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Smit DJ, Jücker M. AKT Isoforms as a Target in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:409-436. [PMID: 36243855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, targeted therapies have received tremendous attention in cancer therapy. One of the most frequently targeted pathways is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that regulates crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and migration. In a wide variety of cancer entities, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be a critical driver of disease progression, indicating a noteworthy target in cancer therapy. This chapter focuses on targeted therapies against AKT, which is a key enzyme within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Although the three different isoforms of AKT, namely AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have a high homology, the isoforms exhibit different biological functions. Recently, direct inhibitors against all AKT isoforms as well as selective inhibitors against specific AKT isoforms have been extensively investigated in preclinical work as well as in clinical trials to attenuate proliferation of cancer cells. While no AKT inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for cancer therapy to date, AKT still plays a crucial role in a variety of treatment strategies including immune checkpoint inhibition. In this chapter, we summarize the status of AKT inhibitors either targeting all or specific AKT isoforms. Furthermore, we explain the role of AKT signaling in direct inhibition of tumor cell growth as well as in immune cells and immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Abstract
We previously identified genomic variants that are quantitative trait loci for circulating miR-1908-5p and then showed this microRNA to causally associate with plasma levels of LDL-C, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. The link to LDL-C was subsequently validated and clarified by the identification of a miR1908-5p-TGFB-LDLR regulatory axis. Here, we continue our investigations on miR1908-5p function by leveraging human primary hepatocytes and HuH-7 hepatoma models. Expression of miR1908-5p was shown to be sensitive to glucose and agents affecting glucose metabolism. Transcriptome-wide changes in primary hepatocytes and HuH-7 cells treated with a miR1908-5p mimic were investigated by enrichment approaches to identify targeted transcripts and cognate pathways. Significant pathways included autophagy and increased mitochondrial function. Reduced activation and/or levels of several key energy and metabolic regulators (AKT, mTOR, ME1, G6PD, AMPK and LKB) were subsequently confirmed in mimic treated HuH-7 cells. These effects were associated with reduced NADPH to NADP+ ratio in HuH-7 cells. LKB1 was validated as a direct target of miR1908-5p, the reintroduction of which was however insufficient to compensate for the impact of the miR1908-5p mimic on AMPK and ACC1. These findings implicate miR1908-5p in metabolic and energy regulation in hepatocyte models via multiple, independent, pathways.
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Jee HY, Lee YG, Lee S, Elvira R, Seo HE, Lee JY, Han J, Lee K. Activation of ERK and p38 Reduces AZD8055-Mediated Inhibition of Protein Synthesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111824. [PMID: 34769253 PMCID: PMC8584319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis under various stress responses. In this study, we screened an anticancer drug library to select compounds with translational repression functions. AZD8055, an ATP-competitive mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) inhibitor, was selected as a translational suppressor. AZD8055 inhibited protein synthesis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were activated during the early phase of mTORC1/2 inhibition by AZD8055 treatment. Combined treatment of AZD8055 with the MAPK kinase1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor refametinib or the p38 inhibitor SB203580 markedly decreased translation in HepG2 cells. Thus, the inhibition of ERK1/2 or p38 may enhance the efficacy of AZD8055-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. In addition, AZD8055 down-regulated the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and AZD8055-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 had no effect on phosphorylation status of 4E-BP1. Interestingly, AZD8055 modulated the 4E-BP1 mRNA pool by up-regulating ERK1/2 and p38 pathways. Together, these results suggest that AZD8055-induced activation of MAPKs interferes with inhibition of protein synthesis at an early stage of mTORC1/2 inhibition, and that it may contribute to the development of resistance to mTORC1/2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-yeon Jee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Yoon-Gyeong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Sol Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Rosalie Elvira
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (R.E.); (J.H.)
| | - Hye-eun Seo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Jaeseok Han
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (R.E.); (J.H.)
