Molecular mechanisms of sorafenib action in liver cancer cells

Global Gene Expression Profiling and Bioinformatics Analysis Reveal Downregulated Biomarkers as Potential Indicators for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective: The study aimed to elucidate the significance of CLEC4G, CAMK2β, SLC22A1, CBFA2T3, and STAB2 in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and their associated molecular biological characteristics. Additionally, the research sought to identify new potential biomarkers with therapeutic and diagnostic relevance for clinical applications. Methods and Materials: We utilized a publicly available high throughput phosphoproteomics and proteomics data set of HCC to focus on the analysis of 12 downregulated phosphoproteins in HCC. Our approach integrates bioinformatic analysis with pathway analysis, encompassing gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: In total, we quantified 11547 phosphorylation sites associated with 4043 phosphoproteins from a cohort of 159 HCC patients. Within this extensive data set, our specific focus was on 19 phosphorylation sites displaying significant downregulation (log2 FC ≤ -2 with p-values < 0.0001). Remarkably, our investigation revealed distinct pathways exhibiting differential regulation across multiple dimensions, including the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic levels. These pathways encompass a wide range of critical cellular processes, including cellular component organization, cell cycle control, signaling pathways, transcriptional and translational control, and metabolism. Furthermore, our bioinformatics analysis unveiled noteworthy insights into the subcellular localizations, biological processes, and molecular functions associated with these proteins and phosphoproteins. Within the context of the PPI network, we identified 12 key genes CLEC4G, STAB2, ADH1A, ADH1B, CAMK2B, ADH4, CHGB, PYGL, ADH1C, AKAP12, CBFA2T3, and SLC22A1 as the top highly interconnected hub genes. Conclusions: The findings related to CLEC4G, ADH1B, SLC22A1, CAMK2β, CBFA2T3, and STAB2 indicate their reduced expression in HCC, which is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Furthermore, the results of KEGG and GO pathway analyses suggest that these genes may impact liver cancer by engaging various targets and pathways, ultimately promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. These results underscore the significant potential of CLEC4G, ADH1B, SLC22A1, CAMK2β, CBFA2T3, and STAB2 as key contributors to HCC development and advancement. This insight holds promise for identifying therapeutic targets and charting research avenues to enhance our understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma.

Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Advances in systemic therapies

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is traditionally associated with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Sorafenib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was introduced in 2007 as a first-in-class systemic agent for advanced HCC. After sorafenib, a range of targeted therapies and immunotherapies have demonstrated survival benefits in the past 5 years, revolutionizing the treatment landscape of advanced HCC. More recently, evidence of novel combinations of systemic agents with distinct mechanisms has emerged. In particular, combination trials on atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab have shown encouraging efficacy. Hence, international societies have revamped their guidelines to incorporate new recommendations for these novel systemic agents. Aside from treatment in advanced HCC, the indications for systemic therapy are expanding. For example, the combination of systemic therapeutics with locoregional therapy (trans-arterial chemoembolization or stereotactic body radiation therapy) has demonstrated promising early results in downstaging HCC. Recent trials have also explored the role of systemic therapy as neoadjuvant treatment for borderline-resectable HCC or as adjuvant treatment to reduce recurrence risk after curative resection. Despite encouraging results from clinical trials, the real-world efficacy of systemic agents in specific patient subgroups (such as patients with advanced cirrhosis, high bleeding risk, renal impairment, or cardiometabolic diseases) remains uncertain. The effect of liver disease etiology on systemic treatment efficacy warrants further research. With an increased understanding of the pathophysiological pathways and accumulation of clinical data, personalized treatment decisions will be possible, and the field of systemic treatment for HCC will continue to evolve.

Investigation of the effects of Theranekron and Sorafenib treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile in hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcohol extract (TCAE, Theranekron) and Sorafenib (S) treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile of rats with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the presented study, 58 male rats were divided into 7 groups; Negative Control (NC, n = 6), NC + TCAE (NCT, n = 6), NC + Sorafenib (NCS, n = 6), Positive Control (PC, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE (PCT, n = 10), Positive Control + Sorafenib (PCS, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE + Sorafenib (PCTS, n = 10). The active ingredients Diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 120 mg/kg, single dose) and Nitrosomorpholine (NMOR, 50 ppm, 21 weeks orally) were used to induce HCC in rats. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized under appropriate conditions and samples were collected for biochemical and pathological investigations. In the PC group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were higher (p < 0.001) and urea levels were lower (p < 0.001) compared to all other groups. Treatment groups reorganized the relevant markers (ALT, AST, GGT, and urea). A significant increase was detected in Caspase-10, Caspase-3 and Granzyme-B (GrzB) (p < 0.001) in blood and Caspase-10 and GrzB (p < 0.05) in liver tissue in PCT, PCS and PCTS groups compared to the PC group. Histopathological examination revealed that the PC group showed cancer morphology, and the treatment groups caused a decrease in tumor incidence and size. Our current findings suggest that the mechanism of action of TCAE in HCC is through the NKs/CTLs-GrzB-Casp10-Casp3 signaling pathway and can be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs for the development of future drug designs.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2): A novel sorafenib target in hepatocellular carcinoma unraveled by the proteome-wide cellular thermal shift assay

Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor indicated for first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its widespread use in the clinic, the existing knowledge of sorafenib mode-of-action remains incomplete. To build upon the current understanding, we used the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) coupled to Mass Spectrometry (CETSA-MS) to monitor compound binding to its target proteins in the cellular context on a proteome-wide scale. Among the potential sorafenib targets, we identified aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an enzyme that plays a major role in alcohol metabolism. We validated the interaction of sorafenib with ALDH2 by orthogonal methods using pure recombinant protein, proving that this interaction is not mediated by other cellular components. Moreover, we showed that sorafenib inhibits ALDH2 activity, supporting a functional role for this interaction. Finally, we were able to demonstrate that both ALDH2 protein expression and activity were reduced in sorafenib-resistant cells compared to the parental cell line. Overall, our study allowed the identification of ALDH2 as a novel sorafenib target and sheds light on its potential role in both hepatocellular carcinoma and sorafenib resistance condition.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Systemic Therapies in Loco-Regional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Are We at the Dawn of a New Era?

Despite maximizing techniques and patient selection, liver resection and ablation for HCC are still associated with high rates of recurrence. To date, HCC is the only cancer with no proven adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy used in association to potentially curative treatment. Perioperative combination treatments are urgently needed to reduce recurrence rates and improve overall survival. Immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging results in the setting of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments for non-hepatic malignancies. Conclusive data are not yet available in the context of liver neoplasms. However, growing evidence suggests that immunotherapy, and in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, could represent the cornerstone of an epochal change in the treatment of HCC, improving recurrence rates and overall survival through combination treatments. Furthermore, the identification of predictive biomarkers of treatment response could drive the management of HCC into the era of a precision medicine. The purpose of this review is to analyze the state of the art in the setting of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies for HCC in association with loco-regional treatments in patients not eligible for liver transplantation and to hypothesize future scenarios.

Chitosan-based nanoscale delivery systems in hepatocellular carcinoma: Versatile bio-platform with theranostic application

The field of nanomedicine has provided a fresh approach to cancer treatment by addressing the limitations of current therapies and offering new perspectives on enhancing patients' prognoses and chances of survival. Chitosan (CS) is isolated from chitin that has been extensively utilized for surface modification and coating of nanocarriers to improve their biocompatibility, cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and stability. HCC is a prevalent kind of liver tumor that cannot be adequately treated with surgical resection in its advanced stages. Furthermore, the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy has caused treatment failure. The targeted delivery of drugs and genes can be mediated by nanostructures in treatment of HCC. The current review focuses on the function of CS-based nanostructures in HCC therapy and discusses the newest advances of nanoparticle-mediated treatment of HCC. Nanostructures based on CS have the capacity to escalate the pharmacokinetic profile of both natural and synthetic drugs, thus improving the effectiveness of HCC therapy. Some experiments have displayed that CS nanoparticles can be deployed to co-deliver drugs to disrupt tumorigenesis in a synergistic way. Moreover, the cationic nature of CS makes it a favorable nanocarrier for delivery of genes and plasmids. The use of CS-based nanostructures can be harnessed for phototherapy. Additionally, the incur poration of ligands including arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) into CS can elevate the targeted delivery of drugs to HCC cells. Interestingly, smart CS-based nanostructures, including ROS- and pH-sensitive nanoparticles, have been designed to provide cargo release at the tumor site and enhance the potential for HCC suppression.

