDKN2A, BAK1, CHMP4B, NOD1 were upregulated while NLRP6 and GZMA were downregulated in most HCC cell lines. The potential therapy of Fludarabine was demonstrated when GZMA was low expressed in Huh7 cell line. CONCLUSION We constructed a novel 8-gene (ATP7A, GLS, CDKN2A, BAK1, CHMP4B, NLRP6, NOD1 and GZMA) prognostic model and explored potential functional information and microenvironment of HCC, which might be worthy of clinical application. In addition, several potential chemotherapy drugs were screened and Fludarabine might be effective for HCC patients whose GZMA was low expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Ze Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Qiuyu Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Shiyu Nie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Wu Tao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yong Chuan, Chongqing, 402160, China.
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Jiang ZY, Ma XM, Luan XH, Liuyang ZY, Hong YY, Dai Y, Dong QH, Wang GY. BMI-1 activates hepatic stellate cells to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3606-3621. [PMID: 37398890 PMCID: PMC10311613 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i23.3606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver. Although the crosstalk between aHSCs and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells supports liver metastasis (LM), the mechanisms are largely unknown.
AIM To explore the role of BMI-1, a polycomb group protein family member, which is highly expressed in LM, and the interaction between aHSCs and CRC cells in promoting CRC liver metastasis (CRLM).
METHODS Immunohistochemistry was carried out to examine BMI-1 expression in LM and matched liver specimens of CRC. The expression levels of BMI-1 in mouse liver during CRLM (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d) were detected by Western blotting (WB) and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. We overexpressed BMI-1 in HSCs (LX2) by lentivirus infection and tested the molecular markers of aHSCs by WB, qPCR, and the immunofluorescence assay. CRC cells (HCT116 and DLD1) were cultured in HSC-conditioned medium (LX2 NC CM or LX2 BMI-1 CM). CM-induced CRC cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway changes were investigated in vitro. A mouse subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model was established by co-implantation of HSCs (LX2 NC or LX2 BMI-1) and CRC cells to investigate the effects of HSCs on tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.
RESULTS Positive of BMI-1 expression in the liver of CRLM patients was 77.8%. The expression level of BMI-1 continued to increase during CRLM in mouse liver cells. LX2 overexpressed BMI-1 was activated, accompanied by increased expression level of alpha smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, TGF-β1, matrix metalloproteinases, and interleukin 6. CRC cells cultured in BMI-1 CM exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration ability, EMT phenotype and activation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. In addition, the TGF-βR inhibitor SB-505124 diminished the effect of BMI-1 CM on SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in CRC cells. Furthermore, BMI-1 overexpressed LX2 HSCs promoted tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.
CONCLUSION High expression of BMI-1 in liver cells is associated with CRLM progression. BMI-1 activates HSCs to secrete factors to form a prometastatic environment in the liver, and aHSCs promote proliferation, migration, and the EMT in CRC cells partially through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xi-Mei Ma
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejing University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Luan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Liuyang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Yang Hong
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing-Hua Dong
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guan-Yu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
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Zhang M, Zhu J, Zhang P, Li L, Min M, Li T, He W. Development and validation of cancer-associated fibroblasts-related gene landscape in prognosis and immune microenvironment of bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1174252. [PMID: 37397364 PMCID: PMC10309557 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1174252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most prevalent cancers of the genitourinary system, the clinical outcomes of patients with BLCA are bad, and the morbidity rate is high. One of the key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which are critically involved in BLCA tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown the involvement of CAFs in tumor growth, cancer progression, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance in several cancers such as breast, colon, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers. However, only a few studies have shown the role of CAFs in the occurrence and development of BLCA. Methods We have retrieved and merged the data on RNA-sequencing of patients with BLCA from databases including "the Cancer Genome Atlas" and "Gene Expression Omnibus." Next, we compared the differences in CAFs-related genes (CRGs) expression between normal and BLCA tissues. Based on CRGs expression, we randomly divided patients into two groups. Next, we determined the correlation between CAFs subtypes and differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) between the two subtypes. Furthermore, the "Gene Ontology" and "Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway" enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the functional characteristics between the DECRGs and clinicopathology. Results We identified five genes (POF1B, ARMCX1, ALDOC, C19orf33, and KRT13) using multivariate COX regression and "Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) COX regression analysis" for developing a prognostic model and calculating the CRGs-risk score. The TME, mutation, CSC index, and drug sensitivity were also analyzed. Conclusion We constructed a novel five- CRGs prognostic model, which sheds light on the roles of CAFs in BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, China
| | - Junlong Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, China
| | - Lingxun Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, China
| | - Min Min
- Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, China
| | - Tinghao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiyang He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Novruzov E, Mori Y, Novruzov F. The Diagnostic Value of Fibroblast Activation Protein Imaging in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocellular Carcinoma. PET Clin 2023:S1556-8598(23)00024-X. [PMID: 37029060 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2023.02.011] [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: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with worldwide high incidence and mortality. In more than 90% of cases, HCC arise from a cirrhotic liver that is mostly induced by viral diseases and especially in developed countries alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In contrast, cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a very rare cancer entity with a high mortality due to insidious onset. The only curative option for both cancer entities is a timely and definitive surgical therapy, which mandates an accurate early diagnosis. To this end, [18F]FDG PET/CT scan could demonstrate only little benefit, as there is an unmet clinical need for an alternative, pan-cancer agent for initial diagnostic work-up of CCC or evaluation of Milan criteria for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Novruzov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, Dusseldorf 40225, Germany.