| | - Kyungho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-y.J.); (Y.-G.L.); (S.L.); (H.-e.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
- Korea Hemp Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-3423; Fax: +82-2-3436-5432
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Asakura N, Nakamura N, Muroi A, Nojima Y, Yamashita T, Kaneko S, Ikeda K, Koshikawa N, Suzuki T. Expression of Cancer Stem Cell Markers EpCAM and CD90 Is Correlated with Anti- and Pro-Oncogenic EphA2 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168652. [PMID: 34445353 PMCID: PMC8395527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Additionally, the efficacy of targeted molecular therapies with multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors is limited. In this study, we focused on the cellular signaling pathways common to diverse HCC cells and used quantitative reverse phase protein array (RPPA) and statistical analyses to elucidate the molecular mechanisms determining its malignancy. We examined the heterogeneity of 17 liver cancer cell lines by performing cluster analysis of their expression of CD90 and EpCAM cancer stem cell markers. Gaussian mixture model clustering identified three dominant clusters: CD90-positive and EpCAM-negative (CD90+), EpCAM-positive and CD90-negative (EpCAM+) and EpCAM-negative and CD90-negative (Neutral). A multivariate analysis by partial least squares revealed that the former two cell populations showed distinct patterns of protein expression and phosphorylation in the EGFR and EphA2 signaling pathways. The CD90+ cells exhibited higher abundance of AKT, EphA2 and its phosphorylated form at Ser897, whereas the EpCAM+ cells exhibited higher abundance of ERK, RSK and its phosphorylated form. This demonstrates that pro-oncogenic, ligand-independent EphA2 signaling plays a dominant role in CD90+ cells with higher motility and metastatic activity than EpCAM+ cells. We also showed that an AKT inhibitor reduced the proliferation and survival of CD90+ cells but did not affect those of EpCAM+ cells. Taken together, our results suggest that AKT activation may be a key pro-oncogenic regulator in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Asakura
- Center for Mathematical Modeling and Data Science, Osaka University, Osaka 580-8531, Japan; (N.A.); (N.N.); (Y.N.)
| | - Naotoshi Nakamura
- Center for Mathematical Modeling and Data Science, Osaka University, Osaka 580-8531, Japan; (N.A.); (N.N.); (Y.N.)
| | - Atsushi Muroi
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 241-8515, Japan;
| | - Yosui Nojima
- Center for Mathematical Modeling and Data Science, Osaka University, Osaka 580-8531, Japan; (N.A.); (N.N.); (Y.N.)
| | - Taro Yamashita
- Department of General Medicine, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan;
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan;
| | - Kazuki Ikeda
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan;
| | - Naohiko Koshikawa
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 241-8515, Japan;
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan;
- Correspondence: (N.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Center for Mathematical Modeling and Data Science, Osaka University, Osaka 580-8531, Japan; (N.A.); (N.N.); (Y.N.)
- Correspondence: (N.K.); (T.S.)
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Hinz N, Jücker M. AKT in Bone Metastasis of Solid Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102287. [PMID: 34064589 PMCID: PMC8151478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bone metastasis is a frequent complication of solid tumors and leads to a reduced overall survival. Although much progress has been made in the field of tumor therapy in the last years, bone metastasis depicts a stage of the disease with a lack of appropriate therapeutical options. Hence, this review aims to present the role of AKT in bone metastasis of solid tumors to place the spotlight on AKT as a possible therapeutical approach for patients with bone metastases. Furthermore, we intended to discuss postulated underlying molecular mechanisms of the bone metastasis-promoting effect of AKT, especially in highly bone-metastatic breast, prostate, and lung cancer. To conclude, this review identified the AKT kinase as a potential therapeutical target in bone metastasis and revealed remaining questions, which need to be addressed in further research projects. Abstract Solid tumors, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, often form bone metastases in the course of the disease. Patients with bone metastases frequently develop complications, such as pathological fractures or hypercalcemia and exhibit a reduced life expectancy. Thus, it is of vital importance to improve the treatment of bone metastases. A possible approach is to target signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors. Therefore, we sought to review the role of the serine/threonine kinase AKT in bone metastasis. In general, activation of AKT signaling was shown to be associated with the formation of bone metastases from solid tumors. More precisely, AKT gets activated in tumor cells by a plethora of bone-derived growth factors and cytokines. Subsequently, AKT promotes the bone-metastatic capacities of tumor cells through distinct signaling pathways and secretion of bone cell-stimulating factors. Within the crosstalk between tumor and bone cells, also known as the vicious cycle, the stimulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts also causes activation of AKT in these cells. As a consequence, bone metastasis is reduced after experimental inhibition of AKT. In summary, AKT signaling could be a promising therapeutical approach for patients with bone metastases of solid tumors.