Calotropis gigantea stem bark extract activates HepG2 cell apoptosis through ROS and its effect on cytochrome P450

The 95% ethanolic extract of the dry powder of Calotropis gigantea (C. gigantea) stem bark was separated by fractionation with different solutions to yield 4 fractions: dichloromethane (CGDCM), ethyl acetate (CGEtOAc), and water (CGW). This research focused on CGDCM-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells with IC50 and above-IC50 values, which provide useful information for future anticancer applications. CGDCM had lower cytotoxicity on normal lung fibroblast IMR-90 cells than on HepG2 cells. Apoptotic induction of CGDCM was mediated by decreased fatty acid and ATP synthesis while increasing reactive oxygen species production. The effects of the four extracts on the activity of the four major CYP450 isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4) were determined using the CYP-specific model activity of each isoform. All four fractions of the extract were shown to be poor inhibitors of CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (IC50 = 56.54-296.9 μg/mL). CGDCM and CGW exerted moderate inhibition activities on CYP2C9 (IC50 = 59.56 and 46.38 μg/mL, respectively), but CGEtOH and CGEtOAc exhibited strong inhibition activities (IC50 = 12.11 and 20.43 μg/mL, respectively). It is proposed that C. gigantea extracts at high doses have potential for further studies to develop alternative anticancer applications. Inhibiting CYP2C9 activity may also lead to drug-herb interactions.

Adverse Toxic Effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on Non-Target Zebrafish Liver (ZFL) Cells

Over the past 20 years, numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been introduced for targeted therapy of various types of malignancies. Due to frequent and increasing use, leading to eventual excretion with body fluids, their residues have been found in hospital and household wastewaters as well as surface water. However, the effects of TKI residues in the environment on aquatic organisms are poorly described. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of five selected TKIs, namely erlotinib (ERL), dasatinib (DAS), nilotinib (NIL), regorafenib (REG), and sorafenib (SOR), using the in vitro zebrafish liver cell (ZFL) model. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTS assay and propidium iodide (PI) live/dead staining by flow cytometry. DAS, SOR, and REG decreased ZFL cell viability dose- and time-dependently, with DAS being the most cytotoxic TKI studied. ERL and NIL did not affect viability at concentrations up to their maximum solubility; however, NIL was the only TKI that significantly decreased the proportion of PI negative cells as determined by the flow cytometry. Cell cycle progression analyses showed that DAS, ERL, REG, and SOR caused the cell cycle arrest of ZFL cells in the G0/G1 phase, with a concomitant decrease of cells in the S-phase fraction. No data could be obtained for NIL due to severe DNA fragmentation. The genotoxic activity of the investigated TKIs was evaluated using comet and cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assays. The dose-dependent induction of DNA single strand breaks was induced by NIL (≥2 μM), DAS (≥0.006 μM), and REG (≥0.8 μM), with DAS being the most potent. None of the TKIs studied induced micronuclei formation. These results suggest that normal non-target fish liver cells are sensitive to the TKIs studied in a concentration range similar to those previously reported for human cancer cell lines. Although the TKI concentrations that induced adverse effects in exposed ZFL cells are several orders of magnitude higher than those currently expected in the aquatic environment, the observed DNA damage and cell cycle effects suggest that residues of TKIs in the environment may pose a hazard to non-intentionally exposed organisms living in environments contaminated with TKIs.

Pentraxin 3 regulates tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated cardiomyocyte contraction and mitochondrial dysfunction via ERK/JNK signalling pathways

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients suffer varying degrees of heart dysfunction after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Interestingly, HCC patients often have higher levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and PTX3 inhibition was found to improve left ventricular dysfunction in animal models.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the therapeutic potential of PTX3 inhibition on TKI-associated cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

We used a human embryonic stem cell line, RUES2, to generate cardiomyocyte cultures (RUES2-CM) for functional testing. We also assessed heart function and PTX3 expression levels in 16 HCC patients who received TKI treatment, 3 HCC patients who did not receive TKIs, and 7 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Significantly higher PTX3 expression was noted in HCC patients with TKI treatment versus those without, and 38% of male and 33% of female patients had QTc prolongation after TKI treatment. Treatment of cardiomyocyte cultures with sorafenib also increased PTX3 expression and induced cytoskeletal remodelling, contraction reduction, sodium current inhibition, and mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction. PTX3 colocalised with CD44 in cardiomyocytes, and cardiomyocyte contraction, mitochondrial respiratory function, and regular cytoskeletal and apoptotic protein expression were restored with PTX3 inhibition. CD44 knockdown confirmed PTX3/CD44 signalling. These results suggest a possible mechanism in which sorafenib treatment increases PTX3 expression, thereby resulting in reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 expression that affects cardiomyocyte contraction, while also activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) downstream pathways to disrupt mitochondrial respiration and trigger apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TKI-induced cardiotoxicity may be partly mediated by the upregulation of PTX3, and thus PTX3 inhibition has potential as a therapeutic strategy.

Advancements in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential Preclinical Drugs and their Future

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the foremost causes of tumor-affiliated demises globally. The HCC treatment has undergone numerous developments in terms of both drug and non-drug treatments. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the usage of a variety of drugs for the treatment of HCC in recent years, involving multi-kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab, and cabozantinib), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (pembrolizumab and nivolumab), and combination therapies like atezolizumab along with bevacizumab. There are currently over a thousand ongoing clinical and preclinical studies for novel HCC drugs, which portrays a competent setting in the field. This review discusses the i. FDA-approved HCC drugs, their molecular targets, safety profiles, and potential disadvantages; ii. The intrial agents/drugs, their molecular targets, and possible benefits compared to alternatives, and iii. The current and future status of potential preclinical drugs with novel therapeutic targets for HCC. Consequently, existing drug treatments and novel strategies with their balanced consumption could ensure a promising future for a universal remedy of HCC in the near future.

Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent liver cancer with high lethality and low five-year survival rates leading to a substantial worldwide burden for healthcare systems. HCC initiation and progression are favored by different etiological risk factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-/and alcoholic fatty liver disease (N/AFLD), and tobacco smoking. In molecular pathogenesis, endogenous alteration in genetics (TP53, TERT, CTNNB1, etc.), epigenetics (DNA-methylation, miRNA, lncRNA, etc.), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, etc.) strongly contribute to the development of HCC. The multitude and complexity of different pathomechanisms also reflect the difficulties in tailored medical therapy of HCC. Treatment options for HCC are strictly dependent on tumor staging and liver function, which are structured by the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system. Surgical resection, local ablative techniques, and liver transplantation are valid and curative therapeutic options for early tumor stages. For multifocal and metastatic diseases, systemic therapy is recommended. While Sorafenib had been the standalone HCC first-line therapy for decades, recent developments had led to the approval of new treatment options as first-line as well as second-line treatment. Anti-PD-L1 directed combination therapies either with anti-VEGF directed agents or with anti-CTLA-4 active substances have been implemented as the new treatment standard in the first-line setting. However, data from clinical trials indicate different responses on specific therapeutic regimens depending on the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, histopathological examinations have been re-emphasized by current international clinical guidelines in addition to the standardized radiological diagnosis using contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. In this review, we emphasize the current knowledge on molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. On this occasion, the treatment sequences for early and advanced tumor stages according to the recently updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system and the current algorithm of systemic therapy (first-, second-, and third-line treatment) are summarized. Furthermore, we discuss novel precautional and pre-therapeutic approaches including therapeutic vaccination, adoptive cell transfer, locoregional therapy enhancement, and non-coding RNA-based therapy as promising treatment options. These novel treatments may prolong overall survival rates in regard with quality of life and liver function as mainstay of HCC therapy.

