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Khan DA, Adhikary T, Sultana MT, Toukir IA. A comprehensive identification of potential molecular targets and small drugs candidate for melanoma cancer using bioinformatics and network-based screening approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7349-7369. [PMID: 37534476 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common malignant skin tumor and has increased in morbidity and mortality over the previous decade due to its rapid spread into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This study used integrated bioinformatics and network-based methodologies to reliably identify molecular targets and small molecular medicines that may be more successful for Melanoma diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The statistical LIMMA approach utilized for bioinformatics analysis in this study found 246 common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) between case and control samples from two microarray gene-expression datasets (GSE130244 and GSE15605). Protein-protein interaction network study revealed 15 cDEGs (PTK2, STAT1, PNO1, CXCR4, WASL, FN1, RUNX2, SOCS3, ITGA4, GNG2, CDK6, BRAF, AGO2, GTF2H1 and AR) to be critical in the development of melanoma (KGs). According to regulatory network analysis, the most important transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators of DEGs and hub-DEGs are ten transcription factors and three miRNAs. We discovered the pathogenetic mechanisms of MC by studying DEGs' biological processes, molecular function, cellular components and KEGG pathways. We used molecular docking and dynamics modeling to select the four most expressed genes responsible for melanoma malignancy to identify therapeutic candidates. Then, utilizing the Connectivity Map (CMap) database, we analyzed the top 4-hub-DEGs-guided repurposable drugs. We validated four melanoma cancer drugs (Fisetin, Epicatechin Gallate, 1237586-97-8 and PF 431396) using molecular dynamics simulation with their target proteins. As a result, the results of this study may provide resources to researchers and medical professionals for the wet-lab validation of MC diagnosis, prognosis and treatments.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhrubo Ahmed Khan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Tonmoy Adhikary
- Department of Mathematics, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Tania Sultana
- Department of Mathematics, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Imran Ahamed Toukir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
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Li X, Ma Z, Mei L. Comprehensive analysis of UBE2C expression and its potential roles and mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7397-7407. [PMID: 37580802 PMCID: PMC10457065 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204792] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks one of the most common and lethal cancers all over the world. Previous studies suggest that ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) serves as an oncogene in human cancers. However, its expression, diagnosis, prognosis and potential mechanisms in HCC remain largely unknown. In this study, the expression of UBE2C in HCC was first analyzed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. ROC curve analysis and survival analysis were employed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic roles of UBE2C in HCC. UBE2C promoter methylation level and upstream regulatory miRNAs of UBE2C in HCC were explored. The present work demonstrated that UBE2C was significantly upregulated in HCC compared with normal controls. We also found significant diagnostic and prognostic values of UBE2C in HCC. Promoter methylation of UBE2C was obviously decreased in HCC and was negatively correlated with UBE2C mRNA expression. 10 miRNAs were predicted to potentially bind to UBE2C. In vitro assay and bioinformatic correlation analysis together revealed that hsa-miR-193b-3p might be another key upstream regulatory mechanism of UBE2C in HCC. In conclusion, UBE2C is overexpressed in HCC and may serve as a key diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Emergency, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China
| | - Zhaosheng Ma
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China
| | - Linhang Mei
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China
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Lei X, Hu X, Lu Q, Fu W, Sun W, Ma Q, Huang D, Xu Q. Ubiquitin‑conjugating enzymes as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for digestive system cancers (Review). Oncol Rep 2023; 49:63. [PMID: 36799184 PMCID: PMC9944987 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8500] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive system cancers are the leading cause of cancer‑related death worldwide due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. The current treatment methods include surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endoscopic treatment, and the precisely targeted therapy of digestive system cancers requires to be further studied. The ubiquitin‑proteasome system is the main pathway for protein degradation in cells and the ubiquitin‑conjugating enzymes (E2s) have a decisive role in the specific selection of target proteins for degradation. The E2s have an important physiological role in digestive system cancers, which is related to the clinical tumor stage, differentiation degree and poor prognosis. Furthermore, they are involved in the physiological processes of digestive system tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness, drug resistance and autophagy. In the present article, the progress and achievements of the E2s in gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were reviewed, which may provide early screening indicators and reliable therapeutic targets for digestive system cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxiang Lei
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoge Hu
- The 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, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Wen Fu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Wen Sun
- Second Clinical Medical Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Qiancheng Ma
