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Zhang Y, Guo F, Wang Y. Hypoxic tumor microenvironment: Destroyer of natural killer cell function. Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:138-150. [PMID: 38751439 PMCID: PMC11090795 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.02.04] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has made remarkable progress in treating certain tumors and hematological malignancies. However, the efficacy of natural killer (NK) cells, which are an important subset of innate lymphocytes used in anticancer immunotherapy, remains limited. Hypoxia, a critical characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME), is involved in tumor development and resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Moreover, hypoxia contributes to the impairment of NK cell function and may be a significant factor that limits their therapeutic effects. Targeted hypoxia therapy has emerged as a promising research area for enhancing the efficacy of NK cell therapy. Therefore, understanding how the hypoxic TME influences NK cell function is crucial for improving antitumor treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfei Zhang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Feifei Guo
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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2
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Abumustafa W, Castven D, Sharif-Askari FS, Abi Zamer B, Hamad M, Marquardt JU, Muhammad JS. PRMT5 Mediated HIF1α Signaling and Ras-Related Nuclear Protein as Promising Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:216. [PMID: 38666828 PMCID: PMC11048327 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for various cancer types. However, its role in regulating the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) transcriptome remains poorly understood. In this study, publicly available databases were employed to investigate PRMT5 expression, its correlation with overall survival, targeted pathways, and genes of interest in HCC. Additionally, we utilized in-house generated NGS data to explore PRMT5 expression in dysplastic nodules compared to hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings revealed that PRMT5 is significantly overexpressed in HCC compared to normal liver, and elevated expression correlates with poor overall survival. To gain insights into the mechanism driving PRMT5 overexpression in HCC, we analyzed promoter CpG islands and methylation status in HCC compared to normal tissues. Pathway analysis of PRMT5 knockdown in the HCC cells revealed a connection between PRMT5 expression and genes related to the HIF1α pathway. Additionally, by filtering PRMT5-correlated genes within the HIF1α pathway and selecting up/downregulated genes in HCC patients, we identified Ras-related nuclear protein (RAN) as a target associated with overall survival. For the first time, we report that PRMT5 is implicated in the regulation of HIF1A and RAN genes, suggesting the potential prognostic utility of PRMT5 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Abumustafa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Darko Castven
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Batoul Abi Zamer
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jens-Uwe Marquardt
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Sun M, Sun J, Sun W, Li X, Wang Z, Sun L, Wang Y. Unveiling the anticancer effects of SGLT-2i: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1369352. [PMID: 38595915 PMCID: PMC11002155 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer and diabetes are significant diseases that pose a threat to human health. Their interconnection is complex, particularly when they coexist, often necessitating multiple therapeutic approaches to attain remission. Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein two inhibitors (SGLT-2i) emerged as a treatment for hyperglycemia, but subsequently exhibited noteworthy extra-glycemic properties, such as being registered for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease, especially with co-existing albuminuria, prompting its assessment as a potential treatment for various non-metabolic diseases. Considering its overall tolerability and established use in diabetes management, SGLT-2i may be a promising candidate for cancer therapy and as a supplementary component to conventional treatments. This narrative review aimed to examine the potential roles and mechanisms of SGLT-2i in the management of diverse types of cancer. Future investigations should focus on elucidating the antitumor efficacy of individual SGLT-2i in different cancer types and exploring the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, clinical trials to evaluate the safety and feasibility of incorporating SGLT-2i into the treatment regimen of specific cancer patients and determining appropriate dosage combinations with established antitumor agents would be of significant interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jilei Sun
- Changchun Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Zhang H, Li X, Liu Z, Lin Z, Huang K, Wang Y, Chen Y, Liao L, Wu L, Xie Z, Hou J, Zhang X, Liu H. Elevated expression of HIGD1A drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating polyamine metabolism through c-Myc-ODC1 nexus. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:7. [PMID: 38395945 PMCID: PMC10893642 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia contributes to cancer progression through various molecular mechanisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most hypoxic malignancies. Hypoxia-inducible gene domain protein-1a (HIGD1A) is typically induced via epigenetic regulation and promotes tumor cell survival during hypoxia. However, the role of HIGD1A in HCC remains unknown. METHODS HIGD1A expression was determined in 24 pairs of human HCC samples and para-tumorous tissues. Loss-of-function experiments were conducted both in vivo and in vitro to explore the role of HIGD1A in HCC proliferation and metastasis. RESULTS Increased HIGD1A expression was found in HCC tissues and cell lines, which was induced by hypoxia or low-glucose condition. Moreover, HIGD1A knockdown in HCC cells arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and promoted hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis, resulting in great inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as tumor xenograft formation. Interestingly, these anti-tumor effects were not observed in normal hepatocyte cell line L02. Further, HIGD1A knockdown suppressed the expression of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), a rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine metabolism under c-Myc regulation. HIGD1A was found to bind with the c-Myc promoter region, and its knockdown decreased the levels of polyamine metabolites. Consistently, the inhibitory effect on HCC phenotype by HIGD1A silencing could be reversed by overexpression of c-Myc or supplementation of polyamines. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that HIGD1A activated c-Myc-ODC1 nexus to regulate polyamine synthesis and to promote HCC survival and malignant phenotype, implying that HIGD1A might represent a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zimo Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuiyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leyi Liao
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanglian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Liu Q, Guo Z, Li G, Zhang Y, Liu X, Li B, Wang J, Li X. Cancer stem cells and their niche in cancer progression and therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:305. [PMID: 38041196 PMCID: PMC10693166 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03130-2] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High recurrence and metastasis rates and poor prognoses are the major challenges of current cancer therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development, chemoradiotherapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Therefore, targeted CSC therapy has become a new strategy for solving the problems of cancer metastasis and recurrence. Since the properties of CSCs are regulated by the specific tumour microenvironment, the so-called CSC niche, which targets crosstalk between CSCs and their niches, is vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. In this review, we aim to highlight the factors within the CSC niche that have important roles in regulating CSC properties, including the extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal cells (e.g., associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)), and physiological changes (e.g., inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis). We also discuss recent progress regarding therapies targeting CSCs and their niche to elucidate developments of more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Zongliang Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030013, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoyin Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of blood transfusion, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
- Department of central laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