Inhibition of USP1 activates ER stress through Ubi-protein aggregation to induce autophagy and apoptosis in HCC

The deubiquitinating enzyme USP1 (ubiquitin-specific protease 1) plays a role in the progression of various tumors, emerging as a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to determine the role of USP1 as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We detected USP1 expression in the tumor and adjacent tissues of patients with HCC using immunohistochemical staining. We evaluated the effect of the USP1 inhibitor ML-323 on HCC cell proliferation and cell cycle using a CCK-8 cell-counting kit and plate cloning assays, and propidium iodide, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining and caspase 3 (casp3) activity. Transmission electron microscopy and LC3B immunofluorescence were used to detect autophagy. Western blotting was used to detect the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins, and the AMPK-ULK1/ATG13 signaling pathway. We demonstrated that ML-323 inhibits the growth of HCC cells and induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest by regulating cyclin expression. ML-323 treatment resulted in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, induced ER stress, and triggered Noxa-dependent apoptosis, which was regulated by the Activating Transcription Factor 4(ATF4). Moreover, active ER stress induces protective autophagy by increasing AMPK phosphorylation; therefore, we inhibited ER stress using 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), which resulted in ER stress reduction, apoptosis, and autophagy in ML-323-treated HCC cells. In addition, blocking autophagy using the AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC), chloroquine (CQ), or bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) enhanced the cytotoxic effect of ML-323. Our findings revealed that targeting USP1 may be a potential strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Therapeutic Effects of Crocin Alone or in Combination with Sorafenib against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Vivo & In Vitro Insights

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of the phytochemical crocin alone or in combination with sorafenib both in rats chemically induced with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in human liver cancer cell line (HepG2). Male rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely, control group, HCC induced group, and groups treated with sorafenib, crocin or both crocin and sorafenib. HCC was induced in rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN), then 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). The HCC-induced rats showed a significant decrease in body weight compared to animals treated with either or both examined drugs. Serum inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP); interleukin-6 (IL-6); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and oxidative stress markers were significantly increased in the HCC group and were restored upon treatment with either or both of therapeutic molecules. Morphologically, the HCC-induced rats manifested most histopathological features of liver cancer. Treatment with either or both of crocin and sorafenib successfully restored normal liver architecture. The expression of key genes involved in carcinogenesis (TNFα, p53, VEGF and NF-κB) was highly augmented upon HCC induction and was attenuated post-treatment with either or both examined drugs. Treatment with both crocin and sorafenib improved the histopathological and inflammation parameters as compared to single treatments. The in vivo anti-cancer effects of crocin and/or sorafenib were supported by their respective cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. Crocin and sorafenib displayed an anti-tumor synergetic effect on HepG2 cells. The present findings demonstrated that a treatment regimen with crocin and sorafenib reduced liver toxicity, impeded HCC development, and improved the liver functions.

High-glucose-induced hyperosmolar stress sensitizes HepG2 cell lines to sorafenib

Sorafenib is an FDA approved chemotherapeutic against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) yet associated with various resistance mechanisms. The role of high glucose status on sorafenib action is still to be elucidated. This study clarifies such interaction, taking HepG2 cell lines as HCC models, MALAT1 and H19 as molecular players. HepG2 cell lines were purchased and classified into 8 groups. High glucose status was set by using d-glucose (33 mM) with insulin (1 µM). Mannitol (27.5 mM) was used as a negative osmotic control. Sorafenib was prepared at 15 µM and 20 µM. Cellular viability was assessed with MTT viability assay. Then, with trypan blue viability assay, the results were double checked and HepG2 morphology was examined by optical microscopy. MALAT1 and H19 RQs were assessed by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Results show that in comparison with sorafenib impact on HepG2, high glucose status drops cellular viability to 83.13 % (p < 0.01). With hyperosmolar mannitol, it decreases cellular viability to 72.89 % (p < 0.001). Regarding the molecular impact, hyperosmolar mannitol with sorafenib elevates both MALAT1 and H19 RQs. Yet, high glucose status elevates MALAT1and declines H19 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 for MALAT1 and H19 comparisons respectively). Therefore, the impact of high glucose status could be, in part, attributed to the hyperosmolar stress it induces on HepG2. Also, hyperosmolar mannitol, owing to its cytotoxic impact, is recommended for further confirmatory studies either as a separate therapeutic or as an adjuvant to sorafenib.

Multi-omics joint analysis reveals the mechanism of action of the traditional Chinese medicine Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, (M. tenacissima) a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for thousands of years. It is noted in Dian Nan Ben Cao that M. tenacissima is bitter in flavor and cold in property, and extracts possess diverse pharmacological effects, including immunomodulation and anti-tumor activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The anti-tumor effects of M. tenacissima extracts (MTE) have been repeatedly confirmed, and this medicine has also been extensively applied in cancer treatment or prognostic adjuvant therapy, with significant curative effect. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the anti-tumor mechanism of M. tenacissima starting from the key features of traditional Chinese medicine and by studying the main active components individually to identify anti-tumor targets in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular network profiling and multi-omic joint analyses were conducted using an H22 mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma to determine the main active ingredients in MTE and the underlying anti-tumor mechanisms.

RESULTS

Tenacissosides I, H, and G (TI,TH and TG) were found to be the likely active ingredients of MTE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. These compounds were shown to promote apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis and improve immune function through targeting P53, JAK-1 and HIF1α, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, based on the theory that multiple components and multiple targets synergistically exert the beneficial effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, this paper comprehensively analyzes the mechanisms of action of M. tenacissima and provides a novel strategy for the subsequent development of anti-tumor therapies.

Tumor-Suppressor Role of the α1-Na/K-ATPase Signalosome in NASH Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma †

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an estimate of 0.84 million cases every year. In Western countries, because of the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the major cause of HCC. Intriguingly, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis of HCC from NASH are largely unknown. We hypothesized that the growing uncoupled metabolism during NASH progression to HCC, manifested by lower cell redox status and an apoptotic ‘switch’ activity, follows a dysregulation of α1-Na/K-ATPase (NKA)/Src signalosome. Our results suggested that in NASH-related malignancy, α1-NKA signaling causes upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin and downregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO via the activation of the PI3K → Akt pro-survival pathway with concomitant inhibition of the FoxO3 circuit, favoring cell division and primary liver carcinogenesis. Signalosome normalization using an inhibitory peptide resets apoptotic activity in malignant cells, with a significant decrease in tumor burden in vivo. Therefore, α1-NKA signalosome exercises in HCC the characteristic of a tumor suppressor, suggesting α1-NKA as a putative target for clinical therapy.

Expression of Cellular and Extracellular TERRA, TERC and TERT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Non-coding RNAs are transcribed from telomeres and the telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are implicated in telomere homeostasis and in cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the cellular and extracellular expression of TERRA, the telomerase RNA subunit (TERC) and the telomerase catalytic subunit (TERT). We determined by qPCR the expression level of TERRA 1_2_10_13q, TERRA 15q, TERRA XpYp, TERC and of TERT mRNA in HCC tissues and in the plasma of HCC patients. Further, we profiled the same transcripts in the HCC cell lines, HA22T/VGH and SKHep1C3, and in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from their secretomes. We found that the expression of TERRA and TERT mRNA was significantly deregulated in HCC, being TERRA downregulated and TERT mRNA upregulated in HCC tissues vs. the peritumoral (PT) ones, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed a significant ability in discriminating HCC from PT tissue. Further, the determinations of circulating TERRA and TERC showed higher amounts of these transcripts in the plasma of HCC patients vs. controls and ROC analyses gave significant results. The expression characterization of the cultured HCC cells showed their ability to produce and secrete TERRA and TERC into the EVs; the ability to produce TERT mRNA that was not detectable in the EVs; and the ability to respond to sorafenib treatment increasing TERRA expression. Our results highlight that: (i) both cellular and extracellular expressions of TERRA and TERC are dysregulated in HCC as well as the cellular expression of TERT mRNA and (ii) the combined detection of TERRA and TERC in plasma may represent a promising approach for non-invasive diagnostic molecular indicators of HCC.

