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Huang S, Zhang J, He P, Cui X, Hou Y, Su W, Li F. Radiation-induced upregulation of FGL1 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis via IMPDH1. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:557. [PMID: 38702629 PMCID: PMC11067193 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While radiation therapy remains pivotal in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment, the perplexing phenomenon of post-radiation metastasis presents a formidable clinical challenge. This study investigates the role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in driving ESCC metastasis following radiation exposure. METHODS FGL1 expression in post-radiation ESCC cells was meticulously examined using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The impact of FGL1 on ESCC cell invasion and migration was assessed through Transwell and wound healing assays. In vivo, the metastatic potential of ESCC in response to FGL1 was scrutinized using nude mice models. Comprehensive RNA sequencing and functional experiments elucidated the intricate mechanism associated with FGL1. RESULTS Radiation induced upregulation of FGL1 in ESCC cells through FOXO4, intensifying ESCC cell invasion and migration. Targeted knockdown of FGL1 effectively alleviated these characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. FGL1 depletion concurrently suppressed IMPDH1 expression. Rescue experiments underscored that IMPDH1 knockdown robustly reversed the pro-invasive effects induced by FGL1 in ESCC cells. ESCC tissues exhibited heightened IMPDH1 mRNA levels, demonstrating a correlation with patient survival. CONCLUSIONS Radiation-induced upregulation of FGL1 propels ESCC metastasis through IMPDH1, proposing a potential therapeutic target to mitigate post-radiotherapy metastasis in ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China.
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Pu He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Xinyue Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Wanghui Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
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2
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Shafieizadeh Z, Shafieizadeh Z, Davoudi M, Afrisham R, Miao X. Role of Fibrinogen-like Protein 1 in Tumor Recurrence Following Hepatectomy. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:406-415. [PMID: 38638375 PMCID: PMC11022061 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Partial hepatectomy is a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Within 2 weeks following partial hepatectomy, specific molecular pathways are activated to promote liver regeneration. Nevertheless, residual microtumors may also exploit these pathways to reappear and metastasize. Therapeutically targeting molecules that are differentially regulated between normal cells and malignancies, such as fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), appears to be an effective approach. The potential functions of FGL1 in both regenerative and malignant cells are discussed within the ambit of this review. While FGL1 is normally elevated in regenerative hepatocytes, it is normally downregulated in malignant cells. Hepatectomy does indeed upregulate FGL1 by increasing the release of transcription factors that promote FGL1, including HNF-1α and STAT3, and inflammatory effectors, such as TGF-β and IL6. This, in turn, stimulates certain proliferative pathways, including EGFR/Src/ERK. Hepatectomy alters the phase transition of highly differentiated hepatocytes from G0 to G1, thereby transforming susceptible cells into cancerous ones. Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by FGL1 allele loss on chromosome 8, a tumor suppressor area, may also cause hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, FGL1 is specifically expressed in the liver via HNF-1α histone acetylase activity, which triggers lipid metabolic reprogramming in malignancies. FGL1 might also be involved in other carcinogenesis processes such as hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, and sorafenib-mediated drug resistance. This study highlights a research gap in these disciplines and the necessity for additional research on FGL1 function in the described processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shafieizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Shafieizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Davoudi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Afrisham
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Xiaolei Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
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3
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Zhou Y, Liu D, Li H. FGL1 Promotes Tumor Immune Escape in Stomach Adenocarcinoma via the Notch Signaling Pathway. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00928-3. [PMID: 37902887 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00928-3] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Immune escape is the major reason for immunotherapy failure in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). We tried to reveal the underlying mechanism of FGL1 influencing STAD in this study. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to analyze the expression of FGL1, the signaling pathways affected by FGL1, and the relation between FGL1 and immune cell infiltration. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were adopted to analyze FGL1 expression, cell viability, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and cell invasion, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, lactate dehydrogenase method, qRT-PCR and Western blot were adopted to reveal proinflammatory cytokine expression, cytotoxicity and mRNA and protein expression of the Notch signaling-related genes, respectively, after co-culture of STAD cells and CD8+T cells. Nude mice experiment was conducted to validate the results obtained above. FGL1 expressed highly in STAD and could activate the Notch signaling pathway, and it was negatively correlated with CD8+T cell infiltration. Cell experiments confirmed that high expression of FGL1 facilitated proliferation and hindered apoptosis of STAD cells. Knockdown of FGL1 could facilitate expression of pro-inflammatory factors and the cytotoxicity of CD8+T cells in co-culture system of STAD and CD8+ T cells. Knockdown of FGL1 could suppress the expression of the Notch signaling pathway-related genes, and the addition of Notch inhibitor proved that FGL1 promoted immune escape via the Notch signaling pathway. This study investigated the influence of FGL1 on STAD immune escape and demonstrated that FGL1 inhibited CD8+ T cell activation by activating the Notch signaling pathway and thus promoted tumor immune escape in STAD, providing a new potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for the immunotherapy of STAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Zhou
- School of Health Management, Shangluo University, Shangluo, 726000, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, 710077, China
| | - Huirong Li
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Application, Shangluo University, No. 10, Beixin Street, Shangzhou District, Shangluo, 726000, Shaanxi Province, China.