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Yang Q, Tian H, Guo Z, Ma Z, Wang G. The role of noncoding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1697-1706. [PMID: 37867435 PMCID: PMC10686793 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading fatal malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the survival, proliferation, migration, and even dormancy of cancer cells. Hypoxia is an important component of the TME, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the most important transcriptional regulator. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), comprise a large part of the human transcriptome and play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis of HCC. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis in a hypoxic microenvironment, as well as the interactions between ncRNAs and key components of the TME. It further discusses their use as biomarkers and the potential clinical value of drugs, as well as the challenges faced in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Yang
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of GeriatricsZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Zhongliang Ma
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Guangzhi Wang
- School of Medical ImagingWeifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
- Department of Medical Imaging CenterAffiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
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Li Z, Zhang Z, Fang L, Zhao J, Niu Z, Chen H, Cao G. Tumor Microenvironment Composition and Related Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2083-2099. [PMID: 38022729 PMCID: PMC10676104 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s436962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-95%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of the extracellular matrix, helper cells, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes the immune escape, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Tumor metastasis and postoperative recurrence are the main threats to the long-term prognosis of HCC. TME-related therapies are increasingly recognized as effective treatments. Molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and their combined therapy are the main approaches. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted therapy, highlighted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have greatly improved the prognosis of HCC. This review focuses on the TME compositions and emerging therapeutic approaches to TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuai Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheyun Niu
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongsen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
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Bolshette N, Ibrahim H, Reinke H, Asher G. Circadian regulation of liver function: from molecular mechanisms to disease pathophysiology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:695-707. [PMID: 37291279 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of liver functions are regulated daily by the liver circadian clock and via systemic circadian control by other organs and cells within the gastrointestinal tract as well as the microbiome and immune cells. Disruption of the circadian system, as occurs during jetlag, shift work or an unhealthy lifestyle, is implicated in several liver-related pathologies, ranging from metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma. In this Review, we cover the molecular, cellular and organismal aspects of various liver pathologies from a circadian viewpoint, and in particular how circadian dysregulation has a role in the development and progression of these diseases. Finally, we discuss therapeutic and lifestyle interventions that carry health benefits through support of a functional circadian clock that acts in synchrony with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Bolshette
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hussam Ibrahim
- University of Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Reinke
- University of Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Gad Asher
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Qin C, Liu S, Zhou S, Xia X, Hu J, Yu Y, Ma D. Tanshinone IIA promotes vascular normalization and boosts Sorafenib's anti-hepatoma activity via modulating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1189532. [PMID: 37324455 PMCID: PMC10267387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1189532] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Angiogenesis is an essential feature of liver cancer. Tumor hypoxia results from abnormal vessel architecture. Numerous studies have sufficiently demonstrated that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) can increase blood flow and enhance microcirculation. The objectives of this study are to: 1 assess the impact of Tan IIA on tumor angiogenesis and architecture, 2 determine the impact of Tan IIA on tumor hypoxia and susceptibility to Sorafenib, and 3 clarify the relevant mechanisms. Methods: CCK8 and flow cytometry measured cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Tube creation assay was used to investigate medication effects on angiogenesis and structure. Drug effects on tumor development, metastasis, and hypoxic tumor microenvironment are assessed in an orthotopic xenograft model of liver tumors. Protein expression was measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our results demonstrated that Tan IIA could not reduce tumor proliferation or enhance Sorafenib's anti-tumor effect in vitro. Nevertheless, it can prevent Sorafenib from demolishing the typical vascular structure and aid sorafenib in blocking the recruitment of vascular endothelial cells by liver cancer cells. Although Tan IIA cannot inhibit tumor growth in vivo, it can significantly boost Sorafenib's inhibitory effect on liver cancer, alleviate tumor microenvironment hypoxia, and minimize lung metastasis. This effect may be achieved by reducing HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression via the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Discussion: Our results reveal the mechanism of Tan IIA in normalizing tumor blood vessels, provide innovative concepts and approaches to overcome chemotherapy resistance, and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical transformation and usage of Tan IIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengdong Qin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianghou Xia
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiejie Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dening Ma
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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10
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Yu S, Zhou L, Fu J, Xu L, Liu B, Zhao Y, Wang J, Yan X, Su J. H-TEX-mediated signaling between hepatocellular carcinoma cells and macrophages and exosome-targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997726. [PMID: 36311698 PMCID: PMC9608495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the key role of the immune microenvironment in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. As an important component of the immune microenvironment, the polarization state and function of macrophages determine the maintenance of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Hepatocellular carcinoma tumor-derived exosomes, as information carriers, regulate the physiological state of cells in the microenvironment and control cancer progression. In this review, we focus on the role of the exosome content in disease outcomes at different stages in the progression of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. We also explore the mechanism by which macrophages contribute to the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma and summarize the regulation of macrophage functions by the heterogeneity of exosome loading in liver cancer. Finally, with the rise of exosome modification in immunotherapy research on hepatocellular carcinoma, we summarize the application prospects of exosome-based targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaying Fu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Long Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Buhan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yan
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyu Yan, ; Jing Su,
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyu Yan, ; Jing Su,
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11
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Investigation of Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of the Herbal Drug FDY003 Using Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5765233. [PMID: 36118098 PMCID: PMC9481369 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5765233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer (LC) is the sixth-most frequently occurring and the second-most fatal malignancy, responsible for 0.83 million deaths annually. Although the application of herbal drugs in cancer therapies has increased, their anti-LC activity and relevant mechanisms have not been fully studied from a systems perspective. To address these issues, we conducted a system-perspective network pharmacological investigation into the activity and mechanisms underlying the action of the herbal drug. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC treatment. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC cells and elevated their chemosensitivity. There were a total of 16 potential bioactive chemical components in FDY003 and they had 91 corresponding targets responsible for the pathological processes in LC. These FDY003 targets were functionally involved in regulating the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of LC cells. Additionally, we found that FDY003 may target key signaling cascades connected to diverse LC pathological mechanisms, namely, PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, IL-17, FoxO, MAPK, and TNF pathways. Overall, this study contributed to integrative mechanistic insights into the anti-LC potential of FDY003.