| | - Yuriko Mori
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, Dusseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Fuad Novruzov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Azerbaijan National Centre of Oncology, M. Xiyabani Street No. 137, Baku, Azerbaijan
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Kim S, Lee SY, Seo HR. Deciphering the underlying mechanism of liver diseases through utilization of multicellular hepatic spheroid models. BMB Rep 2023; 56:225-233. [PMID: 36814078 PMCID: PMC10140482 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common form of cancer worldwide and is often fatal. Although the histopathology of HCC is characterized by metabolic pathophysiology, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, the focus of treatment has been on eliminating HCC. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) multicellular hepatic spheroid (MCHS) models have provided a) new therapeutic strategies for progressive fibrotic liver diseases, such as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs, b) molecular targets, and c) treatments for metabolic dysregulation. MCHS models provide a potent anti-cancer tool because they can mimic a) tumor complexity and heterogeneity, b) the 3D context of tumor cells, and c) the gradients of physiological parameters that are characteristic of tumors in vivo. However, the information provided by an multicelluar tumor spheroid (MCTS) model must always be considered in the context of tumors in vivo. This mini-review summarizes what is known about tumor HCC heterogeneity and complexity and the advances provided by MCHS models for innovations in drug development to combat liver diseases. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(4): 225-233].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Kim
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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22
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Yuan Q, Chu Y, Li X, Shi Y, Chen Y, Zhao J, Lu J, Liu K, Guo Y. CAFrgDB: a database for cancer-associated fibroblasts related genes and their functions in cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41417-023-00603-4. [PMID: 36922546 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) interact extensively with cancer cells and other stromal cells to remodel TME and participate in the pathogenesis of cancer, which earmarked themselves as new promising targets for cancer therapy. Numerous studies have highlighted the heterogeneity and versatility of CAFs in most cancer types. Thus, the identification and appropriate use of CAF-related genes (CAFGenes) in the context of specific cancer types will provide critical insights into disease mechanisms and CAF-related therapeutic targets. In this study, we collected and curated 5421 CAFGenes identified from small- or large-scale experiments, encompassing 4982 responsors that directly or indirectly participate in cancer malignant behaviors managed by CAFs, 1069 secretions that are secreted by CAFs and 281 regulators that contribute in modulating CAFs in human and mouse, which covered 24 cancer types. For these human CAFGenes, we performed gene expression and prognostic marker-based analyses across 24 cancer types using TCGA data. Furthermore, we provided annotations for CAF-associated proteins by integrating the knowledge of protein-protein interaction(s), drug-target relations and basic annotations, from 9 public databases. CAFrgDB (CAF related Gene DataBase) is free for academic research at http://caf.zbiolab.cn and we anticipate CAFrgDB can be a useful resource for further study of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yi Chu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yunshu Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| | - Yaping Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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23
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Eun JW, Yoon JH, Ahn HR, Kim S, Kim YB, Lim SB, Park W, Kang TW, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Son JA, Weon JH, Kim SS, Cho HJ, Cheong JY. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived secreted phosphoprotein 1 contributes to resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib and lenvatinib. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:455-479. [PMID: 36919193 PMCID: PMC10091107 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the induction of chemo-resistance. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying CAF-mediated resistance to two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), sorafenib and lenvatinib, and to identify a novel therapeutic target for overcoming TKI resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We performed a systematic integrative analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets and whole-transcriptome sequencing data from 9 pairs of CAFs and para-cancer fibroblasts isolated from human HCC and para-tumor tissues, respectively, to identify key molecules that might induce resistance to TKIs. We then performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate selected targets and related mechanisms. The associations of plasma secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression levels before sorafenib/lenvatinib treatment with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 54 patients with advanced HCC were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis identified CAF-derived SPP1 as a candidate molecule driving TKI resistance. SPP1 inhibitors reversed CAF-induced TKI resistance in vitro and in vivo. CAF-derived SPP1 activated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) through the integrin-protein kinase C-alpha (PKCα) signaling pathway and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A high plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment was identified as an independent predictor of poor PFS (P = 0.026) and OS (P = 0.047) in patients with advanced HCC after TKI treatment. CONCLUSIONS CAF-derived SPP1 enhances TKI resistance in HCC via bypass activation of oncogenic signals and EMT promotion. Its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy against TKI resistance in HCC. Moreover, plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment represents a potential biomarker for treatment response prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Woo Eun
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of PathologyCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hye Ri Ahn
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Seokhwi Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Young Bae Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Won Park
- The Moagen, IncDaejeonSouth Korea
| | | | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Moon Gyeong Yoon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ju A Son
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ji Hyang Weon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
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24
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Malgundkar SH, Tamimi Y. Exosomes as crucial emerging tools for intercellular communication with therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer. Future Sci OA 2023; 9:FSO833. [PMID: 37006229 PMCID: PMC10051132 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2022-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
More than two-thirds of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of sensitive biomarkers. Currently, exosomes are intensively investigated as non-invasive cancer diagnostic markers. Exosomes are nanovesicles released in the extracellular milieu with the potential to modulate recipient cells' behavior. EOC cells release many altered exosomal cargoes that exhibit clinical relevance to tumor progression. Exosomes represent powerful therapeutic tools (drug carriers or vaccines), posing a promising option in clinical practice for curing EOC in the near future. In this review, we highlight the importance of exosomes in cell–cell communication, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and their potential to serve as diagnostic and prognostic factors, particularly in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shika Hanif Malgundkar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 35, PC 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yahya Tamimi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 35, PC 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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25
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Dhungel N, Youngblood R, Chu M, Carroll J, Dragoi AM. Assessing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity in a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and lung fibroblasts co-culture model. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1096326. [PMID: 36936987 PMCID: PMC10022497 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1096326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the source of important cues that govern epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and facilitate the acquisition of aggressive traits by cancer cells. It is now recognized that EMT is not a binary program, and cancer cells rarely switch to a fully mesenchymal phenotype. Rather, cancer cells exist in multiple hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states responsible for cell population heterogeneity, which is advantageous for the ever-changing environment during tumor development and metastasis. How are these intermediate states generated and maintained is not fully understood. Here, we show that direct interaction between small cell lung carcinoma cells and lung fibroblasts induces a hybrid EMT phenotype in cancer cells in which several mesenchymal genes involved in receptor interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM remodeling are upregulated while epithelial genes such as E-cadherin remain unchanged or slightly increase. We also demonstrate that several core EMT-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) are upregulated in cancer cells during direct contact with fibroblasts, as is Yes-associated protein (YAP1), a major regulator of the Hippo pathway. Further, we show that these changes are transient and reverse to the initial state once the interaction is disrupted. Altogether, our results provide evidence that tumor cells' direct contact with the fibroblasts in the TME initiates a signaling cascade responsible for hybrid E/M states of cancer cells. These hybrid states are maintained during the interaction and possibly contribute to therapy resistance and immune evasion, while interference with direct contact will result in slow recovery and switch to the initial states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Min Chu
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Jennifer Carroll
- Center for Emerging Viral Threats (CEVT), LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
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26
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Shen W, Yao PA, Li W, Gu C, Gao T, Cao Y, Wang Z, Pei R, Xing C. Cancer-associated fibroblast-targeted nanodrugs reshape colorectal tumor microenvironments to suppress tumor proliferation, metastasis and improve drug penetration. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:1871-1880. [PMID: 36477303 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02253b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) produce a critical tumor-promoting effect by cellular crosstalk with cancer cells and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form a protective physical barrier. The simple elimination of CAFs is not sufficient to govern the CAF-shaped aggressive tumor microenvironment (TME) because of the complexity of tumors. Herein, a CAF-targeted poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoemulsion is tailored to simultaneously deliver doxorubicin (DOX) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) for the combination of chemotherapy and gene therapy. The nanoemulsion (apt-Si/DNPs) shows a high specificity towards CAFs due to the aptamer modification and efficiently induces the apoptosis of CAFs, thus decreasing ECM deposition in the TME. Importantly, the delivered siRNA reduces the expression of the HGF in the remaining CAFs, which overcomes chemotherapy-induced upregulation of HGF mRNA and prevents the reproduction of CAFs through the autocrine HGF closed-loop. Owing to these synergetic effects, tumor proliferation, migration and invasion are prominently inhibited and tumor permeability is improved significantly. Overall, these results emphasize the potential of CAF-targeted combination treatments to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis, as well as overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China. .,CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Ping-An Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital (East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University), 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Changji Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China.