In-vitro anticancer profile of recent ruthenium complexes against liver cancer

Ruthenium complexes are considered as the most favorable alternatives to traditional platinum-based cancer drugs owing to their acceptable toxicity level, selectivity, variant oxidation states and ability to treat platinum-resistant cancer cells. They have similar ligand exchange kinetics as platinum drugs but can be tailored according to our desire by ligands influence. In the current study, we illustrate the in-vitro anticancer profile of some ruthenium complexes (2016–2021) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). The anticancer activity of ruthenium complexes is determined by comparing their IC50 values with one another and positive controls. Fortunately, some ruthenium complexes including 3, 4, 6, 14, 15, 20, 42, and 48 exhibit surpassed in-vitro anticancer profile than that of positive controls promising as potential candidates against liver cancer. We also explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) which is a key factor in the rational designing and synthesis of new ruthenium drugs. It covers the factors affecting anticancer activity including lipophilicity, planarity, area and bulkiness, the steric influence of different ligands, and electronic effects induced by ligands, stability, aqueous solubility and bioavailability to the target sites. The data reported here will provide strong support in the plausible design and synthesis of ruthenium anticancer drugs in the upcoming days.

Diagnosis and Management of Atypical Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with a t(2;13)(q33;q12) Translocation

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder that shares clinical features with chronic myeloid leukemia but lacks the classic t(9;22) BCR-ABL1 translocation and features prominent dysgranulopoiesis and granulocytic dysplasia. Challenges of this diagnosis include clinical and biologic heterogeneity, the high risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, and the lack of standard treatment options. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is likely the preferred treatment, but this can be limited by patient psychosocial support, age, concomitant medical conditions, and availability of an appropriate donor. We report the case of a 61-year-old male with no significant past medical history diagnosed with aCML with a rare t(2;13)(q33;q12). He presented with weight loss, night sweats, splenomegaly, hyperleukocytosis, a leukoerythroblastic differential with a predominant neutrophilia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Subsequent peripheral blood and bone marrow studies lead to the diagnosis of aCML. He was recommended to undergo an allogeneic stem cell transplant evaluation and declined. He was initially treated with hydroxyurea and imatinib to which he responded for approximately three years. After clinical progression, he was treated with sorafenib, a multiprotein kinase inhibitor more commonly used in the treatment of hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma due to its off target FLT3 inhibition. The patient achieved complete hematologic response which has been sustained for 7 years with tolerable side effects.

Broad Transcriptomic Impact of Sorafenib and Its Relation to the Antitumoral Properties in Liver Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While ablation, resection and orthotopic liver transplantation are indicated at an early stage of the disease, Sorafenib (Sfb) is the current most administrated first-line treatment for advanced HCC, even though its therapeutic benefit is limited due to the appearance of resistance. Deep knowledge on the molecular consequences of Sfb-treatment is essentially required for optimizing novel therapeutic strategies to improve the outcomes for patients with advanced HCC. In this study, we analyzed differential gene expression changes in two well characterized liver cancer cell lines upon a Sfb-treatment, demonstrating that both lines responded similarly to the treatment. Our results provide valuable information on the molecular action of Sfb on diverse cellular fundamental processes such as DNA repair, translation and proteostasis and identify rationalization issues that could provide a different therapeutic perspective to Sfb.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and essentially incurable cancers in its advanced stages. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib (Sfb) remains the globally accepted treatment for advanced HCC. However, the extent of its therapeutic benefit is limited. Sfb exerts antitumor activity through its cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic roles in HCC cells. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, we used RNA sequencing to generate comprehensive transcriptome profiles of HepG2 and SNU423, hepatoblastoma- (HB) and HCC-derived cell lines, respectively, following a Sfb treatment at a pharmacological dose. This resulted in similar alterations of gene expression in both cell lines. Genes functionally related to membrane trafficking, stress-responsible and unfolded protein responses, circadian clock and activation of apoptosis were predominantly upregulated, while genes involved in cell growth and cycle, DNA replication and repair, ribosome biogenesis, translation initiation and proteostasis were downregulated. Our results suggest that Sfb causes primary effects on cellular stress that lead to upregulation of selective responses to compensate for its negative effect and restore homeostasis. No significant differences were found specifically affecting each cell line, indicating the robustness of the Sfb mechanism of action despite the heterogeneity of liver cancer. We discuss our results on terms of providing rationalization for possible strategies to improve Sfb clinical outcomes.

Current status of first-line therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and its combinations of other agents for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently diagnosed malignancy with rapidly increasing incidence and mortality rates. Unfortunately, many of these patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages when locoregional treatments are not appropriate. Before 2008, no effective drug treatments existed to prolong survival, until the breakthrough multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib was developed. It remained the standard treatment option for advanced HCC for 10 years, with a battery of other candidate drugs in clinical trials failing to produce similar efficacy results. In 2018, the REFLECT trial introduced another multi-TKI, lenvatinib, which has non-inferior overall survival compared with sorafenib. Thus, offering patients and their treating physicians two effective treatment options. Recently, immunotherapy-based drugs, such as atezolizumab and bevacizumab, have shown promising results in patients with unresectable HCC. This review summarizes clinical trial and real-world data studies of sorafenib and lenvatinib in patients with unresectable HCC. We offer guidance on the optimal choice between the two treatments and discuss the potential of immunotherapy-based combination; when more data become available, this will likely make the choice between sorafenib and lenvatinib somewhat obsolete.

Sorafenib, rapamycin, and venetoclax attenuate doxorubicin-induced senescence and promote apoptosis in HCT116 cells

Emerging evidence has shown that the therapy-induced senescent growth arrest in cancer cells is of durable nature whereby a subset of cells can reinstate proliferative capacity. Promising new drugs named senolytics selectively target senescent cells and commit them into apoptosis. Accordingly, senolytics have been proposed as adjuvant cancer treatment to cull senescent tumor cells, and thus, screening for agents that exhibit senolytic properties is highly warranted. Our study aimed to investigate three agents, sorafenib, rapamycin, and venetoclax for their senolytic potential in doxorubicin-induced senescence in HCT116 cells. HCT116 cells were treated with one of the three agents, sorafenib (5 µM), rapamycin (100 nM), or venetoclax (10 µM), in the absence or presence of doxorubicin (1 µM). Senescence was evaluated using microscopy-based and flow cytometry-based Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase staining (SA-β-gal), while apoptosis was assessed using annexin V-FITC/PI, and Muse caspase-3/-7 activity assays. We screened for potential genes through which the three drugs exerted senolytic-like action using the Human Cancer Pathway Finder PCR array. The three agents reduced doxorubicin-induced senescent cell subpopulations and significantly enhanced the apoptotic effect of doxorubicin compared with those treated only with doxorubicin. The senescence genes IGFBP5 and BMI1 and the apoptosis genes CASP7 and CASP9 emerged as candidate genes through which the three drugs exhibited senolytic-like properties. These results suggest that the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced senescence might have shifted HCT116 cells to apoptosis by exposure to the tested pharmacological agents. Our work argues for the use of senolytics to reduce senescence-mediated resistance in tumor cells and to enhance chemotherapy efficacy.

Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed Hub Genes and Pathways Involved in Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high mortality malignancy, has become a worldwide public health concern. Acquired resistance to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib challenges its clinical efficacy and the survival benefits it provides to patients with advanced HCC. This study aimed to identify critical genes and pathways associated with sorafenib resistance in HCC using integrated bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using four HCC gene expression profiles (including 34 sorafenib-resistant and 29 sorafenib-sensitive samples) based on the robust rank aggregation method and R software. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and small molecules reversing sorafenib resistance were searched for using the connectivity map (CMAP) database. Pearson correlation and survival analyses of hub genes were performed using cBioPortal and Gene Expression Profiling and Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Finally, the expression levels of hub genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells were verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). A total of 165 integrated DEGs (66 upregulated and 99 downregulated in sorafenib resistant samples compared sorafenib sensitive ones) primarily enriched in negative regulation of endopeptidase activity, extracellular exosome, and protease binding were identified. Some pathways were commonly shared between the integrated DEGs. Seven promising therapeutic agents and 13 hub genes were identified. These findings provide a strategy and theoretical basis for overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC patients.