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Regulatory T cells and their associated factors in hepatocellular carcinoma development and therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3346-3358. [PMID: 36158267 PMCID: PMC9346458 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i27.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with primary type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Factors, including carcinogens, infection of hepatitis viruses, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can induce HCC initiation and promote HCC progression. The prevalence of NAFLD accompanying the increased incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes becomes the most increasing factor causing HCC worldwide. However, the benefit of current therapeutic options is still limited. Intrahepatic immunity plays critically important roles in HCC initiation, development, and progression. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their associated factors such as metabolites and secreting cytokines mediate the immune tolerance of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Therefore, targeting Tregs and blocking their mediated factors may prevent HCC progression. This review summarizes the functions of Tregs in HCC-inducing factors including alcoholic and NAFLD, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and viral infections. Overall, a better understanding of the role of Tregs in the development and progression of HCC provides treatment strategies for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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13
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HIF1α: A Novel Biomarker with Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapy in Pan-cancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1246267. [PMID: 35860430 PMCID: PMC9289759 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1246267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a catastrophic disease that seriously affects human health. HIF1α plays an important role in cancer initiation, progression, and prognosis. However, little is known about the specific role of HIF1α in pan-cancer. Therefore, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed HIF1α using GEPIA, HPA, GeneMANIA, STRING, SMPDB, cBioPortal, UALCAN, and TISDB databases and also 33 cancer and normal tissues in TCGA downloaded from the Genome Data Commons (GDC) data portal. Data and statistical analysis were performed using R software v4.0.3. Our results found that there were differences in the mRNA expression levels of HIF1α in human pan-cancer and its corresponding normal tissues. The expression level of HIF1α correlated with tumor stage in LIHC and also significantly correlated with prognosis in LIHC, LUSC, STAD, OV, PAAD, PRAD, THCA, LUAD, MESO, and READ. The small molecule pathways involved in HIF1α include succinate signaling, fumarate, and succinate carcinogenesis-related pathways. The highest mutation frequency of the HIF1α gene in pan-cancer was head and neck cancer, and the HIF1α methylation level in most tumors is significantly reduced. HIF1α was not only associated with immune cell infiltration but also with immune checkpoint genes and immune regulators TMB and MSI. There were currently 5 small molecule drugs targeting HIF1α.
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De Re V, Rossetto A, Rosignoli A, Muraro E, Racanelli V, Tornesello ML, Zompicchiatti A, Uzzau A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Intrinsic Cell Death Regulates Immune Response and Prognosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:897703. [PMID: 35875093 PMCID: PMC9303009 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.897703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ablative and locoregional treatment options, such as radiofrequency, ethanol injection, microwave, and cryoablation, as well as irreversible electroporation, are effective therapies for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatocyte death caused by ablative procedures is known to increase the release of tumor-associated antigen, thus enhancing tumor immunogenicity. In addition, the heat ablative resection induces pyroptotic cell death accompanied by the release of several inflammatory factors and immune-related proteins, including damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), heat shock proteins (HSPs), ficolin 3, ATP, and DNA/RNA, which potentiate the antitumoral immune response. Surgical approaches that enhance tumor necrosis and reduce hypoxia in the residual liver parenchyma have been shown to increase the disease-free survival rate by reducing the host’s immunosuppressive response. Scalpel devices and targeted surgical approach combined with immune-modulating drugs are an interesting and promising area to maximize therapeutic outcomes after HCC ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopatologia e Biomarcatori Oncologici/Bio-proteomics Facility, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valli De Re, ; Anna Rossetto,
| | - Anna Rossetto
- General Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), San Daniele del Friuli, Udine, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valli De Re, ; Anna Rossetto,
| | - Alessandro Rosignoli
- Program of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Elena Muraro
- Immunopatologia e Biomarcatori Oncologici/Bio-proteomics Facility, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Medical School, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Aron Zompicchiatti
- Program of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Uzzau
- Program of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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15
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Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene 1/Delta like Non-Canonical Notch Ligand 1 Signaling in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136897. [PMID: 35805898 PMCID: PMC9267054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) remains a challenge, and identifying effective treatments is a major unmet medical need. In the current review we focus on the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1)/delta like non-canonical notch ligand 1 (DLK1) axis as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate the progression of these pathological conditions. PTTG1 is a proto-oncogene involved in proliferation and metabolism. PTTG1 expression has been related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis in cancer and experimental fibrosis. On the other hand, DLK1 has been identified as one of the most abundantly expressed PTTG1 targets in adipose tissue and has shown to contribute to hepatic fibrosis by promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Here, we extensively analyze the increasing amount of information pointing to the PTTG1/DLK1 signaling pathway as an important player in the regulation of these disturbances. These data prompted us to hypothesize that activation of the PTTG1/DLK1 axis is a key factor upregulating the tissue remodeling mechanisms characteristic of CLDs. Therefore, disruption of this signaling pathway could be useful in the therapeutic management of CLDs.