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Zhen H, Li G, Zhao P, Zhang Y, Wang J, Yu J, Cao B. Raltitrexed Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Apatinib in Human Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Cells via Akt and Erk Pathways. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:12325-12339. [PMID: 33293826 PMCID: PMC7719348 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s276125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Apatinib has been proved effective in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer and a variety of solid tumors. Raltitrexed is emerging as a promising alternative for treating advanced colorectal cancer in China. This work aims to study the combinatory antitumor effect of apatinib and raltitrexed on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells (ESCC). Materials and Methods Two VEGFR-2-positive human ESCC lines, KYSE-30 and TE-1, were treated with apatinib or raltitrexed, or both, then the cell proliferation rate was measured by MTS assay; cell migration and invasion were studied by transwell assays; cell apoptosis rate was determined by flow cytometry; cellular autophagy level affected was analyzed by Western blot analysis; finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to monitor transcription and Western blot was performed to check phosphorylation of apoptotic proteins after treatment. Results Both apatinib and raltitrexed significantly inhibited KYSE-30 and TE-1 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with both drugs showed enhanced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness compared with apatinib monotherapy. Apoptosis percentages in both cell lines were also remarkably increased by the combined treatment. Moreover, the combination of apatinib and raltitrexed down-regulated mRNA level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while up-regulated pro-apoptotic protein PARP, Bax, and caspase-3 transcription. Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylation levels of Erk, Akt, and invasiveness-associated protein matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) were decreased in the combination group. Conclusion Taken together, these results indicate that raltitrexed enhances the antitumor effects of apatinib on human ESCC cells by down-regulating phosphorylation of Akt and Erk, implying a combination of raltitrexed and apatinib might be an effective option for treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Zhen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangxin Li
- Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Junxian Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Bangwei Cao
- Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
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Smit DJ, Cayrefourcq L, Haider MT, Hinz N, Pantel K, Alix-Panabières C, Jücker M. High Sensitivity of Circulating Tumor Cells Derived from a Colorectal Cancer Patient for Dual Inhibition with AKT and mTOR Inhibitors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092129. [PMID: 32962206 PMCID: PMC7566012 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream. While many studies on solid tumor cells exist, data on CTCs are scarce. The mortality of cancer is mostly associated with metastasis and recent research identified CTCs as initiators of metastasis. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway that regulates essential functions including protein biosynthesis, cell growth, cell cycle control, survival and migration. Importantly, activating oncogenic mutations and amplifications in this pathway are frequently observed in a wide variety of cancer entities, underlining the significance of this signaling pathway. In this study, we analyzed the functional role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the CTC-MCC-41 line, derived from a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer. One striking finding in our study was the strong sensitivity of this CTC line against AKT inhibition using MK2206 and mTOR inhibition using RAD001 within the nanomolar range. This suggests that therapies targeting AKT and mTOR could have been beneficial for the patient from which the CTC line was isolated. Additionally, a dual targeting approach of AKT/mTOR inside the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the colorectal CTCs showed synergistic effects in vitro. Depending on the phenotypical behavior of CTC-MCC-41 in cell culture (adherent vs. suspension), we identified altered phosphorylation levels inside the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We observed a downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, but not of the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway, in CTCs growing in suspension in comparison to adherent CTCs. Our results highlight distinct functions of AKT isoforms in CTC-MCC-41 cells with respect to cell proliferation. Knockdown of AKT1 and AKT2 leads to significantly impaired proliferation of CTC-MCC-41 cells in vitro. Therefore, our data demonstrate that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation of CTC-MCC-41.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Center of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Marie-Therese Haider
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Nico Hinz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Center of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-40-7410-56339
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Miltirone induces cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cell through GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1397-1413. [PMID: 32963939 PMCID: PMC7488361 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death, and recently described as a new molecular mechanism of chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of tumors. Miltirone, a derivative of phenanthrene-quinone isolated from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities. Here, we found that miltirone inhibited the cell viability of either HepG2 or Hepa1-6 cells, and induced the proteolytic cleavage of gasdermin E (GSDME) in each hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, with concomitant cleavage of caspase 3. Knocking out GSDME switched miltirone-induced cell death from pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the induction effects of miltirone on GSDME-dependent pyroptosis were attenuated by siRNA-mediated caspase three silencing and the specific caspase three inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK, respectively. Miltirone effectively elicited intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suppressed phosphorylation of mitogen-activated and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) for pyroptosis induction. Moreover, miltirone significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced pyroptosis in the Hepa1-6 mouse HCC syngeneic model. These results provide a new insight that miltirone is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC via GSDME-dependent pyroptosis.