| | - Tian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China.
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Celik-Turgut G, Olmez N, Koc T, Ozgun-Acar O, Semiz A, Dodurga Y, Lale Satiroglu-Tufan N, Sen A. Role of AHR, NF-kB and CYP1A1 crosstalk with the X protein of Hepatitis B virus in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Gene 2023; 853:147099. [PMID: 36476661 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to elucidate the interaction between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) with hepatitis B virus X protein (HBX) in a human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) transfected with HBX. First, AHR, NF-kB, and CYP1A1 genes were cloned into the appropriate region of the CheckMate mammalian two-hybrid recipient plasmids using a flexi vector system. Renilla and firefly luciferases were quantified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay system to measure the interactions. Secondly, transient transfections of CYP1A1 and NF-kB (RelA) were performed into HBX-positive and HBX-negative HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of CYP1A1 and NF-kB genes were confirmed with RT-PCR, and cell viability was measured by WST-1. Further verification was assessed by measuring the activity and protein level of CYP1A1. Additionally, CYP1A1/HBX protein-protein interactions were performed with co-immunoprecipitation, which demonstrated no interaction. These results have clearly shown that the NF-kB and AHR genes interact with HBX without involving CYP1A1 and HBX protein-protein interactions. The present study confirms that AHR and NF-kB interaction plays a role in the HBV mechanism mediated via HBX and coordinating the carcinogenic or inflammatory responses; still, the CYP1A1 gene has no effect on this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbet Celik-Turgut
- Department of Organic Agriculture Management, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Nazmiye Olmez
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Tugba Koc
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ozden Ozgun-Acar
- Seed Breeding & Genetics Application Research Center, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Asli Semiz
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Dodurga
- Departments of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | | | - Alaattin Sen
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey; Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey.
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Yao M, Liang S, Cheng B. Role of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma and the regulation of traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1110922. [PMID: 36733504 PMCID: PMC9886889 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1110922] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs on the basis of chronic liver inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis. The liver microenvironment plays a vital role in the tumor initiation and progression. Exosomes, which are nanometer-sized membrane vesicles are secreted by a number of cell types. Exosomes carry multiple proteins, DNAs and various forms of RNA, and are mediators of cell-cell communication and regulate the tumor microenvironment. In the recent decade, many studies have demonstrated that exosomes are involved in the communication between HCC cells and the stromal cells, including endothelial cells, macrophages, hepatic stellate cells and the immune cells, and serve as a regulator in the tumor proliferation and metastasis, immune evasion and immunotherapy. In addition, exosomes can also be used for the diagnosis and treatment HCC. They can potentially serve as specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug delivery vehicles of HCC. Chinese herbal medicine, which is widely used in the prevention and treatment of HCC in China, may regulate the release of exosomes and exosomes-mediated intercellular communication. In this review, we summarized the latest progresses on the role of the exosomes in the initiation, progression and treatment of HCC and the potential value of Traditional Chinese medicine in exosomes-mediated biological behaviors of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yao
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China,Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University (The Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Binbin Cheng,
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29
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Shi Y, Sang X, Deng J, Wang Y, Chen X, Lin S, Wu F, Xu A. Six Cell Cycle-related Genes Serve as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2023; 14:9-23. [PMID: 36605491 PMCID: PMC9809328 DOI: 10.7150/jca.76809] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cell cycle-related genes (CDK1, CDK5, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1, and CCNB2) play important roles in the regulation of mitotic cell cycle in eukaryotes. However, the correlation between cell cycle-related genes and tumor-infiltrating and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs further investigation. Methods: Two public websites, Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER) and Oncomine, were used to assess the expression levels of cycle-related genes. We also analyzed the protein expression levels of six cell cycle-related genes using the HPA database. In addition, Kaplan-Meier plotter and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database were used to investigate the impact of cell cycle-related gene expression levels on the clinical prognosis of HCC. The correlation between cell cycle-related genes and cancer immune infiltrates was analyzed through TIMER site. Subsequently, GEPIA and TIMER database were used to assess the correlation between the expression of six cell cycle-related genes and polygenic markers in monocytes and macrophages, respectively. The cell cycle-related genes were also analyzed to find the associated genes with the highest alteration frequency, by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) approaches of Metascape and String database, respectively. Results: The expression levels of cell cycle-related genes were up-regulated in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Subsequently, the expression of high cell cycle-related genes was positively correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC, for CDK1 (OS: HR = 2.15, P = 1.1E-05 PFS: HR = 2.03, P = 2.3E-06), CDK5 (OS: HR = 1.85, P = 0.0035 PFS: HR = 1.26, P = 0.17), CDC20 (OS: HR = 2.49, P = 5.1E-07 PFS: HR = 1.77, P = 0.00012), CCNA2 (OS: HR = 1.92, P = 0.00018 PFS: HR = 1.96, P = 5.2E-06), CCNB1 (OS: HR = 2.34, P = 3.4E-05 PFS: HR = 1.97, P = 5.3E-06), and CCNB2 (OS: HR = 1.91, P = 0.0013 PFS: HR = 1.63, P = 0.0011), respectively. Furthermore, the transcription level of cell cycle-related genes was significantly correlated with immune infiltrating levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) in HCC, respectively. Amongst them, the expression levels of CDK1, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2 manifest strongly correlated with diverse immune marker sets in HCC. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that cell cycle-related genes played key roles in the prognosis of HCC. Meanwhile, they were significantly correlated with immune infiltrating levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages and DCs in HCC, respectively. In addition, CDK1, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2 expressions may be involved in the regulation of monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC, respectively. These findings strongly suggested that cell cycle-related genes could be used as novel biomarkers for exploring the prognosis and immune cells infiltration of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopu Sang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Lin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fenfang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Anlong Xu (E-mail: ); Fenfang Wu (E-mail: )