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4
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Hua N, Chen A, Yang C, Dong H, He X, Ru G, Tong X, Zhou F, Wang S. The correlation of fibrinogen-like protein-1 expression with the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7911-7919. [PMID: 35776395 PMCID: PMC9304048 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07624-6] [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: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrinogen-like-protein 1 (FGL1), a member of the fibrinogen-related protein (FREP) family, is a major ligand of the immune inhibitory receptor lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3). While FGL1 is strongly implicated in the development and prognosis of a variety of diseases, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still disputed. Therefore, the role of FGL1 expression in the progression and prognosis of HCC was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, bioinformatics analysis was first used to probe the expression profile of FGL1 in multiple malignant tumor tissues and paired normal tissues, and to explore the possible relationship between FGL1 and prognosis of HCC patients. Thereafter, the expression levels of FGL1 were determined and compared in human HCC cell lines, HCC tissues, peri-tumor tissues and normal liver tissues by western blot analysis. Furthermore, tissue microarrays were used to detect the expression of FGL1 through immunohistochemical staining and to verify whether the FGL1 expression level was associated with clinicopathological features and the prognosis of HCC patients. The results showed that FGL1 was downregulated significantly in most of the HCC cells lines and HCC tissues, corresponding to the results of the bioinformatics and western blot analyses. FGL1 expression level in HCC was found to be correlated to Edmondson grade and metastasis of the HCC. Additionally, high FGL1 expression was associated with better overall survival in HCC patients, suggesting that FGL1 could function as a tumor suppressor. CONCLUSIONS The expression level of FGL1 can be correlated with the progression and prognosis of HCC, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanni Hua
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.,Cancer Center, Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Anxian Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Stomatology, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Xianglei He
- Departments of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoqing Ru
- Departments of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Cancer Center, Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Zhou
- Departments of TCM Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shibing Wang
- Cancer Center, Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Shi AP, Tang XY, Xiong YL, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Shi XG, Lv Y, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. Immune Checkpoint LAG3 and Its Ligand FGL1 in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785091. [PMID: 35111155 PMCID: PMC8801495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is the most promising immune checkpoint next to PD-1 and CTLA-4. High LAG3 and FGL1 expression boosts tumor growth by inhibiting the immune microenvironment. This review comprises four sections presenting the structure/expression, interaction, biological effects, and clinical application of LAG3/FGL1. D1 and D2 of LAG3 and FD of FGL1 are the LAG3-FGL1 interaction domains. LAG3 accumulates on the surface of lymphocytes in various tumors, but is also found in the cytoplasm in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. FGL1 is found in the cytoplasm in NSCLC cells and on the surface of breast cancer cells. The LAG3-FGL1 interaction mechanism remains unclear, and the intracellular signals require elucidation. LAG3/FGL1 activity is associated with immune cell infiltration, proliferation, and secretion. Cytokine production is enhanced when LAG3/FGL1 are co-expressed with PD-1. IMP321 and relatlimab are promising monoclonal antibodies targeting LAG3 in melanoma. The clinical use of anti-FGL1 antibodies has not been reported. Finally, high FGL1 and LAG3 expression induces EGFR-TKI and gefitinib resistance, and anti-PD-1 therapy resistance, respectively. We present a comprehensive overview of the role of LAG3/FGL1 in cancer, suggesting novel anti-tumor therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Lv
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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6
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Liu XH, Qi LW, Alolga RN, Liu Q. Implication of the hepatokine, fibrinogen-like protein 1 in liver diseases, metabolic disorders and cancer: The need to harness its full potential. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:292-300. [PMID: 34975333 PMCID: PMC8692158 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.66834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a novel hepatokine that forms part of the fibrinogen superfamily. It is predominantly expressed in the liver under normal physiological conditions. When the liver is injured by external factors, such as chemical drugs and radiation, FGL1 acts as a protective factor to promote the growth of regenerated cells. However, elevated hepatic FGL1 under high fat conditions can cause lipid accumulation and inflammation, which in turn trigger the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and obesity. FGL1 is also involved in the regulation of insulin resistance in adipose tissues and skeletal muscles as a means of communication between the liver and other tissues. In addition, the abnormally changed FGL1 levels in the plasma of cancer patients make it a potential predictor of cancer incidence in clinical practice. FGL1 was recently identified as a major functional ligand of the immune inhibitory receptor, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3), thus making it a promising target for cancer immunotherapy except for the classical programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. Despite the potential of FGL1 as a new cancer biomarker and therapeutic target, there are few related studies and much of what has been reported are superficial and lack depth and particularity. Therefore, elucidating the role and underlying mechanisms of FGL1 could be crucial for the development of promising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for related diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the cellular mechanisms and clinical prospects of FGL1 in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, metabolic disorders and cancer, and proffer suggestions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lian-Wen Qi