- Institute of Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The 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, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Dongsheng Huang or Dr Qiuran Xu, The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Gongshu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The 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, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Dongsheng Huang or Dr Qiuran Xu, The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Gongshu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Liu J, Lu J, Li W, Mao W, Lu Y. Machine Learning Screens Potential Drugs Targeting a Prognostic Gene Signature Associated With Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:900380. [PMID: 35836576 PMCID: PMC9273781 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.900380] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to screen potential drugs targeting a new prognostic gene signature associated with proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: CRISPR Library and TCGA datasets were used to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the proliferation of HCC cells. Differential gene expression analysis, univariate COX regression analysis, random forest algorithm and multiple combinatorial screening were used to construct a prognostic gene signature. Then the predictive power of the gene signature was validated in the TCGA and ICGC datasets. Furthermore, potential drugs targeting this gene signature were screened. Results: A total of 640 DEGs related to HCC proliferation were identified. Using univariate Cox analysis and random forest algorithm, 10 hub genes were screened. Subsequently, using multiplex combinatorial screening, five hub genes (FARSB, NOP58, CCT4, DHX37 and YARS) were identified. Taking the median risk score as a cutoff value, HCC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis performed in the training set showed that the overall survival of the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group (p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed a good predictive efficiency of the risk score (AUC > 0.699). The risk score was related to gene mutation, cancer cell stemness and immune function changes. Prediction of immunotherapy suggetsted the IC50s of immune checkpoint inhibitors including A-443654, ABT-888, AG-014699, ATRA, AUY-922, and AZ-628 in the high-risk group were lower than those in the low-risk group, while the IC50s of AMG-706, A-770041, AICAR, AKT inhibitor VIII, Axitinib, and AZD-0530 in the high-risk group were higher than those in the low-risk group. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that FARSB was positively correlated with Hydroxyurea, Vorinostat, Nelarabine, and Lomustine, while negatively correlated with JNJ-42756493. DHX37 was positively correlated with Raltitrexed, Cytarabine, Cisplatin, Tiotepa, and Triethylene Melamine. YARS was positively correlated with Axitinib, Fluphenazine and Megestrol acetate. NOP58 was positively correlated with Vorinostat and 6-thioguanine. CCT4 was positively correlated with Nerabine. Conclusion: The five-gene signature associated with proliferation can be used for survival prediction and risk stratification for HCC patients. Potential drugs targeting this gene signature deserve further attention in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yue Bei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
- Medical Research Center, Yue Bei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Jianjun Lu
- Department of Medical Affairs, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yue Bei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Wenjie Mao
- Emergency Department, Yue Bei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Yamin Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yue Bei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
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Mosharaf MP, Reza MS, Gov E, Mahumud RA, Mollah MNH. Disclosing Potential Key Genes, Therapeutic Targets and Agents for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Evidence from Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050771. [PMID: 35632527 PMCID: PMC9143695 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050771] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered as one of the malignant cancers that causes premature death. The present study aimed to identify a few potential novel genes highlighting their functions, pathways, and regulators for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapies of NSCLC by using the integrated bioinformatics approaches. At first, we picked out 1943 DEGs between NSCLC and control samples by using the statistical LIMMA approach. Then we selected 11 DEGs (CDK1, EGFR, FYN, UBC, MYC, CCNB1, FOS, RHOB, CDC6, CDC20, and CHEK1) as the hub-DEGs (potential key genes) by the protein–protein interaction network analysis of DEGs. The DEGs and hub-DEGs regulatory network analysis commonly revealed four transcription factors (FOXC1, GATA2, YY1, and NFIC) and five miRNAs (miR-335-5p, miR-26b-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-16-5p) as the key transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators of DEGs as well as hub-DEGs. We also disclosed the pathogenetic processes of NSCLC by investigating the biological processes, molecular function, cellular components, and KEGG pathways of DEGs. The multivariate survival probability curves based on the expression of hub-DEGs in the SurvExpress web-tool and database showed the significant differences between the low- and high-risk groups, which indicates strong prognostic power of hub-DEGs. Then, we explored top-ranked 5-hub-DEGs-guided repurposable drugs based on the Connectivity Map (CMap) database. Out of the selected drugs, we validated six FDA-approved launched drugs (Dinaciclib, Afatinib, Icotinib, Bosutinib, Dasatinib, and TWS-119) by molecular docking interaction analysis with the respective target proteins for the treatment against NSCLC. The detected therapeutic targets and repurposable drugs require further attention by experimental studies to establish them as potential biomarkers for precision medicine in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Parvez Mosharaf
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (M.P.M.); (M.S.R.)