| | - Anlong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Anlong Xu (E-mail: ); Fenfang Wu (E-mail: )
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Zulaziz N, Chai SJ, Lim KP. The origins, roles and therapies of cancer associated fibroblast in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151373. [PMID: 37035187 PMCID: PMC10076538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151373] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. It is often preceded by chronic inflammation such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Different cell types are believed to give rise to liver-specific cancer associated fibroblast (CAF), these include resident fibroblast, hepatic stellate cell, liver cancer cell, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell and mesenchymal stromal cell. The abundance of fibroblasts has contributed to the cancer progression, immune modulation and treatment resistance in HCC. In this review, we discussed the origins, subtypes and roles of cancer associated fibroblasts in HCC. Their specific roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer growth, and modulating different immune cell types to confer a permissive environment for cancer growth. CAF is now an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, however specific therapeutic development in HCC is still lacking. Hence, we have included preclinical and clinical development of CAF-specific interventions for other cancer types in this review. However, most CAF-specific therapies have resulted in disappointing clinical outcomes, likely due to the difficulties in differentiating CAF from normal fibroblast. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of CAF is warranted to further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CAF therapies.
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Zhang S, Bacon W, Peppelenbosch MP, van Kemenade F, Stubbs AP. Deciphering Tumour Microenvironment of Liver Cancer through Deconvolution of Bulk RNA-Seq Data with Single-Cell Atlas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:153. [PMID: 36612149 PMCID: PMC9818189 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers give rise to a heavy burden on healthcare worldwide. Understanding the tumour microenvironment (TME) underpins the development of precision therapy. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has generated high-quality cell atlases of the TME, but its wider application faces enormous costs for various clinical circumstances. Fortunately, a variety of deconvolution algorithms can instead repurpose bulk RNA-seq data, alleviating the need for generating scRNA-seq datasets. In this study, we reviewed major public omics databases for relevance in this study and utilised eight RNA-seqs and one microarray dataset from clinical studies. To decipher the TME of liver cancer, we estimated the fractions of liver cell components by deconvoluting the samples with Cibersortx using three reference scRNA-seq atlases. We also confirmed that Cibersortx can accurately deconvolute cell types/subtypes of interest. Compared with non-tumorous liver, liver cancers showed multiple decreased cell types forming normal liver microarchitecture, as well as elevated cell types involved in fibrogenesis, abnormal angiogenesis, and disturbed immune responses. Survival analysis shows that the fractions of five cell types/subtypes significantly correlated with patient outcomes, indicating potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, deconvolution of bulk RNA-seq data with scRNA-seq atlas references can be a useful tool to help understand the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendi Bacon
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Folkert van Kemenade
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Andrew Peter Stubbs
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Ding Q, Zhu W, Zhu S, Zhou X. Sanguinarine promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating the miR-497-5p/CDK4 axis. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:8539-8551. [PMID: 36628219 PMCID: PMC9827319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of sanguinarine on the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via regulating the miR-497-5p/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) axis. METHODS Swiss Target Prediction was used for target prediction of sanguinarine. The targets were analyzed with KEGG enrichment analysis, and CDK4 was included in this study. Target prediction website, Diana tools enrichment analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to identify the target miRNAs for CDK4. We measured expression levels of CDK4 and miR-497-5p in cancerous tissues, normal liver L02 cells, HepG2 HCC cells and sanguinarine-treated HepG2 cells. The expression of CDK4/miR-497-5p in HCC cells was intervened by treating HCC cells with sanguinarine. Cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were measured with CCK8, Transwell and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS CDK4 was shown to be a target for sanguinarine. Compared with L02 cells, CDK4 expression in HCC cells was significantly increased, but sanguinarine inhibited the CDK4 expression in HCC cells. The proliferation and invasion of HCC cells were inhibited, and the apoptosis was promoted by sanguinarine, but these effects were reversed by CDK4 overexpression (both P<0.05). miR-497-5p was confirmed to be a target miRNA for CDK4, and its expression was decreased in HCC cells but could be promoted by sanguinarine. The effect of miR-497-5p knockdown on HCC cells was partially reversed by si-CDK4. CONCLUSION Sanguinarine inhibits the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells, and induces the apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating the expression of miR-497-5p/CDK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanhua Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China,Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weina Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shenghao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhou
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo 315000, Zhejiang, China
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Design of Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy Based on Tumor Microenvironment Properties. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122708. [PMID: 36559202 PMCID: PMC9785496 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and battling cancer has always been a challenging subject in medical sciences. All over the world, scientists from different fields of study try to gain a deeper knowledge about the biology and roots of cancer and, consequently, provide better strategies to fight against it. During the past few decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents with high efficiency and reduced side effects in cancer treatment. Targeted and stimuli-sensitive nanoparticles have been widely studied for cancer therapy in recent years, and many more studies are ongoing. This review aims to provide a broad view of different nanoparticle systems with characteristics that allow them to target diverse properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from nanoparticles that can be activated and release their cargo due to the specific characteristics of the TME (such as low pH, redox, and hypoxia) to nanoparticles that can target different cellular and molecular targets of the present cell and molecules in the TME.