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16
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Buddham R, Chauhan S, Narad P, Mathur P. Reconstruction and Exploratory Analysis of mTORC1 Signaling Pathway and Its Applications to Various Diseases Using Network-Based Approach. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:365-377. [PMID: 35001007 PMCID: PMC9628786 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2108.08007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine-threonine kinase member of the cellular phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is involved in multiple biological functions by transcriptional and translational control. mTOR is a downstream mediator in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and plays a critical role in cell survival. In cancer, this pathway can be activated by membrane receptors, including the HER (or ErbB) family of growth factor receptors, the insulin-like growth factor receptor, and the estrogen receptor. In the present work, we congregated an electronic network of mTORC1 built on an assembly of data using natural language processing, consisting of 470 edges (activations/interactions and/or inhibitions) and 206 nodes representing genes/proteins, using the Cytoscape 3.6.0 editor and its plugins for analysis. The experimental design included the extraction of gene expression data related to five distinct types of cancers, namely, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, hepatic cirrhosis, cervical cancer, glioblastoma, and anaplastic thyroid cancer from Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO) followed by pre-processing and normalization of the data using R & Bioconductor. ExprEssence plugin was used for network condensation to identify differentially expressed genes across the gene expression samples. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to find out the over-represented GO terms in the network. In addition, pathway enrichment and functional module analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were also conducted. Our results indicated NOTCH1, NOTCH3, FLCN, SOD1, SOD2, NF1, and TLR4 as upregulated proteins in different cancer types highlighting their role in cancer progression. The MCODE analysis identified gene clusters for each cancer type with MYC, PCNA, PARP1, IDH1, FGF10, PTEN, and CCND1 as hub genes with high connectivity. MYC for cervical cancer, IDH1 for hepatic cirrhosis, MGMT for glioblastoma and CCND1 for anaplastic thyroid cancer were identified as genes with prognostic importance using survival analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Buddham
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida-201313, India
| | - Sweety Chauhan
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida-201313, India
| | - Priyanka Narad
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida-201313, India
| | - Puniti Mathur
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida-201313, India,Corresponding author Phone: +91-120-4392204 E-mail:
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Adhikari S, Guha D, Mohan C, Mukherjee S, Tyler JK, Das C. Reprogramming Carbohydrate Metabolism in Cancer and Its Role in Regulating the Tumor Microenvironment. Subcell Biochem 2022; 100:3-65. [PMID: 36301490 PMCID: PMC10760510 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07634-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Altered metabolism has become an emerging feature of cancer cells impacting their proliferation and metastatic potential in myriad ways. Proliferating heterogeneous tumor cells are surrounded by other resident or infiltrating cells, along with extracellular matrix proteins, and other secretory factors constituting the tumor microenvironment. The diverse cell types of the tumor microenvironment exhibit different molecular signatures that are regulated at their genetic and epigenetic levels. The cancer cells elicit intricate crosstalks with these supporting cells, exchanging essential metabolites which support their anabolic processes and can promote their survival, proliferation, EMT, angiogenesis, metastasis and even therapeutic resistance. In this context, carbohydrate metabolism ensures constant energy supply being a central axis from which other metabolic and biosynthetic pathways including amino acid and lipid metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway are diverged. In contrast to normal cells, increased glycolytic flux is a distinguishing feature of the highly proliferative cancer cells, which supports them to adapt to a hypoxic environment and also protects them from oxidative stress. Such rewired metabolic properties are often a result of epigenetic alterations in the cancer cells, which are mediated by several factors including, DNA, histone and non-histone protein modifications and non-coding RNAs. Conversely, epigenetic landscapes of the cancer cells are also dictated by their diverse metabolomes. Altogether, this metabolic and epigenetic interplay has immense potential for the development of efficient anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. In this book chapter we emphasize upon the significance of reprogrammed carbohydrate metabolism in regulating the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression, with an aim to explore the different metabolic and epigenetic targets for better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Adhikari
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Deblina Guha
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
| | - Chitra Mohan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shravanti Mukherjee
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
| | - Jessica K Tyler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India.
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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18
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Luo J, Sun P, Zhang X, Lin G, Xin Q, Niu Y, Chen Y, Xu N, Zhang Y, Xie W. Canagliflozin Modulates Hypoxia-Induced Metastasis, Angiogenesis and Glycolysis by Decreasing HIF-1α Protein Synthesis via AKT/mTOR Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413336. [PMID: 34948132 PMCID: PMC8704642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment plays a vital role in tumor progression, and hypoxia is a typical microenvironment feature in nearly all solid tumors. In this study, we focused on elucidating the effect of canagliflozin (CANA), a new class of antidiabetic agents, on hepatocarcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis under hypoxia, and demonstrated that CANA could significantly inhibit hypoxia-induced metastasis, angiogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming in HCC. At the molecular level, this was accompanied by a reduction in VEGF expression level, as well as a reduction in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and glycolysis-related proteins. Next, we focused our study particularly on the modulation of HIF-1α by CANA, which revealed that CANA decreased HIF-1α protein level by inhibiting its synthesis without affecting its proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, the AKT/mTOR pathway, which plays an important role in HIF-1α transcription and translation, was also inhibited by CANA. Thus, it can be concluded that CANA decreased metastasis, angiogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming in HCC by inhibiting HIF-1α protein accumulation, probably by targeting the AKT/mTOR pathway. Based on our results, we propose that CANA should be evaluated as a new treatment modality for liver cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Canagliflozin/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Hypoxia/drug effects
- Cell Hypoxia/genetics
- Glycolysis/drug effects
- Hep G2 Cells
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Pengbo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Open FIESTA Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guanglan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Open FIESTA Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qilei Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yaoyun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Naihan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Open FIESTA Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Open FIESTA Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weidong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.L.); (P.S.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (Q.X.); (Y.N.); (Y.C.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.)