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Raphael N Alolga
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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7
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Cheng TL, Chen CH, Wu MH, Lai CH, Lee KH, Lin SH, Shiau AL, Wu CL, Kang L. Upregulation of Fibrinogen-Like 1 Expression Contributes to Reducing the Progression of Preeclampsia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:757643. [PMID: 34957095 PMCID: PMC8692364 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.757643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1) is involved in liver injury and liver regeneration, but its role in placenta and preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear. We assessed FGL1 expression in serum and placenta from L-NAME-induced PE-like mouse and in women with (n = 38) and without (n = 42) PE. For the mouse study, pregnant C57Bl/6 mouse (n = 6/group) were subcutaneously administered L-NAME with or without FGL1 once daily starting on days 7–14 of pregnancy and were sacrificed on gestational day (GD) 20. Maternal body weight, blood pressure, and urinary protein were assessed during GDs 8–20. The weight and length of the placenta and fetus were assessed. The placental structure was evaluated using hematoxylin staining. In the human study, the sera of the pregnant women during the late trimester were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). FGL1 expression in human trophoblast cell lines under L-NAME stimulation was measured using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The detected FGL1 protein levels in serum and placenta were both significantly upregulated in patients and mouse with PE compared with those in the non-PE groups. FGL1 treatment decreased maternal hypertension and proteinuria, decreased fetal weight in mouse with PE, downregulated proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1b and interleukin-6) levels, and maintained the balance between antiangiogenic (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) and proangiogenic (placental growth factor) substances in the placenta. L-NAME-upregulated FGL1 expression was inhibited following overexpression of FoxO3a. In summary, FoxO3a reduction is a potential pathophysiological mechanism leading to upregulated placental FGL1 expression that may play a pivotal role in preventing PE progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Lin Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hwan Chen
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Adult Reconstruction Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Han Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Hung Lee
- An-an Women and Children Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Lin
- College of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Li Shiau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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8
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Lv Z, Cui B, Huang X, Feng HY, Wang T, Wang HF, Xuan YD, Li HZ, Ma X, Huang Y, Zhang X. FGL1 as a Novel Mediator and Biomarker of Malignant Progression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756843. [PMID: 34956878 PMCID: PMC8695555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which is the most prevalent renal cell carcinoma subtype, has a poor prognosis. Emerging strategies for enhancing the immune response in ccRCC therapy are currently being investigated. Fibrinogen-like Protein 1(FGL1) is a novel mechanism that tumors may use to evade the immune system by binding LAG-3 and negatively regulating T cells. In this study, we aimed at investigating the underlying mechanism of FGL1 in ccRCC, and its expression and prognostic value. We found that FGL1 was upregulated in tumor tissues and plasma specimens of ccRCC patients. High FGL1 expression predicted a poor prognosis for ccRCC patients. We also discovered that overexpression of FGL1 enhances RCC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis by activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistent with these results, we identified a significant positive correlation between expression of FGL1 and EMT-related genes through tissue microarray analysis. Gene-expression analysis revealed that FGL1-deficient ccRCC cell lines had altered transcriptional output in inflammatory response, cell-cell signaling, negative regulation of T cell activation, and intracellular signal transduction. Depletion of FGL1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Infiltration of myeloid-derived CD11b+ and Ly6G+ immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) was strikingly decreased when FGL1 expression reduced. Therefore, increased FGL1 expression in ccRCC is positively correlated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, FGL1 facilitates the EMT process and modulates TME, which promotes ccRCC progression and metastasis. Consequently, targeting FGL1 can potentially improve clinical outcome of ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Lv
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hua-Yi Feng
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Feng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Dong Xuan
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhao Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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9
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Sun XL, Qiao LC, Gong J, Wen K, Xu ZZ, Yang BL. Proteomics identifies a novel role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 in Crohn’s disease. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:5946-5957. [PMID: 34629811 PMCID: PMC8475002 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i35.5946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease (CD) is an incurable intestinal disorder with unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Currently, there is a lack of specific biomarkers and drug targets for CD in clinical practice. It is essential to identify the precise pathophysiological mechanism of CD and investigate new therapeutic targets.