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Zhong X, Chen L, Long H, Zheng R, Su L, Duan Y, Xie X, Lin M. The "stiff rim" sign of hepatocellular carcinoma on shear wave elastography: correlation with pathological features and potential prognostic value. ABDOMINAL RADIOLOGY (NEW YORK) 2022; 47:4115-4125. [PMID: 35962810 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the pathologic basis, the influencing factors and potential prognostic value of the stiff rim sign in two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS HCC patients who underwent tumor 2D-SWE examination before resection were prospectively enrolled. The stiff rim sign was defined as increased stiffness in the peritumoral region. Interobserver and intraobserver variability of the stiff rim sign was assessed. The correlation between the stiff rim sign and pathological characteristics was analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to examine clinical and radiological factors influencing the appearance of stiff rim sign. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the stiff rim sign. RESULTS The stiff rim sign on 2D-SWE was present in 44.7% of HCC lesions. Interobserver agreement and intraobserver agreement for the stiff rim sign were substantial (κ = 0.772) and almost perfect (κ = 0.895), respectively. Pathologically, the stiff rim sign was associated with capsule status, capsule integrity, capsule thickness, proportion of peritumoral fibrous tissue, and peritumoral fibrous arrangement. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size was an independent clinical predictor for the appearance of stiff rim sign (OR 1.201, p = 0.008). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed RFS was significantly poorer in the stiff rim sign (+) group than the stiff rim sign (-) group in solitary tumors smaller than 5 cm (p = 0.007) and solitary tumors with intratumoral stiffness less than 33.7 kPa (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION The stiff rim sign on 2D-SWE was mainly correlated with peritumoral fibrous tissue status and was a poor prognostic indicator for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haiyi Long
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liya Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Manxia Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Zalpoor H, Aziziyan F, Liaghat M, Bakhtiyari M, Akbari A, Nabi-Afjadi M, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Rezaei N. The roles of metabolic profiles and intracellular signaling pathways of tumor microenvironment cells in angiogenesis of solid tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:186. [PMID: 36419156 PMCID: PMC9684800 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00951-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune cells patrol and survey throughout the human body and sometimes reside in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with a variety of cell types and nutrients that may differ from those in which they developed. The metabolic pathways and metabolites of immune cells are rooted in cell physiology, and not only provide nutrients and energy for cell growth and survival but also influencing cell differentiation and effector functions. Nowadays, there is a growing awareness that metabolic processes occurring in cancer cells can affect immune cell function and lead to tumor immune evasion and angiogenesis. In order to safely treat cancer patients and prevent immune checkpoint blockade-induced toxicities and autoimmunity, we suggest using anti-angiogenic drugs solely or combined with Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) to boost the safety and effectiveness of cancer therapy. As a consequence, there is significant and escalating attention to discovering techniques that target metabolism as a new method of cancer therapy. In this review, a summary of immune-metabolic processes and their potential role in the stimulation of intracellular signaling in TME cells that lead to tumor angiogenesis, and therapeutic applications is provided. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Zalpoor
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun Branch, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.412606.70000 0004 0405 433XDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Li D, Zhang X, Jiang L. Molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000807. [PMID: 36439439 PMCID: PMC9682021 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by high invasion and poor prognosis. The occurrence of liver metastasis seriously affects advanced GC prognosis. In recent years, great progress has been made in the field of GC liver metastasis. The abnormal expression of related genes leads to the occurrence of GC liver metastasis through metastasis cascades. The changes in the liver microenvironment provide a pre-metastasis condition for GC cells to colonize and grow. The development of several potential therapeutic targets might provide new therapeutic strategies for its treatment. Therefore, we reviewed the regulatory mechanism of abnormal genes mediating liver metastasis, the effect of liver resident cells on liver metastasis, and potential therapeutic targets, hoping to provide a novel therapeutic option to improve the quality of life and prognosis of GC patients with liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Difeng Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Clinical Biobanks and Translational Research, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Antitumor Active Substance Research and Development, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang Y, Liang H, Zheng J. Exosomal microRNAs mediating crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 239:154159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Classification and Prognostic Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Glycolysis Cholesterol Synthesis Axis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:2014625. [PMID: 36213830 PMCID: PMC9546679 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2014625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is among the most frequent causes of cancer-related death across the world with a considerably poor prognosis. The current study targeted providing a new type of LIHC from the perspective of the glycolysis/cholesterol synthesis axis, predicting its prognostic characteristics, and exploring the potential role and mechanism of the glycolysis/cholesterol synthesis axis in the occurrence and development of LIHC. Methods Based on the two expression profile data and clinical information of LIHC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and hepatocellular carcinoma database (HCCDB), as well as glycolysis/cholesterol-related genes from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), unsupervised consistent clustering method was used to identify molecular subtypes. In addition, the differential genes were identified by limma package, and then the gene set was enriched, analyzed, and annotated by WebGestaltR package. At the same time, the immune infiltration analysis of tumor samples was carried out using the ESTIMATE to evaluate the tumor immune score of the samples. Finally, the differences in clinical characteristics among molecular subtypes were measured using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Results According to the median standardized expression levels of glycolysis/cholesterol production genes, samples were divided into four groups (molecular subtypes): Quiescent group, Glycolysis group, Cholesterol group, and Mixed group. Significant prognostic differences were observed among the four groups. In both TCGA and HCCDB18 datasets, the prognosis of subtype Mixed was the worst, while Quiescent had a good prognosis. Cell cycle and oncogenic pathways were significantly enriched in the Mixed group. In addition, glycolysis and cholesterol production gene expressions were related to the prognostic LIHC subtype classification genes' expression levels. Conclusion Metabolic classification regarding glycolysis and cholesterol production pathways provided new insights into the biological aspects of LIHC molecular subtypes and might help to develop personalized therapies for unique tumor metabolic profiles.