Porphyrin Based 2D-MOF Structures as Dual-Kinetic Sorafenib Nanocarriers for Hepatoma Treatment

The existing clinical protocols of hepatoma treatment require improvement of drug efficacy that can be achieved by harnessing nanomedicine. Porphyrin-based, paddle-wheel framework (PPF) structures were obtained and tested as dual-kinetic Sorafenib (SOR) nanocarriers against hepatoma. We experimentally proved that sloughing of PPF structures combined with gradual dissolving are effective mechanisms for releasing the drug from the nanocarrier. By controlling the PPF degradation and size of adsorbed SOR deposits, we were able to augment SOR anticancer effects, both in vitro and in vivo, due to the dual kinetic behavior of SOR@PPF. Obtained drug delivery systems with slow and fast release of SOR influenced effectively, although in a different way, the cancer cells proliferation (reflected with EC50 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation level). The in vivo studies proved that fast-released SOR@PPF reduces the tumor size considerably, while the slow-released SOR@PPF much better prevents from lymph nodes involvement and distant metastases.

Predictive biomarkers for systemic therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third cancer-related cause of death worldwide. In recent years, several systemic therapy drugs including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, ramucicurab, nivilumab, and pembrolizumab have been approved by FDA for advanced HCC. However, their insufficient efficacy, toxicity, and drug resistance require clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers.Areas covered: Our review covers the recent advancements in the identification of proteomic/genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic biomarkers for predicting HCC treatment efficacy with the use of multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs), CDK4/6 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Alpha-fetoprotein, des-carboxyprothrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and dysregulated MTOR, VEGFR2, c-KIT, RAF1, PDGFRβ have the potential of proteomic/genomic biomarkers for sorafenib treatment. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin-bilirubin grade can predict the efficacy of other MKIs. Rb, p16, and Ki-67, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation, CDK1-4, CCND1, CDKN1A, and CDKN2A have been proposed for CD4/6 inhibitors, while dysregulated TERT, CTNNB1, TP53 FGF19, and TP53 are found to be predictors for ICI efficacy.Expert opinion: There are still limited clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers to identify HCC patients who benefit from systemic therapy. Further prospective biomarker validation studies for HCC personalized systemic therapy are required.

Association Between Adjuvant Sorafenib and the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma at a High Risk of Recurrence After Radical Resection

Background

The use of sorafenib in the adjuvant management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial.

Aim

To analyze the effects of adjuvant sorafenib therapy in patients with HCC at high recurrence risk after radical resection.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent radical resection (R0 resection) for HCC at the Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between August 2009 and August 2017. All patients had microvascular invasion and were evaluated for portal vein tumor thrombus. The outcomes were overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and survival after recurrence. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used.

Results

Before matching, there were 56 and 167 patients in the sorafenib and non-sorafenib groups. After PSM, there were 42 patients/group, and there were no significant differences in patient characteristics (all P>0.05). After PSM, compared with the non-sorafenib group, the sorafenib group showed longer median OS (34 vs. 26 months, P=0.032) and survival after recurrence (16 vs. 9 months, P=0.002), but no difference in RFS (14 vs. 11 months, P=0.564). Adjuvant sorafenib was the only factor independently associated with OS (HR=0.619, 95% CI: 0377–0.994, P=0.047). No factors were independently associated with RFS (all P>0.05).

Conclusion

Although adjuvant sorafenib therapy for patients with HCC and high recurrence risk does not reduce the recurrence risk of HCC, it might be associated with longer survival and a lower risk of death.

Bee venom and its active component Melittin synergistically potentiate the anticancer effect of Sorafenib against HepG2 cells

There are current attempts to find a safe substitute or adjuvant for Sorafenib (Sorf), the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it triggers very harsh side effects and drug-resistance. The therapeutic properties of Bee Venom (BV) and its active component, Melittin (Mel), make them suitable candidates as potential anti-cancer agents per-se or as adjuvants for cancer chemotherapy. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the combining effect of BV and Mel with Sorf on HepG2 cells and to investigate their molecular mechanisms of action. Docking between Mel and different tumor-markers was performed. The cytotoxicity of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 and THLE-2 cells was conducted. Combinations of BV/Sorf and Mel/Sorf were performed in non-constant ratios on HepG2. Expression of major cancer-related genes and oxidative stress status was evaluated and the cell cycle was analyzed. The computational analysis showed that Mel can bind to and inhibit XIAP, Bcl2, MDM2, CDK2 and MMP12. Single treatments of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 showed lower IC₅₀than on THLE-2. All combinations revealed a synergistic effect at a combination index (CI) < 1. Significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of p53, Bax, Cas3, Cas7 and PTEN and significant downregulation (p < 0.05) of Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1, Rac1, Nf-κB, HIF-1a, VEGF and MMP9 were observed. The oxidative stress markers including MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx showed insignificant changes, while the cell cycle was arrested at G2/M phase. In conclusion, BV and Mel have a synergistic anticancer effect with Sorf on HepG2 that may represent a new enhancing strategy for HCC treatment.

The NUPR1/p73 axis contributes to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib was the first drug approved by the FDA for treating patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, sorafenib resistance remains a major challenge for improving the effectiveness of HCC treatment. Previously, we identified several genes modulated after sorafenib treatment of human HCC cells, including the stress-inducible nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) gene. Multiple studies have shown that NUPR1 regulates autophagy, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Here, we demonstrate that treatment of HCC cells with sorafenib resulted in the activation of autophagic flux. NUPR1 knock-down (KD) in HCC cells was associated with increased p62 expression, suggesting an impairment of autophagic flux, and with a significant increase of cell sensitivity to sorafenib. In NUPR1 KD cells, reduced levels of NUPR1 were associated with the increased expression of p73 as well as its downstream transcription targets PUMA, NOXA, and p21. Simultaneous silencing of p73 and NUPR1 in HCC cells resulted in increased resistance to sorafenib, as compared to the single KD of either gene. Conversely, pharmacological activation of p73, via the novel p73 small molecule activator NSC59984, determined synergistic anti-tumor effects in sorafenib-treated HCC cells. The combination of NSC59984 and sorafenib, when compared to either treatment alone, synergistically suppressed tumor growth of HCC cells in vivo. Our data suggest that the activation of the p73 pathway achieved by NUPR1 KD potentiates sorafenib-induced anti-tumor effects in HCC cells. Moreover, combined pharmacological therapy with the p73 activator NSC59984 and sorafenib could represent a novel approach for HCC treatment.

Prognostic Value of a Novel Signature With Nine Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Genes in Hepatic Cancer by Mining GEO and TCGA Databases

Background

Hepatitis C virus-induced genes (HCVIGs) play a critical role in regulating tumor development in hepatic cancer. The role of HCVIGs in hepatic cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to construct a prognostic signature and assess the value of the risk model for predicting the prognosis of hepatic cancer.

Methods

Differentially expressed HCVIGs were identified in hepatic cancer data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases using the library (“limma”) package of R software. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Cytoscape software. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were applied to screen for prognostic HCVIGs. The signature of HCVIGs was constructed. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) compared the low-risk and high-risk groups. Finally, the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database was used to validate this prognostic signature. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to validate the expression of nine HCVIGs in the hepatic cancer cell lines.