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Key Words
- 7-AAD, 7-aminoactinomycin D
- AKT, AKT serine/threonine kinase, also known as protein kinase B
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- BAX, BCL2-associated X
- CCK-8, cell counting kit-8
- CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
- Cas9, caspase 9
- Cell death
- DCFH-DA, dye 2,7-dichlorofluoresce diacetate
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- ECL, enhanced chemiluminescence
- ERK1/2, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GSDMD, gasdermin D
- GSDME
- GSDME, gasdermin E
- H&E, hematoxylin and eosin
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- HepG2
- Hepa1-6
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- IC50, the half maximal inhibitory concentration
- IgG (H + L), immunoglobulin G (heavy chain + light chain)
- KO, knockout
- LDH, lactic dehydrogenase
- MEK, mitogen-activated and extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- MEM, minimum essential medium
- MMP, mitochondrial membrane potential
- MS, mass spectrum
- Miltirone
- N-GSDME, N-terminal GSDME
- NAC, N-acetyl cysteine
- NC, negative control
- NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance
- NS, no significance
- PARP, poly ADP-ribose polymerase
- PBS, phosphate-based buffer
- PI, propidium iodide
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- Pyroptosis
- RIPA, radioimmunoprecipitation assay
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SD, standard deviation
- SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- TBST, Tris-buffered saline with Tween solution
- TCGA, the Cancer Genome Atlas
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- gRNA, guide RNA
- i.p., intraperitoneal
- i.v., intravenous
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- p-AKT, phosphorylated-AKT
- p-ERK1/2, phosphorylated-ERK1/2
- p-MEK, phosphorylated-MEK
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Gong J, Chuang J, Cho M, Toomey K, Hendifar A, Li D. Molecular Targets, Pathways, and Therapeutic Implications for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155232. [PMID: 32718047 PMCID: PMC7432744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. While significant advances have been made for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the past few years, the prognosis remains poor and effective biomarkers to guide selection of therapies remain noticeably absent. However, several targeted therapies have been approved in the past few years that have improved the outlook for this disease. In this review, we will highlight the recent therapies approved for the treatment of advanced HCC and discuss promising therapeutic options, targets, and pathways for drug development and consideration for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Malignancies, Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
| | - Jeremy Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - May Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.C.); (K.T.)
| | - Kyra Toomey
- Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.C.); (K.T.)
| | - Andrew Hendifar
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
| | - Daneng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Combined Targeting of AKT and mTOR Inhibits Proliferation of Human NF1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour Cells In Vitro but not in a Xenograft Mouse Model In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041548. [PMID: 32102484 PMCID: PMC7073166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent signalling via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a major driver of malignancy in NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST). Nevertheless, single targeting of this pathway is not sufficient to inhibit MPNST growth. In this report, we demonstrate that combined treatment with the allosteric pan-AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and the mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor AZD8055 has synergistic effects on the viability of MPNST cell lines in comparison to the treatment with each compound alone. However, when treating animals bearing experimental MPNST with the combined AKT/mTOR regime, no influence on tumour growth was observed. Further analysis of the MPNST xenograft tumours resistant to AKT/mTOR treatment revealed a reactivation of both AKT and mTOR in several tumour samples. Additional targeting of the RAS/RAF/MEK/MAPK pathway with the allosteric MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 showed synergistic effects on the viability of MPNST cell lines in vitro in comparison to the dual AKT/mTOR inhibition. In summary, these data indicate that combined treatment with AKT and mTOR inhibitors is effective on MPNST cells in vitro but tumour resistance can occur rapidly in vivo by restoration of AKT/mTOR signalling. Our data further suggest that a triple treatment with inhibitors against AKT, mTORC1/2 and MEK1/2 may be a promising treatment option that should be further analysed in an experimental MPNST mouse model in vivo.