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Health Science and Technology, Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Open FIESTA Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence:
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19
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Li Z, Du G, Zhao R, Yang W, Li C, Huang J, Wen Z, Li H, Zhang B. Identification and validation of a hypoxia-related prognostic signature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27374. [PMID: 34596153 PMCID: PMC8483867 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that hypoxia is closely related to the development, progression, and prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Nevertheless, reliable prognostic signatures based on hypoxia have not been well-established. This study aimed to establish a hypoxia-related prognostic signature and construct an optimized nomogram for patients with ccRCC.We accessed hallmark gene sets of hypoxia, including 200 genes, and an original RNA seq dataset of ccRCC cases with integrated clinical information obtained by mining the Cancer Genome Atlas database and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify prognostic hub genes and further established prognostic model as well as visualized the nomogram. External validation of the optimized nomogram was performed in independent cohorts from the ICGC database.ANKZF1, ETS1, PLAUR, SERPINE1, FBP1, and PFKP were selected as prognostic hypoxia-related hub genes, and the prognostic model effectively distinguishes high-risk and low-risk patients with ccRCC. The results of receiver operating characteristic curve, risk plots, survival analysis, and independent analysis suggested that RiskScore was a useful tool and independent predictive factor. A novel prognosis nomogram optimized via RiskScore showed its promising performance in both the Cancer Genome Atlas-ccRCC cohort and an ICGC-ccRCC cohort.Our study reveals that the differential expressions of hypoxia-related genes are associated with the overall survival of patients with ccRCC. The prognostic model we established showed a good predictive and discerning ability in ccRCC patients. The novel nomogram optimized via RiskScore exhibited a promising predictive ability. It may be able to serve as a visualized tool for guiding clinical decisions and selecting effective individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Chan Li
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Hening Li
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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20
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HCC: role of pre- and post-treatment tumor biology in driving adverse outcomes and rare responses to therapy. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:3686-3697. [PMID: 34195886 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-03192-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is a complex disease. The response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to treatment can be variable. Predicting response to determine the most effective therapy is an active area of research. Our understanding of underlying factors which drive response to therapy is continually increasing. As more therapies for the treatment of this disease evolve, it is crucial to identify and match the ideal therapy for a particular tumor and patient. The potential predicative imaging features of tumor behavior, while of research interest, have not been validated for clinical use and do not currently inform treatment planning. If further validated though, prognostic features may be used in the future to personalize treatment plans according to individual patients and tumors. Unexpected post-treatment responses such as potential tumor biology changes and abscopal effect which are important to be aware of. This review is intended for radiologists who routinely interpret post treatment HCC imaging and is designed to increase their cognizance about how HCC tumor biology drives response to therapy and explore rare responses to therapy.
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21
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Huang CH, Chong KY, Lei KF. Analysis of the Internal Hypoxic Environment in Solid Tumor Tissue Using a Folding Paper System. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:33885-33893. [PMID: 34259499 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a nonphysiological oxygen tension which is common in most malignant tumors. Hypoxia stimulates complicated cell signaling networks in cancer cells, e.g., the HIF, PI3K, MAPK, and NFκB pathways. Then, cells release a number of cytokines such as VEGFA to promote the growth of peripheral blood vessels and lead to metastasis. In the current work, understanding of the internal hypoxic environment in solid tumor tissue was attempted by developing a folding paper system. A paper-based solid tumor was constructed by folding a filter paper cultured with cancer cells. The cellular response in each layer could be analyzed by disassembling the folded paper after the culture course. The result showed that an internal hypoxic environment was successfully reproduced in the paper-based solid tumor. The cells in the inner layer expressed high levels of HIF1-α and VEGFA. Hence, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells were shown to be induced by the cells located in the internal hypoxic environment. Moreover, the paper-based solid tumor was transplanted into nude mice for the study of hypoxic response and angiogenesis. The crosstalk between internal and external parts of solid tumor tissue could be analyzed by sectioning each layer of the paper-based solid tumor. This approach provides a favorable analytical method for the discovery of the interaction between cancer cells, hypoxia, and peripheral angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Kowit-Yu Chong
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Medical Research Lab, Bone and Joint Research Center, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
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Chen H, Pan Y, Jin X, Chen G. Identification of a Four Hypoxia-Associated Long Non-Coding RNA Signature and Establishment of a Nomogram Predicting Prognosis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:713346. [PMID: 34386428 PMCID: PMC8353455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.713346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify novel hypoxia-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential biomarkers, we developed a risk stratification signature and constructed a prognosis prediction nomogram of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Hypoxia-related lncRNAs were identified through Pearson correlation analysis between the expression profiles of hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs from The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) dataset. Then, a signature of four key lncRNAs (COMETT, EMX2OS, AC026462.3, and HAGLR) was developed. The four lncRNAs were downregulated in high-grade, advanced stage, and high-risk ccRCC. The signature had an independent and long-standing prognosis prediction ability up to a 10-year follow-up. Notably, the risk score was significantly positively correlated with the infiltration abundances of six immune cells from the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) also suggested that the signature was involved in metabolism and tumorigenesis, which were closely related to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Ultimately, a nomogram of signature, age, stage, and grade, was built to predict the individual long-term survival possibility. Finally, the expressions of four lncRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our study identified a four-lncRNA signature and established a prognostic nomogram that reliably predicts survival in ccRCC. The findings may be beneficial to therapeutic customization and medical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Pan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yang Q, Gao L, Huang X, Weng J, Chen Y, Lin S, Yin Q. Sorafenib prevents the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of liver cancer cells by regulating autophagy and hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:980. [PMID: 34345262 PMCID: PMC8311259 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has been approved as a systemic drug for advanced liver cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sorafenib on the proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis of HepG2 cells under hypoxia. Briefly, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting was performed to quantify HIF-1, LC3II/I, mTOR and p70s6K expression levels. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the cell apoptosis rate was evaluated using flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that autophagy and apoptosis were induced by hypoxia, and that sorafenib further enhanced hypoxia-induced autophagy and apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the mechanism of sorafenib-mediated autophagy in liver cancer cell were investigated by using chloroquine (CQ). The results showed that CQ significantly inhibited autophagy by decreasing LC3II/LC3I ratio in HepG2 cells treated with sorafenib and/or hypoxia. By contrast, sorafenib could increase the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and of the autophagy marker (LC3II/I) and decrease the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase in HepG2 cells under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, suggesting that sorafenib could induce hypoxia and autophagy in liver cancer cells. In addition, sorafenib was demonstrated to prevent proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells under normoxia and hypoxia. Sorafenib could also prevent the malignant behavior of HepG2 by inducing hypoxia and autophagy. In summary, the findings from the present study suggested that sorafenib may inhibit liver cancer progression by activating autophagy and HIF-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhuang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Jie Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Youke Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Shibu Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Qiushi Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
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Hypoxia in Lung Cancer Management: A Translational Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143421. [PMID: 34298636 PMCID: PMC8307602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia is a common feature of lung cancers. Nonetheless, no guidelines have been established to integrate hypoxia-associated biomarkers in patient management. Here, we discuss the current knowledge and provide translational novel considerations regarding its clinical detection and targeting to improve the outcome of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma of all stages. Abstract Lung cancer represents the first cause of death by cancer worldwide and remains a challenging public health issue. Hypoxia, as a relevant biomarker, has raised high expectations for clinical practice. Here, we review clinical and pathological features related to hypoxic lung tumours. Secondly, we expound on the main current techniques to evaluate hypoxic status in NSCLC focusing on positive emission tomography. We present existing alternative experimental approaches such as the examination of circulating markers and highlight the interest in non-invasive markers. Finally, we evaluate the relevance of investigating hypoxia in lung cancer management as a companion biomarker at various lung cancer stages. Hypoxia could support the identification of patients with higher risks of NSCLC. Moreover, the presence of hypoxia in treated tumours could help clinicians predict a worse prognosis for patients with resected NSCLC and may help identify patients who would benefit potentially from adjuvant therapies. Globally, the large quantity of translational data incites experimental and clinical studies to implement the characterisation of hypoxia in clinical NSCLC management.