Results

A total of 143 differentially expressed HCVIGs were identified in TCGA hepatic cancer dataset. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DNA replication was associated with the development of hepatic cancer. The risk score signature was constructed based on the expression of ZIC2, SLC7A11, PSRC1, TMEM106C, TRAIP, DTYMK, FAM72D, TRIP13, and CENPM. In this study, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate Cox regression analysis [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.433, 95% CI = 1.280–1.605, P < 0.001]. The overall survival curve revealed that the high-risk group had a poor prognosis. The Kaplan–Meier Plotter online database showed that the survival time of hepatic cancer patients with overexpression of HCVIGs in this signature was significantly shorter. The prognostic signature-associated GO and KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the risk group. This prognostic signature was validated using external data from the ICGC databases. The expression of nine prognostic genes was validated in HepG2 and LO-2.

Conclusion

This study evaluates a potential prognostic signature and provides a way to explore the mechanism of HCVIGs in hepatic cancer.

Longitudinal Circulating Levels of miR-23b-3p, miR-126-3p and lncRNA GAS5 in HCC Patients Treated with Sorafenib

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary tumor of the liver and the third cause of cancer-related deaths. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is a systemic drug for unresectable HCC. The identification of molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC and responsiveness to treatment are needed. In this work, we performed an exploratory study to investigate the longitudinal levels of cell-free long ncRNA GAS5 and microRNAs miR-126-3p and -23b-3p in a cohort of 7 patients during the period of treatment with sorafenib. We used qPCR to measure the amounts of GAS5 and miR-126-3p and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to measure the levels of miR-23b-3p. Patients treated with sorafenib displayed variable levels of GAS5, miR-126-3p and miR-23b-3p at different time-points of follow-up. miR-23b-3p was further measured by ddPCR in 37 healthy individuals and 25 untreated HCC patients. The amount of miR-23b-3p in the plasma of untreated HCC patients was significantly downregulated if compared to healthy individuals. The ROC curve analysis underlined its diagnostic relevance. In conclusion, our results highlight a potential clinical significance of circulating miR-23b-3p and an exploratory observation on the longitudinal plasmatic levels of GAS5, miR-126-3p and miR-23b-3p during sorafenib treatment.

LY294002 and sorafenib as inhibitors of intracellular survival pathways in the elimination of human glioma cells by programmed cell death

Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with very high resistance to chemotherapy throughout the overexpression of multiple intracellular survival pathways. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the anticancer activity of LY294002, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and sorafenib, and rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf) inhibitor in the elimination of human glioma cells by programmed cell death. MOGGCCM (anaplastic astrocytoma, III) and T98G (glioblastoma multiforme, IV) cell lines incubated with LY294002 and/or sorafenib were used in the experiments. Simultaneous treatment with both drugs was more effective in the elimination of cancer cells on the way of apoptosis with no significant necrotic effect than single application. It was correlated with decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase 3 and 9. The expression of Raf and PI3K was also inhibited. Blocking of those kinases expression by specific siRNA revealed significant apoptosis induction, exceeding the level observed after LY294002 and sorafenib treatment in non-transfected lines but only in MOGGCCM cells. Our results indicated that combination of LY294002 and sorafenib was very efficient in apoptosis induction in glioma cells. Anaplastic astrocytoma cells turned out to be more sensitive for apoptosis induction than glioblastoma multiforme after blocking PI3K and Raf expression with siRNA.

Systemic Treatment for Older Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma is growing and age at diagnosis is increasing; however, despite the unprecedented wealth of therapeutic options for advanced HCC, its optimal management in some categories, such as older adults, is yet to be defined. Even though age is not an exclusion criterion per se, most of the landmark trials enrolled a limited number of senior patients, raising some concerns on the potential benefit of active treatments in this group. The identification of more vulnerable patients remains a crucial issue in clinical practice. In fact, the suitability assessment for systemic therapy through performance status metrics might underestimate or conversely overestimate the fitness of older patients, failing to detect other relevant impairments. Thus, the assessment of frailty through geriatric screening scales is largely necessary. In addition, most of the available data relate to the use of sorafenib, while very little is known about the most recent therapeutic agents. Age subgroup analyses provided by many of the pivotal trials did not find significant efficacy or safety differences across ages; however, the most widely used cut-off age of 65 years may not be very informative for the current older population. Regarding immunotherapy, the clinical benefit reported with immune checkpoint inhibitors reassures their safe use in senior patients and supports further investigations to assess their efficacy in this population.

Treatment of liver cancer cells with ethyl acetate extract of Crithmum maritimum permits reducing sorafenib dose and toxicity maintaining its efficacy

OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent tumours worldwide and available drugs are inadequate for therapeutic results and tolerability. Hence, novel effective therapeutic tools with fewer side effects are of paramount importance. We have previously shown that Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract exerts a cytostatic effect in HCC cells. Here, we tested whether C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract in combination with half sorafenib IC50 dose ameliorated efficacy and toxicity of sorafenib in inhibiting liver cancer cell growth. Moreover, we investigated the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Two HCC cell lines (Huh7 and HepG2) were treated with C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract and half IC50 sorafenib dose usually employed in vitro. Then, cell proliferation, growth kinetics and cell toxicity were analysed together with an investigation of the cellular mechanisms involved, focusing on cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

KEY FINDINGS

Results show that combined treatment with C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract and half IC50 sorafenib dose decreased cell proliferation comparably to full-dose sorafenib without increasing cell toxicity as confirmed by the effect on cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide scientific support for the possibility of an effective integrative therapeutic approach for HCC with fewer side effects on patients.

Synthesis of sorafenib analogues incorporating a 1,2,3-triazole ring and cytotoxicity towards hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

A series of 1,2,3-triazole-containing Sorafenib analogues, in which the aryl urea moiety of Sorafenib (1) was replaced with a 1,2,3-triazole ring linking a substituted phenoxy fragment, were prepared successfully via Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The studies of cytotoxicity towards human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 and Huh7, indicated that p-tert-butylphenoxy analogue 2m showed significant inhibitory activity against Huh7 with IC₅₀ = 5.67 ± 0.57 µM. More importantly, 2m showed low cytotoxicity against human embryonal lung fibroblast cell line, MRC-5, with IC₅₀ > 100 µM, suggesting its highly selective cytotoxic activity (SI > 17.6) towards Huh7 which is much superior to that of Sorafenib (SI = 6.73). The molecular docking studies revealed that the analogue 2m bound B-RAF near the binding position of Sorafenib, while it interacted VEGFR2 efficiently at the same binding position of Sorafenib. However, 2m exhibited moderate inhibitory activity toward B-RAF, implying that its anti-Huh7 effect might not strictly relate to inhibition of B-RAF. Wound healing and BrdU cell proliferation assays confirmed anti-cell migration and anti-cell proliferative activities towards Huh7. With its inhibitory efficiency and high safety profile, 2m has been identified as a promising candidate for the treatment of HCC.

Inhibition of NUPR1-Karyopherin β1 Binding Increases Anticancer Drug Sensitivity

Background: Nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1, also known as p8/Com-1) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of cellular stress responses, including serum starvation and drug stimulation. Methods: We investigated the mechanism of NUPR1 nuclear translocation involving karyopherin β1 (KPNB1), using a single-molecule binding assay and confocal microscopy. The cellular effects associated with NUPR1–KPNB1 inhibition were investigated by gene expression profiling and cell cycle analysis. Results: The single-molecule binding assay revealed that KPNB1 bound to NUPR1 with a binding affinity of 0.75 nM and that this binding was blocked by the aminothiazole ATZ-502. Following doxorubicin-only treatment, NUPR1 was translocated to the nucleus in more than 90% and NUPR1 translocation was blocked by the ATZ-502 combination treatment in MDA-MB-231 with no change in NUPR1 expression, providing strong evidence that NUPR1 nuclear translocation was directly inhibited by the ATZ-502 treatment. Inhibition of KPNB1 and NUPR1 binding was associated with a synergistic anticancer effect (up to 19.6-fold) in various cancer cell lines. NUPR1-related genes were also downregulated following the doxorubicin–ATZ-502 combination treatment. Conclusion: Our current findings clearly demonstrate that NUPR1 translocation into the nucleus requires karyopherin β1 binding. Inhibition of the KPNB1 and NUPR1 interaction may constitute a new cancer therapeutic approach that can increase the drug efficacy while reducing the side effects.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Nanodelivery Systems to Enhance the Anticancer Effect of Sorafenib Drug in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