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Marquard FE, Jücker M. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling as a molecular target in head and neck cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 172:113729. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Emma MR, Augello G, Cusimano A, Azzolina A, Montalto G, Cervello M, McCubrey JA. RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1 and TP53 pathways and regulatory miRs as therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:915-929. [PMID: 31657972 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1685501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant problem globally because of viral infections and the increasing incidence of obesity and fatty liver disease. However, it is difficult to treat because its inherent genetic heterogeneity results in activation of numerous signaling pathways. Kinases have been targeted for decades with varying results, but the development of therapeutic resistance is a major challenge.Areas covered: The key roles of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1, TP53 microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets are discussed and we suggests novel approaches for targeting miRs or their downstream targets to combat HCC. We performed literature searches using the Medline Database from 2000 to the present.Expert opinion: The involvement of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC and TP53 pathways as drivers of the disease and drug resistance is a challenge. Moreover, miRs regulate the expression of key genes in these pathways. What we and others are proposing is the prospect of targeting miRs and their downstream targets to improve conventional approaches to treat HCC. Combination approaches are often promising because multiple signaling pathways are deregulated due to diverse mutations and events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Maria R Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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13
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Li X, He S, Tian Y, Weiss RM, Martin DT. Synergistic inhibition of GP130 and ERK signaling blocks chemoresistant bladder cancer cell growth. Cell Signal 2019; 63:109381. [PMID: 31374291 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is a major treatment obstacle for recurrent and metastatic bladder cancer, which often leads to disease progression and poor clinical outcome. Although overexpression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) appears to play a critical role in the development of chemotherapy resistance, inhibitors for IL-6 alone have not improved clinical outcomes. Since the IL-6/IL-6R/GP130 complex is involved in multidrug resistance, another strategy would be to focus on glycoprotein-130 (GP130) since it dimerizes with IL-6R/CD26 as a membrane-bound signaling transducer receptor and initiates subsequent signaling activation and may be a potential therapeutic target. Currently, the role of GP130 in chemoresistant bladder cancer is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that GP130 is over-expressed in cisplatin and gemcitabine-resistant bladder cancer cells, and that the inhibition of GP130 expression significantly reduces cell viability, survival and migration. Downstream of GP130 is PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, which is inactivated by SC144, a GP130 inhibitor. However, Raf/MEK/ERK signaling, which also is downstream of GP130 is activated by SC144. This activation is likely based on a mTOR/S6K1/PI3K/ERK negative feedback loop, which is presumed to counteract the inhibitory effect of SC144 on tumor aggressiveness. Blocking both GP130 and pERK resulted in synergistic inhibition of cytotoxicity, clonal survival rates and cell migration in our chemotherapy resistant bladder cancer cells. This vertical inhibition offers a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting human chemoresistant bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhao Li
- Department of Urology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shanshan He
- Department of Urology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Urology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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14
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Sang AX, McPherson MC, Ivison GT, Qu X, Rigdon J, Esquivel CO, Krams SM, Martinez OM. Dual blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibits posttransplant Epstein-Barr virus B cell lymphomas and promotes allograft survival. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:1305-1314. [PMID: 30549430 PMCID: PMC6482059 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation that often manifests as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B cell lymphomas. Current treatments for PTLD have limited efficacy and can be associated with graft rejection or systemic toxicities. The mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, suppresses tumor growth of EBV+ B cell lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo; however, the efficacy is limited and clinical benefits of mTOR inhibitors for PTLD are variable. Here, we show constitutive activation of multiple nodes within the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in EBV+ PTLD-derived cell lines. Inhibition of either PI3K or Akt, with specific inhibitors CAL-101 and MK-2206, respectively, diminished growth of EBV+ B cell lines from PTLD patients in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, rapamycin combined with CAL-101 or MK-2206 had a synergistic effect in suppressing cell growth as determined by IC50 isobolographic analysis and Loewe indices. Moreover, these combinations were significantly more effective than rapamycin alone in inhibiting tumor xenograft growth in NOD-SCID mice. Finally, both CAL-101 and MK-2206 also prolonged survival of heterotopic cardiac allografts in C57BL/6 mice. Thus, combination therapy with rapamycin and a PI3K inhibitor, or an Akt inhibitor, can be an efficacious treatment for EBV-associated PTLD, while simultaneously promoting allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam X Sang
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marla C McPherson
- Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Ivison
- Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiumei Qu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Rigdon
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carlos O Esquivel
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sheri M Krams
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivia M Martinez
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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15
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Modulation of the IL-6-Signaling Pathway in Liver Cells by miRNAs Targeting gp130, JAK1, and/or STAT3. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:419-433. [PMID: 31026677 PMCID: PMC6479786 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)-type cytokines share the common receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130), which activates a signaling cascade involving Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) transcription factors. IL-6 and/or its signaling pathway is often deregulated in diseases, such as chronic liver diseases and cancer. Thus, the identification of compounds inhibiting this pathway is of interest for future targeted therapies. We established novel cellular screening systems based on a STAT-responsive reporter gene (Cypridina luciferase). Of a library containing 538 microRNA (miRNA) mimics, several miRNAs affected hyper-IL-6-induced luciferase activities. When focusing on candidate miRNAs specifically targeting 3′ UTRs of signaling molecules of this pathway, we identified, e.g., miR-3677-5p as a novel miRNA affecting protein expression of both STAT3 and JAK1, whereas miR-16-1-3p, miR-4473, and miR-520f-3p reduced gp130 surface expression. Interestingly, combination treatment with 2 or 3 miRNAs targeting gp130 or different signaling molecules of the pathway did not increase the inhibitory effects on phospho-STAT3 levels and STAT3 target gene expression compared to treatment with single mimics. Taken together, we identified a set of miRNAs of potential therapeutic value for cancer and inflammatory diseases, which directly target the expression of molecules within the IL-6-signaling pathway and can dampen inflammatory signal transduction.