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25
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Cheng W, Cheng Z, Weng L, Xing D, Zhang M. Asparagus Polysaccharide inhibits the Hypoxia-induced migration, invasion and angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells partly through regulating HIF1α/VEGF expression via MAPK and PI3K signaling pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:3920-3929. [PMID: 34093799 PMCID: PMC8176233 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Although there are so many treatment strategies used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients still remains very low. In our previous studies, asparagus polysaccharide (ASP) has been demonstrated to suppress proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC cells under normoxic conditions in vitro. However, the inhibitory effects of ASP on the hypoxia-induced migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC cells still remain largely unexplored. Materials and methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, and tube formation assay were used to determine the effects of ASP on hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC cells. ELISA, Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence assay were used to confirm the effects of ASP on the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF at the protein level. Moreover, effects of ASP on signaling pathway-related proteins were investigated by Western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was applied to test the effects of ASP on angiogenesis-associated proteins of tumor cells. Results: We showed that ASP effectively suppressed hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the inhibitory effect of ASP might be partly attributed to down-regulation of HIF1α and VEGF proteins in SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B cells under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, signaling pathway study indicated that ASP significantly down-regulated the hypoxia-induced expressions of p-AKT, p-mTOR and p-ERK, while it had little effects on AKT, mTOR and ERK. Besides, SK-Hep1 xenograft tumor models in nude mice further confirmed that the inhibitory effect of ASP on xenograft tumors might be exerted partly via down-regulation of HIF1α and VEGF through blocking MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that ASP suppressed the hypoxia-induced migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC cells partly through regulating HIF-1α/VEGF expression via MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Ziwei Cheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Lingling Weng
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Dongwei Xing
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Minguang Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
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Sun B, Yu L, Xu C, Li YM, Zhao YR, Cao MM, Yang LY. NAD(P)HX epimerase downregulation promotes tumor progression through ROS/HIF-1α signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:2753-2769. [PMID: 33932069 PMCID: PMC8253267 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from aberrant tumor metabolism could contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis. NAD(P)HX Epimerase (NAXE), an epimerase that allows the repair of damaged forms of antioxidant NADPH, is a potential cellular ROS scavenger and its role in tumor development is still elusive. Here, we found that NAXE is significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines. NAXE downregulation is associated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and is an independent risk factor for overall and disease‐free survival of HCC patients after liver resection. In addition, low NAXE expression could identify worse prognosis of HCC patients before vascular invasion or in early stages of disease. In particularly, low NAXE expression in HCC is markedly associated with microvascular invasion (MVI) and its combination with MVI predicts poorer prognosis of HCC patients after liver resection. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments both showed that knockdown of NAXE expression in HCC cells promoted migration, invasion, and metastasis by inducing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas NAXE overexpression causes the opposite effects. Mechanistically, low NAXE expression reduced NADPH levels and further caused ROS level increase and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) activation, thereby promoting invasion and metastasis of HCC by facilitating EMT. What is more, the tumor‐promoting effect of NAXE knockdown in HCC xenograft can be abolished by giving mice N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) in drinking water. Taken together, our findings uncovered a tumor suppressor role for NAXE in HCC by scavenging excessive ROS and inhibiting tumor‐promoting signaling pathways, suggesting a new strategy for HCC therapy by targeting redox signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan-Rong Zhao
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mo-Mo Cao
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lian-Yue Yang
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Giovannini C, Fornari F, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Notch Signaling Regulation in HCC: From Hepatitis Virus to Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030521. [PMID: 33804511 PMCID: PMC8000248 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030521] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch family includes evolutionary conserved genes that encode for single-pass transmembrane receptors involved in stem cell maintenance, development and cell fate determination of many cell lineages. Upon activation by different ligands, and depending on the cell type, Notch signaling plays pleomorphic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affecting neoplastic growth, invasion capability and stem like properties. A specific knowledge of the deregulated expression of each Notch receptor and ligand, coupled with resultant phenotypic changes, is still lacking in HCC. Therefore, while interfering with Notch signaling might represent a promising therapeutic approach, the complexity of Notch/ligands interactions and the variable consequences of their modulations raises concerns when performed in undefined molecular background. The gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), representing the most utilized approach for Notch inhibition in clinical trials, are characterized by important adverse effects due to the non-specific nature of GSIs themselves and to the lack of molecular criteria guiding patient selection. In this review, we briefly summarize the mechanisms involved in Notch pathway activation in HCC supporting the development of alternatives to the γ-secretase pan-inhibitor for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Giovannini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2144903; Fax: +39-051-2143902
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.G.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.G.)