- School of Commerce, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Md. Selim Reza
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (M.P.M.); (M.S.R.)
- Centre for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Centre for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Esra Gov
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Adana AlparslanTurkes Science and Technology University, Adana 01250, Turkey;
| | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Md. Nurul Haque Mollah
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (M.P.M.); (M.S.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Huang J, Zhan Y, Jiang L, Gao Y, Zhao B, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zheng J, Yu J. Identification of the Potential Prognosis Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Analysis Based on WGCNA and PPI. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:9555-9565. [PMID: 34916837 PMCID: PMC8670864 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s338500] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This study was done to determine biomarkers for the prognostic prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods In the Gene Expression Omnibus, the gene expression profiles of HCC were downloaded. Biomarkers were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis. Results There were 24 modules, which were characterized by the high correlation with HCC. Meanwhile, through enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were largely participated in the ubiquitination and autophagy processes. Moreover, PRC1, TOP2A and CKAP2L may be the hub genes involved in HCC tumorigenesis, and their biomarker roles were further demonstrated via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Oncomine databases. In addition, the levels of PRC1, TOP2A and CKAP2L were obviously up-regulated in the sera of HCC patients. Conclusion PRC1, TOP2A and CKAP2L may serve as biomarkers for the prognostic prediction of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Binyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglu Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, People's Republic of China.,The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, People's Republic of China
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7
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Zhang W, Liu Z, Xia S, Yao L, Li L, Gan Z, Tang H, Guo Q, Yan X, Sun Z. GDI2 is a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:25304-25324. [PMID: 34894398 PMCID: PMC8714169 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: GDP Dissociation inhibitor 2 (GDI2) gene has been correlated with some important biological processes in a variety of cancers, whereas the role of GDI2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ill-defined. We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between GDI2 and HCC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data mining. Methods: The expression of GDI2 was compared between cancer and normal tissues of 371 HCC patients collected from TCGA-LIHC, and verified in HCC cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to annotate biological function of GDI2. Furthermore, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Logistics regression, as well as Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, were employed to evaluate the association of GDI2 expression with clinicopathological characteristics, and survival status of HCC patients, respectively. Results: It showed that the expression of GDI2 was much higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.001) of HCC patients. And the elevated expression of GDI2 was correlated with more aggressive HCC tumor status, including severe primary tumor extent, advanced pathological stage, serious histologic grade, and mutated TP53 status (P < 0.05). Moreover, high GDI2 expression was strongly associated with a poor survival rate (P < 0.001). Both enrichment and immune infiltration analyses implied that GDI2-associated signaling mainly involve lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix (ECM) constructing pathways related to tumor microenvironment (TME) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The elevated expression of GDI2 predicts poor prognosis in HCC patients, indicating that GDI2 could be applied as a predictive biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Affiliated by The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650504, Yunnan, China.,Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhongjian Liu
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Shilin Xia
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Yao
- General Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lan Li
- Ophthalmology Department, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ziying Gan
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinmin Yan
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Affiliated by The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650504, Yunnan, China.,Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