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Characterizing PTP4A3/PRL-3 as the Potential Prognostic Marker Gene for Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:2717056. [PMID: 36213837 PMCID: PMC9546693 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2717056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background A large number of cancer-related deaths in the world can be attributed to liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). The purpose of this study is to explore protein tyrosine phosphatase type IV A member 3 (PTP4A3/PRL-3) as a new and reliable biomarker to predict the prognosis of LIHC and determine the potential therapeutic targets or drugs that can be used for treating LIHC. Methods We included three LIHC datasets with clinical information and expression profiles from public databases. The expression level of PTP4A3 was analyzed, and based on the results, the samples were divided into high- and low-expression groups. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis method was used to determine the relationship between PTP4A3 and prognosis. The enrichment differences among the functional pathways associated with the high- and low-expression groups were determined using the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) method. Five methods were used to determine the differences among the tumor microenvironment in the low- and high-expression groups. The sensitivity of the low- and high-expression groups toward different drug treatment methods was predicted by analyzing the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores and determining the biochemical half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Results The expression levels of the LIHC and adjacent samples were analyzed, and it was observed that the expression level of PTP4A3 in tumor tissue was significantly higher than the expression level of the same gene in the adjacent samples. It was also inferred that it might be a cancer-promoting gene. It was concluded that high-expression results in a significantly poor prognosis. The high-expression group was significantly enriched in the tumor-related pathways, such as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In addition, the results obtained by conducting immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between some immune scores and the gene PTP4A3. The drug KIN001−135 and gene PTP4A3 were also found to correlate positively with each other. CP466722, Pyrimethamine, AKT inhibitor VIII, Embelin, Cisplatin, QS11, Bexarotene, and Midostaurin negatively correlated with PTP4A3 associated with the three datasets. Moreover, the drugs Cisplatin, QS11, Midostaurin, and CP466722 were more sensitive toward the high-expression group than the low PTP4A3 expression group. Significant differences were observed in these cases. Conclusion PTP4A3/PRL-3 is potentially associated with the progression, metastasis, and invasion of LIHC. The prognosis of LIHC patients is negatively impacted by the high-expression levels of the gene. The results indicate that PTP4A3/PRL-3 is an important prognostic factor for LIHC and is a new potential prognostic detection target. The discovery of the 8 drugs that were negatively associated with PTP4A3 provided a new direction that can be developed in the future for the treatment of LIHC.
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Zhang G, Xiao Y, Zhang X, Fan W, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Wang H, Li J. Dissecting a hypoxia-related angiogenic gene signature for predicting prognosis and immune status in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:978050. [PMID: 36110938 PMCID: PMC9468769 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.978050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHypoxia and angiogenesis, as prominent characteristics of malignant tumors, are implicated in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of hypoxia in the angiogenesis of liver cancer is unclear. Therefore, we explored the regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia-related angiogenic genes (HRAGs) and the relationship between these genes and the prognosis of HCC.MethodsThe transcriptomic and clinical data of HCC samples were downloaded from public datasets, followed by identification of hypoxia- and angiogenesis-related genes in the database. A gene signature model was constructed based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and validated in independent cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the model’s predictive capability. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore signaling pathways regulated by the gene signature. Furthermore, the relationships among gene signature, immune status, and response to anti-angiogenesis agents and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) were analyzed.ResultsThe prognostic model was based on three HRAGs (ANGPT2, SERPINE1 and SPP1). The model accurately predicted that low-risk patients would have longer overall survival than high-risk patients, consistent with findings in other cohorts. GSEA indicated that high-risk group membership was significantly associated with hypoxia, angiogenesis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and activity in immune-related pathways. The high-risk group also had more immunosuppressive cells and higher expression of immune checkpoints such as PD-1 and PD-L1. Conversely, the low-risk group had a better response to anti-angiogenesis and ICB therapy.ConclusionsThe gene signature based on HRAGs was predictive of prognosis and provided an immunological perspective that will facilitate the development of personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixiong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yitai Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhe Fan
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqin Wu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaping Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiaping Li,
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Cancer associated fibroblasts secreted exosomal miR-1290 contributes to prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis via targeting GSK3β. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:371. [PMID: 35999213 PMCID: PMC9399109 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play crucial roles in mediating tumor growth and metastasis via transferring exosomes to neighboring cells, whereas the mechanisms by which CAFs regulate the tumorgenesis of prostate cancer (PC) remain largely unknown. In this study, CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from PC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. Exosomes (NFs-Exo and CAFs-Exo) were then isolated from the supernatant of NFs and CAFs. Next, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between NFs-Exo and CAFs-Exo were identified using RNA-sequencing. Cell viability, migration and invasion were detected with CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Protein expression was measured with western blot. We found that CAFs-Exo remarkably enhanced PC cell migration, invasion, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Significantly, miR-1290 level was upregulated in CAFs-Exo compared to NFs-Exo. In addition, CAFs could transfer exosomes to PC cells, resulting in a marked increase of miR-1290 level in cells. Moreover, exosomal miR-1290 could inhibit GSK3β/β-catenin signaling by binding with the downstream target GSK3β mRNA. Meanwhile, miR-1290 antagomir notably reversed the effects of CAFs-Exo on PC cells through activating GSK3β/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, exosomal miR-1290 from CAFs could promote PC cell growth and metastasis via inhibiting GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that miR-1290 may serve as potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PC.
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Lu Y, Feng N, Du Y, Yu R. Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutics to Overcome Obstacles in the Tumor Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12162832. [PMID: 36014696 PMCID: PMC9414814 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a main health concern around the world, with a rising incidence and high mortality rate. The tumor-promoting components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a vital role in the development and metastasis of HCC. TME-targeted therapies have recently drawn increasing interest in the treatment of HCC. However, the short medication retention time in TME limits the efficiency of TME modulating strategies. The nanoparticles can be elaborately designed as needed to specifically target the tumor-promoting components in TME. In this regard, the use of nanomedicine to modulate TME components by delivering drugs with protection and prolonged circulation time in a spatiotemporal manner has shown promising potential. In this review, we briefly introduce the obstacles of TME and highlight the updated information on nanoparticles that modulate these obstacles. Furthermore, the present challenges and future prospects of TME modulating nanomedicines will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Na Feng
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (R.Y.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.); +86-571-87783925 (R.Y.)
| | - Risheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (R.Y.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.); +86-571-87783925 (R.Y.)