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Bao X, Zhang J, Huang G, Yan J, Xu C, Dou Z, Sun C, Zhang H. The crosstalk between HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunctions in cancer development. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:215. [PMID: 33637686 PMCID: PMC7910460 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential cellular organelles that are involved in regulating cellular energy, metabolism, survival, and proliferation. To some extent, cancer is a genetic and metabolic disease that is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which are major molecules that respond to hypoxia, play important roles in cancer development by participating in multiple processes, such as metabolism, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The Warburg phenomenon reflects a pseudo-hypoxic state that activates HIF-1α. In addition, a product of the Warburg effect, lactate, also induces HIF-1α. However, Warburg proposed that aerobic glycolysis occurs due to a defect in mitochondria. Moreover, both HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to complex reprogramming of energy metabolism, including reduced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, increased glucose uptake, and enhanced anaerobic glycolysis. Thus, there may be a connection between HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we systematically discuss the crosstalk between HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunctions in cancer development. Above all, the stability and activity of HIFs are closely influenced by mitochondrial dysfunction related to tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transport chain components, mitochondrial respiration, and mitochondrial-related proteins. Furthermore, activation of HIFs can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction by affecting multiple mitochondrial functions, including mitochondrial oxidative capacity, biogenesis, apoptosis, fission, and autophagy. In general, the regulation of tumorigenesis and development by HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunction are part of an extensive and cooperative network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingting Bao
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Guomin Huang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Junfang Yan
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Caipeng Xu
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Dou
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 101408, Beijing, China.
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Cooperative Role of Thrombopoietin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A in the Progression of Liver Cirrhosis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041818. [PMID: 33673041 PMCID: PMC7918121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary thrombopoietic mediator thrombopoietin (THPO) is mainly produced by the liver; it may act as a growth factor for hepatic progenitors. Principal angiogenesis inducer vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is critical for the complex vascular network within the liver architecture. As a cross-regulatory loop between THPO and VEGF-A has been demonstrated in the hematopoietic system, the two growth factors were hypothesized to cooperatively contribute to the progression from liver cirrhosis (LC) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of THPO, VEGF-A, and their receptors were examined, compared, and correlated in paired cancerous and LC tissues from 26 cirrhosis-related HCC patients, using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. THPO and VEGF-A were alternatively silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in human liver cancer cell lines Huh7 and HepG2. THPO and VEGF-A expressions significantly increased in tumor versus LC tissues. HCC and paired LC cells expressed similar levels of THPO receptor (R), whereas vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) -1 and VEGFR-2 levels were higher in HCC than in corresponding LC tissue samples. A significant linear correlation emerged between THPO and VEGF-A transcripts in HCC and, at the protein level, THPO and THPOR were significantly correlated with VEGF-A in tumor tissues. Both HCC and LC expressed similar levels of gene and protein hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Positive cross-regulation occurred with the alternative administration of siRNAs targeting THPO and those targeting VEGF-A in hypoxic liver cancer cell lines. These results suggest THPO and VEGF-A might act as interdependently regulated autocrine and/or paracrine systems for cellular growth in HCC. This might be clinically interesting, since new classes of THPOR agonistic/antagonistic drugs may provide novel therapeutic options to correct the frequent hemostatic abnormality seen in HCC patients.
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Soft tissue sarcomas: IVIM and DKI correlate with the expression of HIF-1α on direct comparison of MRI and pathological slices. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:4669-4679. [PMID: 33416975 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters with the expression of HIF-1α in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). METHODS This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Forty patients with STS who underwent 3.0 T MRI, including IVIM and DKI, were included in the study. Standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true ADC (Dslow), pseudo ADC (Dfast), perfusion fraction (f), mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusivity (MD) of each lesion were independently analyzed by two observers. An MRI-pathology control method was used to ensure correspondence between the MRI slices and the pathological sections. Spearman analysis, independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. RESULTS Dslow and MD values showed a negative correlation with HIF-1α expression (r = - 0.469, - 0.588). MK and f values showed a positive correlation with HIF-1α expression (r = 0.779, 0.572). Dslow, MD, MK, and f values showed significant differences between the high- and low-expression groups. The MK value showed the best diagnostic ability. The optimal cut-off MK value of 0.604 was associated with 78.3% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity (area under the curve, 0.867). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study demonstrated the association of IVIM and DKI parameters with the expression of HIF-1α in STS. KEY POINTS • IVIM and DKI parameters are correlated with the expression of HIF-1α in STS. • The MRI-pathology control method can be used in clinical studies to ensure correspondence between MRI slices and pathology sections.
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31
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Samec M, Liskova A, Koklesova L, Mersakova S, Strnadel J, Kajo K, Pec M, Zhai K, Smejkal K, Mirzaei S, Hushmandi K, Ashrafizadeh M, Saso L, Brockmueller A, Shakibaei M, Büsselberg D, Kubatka P. Flavonoids Targeting HIF-1: Implications on Cancer Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E130. [PMID: 33401572 PMCID: PMC7794792 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is described as an oxygen deprivation in malignant tissue. The hypoxic condition is a consequence of an imbalance between rapidly proliferating cells and a vascularization that leads to lower oxygen levels in tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is an essential transcription factor contributing to the regulation of hypoxia-associated genes. Some of these genes modulate molecular cascades associated with the Warburg effect and its accompanying pathways and, therefore, represent promising targets for cancer treatment. Current progress in the development of therapeutic approaches brings several promising inhibitors of HIF-1. Flavonoids, widely occurring in various plants, exert a broad spectrum of beneficial effects on human health, and are potentially powerful therapeutic tools against cancer. Recent evidences identified numerous natural flavonoids and their derivatives as inhibitors of HIF-1, associated with the regulation of critical glycolytic components in cancer cells, including pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), glucose transporters (GLUTs), hexokinase II (HKII), phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Here, we discuss the results of most recent studies evaluating the impact of flavonoids on HIF-1 accompanied by the regulation of critical enzymes contributing to the Warburg phenotype. Besides, flavonoid effects on glucose metabolism via regulation of HIF-1 activity represent a promising avenue in cancer-related research. At the same time, only more-in depth investigations can further elucidate the mechanistic and clinical connections between HIF-1 and cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Samec
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Sandra Mersakova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4D, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (S.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Jan Strnadel
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4D, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (S.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute Hospital, 81250 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Pec
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Kevin Zhai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Karel Smejkal
- Department of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Palackého třída 1946/1, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, 1477893855 Tehran, Iran;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 1419963114 Tehran, Iran;
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