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16
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Lin J, Chen Z, Huang Z, Chen F, Ye Z, Lin S, Wang W. Effect of T-cadherin on the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, gastric cancer cell cycle, migration and invasion, and its association with patient survival rate. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:3607-3613. [PMID: 30988743 PMCID: PMC6447793 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most common types of human cancer and is associated with recurrence and metastasis, despite comprehensive surgical and medical treatment. Previous studies observed downregulation of T-cadherin expression in GC tissues, suggesting that this protein may act as an oncosuppressor. The current study investigated the activity of T-cadherin in GC tissues. In a follow-up study of 81 patients with GC, a Kaplan-Meier analysis of overall survival revealed a strong association of T-cadherin overexpression with increased overall survival (P<0.01). Furthermore, stable T-cadherin-overexpressing cell lines were established from HGC-27 cells via transfection of a pcDNA3.1-T-cadherin plasmid and in vitro growth and cell cycle of these cells were measured using MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. MTT assays revealed that proliferation of engineered T-cadherin-overexpressing cells was significantly inhibited and flow cytometry demonstrated that T-cadherin overexpression in HGC-27 cells induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Transwell assays demonstrated that T-cadherin-overexpressing HGC-27 cells exhibited reduced invasiveness and metastatic potential. Phosphorylated (p)-protein kinase B (AKT) and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein levels were reduced in T-cadherin overexpressing HGC-27 cells, suggesting that the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was involved in the gastric tumor inhibitory effect of T-cadherin. Administration of AKT-activator, insulin-like growth factor-1, to T-cadherin-overexpressing HGC-27 cells significantly affected the proliferation phenotype. In conclusion, the current study provided clinical evidence and revealed a potential mechanism supporting that T-cadherin inhibits gastric tumorigenesis through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqing Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyao Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Zeyi Ye
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Shaoze Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
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17
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Zhou X, Zhu A, Gu X, Xie G. Inhibition of MEK suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth through independent MYC and BIM regulation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:369-380. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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18
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Lv Y, Du T, Ji M, Wang C, Lin S, Xue N, Jin J, Xu H, Chen X. A novel PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor XH002 exhibited robust antitumor activity in NSCLC. J Drug Target 2018; 27:451-459. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1542533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Songwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nina Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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19
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Phyu SM, Smith TAD. Combination treatment of cancer cells with pan-Akt and pan-mTOR inhibitors: effects on cell cycle distribution, p-Akt expression level and radiolabelled-choline incorporation. Invest New Drugs 2018; 37:424-430. [PMID: 30056610 PMCID: PMC6538571 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-018-0642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways, which regulate cell growth and survival, are up-regulated in many cancers and there is considerable interest in their pharmaceutical modulation for cancer treatment. However inhibitors of single pathway components induce feedback mechanisms that overcome the