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Xie CF, Feng KL, Wang JN, Luo R, Fang CK, Zhang Y, Shen CP, Zhong C. Jianpi Huayu decoction inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115360. [PMID: 35568116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jianpi Huayu decoction (JHD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation used to treat a variety of malignant tumors including HCC, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Exosomes in the tumor microenvironment mediate intercellular signaling among cancer cells, but precise contributions to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression are still elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY In this work, the main objective was to examine the mechanisms underlying anti-tumor effects of JHD and the potential contributions of exosomal signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS LC-MS/MS was used for quality control of JDH preparation, while nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting were used for verification of exosomes. In vitro assays included CCK8, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the effects of JHD on HCC cells and the molecular mechanism. Furthermore, the effects of JHD on subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice were also determined. RESULTS JHD inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cultured HCC cells. Further, exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells promoted the migration, invasion and EMT of other cultured HCC cells, while exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells after JHD treatment had little effect. In addition, JHD reduced the expression of exosomal miR-23a-3p in cultured HCC cells. miR-23a-3p was significantly up-regulated in tumor compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues of patients with HCC. HCC patients with high miR-23a-3p expression had poor overall survival after hepatectomy. Meanwhile, miR-23a-3p enhanced HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and expression of Smad signaling proteins. More importantly, overexpression of miR-23a-3p can reverse the inhibition of EMT and Smad signaling pathway caused by JHD treatment. In vivo assays, treatment with JHD also reduced the growth of HCC-derived tumors in nude mice, reduced the expression of miR-23a-3p in serum exosomes and the level of EMT in tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS the antitumor effects of JHD on HCC are mediated at least in part by inhibition of EMT due to downregulation of exosome-mediated intercellular miR-23a-3p transfer and subsequent blockade of Smad signaling. Disrupting this exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling pathway may be an effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Feng Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, 545001, Liuzhou, China
| | - Kun-Liang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ji-Nan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Chong-Kai Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Chuang-Peng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Chong Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Khafaga AF, Mousa SA, Aleya L, Abdel-Daim MM. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture: a valuable step in advancing treatments for human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:243. [PMID: 35908054 PMCID: PMC9339175 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02662-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignant cancer and the third most frequent cause of tumour-related mortality worldwide. Currently, several surgical and medical therapeutic strategies are available for HCCs; however, the interaction between neoplastic cells and non-neoplastic stromal cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) results in strong therapeutic resistance of HCCs to conventional treatment. Therefore, the development of novel treatments is urgently needed to improve the survival of patients with HCC. The first step in developing efficient chemotherapeutic drugs is the establishment of an appropriate system for studying complex tumour culture and microenvironment interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) culture model might be a crucial bridge between in vivo and in vitro due to its ability to mimic the naturally complicated in vivo TME compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. In this review, we shed light on various established 3D culture models of HCC and their role in the investigation of tumour-TME interactions and HCC-related therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt.
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environnement Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
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Shen Y, Wei Z, Zhou C, Song J, Wang J, Wang J, Wu L, Fang S, Shen Z. Arylsulfatase I
is a prognostic biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and Pan‐cancer. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24600. [PMID: 35870182 PMCID: PMC9459304 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sulfatase gene family members mediate various biological functions in tumor stroma and tumor cell environments. However, the expressions and prognostic value of Arylsulfatase I (ARSI), a sulfatase gene family member, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) have not been fully established. Methods Arylsulfatase I expressions in pan‐cancer were profiled using publicly available databases. Then, univariate Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier, and the Pearson's correlation analyses were performed to determine correlations between ARSI expressions and cancer prognosis, immune cell status, and drug sensitivity. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to assess the potential mechanisms underlying ARSI functions in HNSC. Results Arylsulfatase I was highly expressed in 15 cancer types, with significant expressions in HNSC. Elevated ARSI levels were associated with worse prognostic outcomes in HNSC patients. In addition, GSVA and GSEA showed that ARSI was highly involved in tumor cell escape and inflammatory responses. Expressions of ARSI negatively correlated with tumor mutation burden or microsatellite instability and positively correlated with immune‐related genes. Elevated ARSI expressions conferred poor tolerance to daporinad and sinularin, but increased cell sensitivity to dasatinib and XAV939. Conclusion Arylsulfatase I is a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for HNSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Zhengyu Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Chongchang Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
| | - Jiangping Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Jiada Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Linrong Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
| | - Shenzhe Fang
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital Ningbo University Ningbo China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo China
- Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
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Study on the Prognostic Values of TTC36 Correlated with Immune Infiltrates and Its Methylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7267131. [PMID: 35846428 PMCID: PMC9286891 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7267131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an incurable disease with a very poor clinical outcome. The purpose of this article was to investigate whether the expression or methylation of tetrapeptide repeat domain 36 (TTC36) could be used as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. TCGA database was used to obtain information on HCC gene expression and the associated clinical features of HCC patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between 374 HCC specimens and 50 nontumor specimens. The expression and prognostic value of TTC36 were analyzed. The correlations between TTC36 and cancer immune infiltrates were investigated via TIMER. In this study, HCC specimens and nontumor specimens were compared and 35 DEGs were found between them. Among the 35 DEGs, the expression of TTC36 was significantly reduced in HCC samples compared with nontumor samples. Survival tests revealed that patients with low TTC36 expression had a shorter overall survival than patients with high TTC36 expression. TTC36 was found to be an independent predictive factor for HCC in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. TTC36 was negatively regulated by TTC36 methylation, leading to its low expression in HCC tissues. Immune analysis revealed that TTC36 expression has significant correlations with B cell, T cell CD4+, neutrophil, macrophage, and myeloid dendritic cell. Finally, TTC36 expression was dramatically reduced in HCC cells, and overexpression greatly suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion, according to our experimental results. Overall, our data suggested that TTC36 could be applied as a prognostic marker for predicting outcome and immune infiltration in HCC.