The formation of two nanodelivery systems, Sorafenib (SF)-loaded chitosan (SF-CS) and their folate-coated (SF-CS-FA) nanoparticles (NPs), were developed to enhance SF drug delivery on human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell lines. The ionic gelation method was adopted to synthesize the NPs. The characterizations were performed by DLS, FESEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy. It was found that 83.7 ± 2.4% and 87.9 ± 1.1% of encapsulation efficiency; 18.2 ± 1.3% and 19.9 ± 1.4% of loading content; 76.3 ± 13.7 nm and 81.6 ± 12.9 nm of hydrodynamic size; 60–80 nm and 70–100 nm of TEM; and FESEM sizes of near-spherical shape were observed, respectively, for SF-CS and SF-CS-FA nanoparticles. The SF showed excellent release from the nanoparticles under pH 4.8 PBS solution, indicating a good delivery system for tumor cells. The cytotoxicity study revealed their better anticancer action towards HepG2 and HT29 cell lines compared to the free sorafenib. Moreover, both NPs systems showed negligible toxicity to normal Human Dermal Fibroblast adult cells (HDFa). This is towards an enhanced anticancer drug delivery system with sustained-release properties for better cancer management.

Strategies to better treat glioblastoma: antiangiogenic agents and endothelial cell targeting agents

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive form of glioma, with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. As GBM is a highly vascularized cancer, antiangiogenic therapies to halt or minimize the rate of tumor growth are critical to improving treatment. In this review, antiangiogenic therapies, including small-molecule drugs, nucleic acids and proteins and peptides, are discussed. The authors further explore biomaterials that have been utilized to increase the bioavailability and bioactivity of antiangiogenic factors for better antitumor responses in GBM. Finally, the authors summarize the current status of biomaterial-based targeting moieties that target endothelial cells in GBM to more efficiently deliver therapeutics to these cells and avoid off-target cell or organ side effects.

Ultra-small lipid nanoparticles encapsulating sorafenib and midkine-siRNA selectively-eradicate sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with limited therapeutic choices. The stroma-rich tumor microenvironment hinders the in vivo delivery of most nanomedicines. Ultra-small lipid nanoparticles (usLNPs) were designed for the selective co-delivery of the cytotoxic drug, sorafenib (SOR), and siRNA against the Midkine gene (MK-siRNA) to HCC in mice. The usLNPs composed of a novel pH-sensitive lipid, a diversity of phospholipids and a highly-selective targeting peptide. A microfluidic device, iLiNP, was used and a variety of factors were controlled to tune particle size aiming at maximizing tumor penetration efficiency. Optimizing the composition and physico-chemical properties of the usLNPs resulted in an enhanced tumor accumulation, selectivity and in vivo gene silencing. The optimized usLNPs exerted potent gene silencing in the tumor (median effective dose, ED₅₀~0.1 mg/Kg) with limited effect on the healthy liver. The novel combination synergistically-eradicated HCC in mice (~85%) at a surprisingly-low dose of SOR (2.5 mg/Kg) which could not be achieved via individual monotherapy. Toxicity studies revealed the biosafety of the usLNPs upon either acute or chronic treatment. Furthermore, the SOR-resistant HCC established in mice was eradicated by 70% using this approach. We conclude that our strategy is promising for potential clinical applications in HCC treatment.

Tumor microenvironment in primary liver tumors: A challenging role of natural killer cells

In the last years, several studies have been focused on elucidate the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and progression. Within TME, cells from adaptive and innate immune system are one of the main abundant components. The dynamic interactions between immune and cancer cells lead to the activation of complex molecular mechanisms that sustain tumor growth. This important cross-talk has been elucidate for several kind of tumors and occurs also in patients with liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Liver is well-known to be an important immunological organ with unique microenvironment. Here, in normal conditions, the rich immune-infiltrating cells cooperate with non-parenchymal cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, favoring self-tolerance against gut antigens. The presence of underling liver immunosuppressive microenvironment highlights the importance to dissect the interaction between HCC and iCCA cells with immune infiltrating cells, in order to understand how this cross-talk promotes tumor growth. Deeper attention is, in fact, focused on immune-based therapy for these tumors, as promising approach to counteract the intrinsic anti-tumor activity of this microenvironment. In this review, we will examine the key pathways underlying TME cell-cell communications, with deeper focus on the role of natural killer cells in primary liver tumors, such as HCC and iCCA, as new opportunities for immune-based therapeutic strategies.

Locoregional Therapy Approaches for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances and Management Strategies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While surgical resection and transplantation are the standard first-line treatments for early-stage HCC, most patients do not fulfill criteria for surgery. Fortunately, catheter-directed and percutaneous locoregional approaches have evolved as major treatment modalities for unresectable HCC. Improved outcomes have been achieved with novel techniques which can be employed for diverse applications ranging from curative-intent for small localized tumors, to downstaging or bridging to resection and transplantation for early and intermediate disease, and locoregional control and palliation for advanced disease. This review explores recent advances in liver-directed techniques for HCC including bland transarterial embolization, chemoembolization, radioembolization, and ablative therapies, with a focus on patient selection, procedural technique, periprocedural management, and outcomes.

Outcomes of immunomodulatory and biologic therapy in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs) are crucial for treating autoimmune, inflammatory, and oncologic conditions. Data regarding the safety of IMDs in people living with HIV (PLWH) are limited. We describe outcomes in all PLWH prescribed these agents from 2000--2019 at two academic medical centers.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We systematically identified and reviewed charts of all PLWH receiving IMDs. We defined a treatment episode as an uninterrupted period on an IMD regimen. We quantified infections, blips (detectable plasma HIV RNA following an undetectable result), and virologic failure (progression from plasma HIV RNA <200 copies/ml to two consecutive values >200 copies/ml despite ART).

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients contributed 110 treatment episodes. Rheumatologic comorbidities were the most frequent indication. The most common IMD classes were TNF inhibitors, antimetabolites, and checkpoint inhibitors. Ninety percent of treatment episodes involved concomitant ART. Median pretreatment CD4 T-cell count was 609 cells/μl (IQR 375--861). Among 51 treatment episodes on ART with undetectable pretreatment plasma HIV RNA, HIV became detectable within 1 year in 21 of 51 cases (41.2%); there were no instances of virologic failure. Compared with other agents, treatment episodes involving checkpoint inhibitors were more likely to involve a blip (77.8 vs. 33.3%, P = 0.015). Thirteen treatment episodes (11.8%) were associated with concomitant infection; none was attributed to IMDs by the treating clinician.

CONCLUSION

PLWH treated with IMDs should be monitored carefully for virologic blips and incident infections. Checkpoint inhibitors may be associated with a higher rate of viral blips, although the clinical significance is unclear.

Combination treatment of gemcitabine and sorafenib exerts a synergistic inhibitory effect on non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process

Standard chemotherapy is commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its therapeutic efficacy remains low. Combination therapy for cancer treatment has attracted attention in recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of the combination treatment with gemcitabine and sorafenib on NSCLC in vitro and in vivo, and to determine its underlying molecular mechanisms. The anti-NSCLC effects of combination therapy were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis, MTT, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. A549 cells subjected to combination treatment with gemcitabine and sorafenib demonstrated a more irregular cellular morphology and lower cell viability compared with the monotherapy groups. Combination of gemcitabine and sorafenib significantly induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells. Additionally, combination therapy was demonstrated to restrain the migration and invasion of tumor cells by suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 cells. In vivo analyses confirmed that co-treatment with gemcitabine and sorafenib decreased NSCLC tumor growth and tumor weight in nude mice. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that combination treatment with gemcitabine and sorafenib exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on NSCLC in vitro and in vivo via the EMT process.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: recent advances and emerging medical therapies

Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a deadly disease with poor prognosis in patients with unresectable cancer. Trans-arterial chemoembolization is the primary locoregional therapy for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, with an estimated median overall survival of less than two years. For almost a decade, sorafenib has been the only standard systemic treatment for metastatic disease or tumors which progress or are considered unsuitable for locoregional therapy. Major breakthroughs have been made over the past few years in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in medical therapies for advanced disease. In this article, recent advances in intra-arterial therapy, multi-kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapy will be reviewed.

