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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Becht R, Kiełbowski K, Wasilewicz MP. New Opportunities in the Systemic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Today and Tomorrow. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1456. [PMID: 38338736 PMCID: PMC10855889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease represent major risk factors of HCC. Multiple different treatment options are available, depending on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm. Systemic treatment is reserved for certain patients in stages B and C, who will not benefit from regional treatment methods. In the last fifteen years, the arsenal of available therapeutics has largely expanded, which improved treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to these agents and novel combinations and drugs are needed. In this review, we aim to summarize the pathway of trials investigating the safety and efficacy of targeted therapeutics and immunotherapies since the introduction of sorafenib. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence regarding resistance mechanisms and potential novel targets in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Becht
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Michał P. Wasilewicz
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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Huang H, Xie J, Wei J, Xu S, Zhang D, Zhou X. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) up-regulates gelatinase expression in chondrocytes through nuclear factor-κB p65. J Bone Miner Metab 2023; 41:17-28. [PMID: 36512085 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-022-01388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gelatinases, namely MMP2 and MMP9, are involved in the natural turnover of articular cartilage, as well as the loss of the cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have reported that fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) promoted the degradation of cartilage in OA. In the present study, we predicted that FGF8 promoted chondrocyte expression and secretion of gelatinases by activating NF-κB p65 signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary chondrocytes from C57 mice were cultured with recombinant FGF8. RNA sequencing was employed to explore the gene expression changes of gelatinases. Gelatin zymography was used to determine the activation of gelatinases. Western blot was used to investigate the expression of the gelatinases and NF-κB p65 signaling pathways, and immunofluorescence staining and NF-κB inhibitor assays were performed to confirm the activation of NF-κB p65 signaling. RESULTS FGF8 could increase the expression and activity of gelatinases in primary chondrocytes. And FGF8-induced expression of gelatinases was regulated through activation of NF-κB signaling with acetylated p65 accumulating in the cell nucleus. We further found that the NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, could suppress up-regulation of gelatinase induced by FGF8. CONCLUSION FGF8 enhanced the expression and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 in chondrocytes via NF-κB p65 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siqun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China.
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Poli E, Barbon V, Lucchetta S, Cattelan M, Santoro L, Zin A, Milano GM, Zanetti I, Bisogno G, Bonvini P. Immunoreactivity against fibroblast growth factor 8 in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma patients and its involvement in tumor aggressiveness. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2096349. [PMID: 35813575 PMCID: PMC9262361 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2096349] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric soft tissue sarcoma characterized by a very poor prognosis when relapses occur after front-line therapy. Therefore, a major challenge for patients’ management remains the identification of markers associated with refractory and progressive disease. In this context, cancer autoantibodies are natural markers of disease onset and progression, useful to unveil novel therapeutic targets. Herein, we matched autoantibody profiling of alveolar RMS (ARMS) patients with genes under regulatory control of PAX3-FOXO1 transcription factor and revealed fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) as a novel ARMS tumor antigen of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. We demonstrated that high levels of FGF8 autoantibodies distinguished ARMS patients from healthy subjects and represented an independent prognostic factor of better event-free survival. FGF8 was overexpressed in ARMS tumors compared to other types of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas, acting as a positive regulator of cell signaling. Indeed, FGF8 was capable of stimulating ARMS cells migration and expression of pro-angiogenic and metastasis-related factors, throughout MAPK signaling activation. Of note, FGF8 was found to increase in recurrent tumors, independently of PAX3-FOXO1 expression dynamics. Risk of recurrence correlated positively with FGF8 expression levels at diagnosis and reduced FGF8 autoantibodies titer, almost as if to suggest a failure of the immune response to control tumor growth in recurring patients. This study provides evidence about the crucial role of FGF8 in ARMS and the protective function of natural autoantibodies, giving new insights into ARMS biology and laying the foundations for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Poli
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vanessa Barbon
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Lucchetta
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Manuela Cattelan
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelica Zin
- Fondazione Città Della Speranza, Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Milano
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Bambino Gesù Childrens’ Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanetti
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Fondazione Città Della Speranza, Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Padua, Italy
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Mani S, Aiyegoro OA, Adeleke MA. Association between host genetics of sheep and the rumen microbial composition. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:109. [PMID: 35192073 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A synergy between the rumen microbiota and the host genetics has created a symbiotic relationship, beneficial to the host's health. In this study, the association between the host genetics and rumen microbiome of Damara and Meatmaster sheep was investigated. The composition of rumen microbiota was estimated through the analysis of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, while the sheep blood DNA was genotyped with Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip and the genome-wide association (GWA) was analyzed. Sixty significant SNPs dispersed in 21 regions across the Ovis aries genome were found to be associated with the relative abundance of seven genera: Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Clostridium, Flavobacterium, Prevotella, Pseudomonas, and Streptobacillus. A total of eighty-four candidate genes were identified, and their functional annotations were mainly associated with immunity responses and function, metabolism, and signal transduction. Our results propose that those candidate genes identified in the study may be modulating the composition of rumen microbiota and further indicating the significance of comprehending the interactions between the host and rumen microbiota to gain better insight into the health of sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinalo Mani
- GI Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit, Agricultural Research Council- Animal Production, Private Bag X02, Irene, 0062, South Africa.,Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Olayinka Ayobami Aiyegoro
- GI Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit, Agricultural Research Council- Animal Production, Private Bag X02, Irene, 0062, South Africa. .,Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Matthew Adekunle Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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Seitz T, Hellerbrand C. Role of fibroblast growth factor signalling in hepatic fibrosis. Liver Int 2021; 41:1201-1215. [PMID: 33655624 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic remodelling is a highly conserved protective response to tissue injury and it is essential for the maintenance of structural and functional tissue integrity. Also hepatic fibrosis can be considered as a wound-healing response to liver injury, reflecting a balance between liver repair and scar formation. In contrast, pathological fibrosis corresponds to impaired wound healing. Usually, the liver regenerates after acute injury. However, if the damaging mechanisms persist, the liver reacts with progressive and uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Eventually, excessive fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Furthermore, cirrhosis is the major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Therefore, hepatic fibrosis is the most critical pathological factor that determines the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic liver disease. Still, no effective anti-fibrogenic therapies exist, despite the very high medical need. The regulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling is a prerequisite for adequate wound healing, repair and homeostasis in various tissues and organs. The FGF family comprises 22 proteins that can be classified into paracrine, intracrine and endocrine factors. Most FGFs signal through transmembrane tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs). Although FGFRs are promising targets for the treatment of HCC, the expression and function of FGFR-ligands in hepatic fibrosis is still poorly understood. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of FGF signalling in hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, the potential of FGFs as targets for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and remaining challenges for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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FGF/FGFR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Carcinogenesis to Recent Therapeutic Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061360. [PMID: 33802841 PMCID: PMC8002748 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As the most common primary liver cancer, HCC is a tricky cancer resistant to systemic therapies. The fibroblast growth factor family and its receptors are gaining more and more attention in various cancers. Noticing an explosion in the number of studies about aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling in HCC being studied, we were encouraged to summarize them. This review discusses how FGF/FGFR signaling influences HCC development and its implications in HCC prediction and target treatment, and combination treatment. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, ranking third in cancer deaths worldwide. Over the last decade, several studies have emphasized the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to target the aberrant pathways in HCC. However, the outcomes are far from satisfactory due to the increasing resistance and adverse effects. The family of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptors (FGFR) are involved in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, morphogenesis, wound repair, and cell growth. The aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling is also observed in multiple cancers, including HCC. Anti-FGF/FGFR provides delightful benefits for cancer patients, especially those with FGF signaling alteration. More and more multi-kinase inhibitors targeting FGF signaling, pan-FGFR inhibitors, and selective FGFR inhibitors are now under preclinical and clinical investigation. This review summarizes the aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling in HCC initiating, development and treatment status, and provide new insights into the treatment of HCC.