growth moderating effect of the inhibitor. Combination treatments have been proposed to provide a more complete pathway inhibition. Here the effect of dual treatment of cancer cells with a pan-Akt and a pan-mTOR inhibitor was explored. Breast (SKBr3 and MDA-MB-468) and colorectal (HCT8) cancer cells were treated with the pan-Akt inhibitor MK2206 and pan-mTOR inhibitor AZD8055. Cytotoxic effect of the two drugs were determined using the MTT assay and the Combination Index and isobolomic analysis used to determine the nature of the interaction of the two drugs. Flow cytometry and western blot were employed to demonstrate drug effects on cell cycle distribution and phosph-Aktser473 expression. Radiolabelled ([methyl-3H]) Choline uptake was measured in control and drug-treated cells to determine the modulatory effects of the drugs on choline incorporation. The two drugs acted synergistically to inhibit the growth rate of each cancer cell line. Flow cytometry demonstrated G0/G1 blockade with MK2206 and AZD8055 which was greater when cells were treated with both drugs. The incorporation of [methyl-3H] choline was found be decreased to a greater extent in cells treated with both drugs compared with cells treated with either drug alone. Conclusions Pan-mTOR and pan-Akt inhibition may be highly effective in cancer treatment and measuring changes in choline uptake could be useful in detecting efficacious drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Myat Phyu
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Tim A D Smith
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. .,Biomedical Physics Building, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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20
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Pittala S, Krelin Y, Shoshan-Barmatz V. Targeting Liver Cancer and Associated Pathologies in Mice with a Mitochondrial VDAC1-Based Peptide. Neoplasia 2018; 20:594-609. [PMID: 29747160 PMCID: PMC5994780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most lethal cancer worldwide. Despite progress in identifying risk factors, the incidence of HCC is increasing. Moreover, therapeutic options are limited and survival is poor. Therefore, alternative and innovative therapeutic strategies are urgently required. R-Tf-D-LP4, a cell-penetrating peptide derived from the mitochondrial multifunctional protein the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1), is identified here as a highly effective liver cancer treatment. Recently, we demonstrated that R-Tf-D-LP4 induced apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. We now demonstrate that R-Tf-D-LP4 induced apoptosis in cancer liver-derived cell lines and inhibited tumor growth in three different liver cancer mouse models. These included diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC, metabolically high-fat diet-induced HCC, and using a subcutaneous HepG2 cell xenograft model. Intravenous injection of the peptide into tumor-carrying DEN-treated mice resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth up to complete tumor elimination. TUNEL staining of liver sections demonstrated peptide-induced apoptosis. Hematoxylin/eosin and Sirius red staining of liver sections showed decreased fibrotic formation. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated reduced numbers of α-SMA-expressing cells in R-Tf-D-LP4-treated mouse livers. Additionally, macrophage presence in liver tissue was reduced in R-Tf-D-LP4-treated mice. Liver sections from DEN-treated mice showed steatohepatic pathology, reflected as fatty liver, inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and fibrosis; all were eliminated upon peptide treatment. Peptide treatment also inhibited tumor development in a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model induced by HFD. In HepG2 subcutaneous tumor xenografts, R-Tf-D-LP4 inhibited tumor growth. CONCLUSION These results show that the VDAC1-based peptide R-Tf-D-LP4 has multiple effects on liver cancer cells, leading to impairment of cell energy and metabolism homeostasis, induction of apoptosis, and elimination of liver cancer-associated processes, and thus represents a promising therapeutic approach for liver cancer.