Dose-dependent regulation of mitochondrial function and cell death pathway by sorafenib in liver cancer cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sorafenib is the first line recommended therapy for patients with locally advanced/metastatic HCC. The low response rate is attributed to intrinsic resistance of HCC cells to Sorafenib. The potential resistance to Sorafenib-induced cell death is multifactorial and involves all hallmarks of cancer. However, the presence of sub-therapeutic dose can negatively influence the antitumoral properties of the drug. In this sense, the present study showed that the sub-optimal Sorafenib concentration (10 nM) was associated with activation of caspase-9, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sustained autophagy, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial function in HepG2 cells. The increased mitochondrial respiration by Sorafenib (10 nM) was also observed in permeabilized HepG2 cells, but not in isolated rat mitochondria, which suggests the involvement of an upstream component in this regulatory mechanism. The basal glycolysis was dose dependently increased at early time point studied (6 h). Interestingly, Sorafenib increased nitric oxide (NO) generation that played an inhibitory role in mitochondrial respiration in sub-therapeutic dose of Sorafenib. The administration of sustained therapeutic dose of Sorafenib (10 µM, 24 h) induced mitochondrial dysfunction and dropped basal glycolysis derived acidification, as well as increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in HepG2. In conclusion, the accurate control of the administered dose of Sorafenib is relevant for the potential prosurvival or proapoptotic properties induced by the drug in liver cancer cells.

Sorafenib Inhibits Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic breast cancer has poor prognosis due to limited therapeutic options. Protein kinase dysregulations have a major role in breast cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, which targets receptor tyrosine kinases in breast cancer. Although treatment with sorafenib has increased the patient survival and inhibited metastatic migration in hepatocellular carcinoma, its role in breast cancer migration, metastasis, and intracellular signaling modulation is unknown.

METHODS

Breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 were treated with sorafenib and its effect on proliferation, migration, invasion and gene expression was analyzed.

RESULTS

We found that sorafenib has an anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Importantly, sorafenib inhibited the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro. Mechanistically, sorafenib increased mitochondrial superoxide production, suppressed breast cancer stem cell self-renewal, inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition and ERK signaling.

CONCLUSION

Thus, sorafenib has anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells and could improve the survival of breast cancer patients by inhibiting their invasive and metastatic properties.

Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Pathophysiology, Targeted Therapy, and Role of Imaging

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide, usually occurring on a background of liver cirrhosis. HCC is a highly vascular tumor in which angiogenesis plays a major role in tumor growth and spread. Tumor-induced angiogenesis is usually related to a complex interplay between multiple factors and pathways, with vascular endothelial growth factor being a major player in angiogenesis. In the past decade, understanding of tumor-induced angiogenesis has led to the emergence of novel anti-angiogenic therapies, which act by reducing neo-angiogenesis, and improving patient survival. Currently, Sorafenib and Lenvatinib are being used as the first-line treatment for advanced unresectable HCC. However, a disadvantage of these agents is the presence of numerous side effects. A major challenge in the management of HCC patients being treated with anti-angiogenic therapy is effective monitoring of treatment response, which decides whether to continue treatment or to seek second-line treatment. Several criteria can be used to assess response to treatment, such as quantitative perfusion on cross-sectional imaging and novel/emerging MRI techniques, including a host of known and emerging biomarkers and radiogenomics. This review addresses the pathophysiology of angiogenesis in HCC, accurate imaging assessment of angiogenesis, monitoring effects of anti-angiogenic therapy to guide future treatment and assessing prognosis.

Downregulation of thioredoxin-1-dependent CD95 S-nitrosation by Sorafenib reduces liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 80% of the primary hepatic neoplasms. It is the sixth most frequent neoplasm, the fourth cause of cancer-related death, and 7% of registered malignancies. Sorafenib is the first line molecular targeted therapy for patients in advanced stage of HCC. The present study shows that Sorafenib exerts free radical scavenging properties associated with the downregulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-regulated thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) expression in liver cancer cells. The experimental downregulation and/or overexpression strategies showed that Trx1 induced activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) type 3 (NOS3) and S-nitrosation (SNO) of CD95 receptor leading to an increase of caspase-8 activity and cell proliferation, as well as reduction of caspase-3 activity in liver cancer cells. In addition, Sorafenib transiently increased mRNA expression and activity of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in HepG2 cells. Different experimental models of hepatocarcinogenesis based on the subcutaneous implantation of HepG2 cells in nude mice, as well as the induction of HCC by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) confirmed the relevance of Trx1 downregulation during the proapoptotic and antiproliferative properties induced by Sorafenib. In conclusion, the induction of apoptosis and antiproliferative properties by Sorafenib were related to Trx1 downregulation that appeared to play a relevant role on SNO of NOS3 and CD95 in HepG2 cells. The transient increase of GSNOR might also participate in the deactivation of CD95-dependent proliferative signaling in liver cancer cells.

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Sorafenib induces mitochondrial ROS generation, but also acts as nucleophilic scavenger.

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Sorafenib reduces Nrf2-depenent Trx1 expression, and SNO–NOS3 and SNO-CD95 ratios.

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Sorafenib-related antitumoral in vivo activity involves diminution of Trx1 and SNO-CD95.

Maternal Larp6 controls oocyte development, chorion formation and elevation

La-related protein 6 (Larp6) is a conserved RNA-binding protein found across eukaryotes that has been suggested to regulate collagen biogenesis, muscle development, ciliogenesis, and various aspects of cell proliferation and migration. Zebrafish have two Larp6 family genes: larp6a and larp6b Viable and fertile single and double homozygous larp6a and larp6b zygotic mutants revealed no defects in muscle structure, and were indistinguishable from heterozygous or wild-type siblings. However, larp6a mutant females produced eggs with chorions that failed to elevate fully and were fragile. Eggs from larp6b single mutant females showed minor chorion defects, but chorions from eggs laid by larp6a;larp6b double mutant females were more defective than those from larp6a single mutants. Electron microscopy revealed defective chorionogenesis during oocyte development. Despite this, maternal zygotic single and double mutants were viable and fertile. Mass spectrometry analysis provided a description of chorion protein composition and revealed significant reductions in a subset of zona pellucida and lectin-type proteins between wild-type and mutant chorions that paralleled the severity of the phenotype. We conclude that Larp6 proteins are required for normal oocyte development, chorion formation and egg activation.

LncRNA DANCR Promotes Sorafenib Resistance via Activation of IL-6/STAT3 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major malignancies and the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sorafenib, an approved first-line systematic treatment agent for HCC, is capable to effectively improve the survival of patients with advanced HCC. The long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) has been reported to exert oncogenic functions in several kinds of human cancers. However, the role of lncRNA DANCR in sorafenib resistance in HCC remains unknown.

Methods

The expression levels of DANCR in HCC tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. DANCR overexpression and knockdown models were established and utilized to investigate the functional role of DANCR on sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. The MS2-binding sequences-MS2-binding protein–based RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the association between DANCR and PSMD10 mRNA. The activation of DANCR transcription mediated by STAT3 was assessed by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

We found that DANCR was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues and associated with prognosis of HCC patients. Overexpression and knockdown experiments demonstrated that DANCR promoted sorafenib resistance in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the role of DANCR relied largely on the association with PSMD10. DANCR stabilized PSMD10 mRNA through blocking the repressing effect of several microRNAs on PSMD10. Besides, DANCR activated IL-6/STAT3 signaling via PSMD10. Furthermore, we revealed that DANCR transcription was enhanced by the activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling, indicating a positive feedback loop of DANCR and IL-6/STAT3 signaling.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study is the first to elucidate the mechanism of DANCR-mediated sorafenib resistance via PSMD10-IL-6/STAT3 signaling axis, which provides a promising target for developing new therapeutic strategy for sorafenib tolerance of HCC.