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Boudjadi S, Pandey PR, Chatterjee B, Nguyen TH, Sun W, Barr FG. A Fusion Transcription Factor-Driven Cancer Progresses to a Fusion-Independent Relapse via Constitutive Activation of a Downstream Transcriptional Target. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2930-2942. [PMID: 33589519 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeted monotherapies usually fail due to development of resistance by a subgroup of cells that evolve into recurrent tumors. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive myogenic soft-tissue cancer that is associated with a characteristic PAX3-FOXO1 gene fusion encoding a novel fusion transcription factor. In our myoblast model of PAX3-FOXO1-induced rhabdomyosarcoma, deinduction of PAX3-FOXO1 simulates a targeted therapy that antagonizes the fusion oncoprotein. This simulated therapy results initially in regression of the primary tumors, but PAX3-FOXO1-independent recurrent tumors eventually form after a delay. We report here that upregulation of FGF8, a direct transcriptional target of PAX3-FOXO1, is a mechanism responsible for PAX3-FOXO1-independent tumor recurrence. As a transcriptional target of PAX3-FOXO1, FGF8 promoted oncogenic activity in PAX3-FOXO1-expressing primary tumors that developed in the myoblast system. In the recurrent tumors forming after PAX3-FOXO1 deinduction, FGF8 expression was necessary and sufficient to induce PAX3-FOXO1-independent tumor growth through an autocrine mechanism. FGF8 was also expressed in human PAX3-FOXO1-expressing rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines and contributed to proliferation and transformation. In a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line with reduced PAX3-FOXO1 expression, FGF8 upregulation rescued oncogenicity and simulated recurrence after PAX3-FOXO1-targeted therapy. We propose that deregulated expression of a PAX3-FOXO1 transcriptional target can generate resistance to therapy directed against this oncogenic transcription factor and postulate that this resistance mechanism may ultimately be countered by therapeutic approaches that antagonize the corresponding downstream pathways. SIGNIFICANCE: In a model of cancer initiated by a fusion transcription factor, constitutive activation of a downstream transcriptional target leads to fusion oncoprotein-independent recurrences, thereby highlighting a novel progression mechanism and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Boudjadi
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Puspa Raj Pandey
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Thanh Hung Nguyen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wenyue Sun
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Frederic G Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Transcriptomic analyses of gene expression by CRISPR knockout of miR-214 in cervical cancer cells. Genomics 2020; 112:1490-1499. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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11
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Zhou Y, Wu C, Lu G, Hu Z, Chen Q, Du X. FGF/FGFR signaling pathway involved resistance in various cancer types. J Cancer 2020; 11:2000-2007. [PMID: 32127928 PMCID: PMC7052940 DOI: 10.7150/jca.40531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance becomes major clinical issue in cancer treatment, which strongly limits patients to benefit from oncotherapy. Growing evidences have been indicative of the critical role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/receptor (FGFR) signaling played in resistance to oncotherapy. In this review we discussed the underlying mechanisms of FGF/FGFR signaling mediated resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and target therapy in various cancers. Meanwhile, we summarized the reported mechanism of FGF/FGFR inhibitors resistance in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Chengyu Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Guangrong Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China)
| | - Zijing Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Qiuxiang Chen
- Department of Ultrasonic Imaging, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaojing Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
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12
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Liang X, Cao Y, Xiang S, Xiang Z. LXRα-mediated downregulation of EGFR suppress colorectal cancer cell proliferation. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:17391-17404. [PMID: 31104333 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor family, including the LXRα (NR1H3) and LXRβ (NR1H2) subtypes, which are related to the metabolism of glucose and cholesterol and possess anti-inflammatory functions. Mounting evidence has linked LXRs to the inhibition of cell proliferation in a variety of cancers. We revealed a differential distribution for NR1H3, but not for NR1H2, in colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissues. We found that NR1H3 enhanced the inhibitory action of GW3965, an agonist of LXRs, on the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Upregulation of NR1H3 enhanced the inhibition of cell proliferation by GW3965 while silencing of NR1H3 attenuated the inhibitory effect of GW3965 on cell proliferation. Bioinformatic prediction and luciferase assays showed that NR1H3 was able to inhibit the activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) promoter. Moreover, we demonstrated that activation of NR1H3 inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors in an animal experiment, with the inhibition accompanied by downregulation of EGFR. Our findings suggest that NR1H3 controls cell proliferation by affecting EGFR promoter activity. The high expression of EGFR was due to the downregulation of NR1H3 which is a novel molecular mechanism in the development of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Ye Y, Peng Y, Li Y, Liu C, Xu Y, Li W. Effect of lincRNA-p21 targeting HIF-1α on biological functions of liver cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4964-4968. [PMID: 31186706 PMCID: PMC6507362 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of long intergenic non-coding ribonucleic acid (lincRNA)-p21 targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of liver cancer cells were investigated. MHCC97H liver cancer cells were infected with control lentivirus (control group) and lincRNA-p21 lentivirus (observation group), and control stable cell lines and lincRNA-p21 stable cell lines were screened and obtained by using puromycin. The expression levels of lincRNA-p21 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the control and observation groups were analyzed via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Bioinformatics was used to search for the lincRNA-p21 target. The expression of target gene was analyzed via western blotting, and the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and in vivo tumor formation of MHCC97H cells in the control and observation groups were also analyzed. Compared with that in control group, the lincRNA-p21 mRNA level in observation group was increased significantly (P<0.05). It was found via bioinformatic comparison that HIF-1α was one of the targets of lincRNA-p21. Results of Western blotting revealed that the expression level of HIF-1α protein in cells in observation group was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). Besides, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in cells in control group was obviously higher than that in observation group (P<0.05). Compared with those in control group, the cell proliferation and migration capacities in observation group were markedly reduced, but the apoptosis level was significantly increased (P<0.05). According to the in vivo tumor formation assay, the cell proliferation rate in control group was obviously higher than that in observation group (P<0.05). The number of tumor blood vessels in cells in control group was obviously reduced compared with that in observation group (P<0.05). lincRNA-p21 can significantly downregulate the level of HIF-1α, thus downregulating the expression of VEGF and affecting the cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibiao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yaorong Peng