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Identification of SLITRK6 as a Novel Biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101157. [PMID: 34754951 PMCID: PMC8564567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the adult liver and morbidity are increasing in recent years, however, there is still no effective strategy to prevent and diagnose HCC. Therefore, it is urgent to research the effective biomarker to predict clinical outcomes of HCC tumorigenesis. In the current study, differentially expressed genes in HCC and normal tissues were investigated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE144269 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene differential expression analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) methods were used to identify nine and 16 key gene modules from the GEO dataset and TCGA dataset, respectively, in which the green module in the GEO dataset and magenta module in TCGA were significantly correlated with HCC occurrence. Third, the enrichment score of gene function annotation results showed that these two key modules focus on the positive regulation of inflammatory response and cell differentiation, etc. Besides, PPI network analysis, mutation analysis, and survival analysis found that SLITRK6 had high connectivity, and its mutation significantly impacted overall survival. In addition, SLITRK6 was found to be low expressed in tumor cells. To summarize, SLITRK6 mutation was found to significantly affect the occurrence and prognosis of HCC. SLITRK6 was confirmed as a new potential gene target for HCC, which may provide a new theoretical basis for personalized diagnosis and chemotherapy of HCC in the future.
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Tian D, Yu Y, Zhang L, Sun J, Jiang W. A Five-Gene-Based Prognostic Signature for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:681388. [PMID: 34568357 PMCID: PMC8455941 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.681388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study intends to identify potential prognostic marker genes associated with the prognosis of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on TCGA and GEO analysis. Methods: TCGA-LIHC cohort was downloaded and the data related to HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and subjected to differential analysis. HCC-related gene expression datasets were retrieved from the GEO database, followed by differential analysis. After intersection of the results of TCGA and GEO databases, gene interaction analysis was performed to obtain the core genes. To identify the genes related to the prognosis of HCC patients, we conducted univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Results: Based on differential analysis of TCGA database, 854 genes were differentially expressed in HCC, any of which might link to the occurrence and progression of HCC. Meanwhile, joint analysis of HCC-related gene expression datasets in the GEO database screened 214 genes. Five core genes CDC20, TOP2A, RRM2, UBE2C and AOX1 were significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients and the risk model based on these five genes effectively predicted the prognosis of HCC patients. Conclusion: Collectively, our data suggest that CDC20, TOP2A, RRM2, UBE2C and AOX1 may be the key genes affecting the prognosis of patients with HCC. The five-gene signature could accurately predict the prognosis of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhi Tian
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jisan Sun
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wentao Jiang
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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10
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Identification of Multiple Hub Genes and Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8849415. [PMID: 34337056 PMCID: PMC8292096 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8849415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, and its early asymptomatic characteristic increases the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment. This study is aimed at obtaining some novel biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic meaning and may find out potential therapeutic targets for HCC. We screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the HCC gene expression profile GSE14520 using GEO2R. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted by using the clusterProfiler software while a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was performed based on the STRING database. Then, prognosis analysis of hub genes was conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to further verify the expression of hub genes and explore the correlation between gene expression and clinicopathological parameters. A total of 1053 DEGs were captured, containing 497 upregulated genes and 556 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the fatty acid catabolic process while upregulated DEGs were primarily enriched in the cell cycle. Simultaneously, ten hub genes (CYP3A4, UGT1A6, AOX1, UGT1A4, UGT2B15, CDK1, CCNB1, MAD2L1, CCNB2, and CDC20) were identified by the PPI network. Five prognosis-related hub genes (CYP3A4, CDK1, CCNB1, MAD2L1, and CDC20) were uncovered by the survival analysis based on TCGA database. The ten hub genes were further validated by qRT-PCR using samples obtained from our hospital. The prognosis-related hub genes such as CYP3A4, CDK1, CCNB1, MAD2L1, and CDC20 could be considered potential diagnosis biomarkers and prognosis targets for HCC. We also use Oncomine for further verification, and we found CCNB1, CCNB2, CDK1, and CYP3A4 which were highly expressed in HCC. Meanwhile, CCNB1, CCNB2, and CDK1 are highly expressed in almost all cancer types, which may play an important role in cancer. Still, further functional study should be conducted to explore the underlying mechanism and biological effect in the near future.