AIM To explore a new biomarker and therapeutic target for CD and verify its role in the CD pathological mechanism.
METHODS Proteomics was performed to quantify the protein profile in the plasma of 20 CD patients and 20 matched healthy controls. Hub genes among the selected differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected via the MCODE plugin in Cytoscape software. The expression level of one hub gene with an immunoregulatory role that interested us was verified in the inflamed intestinal tissues of 20 CD patients by immunohistochemical analysis. After that, the effects of the selected hub gene on the intestinal inflammation of CD were identified in a CD cell model by examining the levels of proinflammatory cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and the expression of the NF-κB signalling pathway by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot assays.
RESULTS Thirty-five DEPs were selected from 393 credible proteins identified by proteomic analysis. Among the DEPs, fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), which attracted our attention due to its function in the regulation of the immune response, had 1.722-fold higher expression in the plasma of CD patients and was identified as a hub gene by MCODE. Furthermore, the expression of FGL1 in the intestinal mucosal and epithelial tissues of CD patients was also upregulated (P < 0.05). In vitro, the mRNA levels of FGL1 and NF-κB; the protein expression levels of FGL1, IKKα, IKKβ, p-IKKα/β, p-IκBα, and p-p65; and the concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α were increased (P < 0.05) after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, which were reversed by knockdown of FGL1 with siRNA transfection (P < 0.05). Conversely, FGL1 overexpression enhanced the abovementioned results (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION FGL1 can induce intestinal inflammation by activating the canonical NF-κB signalling pathway, and it may be considered a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Liang Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Chao Qiao
- First Clinical Medical College, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Gong
- First Clinical Medical College, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Wen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo-Lin Yang
- First Clinical Medical College, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
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Qian W, Zhao M, Wang R, Li H. Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1): the next immune checkpoint target. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:147. [PMID: 34526102 PMCID: PMC8444356 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy has achieved significant efficacy by blocking inhibitory pathways to release the function of T lymphocytes. In the clinic, anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have progressed to first-line monotherapies in certain tumor types. However, the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs is still limited due to toxic side effects and de novo or adaptive resistance. Moreover, other immune checkpoint target and biomarkers for therapeutic response prediction are still lacking; as a biomarker, the PD-L1 (CD274, B7-H1) expression level is not as accurate as required. Hence, it is necessary to seek more representative predictive molecules and potential target molecules for immune checkpoint therapy. Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a proliferation- and metabolism-related protein secreted by the liver. Multiple studies have confirmed that FGL1 is a newly emerging checkpoint ligand of lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), emphasizing the potential of targeting FGL1/LAG3 as the next generation of immune checkpoint therapy. In this review, we summarize the substantial regulation mechanisms of FGL1 in physiological and pathological conditions, especially tumor epithelial to mesenchymal transition, immune escape and immune checkpoint blockade resistance, to provide insights for targeting FGL1 in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Qian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No. 6 Jiefang Street, Dalian, Liaoning, 110006, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, 116001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No. 6 Jiefang Street, Dalian, Liaoning, 110006, People's Republic of China. .,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, 116001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Heming Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China.
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Fibrinogen-Like Protein 1 Modulates Sorafenib Resistance in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105330. [PMID: 34069373 PMCID: PMC8158706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite liver cancer being the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, few systemic drugs have been approved. Sorafenib, the first FDA-approved systemic drug for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is limited by resistance. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown. Since fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1) is involved in HCC progression and upregulated after anticancer therapy, we investigated its role in regulating sorafenib resistance in HCC. FGL1 expression was assessed in six HCC cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, Hep3B, SNU387, SNU449, and SNU475) using western blotting. Correlations between FGL1 expression and sorafenib resistance were examined by cell viability, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. FGL1 was knocked-down to confirm its effects on sorafenib resistance. FGL1 expression was higher in HepG2, Huh7, and Hep3B cells than in SNU387, SNU449, and SNU475 cells; high FGL1-expressing HCC cells showed a lower IC50 and higher sensitivity to sorafenib. In Huh7 and Hep3B cells, FGL1 knockdown significantly increased colony formation by 61% (p = 0.0013) and 99% (p = 0.0002), respectively, compared to that in controls and abolished sorafenib-induced suppression of colony formation, possibly by modulating ERK and autophagy signals. Our findings demonstrate that sorafenib resistance mediated by FGL1 in HCC cells, suggesting FGL1 as a potential sorafenib-resistance biomarker and target for HCC therapy.