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China.,Department of Blood Transfusion, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Chunxia Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yunxiuxiu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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Epstein Shochet G, Brook E, Eyal O, Edelstein E, Shitrit D. Epidermal growth factor receptor paracrine upregulation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts is blocked by nintedanib. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 316:L1025-L1034. [PMID: 30810067 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00526.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although present in normal cells, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a variety of tumors and has been associated with decreased survival. Because activated fibroblasts are considered key effectors in fibrosis and because metastatic and fibrotic processes were shown to share similar signaling pathways, we investigated the contribution of EGFR signaling to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progression in lung fibroblasts derived from patients with IPF (IPF-HLF). EGFR expression and EGFR-related signaling were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Supernatants (SN) from cultured IPF-HLF and N-HLF were added to N-HLF, and their effect on cell phenotype was tested. Growth factor levels in the SN were measured by ELISA-based arrays. EGFR activity was blocked by erlotinib (Tarceva, 0.1-0.5 µM). Expression of EGFR, phosphorylated (p)EGFR-1068 and pAkt-473 was significantly higher in IPF-HLF compared with lung fibroblasts from control donors (N-HLF) (P < 0.05). Apparent expression of p/total EGFR and pAkt-473 was found in the myofibroblastic foci of IPF patients. Erlotinib significantly inhibited IPF-HLF but not N-HLF proliferation. IPF-HLF-SN elevated N-HLF cell number, viability, EGFR expression, and pAkt-473 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Because high basic fibroblast growth factor levels were found in the IPF-HLF-SN, nintedanib (10-100 nM) was used to inhibit fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activation. Unlike erlotinib, nintedanib completely blocked IPF-HLF-SNs' effects on the N-HLF cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, IPF-HLF paracrine signaling elevates EGFR expression, which in turn, affects N-HLF survival. The FGF-EGFR interplay facilitates cellular responses that could potentially promote fibrotic disease. This interplay was successfully blocked by nintedanib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Epstein Shochet
- Pulmonary Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Elizabetha Brook
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Omer Eyal
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Evgeny Edelstein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel.,Pathology Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - David Shitrit
- Pulmonary Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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FGF8 induces therapy resistance in neoadjuvantly radiated rectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 145:77-86. [PMID: 30276721 PMCID: PMC6326005 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2757-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Therapy response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) of locally advanced rectal cancer varies widely so that markers predicting response are urgently needed. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling is involved in pro-survival signaling and thereby may result in radiation resistance. Methods In a cohort of 43 rectal cancer patients, who received nRCT, we analyzed protein levels of FGF 8 and its downstream target Survivin by immunohistochemistry to assess their impact on nRCT response. In vitro resistance models were created by exposing colorectal cancer cell lines to fractionated irradiation and selecting long-term survivors. Results Our findings revealed significantly higher FGF8 and Survivin staining scores in pre-treatment biopsies as well as in surgical specimens of non-responsive compared to responsive patients. Functional studies demonstrated dose-dependent induction of FGF8 mRNA expression in mismatch-incompetent DLD1 cells already after one dose of irradiation. Surviving clones after one or two series of radiation were more resistant to an additional radiation fraction than non-irradiated controls and showed a significant increase in expression of the FGF8 receptor FGFR3 and of Survivin on both the RNA and the protein levels. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that FGF8 and Survivin contribute to radiation resistance in rectal cancer and may serve as markers to select patients who may not benefit from neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-018-2757-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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lncAKHE enhances cell growth and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of NOTCH2 signaling. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:487. [PMID: 29706630 PMCID: PMC5924759 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer and gives rise to numerous deaths around the world every year. However, the molecular mechanism that controls hepatocarcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we found out an uncharacterized long noncoding RNA named lncAKHE. We found that lncAKHE was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. lncAKHE depletion remarkably impaired the abilities of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma while promgoogoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, higher expression level of lncAKHE in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was associated with more clinical severity and lower survival rates. Mechanistically, lncAKHE cooperated with YEATS4 to enhance the activation of NOTCH2 signaling which is usually abnormally upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusions, our study showed that lncAKHE may promote tumor progression in HCC and serve as a novel target for HCC treatment.
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