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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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Du X, Song H, Shen N, Hua R, Yang G. The Molecular Basis of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes (E2s) as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073440. [PMID: 33810518 PMCID: PMC8037234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are one of the three enzymes required by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to connect activated ubiquitin to target proteins via ubiquitin ligases. E2s determine the connection type of the ubiquitin chains, and different types of ubiquitin chains regulate the stability and activity of substrate proteins. Thus, E2s participate in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. In recent years, the importance of E2s in human health and diseases has been particularly emphasized. Studies have shown that E2s are dysregulated in variety of cancers, thus it might be a potential therapeutic target. However, the molecular basis of E2s as a therapeutic target has not been described systematically. We reviewed this issue from the perspective of the special position and role of E2s in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, the structure of E2s and biological processes they are involved in. In addition, the inhibitors and microRNAs targeting E2s are also summarized. This article not only provides a direction for the development of effective drugs but also lays a foundation for further study on this enzyme in the future.
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Meier T, Timm M, Montani M, Wilkens L. Gene networks and transcriptional regulators associated with liver cancer development and progression. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:41. [PMID: 33541355 PMCID: PMC7863452 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited, and overall survival is poor. Despite the high frequency of this malignoma, its basic disease mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use different methodological approaches and combine the results to improve our knowledge on the development and progression of HCC. METHODS Twenty-three HCC samples were characterized by histological, morphometric and cytogenetic analyses, as well as comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and genome-wide gene expression followed by a bioinformatic search for potential transcriptional regulators and master regulatory molecules of gene networks. RESULTS Histological evaluation revealed low, intermediate and high-grade HCCs, and gene expression analysis split them into two main sets: GE1-HCC and GE2-HCC, with a low and high proliferation gene expression signature, respectively. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated a high level of chromosomal instability, with recurrent chromosomal gains of 1q, 6p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 17q, 19p/q and 20q in both HCC groups and losses of 1p, 4q, 6q, 13q and 18q characteristic for GE2-HCC. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses revealed that different genes and gene regulatory networks underlie the distinct biological features observed in GE1-HCC and GE2-HCC. Besides previously reported dysregulated genes, the current study identified new candidate genes with a putative role in liver cancer, e.g. C1orf35, PAFAH1B3, ZNF219 and others. CONCLUSION Analysis of our findings, in accordance with the available published data, argues in favour of the notion that the activated E2F1 signalling pathway, which can be responsible for both inappropriate cell proliferation and initial chromosomal instability, plays a pivotal role in HCC development and progression. A dedifferentiation switch that manifests in exaggerated gene expression changes might be due to turning on transcriptional co-regulators with broad impact on gene expression, e.g. POU2F1 (OCT1) and NFY, as a response to accumulating cell stress during malignant development. Our findings point towards the necessity of different approaches for the treatment of HCC forms with low and high proliferation signatures and provide new candidates for developing appropriate HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Meier
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Max Timm
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany
- Clinic for Laryngology, Rhinology and Otology, Medical School Hanover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Matteo Montani
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Wilkens
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical School Hanover, Hanover, Germany
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Screening and Functional Prediction of Key Candidate Genes in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7653506. [PMID: 33102593 PMCID: PMC7568806 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7653506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanism by which hepatitis B virus (HBV) induces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. The genomic expression profile and bioinformatics methods were used to investigate the potential pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC). Methods The microarray dataset GSE55092 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The data was analyzed by the bioinformatics software to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were then performed on DEGs. The hub genes were identified using Centiscape2.2 and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) in the Cytoscape software (Cytoscape_v3.7.2). The survival data of these hub genes was downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Results A total of 2264 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed, including 764 upregulated and 1500 downregulated in tumor tissues. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were related to the small-molecule metabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process, and cellular nitrogen compound metabolic process. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, complement and coagulation cascades, and chemical carcinogenesis were involved. Diseases and biofunctions showed that DEGs were mainly associated with the following diseases or biological function abnormalities: cancer, organismal injury and abnormalities, gastrointestinal disease, and hepatic system disease. The top 10 upstream regulators were predicted to be activated or inhibited by Z-score and identified 25 networks. The 10 genes with the highest degree of connectivity were defined as the hub genes. Cox regression revealed that all the 10 genes (CDC20, BUB1B, KIF11, TTK, EZH2, ZWINT, NDC80, TPX2, MELK, and KIF20A) were related to the overall survival. Conclusion Our study provided a registry of genes that play important roles in regulating the development of HBV-HCC, assisting us in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC.