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Vanderborght B, De Muynck K, Lefere S, Geerts A, Degroote H, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Effect of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides on tumorigenesis, inflammation and fibrosis in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4504-4520. [PMID: 33400730 PMCID: PMC7721613 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. For advanced HCC, there is still an unmet need for more effective therapeutic strategies. HCC is typically associated with hypoxia and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulatory pathway plays an important role in HCC development and progression. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), along with their effect on the inflammatory and fibrotic component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in an experimental HCC mouse model. Based on its efficacy and safety, a dosage regimen of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of HIFα ASO twice per week was selected for further investigation in a preventive and therapeutic setting in a N,N-diethylnitrous amide (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. DEN administration resulted in 100% tumor formation and HIFα ASO administration led to effective and selective hepatic downregulation of its target genes. HIFα ASO treatment had no effect on tumor numbers, but even enhanced the increased hepatic expression of HCC tumor markers, α-fetoprotein and glypican-3, compared to scrambled control ASO treatment in HCC mice. Especially HIF-1α ASO treatment resulted in an enhanced increase of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in the liver and an enhanced hepatic upregulation of inflammatory markers. Both HIFα ASOs aggravated liver fibrosis in HCC mice compared to scrambled ASO treatment. The observed effects of our dosing regimen for HIF-1α and HIF-2α ASO treatment in the DEN-induced HCC mouse model discourage the use of HIFα isoforms as targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Muynck
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Zhang Q, Han Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li W. Role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 in cancer stem cells (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:17. [PMID: 33179080 PMCID: PMC7673349 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been found to play a decisive role in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and chemo‑, radio‑ and immuno‑resistance. Understanding the mechanism of CSC self‑renewal and proliferation may help overcome the limitations of clinical treatment. The microenvironment of tumor growth consists of a lack of oxygen, and hypoxia has been confirmed to induce cancer cell invasion, metastasis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, and is usually associated with poor prognosis and low survival rates. Hypoxia inducible factor‑1 (HIF‑1) can be stably expressed under hypoxia and act as an important molecule to regulate the development of CSCs, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. The present review attempted to explain the role of HIF‑1 in the generation and maintenance of CSCs from the perspective of epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, tumor immunity, CSC markers, non‑coding RNA and signaling pathways associated with HIF‑1, in order to provide novel targets with HIF‑1 as the core for clinical treatment, and extend the life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Han
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Jingcheng Chen
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
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Yin W, Liu Y, Liu X, Ma X, Sun B, Yu Z. Metformin inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma via the mTOR/HIF-1α/PKM2/STAT3 pathway. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:31. [PMID: 33262823 PMCID: PMC7693125 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) serves an important role in the formation and development of various types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Metformin, used for treating type 2 diabetes, has been revealed to exert an anticancer effect in various types of cancer, including liver, breast and colorectal cancer. However, its role in the EMT of OSCC has been rarely reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on EMT and to identify its underlying mechanism in OSCC. Firstly, EMT was induced in CAL-27 cells using CoCl2. Subsequently, the effects of metformin on cell viability, migration and xenograft growth were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail family transcriptional repressor 1, mTOR, hypoxia inducible factor 1α, pyruvate kinase M2 and STAT3. The results demonstrated that metformin abolished CoCl2-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Moreover, metformin reversed EMT in OSCC by inhibiting the mTOR-associated HIF-1α/PKM2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Overall, the present findings characterized a novel mechanism via which metformin modulated EMT in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuang Yin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Xinchen Liu
- Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhou Ma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ziying Yu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Abdel-Wahab AHA, Effat H, Mahrous EA, Ali MA, Al-Shafie TA. A Licorice Roots Extract Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest and Improves Metabolism via Regulating MiRNAs in Liver Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:1047-1058. [PMID: 32578448 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1783329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeting altered metabolism in cancer provides a promising preventive and therapeutic approach. Natural products interplay between gene expression and metabolism either by targeting altered metabolic enzymes and/or affecting the regulating miRNAs. Licorice is a widely known product used as flavoring agent. Glycyrrhizin and other metabolites were reported to exert several metabolic benefits. Here, we investigated the effect of licorice roots extract on some metabolic pathways and their regulating miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Our data showed various beneficial effects of licorice roots extract including induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Second, upregulating tumor suppressor miRNAs; let7a-3p, miR-34c-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-126-3p, miR195-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-206, and miR-326-5p. Third, inhibiting HIF1α, PI3K and C-Myc and activating AMPK and p53. Fourth, inhibiting enzymes of glycolysis; HK-2, LDH-A and PK-M2; pentose phosphate pathway; G6PD and glutaminolysis; glutaminase. However, such an extract upregulated oncogenic miRNAs; miR-21, miR-221, and miR-222. Although the present data highlights the ability of licorice roots extract to enhance apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and correct altered metabolism, it warns against its unfavorable effects, hence, its use for prevention and therapy should proceed with caution. Further experiments are required to investigate whether a specific bioactive ingredient is responsible for upregulating the oncogenic miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heba Effat
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy A Mahrous
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Ali
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Al-Shafie
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Mossenta M, Busato D, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G. Glucose Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role and Possible Implications in Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1668. [PMID: 32585931 PMCID: PMC7352479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metabolism is redirected to glycolysis to enhance the production of metabolic compounds employed by cancer cells to produce proteins, lipids, and nucleotides in order to maintain a high proliferative rate. This mechanism drives towards uncontrolled growth and causes a further increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could lead to cell death. HCC overcomes the problem generated by ROS increase by increasing the antioxidant machinery, in which key mechanisms involve glutathione, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1α). These mechanisms could represent optimal targets for innovative therapies. The tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts a key role in HCC pathogenesis and progression. Various metabolic machineries modulate the activity of immune cells in the TME. The deregulated metabolic activity of tumor cells could impair antitumor response. Lactic acid-lactate, derived from the anaerobic glycolytic rate of tumor cells, as well as adenosine, derived from the catabolism of ATP, have an immunosuppressive activity. Metabolic reprogramming of the TME via targeted therapies could enhance the treatment efficacy of anti-cancer immunotherapy. This review describes the metabolic pathways mainly involved in the HCC pathogenesis and progression. The potential targets for HCC treatment involved in these pathways are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mossenta
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.M.); (D.B.); (G.T.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Davide Busato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.M.); (D.B.); (G.T.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.M.); (D.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.M.); (D.B.); (G.T.)
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