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Yu S, Cai L, Liu C, Gu R, Cai L, Zhuo L. Identification of prognostic alternative splicing events related to the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med 2021; 27:36. [PMID: 33832428 PMCID: PMC8034091 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and its 5-year survival rate is less than 20%, despite various treatments being available. Increasing evidence indicates that alternative splicing (AS) plays a nonnegligible role in the formation and development of the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the comprehensive analysis of the impact on prognostic AS events on immune-related perspectives in HCC is lacking but urgently needed. Methods The transcriptional data and clinical information of HCC patients were downloaded from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database for calculating immune and stromal scores by ESTIMATE algorithm. We then divided patients into high/low score groups and explored their prognostic significance using Kaplan–Meier curves. Based on stromal and immune scores, differentially expressed AS events (DEASs) were screened and evaluated with functional enrichment analysis. Additionally, a risk score model was established by applying univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Finally, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was adopted to explore differences in biological behaviors between the high- and low-risk subgroups. Results A total of 370 HCC patients with complete and qualified corresponding data were included in the subsequent analysis. According to the results of ESTIMATE analysis, we observed that the high immune/stromal score group had a longer survival probability, which was significantly correlated with prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, 467 stromal/immune score-related DEASs were identified, and enrichment analysis revealed that DEASs were significantly enriched in pathways related to HCC tumorigenesis and the immune microenvironment. More importantly, the final prognostic signature containing 16 DEASs showed powerful predictive ability. Finally, GSVA demonstrated that activation of carcinogenic pathways and immune-related pathways in the high-risk group may lead to poor prognosis. Conclusions Collectively, these outcomes revealed prognostic AS events related to carcinogenesis and the immune microenvironment, which may yield new directions for HCC immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-021-00294-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yu
- Department of Chemoradiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Luya Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruihong Gu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyi Cai
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Leying Zhuo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Southern White Elephant Town, Ouhai, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Yu J, Li J, Shen J, Du F, Wu X, Li M, Chen Y, Cho CH, Li X, Xiao Z, Zhao Y. The role of Fibrinogen-like proteins in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1079-1087. [PMID: 33867830 PMCID: PMC8040309 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.56748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-associated protein (FREP) family is a family of proteins with a fibrin domain at the carboxyl terminus. Recent investigations illustrated that two members of FREP family, fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1) and fibrinogen-like protein-2 (FGL2), play crucial roles in cancer by regulating the proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, or regulating the functions of immune cells in tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, they are potential targets for medical intervention of tumor development. In this review, we discussed the structure, and the roles of FGL1 and FGL2 in tumors, especially the roles in regulating immune cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Sun C, Gao W, Liu J, Cheng H, Hao J. FGL1 regulates acquired resistance to Gefitinib by inhibiting apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Res 2020; 21:210. [PMID: 32778129 PMCID: PMC7418324 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-020-01477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in regulating gefitinib resistance of PC9/GR non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods The effect of different concentrations of gefitinib on cell proliferation were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. FGL1 expression in the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line Beas-2B, as well as four lung tumor cell lines, H1975, A549, PC9, and PC9/GR, was investigated by using western blotting and qRT-PCR. FGL1 was knocked down using small interfering RNA to evaluate the effects of FGL1 on PC9 and PC9/GR. The correlation between FGL1 expression and gefitinib resistance was determined in vitro via CCK-8 and colony formation assays, and flow cytometry and in vivo via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results FGL1 expression was significantly upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer cells with EGFR mutation and higher in the gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line PC9/GR than in the gefitinib-sensitive NSCLC cell line PC9. Further, FGL1 expression in PC9 and PC9/GR cells increased in response to gefitinib treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of FGL1 suppressed cell viability, reduced the gefitinib IC50 value, and enhanced apoptosis in PC9 and PC9/GR cells upon gefitinib treatment. Mouse xenograft experiments showed that FGL1 knockdown in PC9/GR tumor cells enhanced the inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing actions of gefitinib. The potential mechanism of gefitinib in inducing apoptosis of PC9/GR cells involves inhibition of PARP1 and caspase 3 expression via suppression of FGL1. Conclusions FGL1 confers gefitinib resistance in the NSCLC cell line PC9/GR by regulating the PARP1/caspase 3 pathway. Hence, FGL1 is a potential therapeutic target to improve the treatment response of NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to gefitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuilan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jiatao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jiqing Hao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
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