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Li KS, Zhu XD, Liu HD, Zhang SZ, Li XL, Xiao N, Liu XF, Xu B, Lei M, Zhang YY, Shi WK, Cao MQ, Xu YF, Tang ZY, Sun HC. NT5DC2 promotes tumor cell proliferation by stabilizing EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:335. [PMID: 32382041 PMCID: PMC7206140 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage; however, the effect of systemic therapy on advanced HCC remains undetermined. Therefore, new treatment targets must be identified. We analyzed Gene Expression Omnibus datasets from two HCC patient cohorts and found that NT5DC2 was associated with vascular invasion and poor survival. In two hepatoma cell lines, NT5DC2 overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation and clone formation in vitro and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that NT5DC2 bound directly to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). NT5DC2 upregulated EGFR expression by downregulating EGFR ubiquitination and preventing its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway but did not upregulate its transcription. EGFR upregulation activated downstream signal transduction, which played a critical role in the protumor effects of NT5DC2. Erlotinib, a small-molecule inhibitor of EGFR, blocked the effect of NT5DC2 in promoting HCC cell proliferation. In a cohort of 79 patients who underwent curative resection for HCC, NT5DC2 expression in the tumors was associated with larger tumors and microvascular invasion. NT5DC2 expression was also independently associated with recurrence-free survival. The present study demonstrated for the first time that NT5DC2 promotes tumor cell proliferation in HCC and may serve as a potential molecular target for treating HCC. EGFR blockage could be used to treat selected patients with NT5DC2 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Shuai Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Da Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Shi-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Feng Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Kai Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Man-Qing Cao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Fei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua Xi Road, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-You Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma Present Specific RNA Profiles in Serum and Urine Extracellular Vesicles Mirroring the Tumor Expression: Novel Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Disease Diagnosis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030721. [PMID: 32183400 PMCID: PMC7140677 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises a group of heterogeneous biliary cancers with dismal prognosis. The etiologies of most CCAs are unknown, but primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor. Non-invasive diagnosis of CCA is challenging and accurate biomarkers are lacking. We aimed to characterize the transcriptomic profile of serum and urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with CCA, PSC, ulcerative colitis (UC), and healthy individuals. Serum and urine EVs were isolated by serial ultracentrifugations and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblotting. EVs transcriptome was determined by Illumina gene expression array [messenger RNAs (mRNA) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)]. Differential RNA profiles were found in serum and urine EVs from patients with CCA compared to control groups (disease and healthy), showing high diagnostic capacity. The comparison of the mRNA profiles of serum or urine EVs from patients with CCA with the transcriptome of tumor tissues from two cohorts of patients, CCA cells in vitro, and CCA cells-derived EVs, identified 105 and 39 commonly-altered transcripts, respectively. Gene ontology analysis indicated that most commonly-altered mRNAs participate in carcinogenic steps. Overall, patients with CCA present specific RNA profiles in EVs mirroring the tumor, and constituting novel promising liquid biopsy biomarkers.
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