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Yang D, Su Y, Zhao F, Chen C, Zhao K, Xiong X, Ding Y. A Practical Nomogram and Risk Stratification System Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients With Severe Liver Fibrosis. Front Surg 2022; 9:920589. [PMID: 35784933 PMCID: PMC9243509 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.920589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aims to construct a novel practical nomogram and risk stratification system to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) in HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis. Methods Data on 1,878 HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis in the period 1975 to 2017 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER). Patients were block-randomized (1,316 training cohort, 562 validation cohort) by setting random seed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were employed to select variables for the nomogram. The consistency index (C-index), the area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), and calibration curves were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA), the C-index, the net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to compare the nomogram with the AJCC tumor staging system. We also compared the risk stratification of the nomogram with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Results Seven variables were selected to establish the nomogram. The C-index (training cohort: 0.781, 95%CI: 0.767–0.793; validation cohort: 0.793, 95%CI = 95%CI: 0.779–0.798) and the time-dependent AUCs (the training cohort: the values of 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 0.845, 0.835, and 0.842, respectively; the validation cohort: the values of 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 0.861, 0.870, and 0.876, respectively) showed satisfactory discrimination. The calibration plots also revealed that the nomogram was consistent with the actual observations. NRI (training cohort: 1-, 2-, and 3-year CSS: 0.42, 0.61, and 0.67; validation cohort: 1-, 2-, and 3-year CSS: 0.26, 0.52, and 0.72) and IDI (training cohort: 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS:0.16, 0.20, and 0.22; validation cohort: 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS: 0.17, 0.26, and 0.30) indicated that the established nomogram significantly outperformed the AJCC staging system (P < 0.001). Moreover, DCA also showed that the nomogram was more practical and had better recognition. Conclusion A nomogram for predicting CSS for HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis was established and validated, which provided a new system of risk stratification as a practical tool for individualized treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangrui Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Correspondence: Youming Ding Chen Chen
| | - Kailiang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyun Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Correspondence: Youming Ding Chen Chen
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Li Y, Wu J, Lu Q, Liu X, Wen J, Qi X, Liu J, Lian B, Zhang B, Sun H, Tian G. GA&HA-Modified Liposomes for Co-Delivery of Aprepitant and Curcumin to Inhibit Drug-Resistance and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:2559-2575. [PMID: 35698562 PMCID: PMC9188407 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s366180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mounting evidence indicates that peripheral nerves could induce a shift from quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by secreting substance P (SP). The anti-tumor strategy by targeting “SP-HSCs-HCC” axis might be an effective therapy to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Objective In this study, we prepared novel liposomes (CUR-APR/HA&GA-LPs) modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) for co-delivery aprepitant (APR) and curcumin (CUR), in which APR was chosen to inhibit the activation of HSCs by blocking SP/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), and CUR was used to induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Results To mimic the TME, we established “SP+HSCs+HCC” co-cultured cell model in vitro. The results showed that CUR-APR/HA&GA-LPs could be taken up by CAFs and HCC simultaneously, and inhibit tumor cell migration. Meanwhile, the “SP+m-HSCs+HCC” co-implanted mice model was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect in vivo. The results showed that CUR-APR/HA&GA-LPs could inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis, and reduce extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tumor angiogenesis, indicating a superior anti-HCC effect. Conclusion Overall, the combination therapy based on HA&GA-LPs could be a potential nano-sized formulation for anti-HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China.,School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Liu
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxuan Wen
- School of Nursing, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Qi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Lian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengyi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixiang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
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Field carcinogenesis and biological significance of the potential of the bystander effect: carcinogenesis, therapeutic response, and tissue regeneration. Surg Today 2022; 53:545-553. [PMID: 35576018 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-022-02524-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The "bystander effect" is a transmission phenomenon mediating communication from target to non-target cells, as well as cell-to-cell interactions between neighboring and distantly located cells. In this narrative review, we describe the fundamental and clinical significance of the bystander effect with respect to cell-to-cell interactions in carcinogenesis, therapeutic response, and tissue regeneration. In carcinogenesis, the bystander effect mediates communications between tumor microenvironments and non-malignant epithelial cells and has been suggested to impact heterogeneous tumorigenic cells in tumors and cancerized fields. In therapeutic response, the bystander effect mediates communications between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells and may transmit both drug efficacy and resistance. Therefore, control of therapeutic response transmission via the bystander effect might offer a promising future cancer treatment. Finally, in tissue regeneration, circulating cells and stromal cells may differentiate into various cells for the purpose of tissue regeneration under direction of the bystander effect arising from surrounding cells in a defective space. We hope that the findings we present will promote the development of innovative cancer therapies and tissue regeneration methodologies from the viewpoint of cell-to-cell interactions through the bystander effect.
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50
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Li X, Jiang E, Zhao H, Chen Y, Xu Y, Feng C, Li J, Shang Z. Glycometabolic reprogramming-mediated proangiogenic phenotype enhancement of cancer-associated fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma: role of PGC-1α/PFKFB3 axis. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:449-461. [PMID: 35444287 PMCID: PMC9345921 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is a key rate-limiting step in the process of tumour progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant component OSCC stroma, play important roles in pro-angiogenesis. Recently, the stroma "reverse Warburg effect" was proposed, and PFKFB3 has been brought to the forefront as a metabolic enzyme regulating glycometabolism. However, it remains unclear whether glycometabolism reprogramming is involved in promoting the angiogenesis of CAFs. METHODS CAFs and paracancerous fibroblasts (PFs) were isolated from OSCC and adjacent tissues. We detected the pro-angiogenesis and glycometabolism phenotype of three pairs of fibroblasts. Targeted blockage of PFKFB3 or activation of PGC-1α signal was used to investigate the effect of glycolysis on regulating angiogenesis of CAFs in vitro and vivo. RESULTS CAFs exhibited metabolic reprogramming and enhanced proangiogenic phenotype compared with PFs. Inhibition of PFKFB3-dependent glycolysis impaired proangiogenic factors (VEGF-A, PDGF-C and MMP9) expression in CAFs. Furthermore, CAFs proangiogenic phenotype was regulated by glycometabolism through the PGC-1α/PFKFB3 axis. Consistently, PGC-1α overexpression or PFKFB3 knockdown in CAFs slowed down tumour development by reducing tumour angiogenesis in the xenograft model. CONCLUSION CAFs of OSCC are characterised with glycometabolic reprogramming and enhanced proangiogenic phenotypes. Our findings suggest that activating PGC-1α signalling impairs proangiogenic phenotype of CAFs by blocking PFKFB3-driven glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Erhui Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu Feng
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengjun Shang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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