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Key Words
- vdac1, voltage-dependent anion channel 1
- hk, hexokinase
- cyto c, cytochrome c
- den, diethylnitrosamine
- hcc, hepatocellular carcinoma
- hfd, high fat diet
- aif, apoptosis-inducing factor
- ldh, lactate dehydrogenase
- nash, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- tfr, transferrin receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Pittala
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yakov Krelin
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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21
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Refolo MG, Lippolis C, Carella N, Cavallini A, Messa C, D'Alessandro R. Chlorogenic Acid Improves the Regorafenib Effects in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051518. [PMID: 29783729 PMCID: PMC5983789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenol present in many human dietary foods. Several studies indicated a beneficial role of CGA in the prevention of cancer and an enhancement of chemotherapy when combined with CGA in the treatment of human hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Drug toxicity, resistance and subsequent disease progression represent a problem in HCC management, although treatment with the multikinase inhibitor Regorafenib improved overall survival. This study focused on the evaluation of the effects of combined treatment using both low Regorafenib concentrations and CGA as natural compound in HCC cells. The analysis of cell proliferation by Ki67 staining and cell cycle progression showed that CGA enhanced Regorafenib-mediated cell growth inhibition. Moreover, CGA potentiated the apoptotic effect of Regorafenib by the activation of the pro-apoptotic Annexin V, Bax and Caspase 3/7 and the inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and Bcl-xL. Combined treatments were also effective in inhibiting cell motility. The mechanisms underlying the positive effects of combining CGA and Regorafenib were also addressed and an increased inhibition of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)and PI3K/Akt/mTORC (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was observed. Overall, these data demonstrated that co-treatment with Regorafenib and CGA enhanced Regorafenib action, reducing its cytotoxicity in HCC cells. In conclusion, this drug combination could be considered as a safe and more effective approach in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Refolo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Catia Lippolis
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Nicola Carella
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Aldo Cavallini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Caterina Messa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Rosalba D'Alessandro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
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22
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Li H, Fan Y, Yang F, Zhao L, Cao B. The coordinated effects of Apatinib and Tripterine on the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of human hepatoma Hep3B cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:353-361. [PMID: 29928421 PMCID: PMC6006384 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Apatinib has exhibited antitumor effects in a variety of solid tumors. Extracts of Chinese herbal medicines have emerged as a promising alternative option to increase the sensitivity of patients to chemotherapeutics while alleviating side effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Apatinib and the traditional Chinese herb Tripterine on the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of human hepatoma Hep3B cells. The expression of VEGFR-2 in Hep3B cells was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Hep3B cells were then divided into four different groups: Control group, Apatinib group, Tripterine group and Apatinib plus Tripterine group. The proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of these four groups of Hep3B cells were assessed by MTS, wound healing and Transwell assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, the levels of the proliferation-associated proteins phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and the apoptosis-associated proteins cleaved Caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-associated X protein (Bax) were detected by western blotting. The proliferation, migration and invasion of Hep3B cells were significantly inhibited by Apatinib and Tripterine, compared with the control group (P<0.01). The inhibitory effect of the combination group was markedly stronger than that of the Apatinib and Tripterine groups. The downregulation of p-Akt and p-ERK induced by Apatinib and Tripterine was further inhibited in the combination group (P<0.05), and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bax were also significantly increased in the combination group (P<0.05). The combination of Apatinib and Tripterine significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion ability and promoted the apoptosis of Hep3B cells by downregulating the expression of p-Akt and p-ERK, and upregulating the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Li
- Department of Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yichang Fan
- Department of Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Bangwei Cao
- Department of Cancer Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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23
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Chen J, Liang J, Liu S, Song S, Guo W, Shen F. Differential regulation of AKT1 contributes to survival and proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by mediating Notch1 expression. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6857-6864. [PMID: 29725418 PMCID: PMC5920202 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) family of serine/threonine protein kinases, particularly the AKT1 isoform, has been identified abnormally expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and is highly associated with cell behavior, including proliferation, survival, metabolism, and tumorigenesis. However, the specific mechanism by which AKT1 elicits these effects requires further study. The purpose of the present study was to reveal the effects of AKT1 on the survival and proliferation of HCC cells, and to investigate the mechanisms involved. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to evaluate the expression levels of AKT1 in HCC SMMC-7721 cell line. Molecular mechanisms and the influences of different regulation the expression of AKT1 on HCC cell growth, proliferation were determined by western blotting, MTT and colony formation assays, cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. The activation of AKT1 suppressed the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog and increased the activation of Notch1. The inhibition of AKT1 effectively suppressed the expression of Notch1. Furthermore, the data of the present study indicated that B-cell lymphoma 2 and cyclin D1 is involved in the regulation of AKT1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Oncology, International Cancer Hospital of Beijing University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Shihai Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Shanai Song
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Fangzhen Shen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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24
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DeHart DN, Fang D, Heslop K, Li L, Lemasters JJ, Maldonado EN. Opening of voltage dependent anion channels promotes reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 148:155-162. [PMID: 29289511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Enhancement of aerobic glycolysis and suppression of mitochondrial metabolism characterize the pro-proliferative Warburg phenotype of cancer cells. High free tubulin in cancer cells closes voltage dependent anion channels (VDAC) to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), an effect antagonized by erastin, the canonical promotor of ferroptosis. Previously, we identified six compounds (X1-X6) that also block tubulin-dependent mitochondrial depolarization. Here, we hypothesized that VDAC opening after erastin and X1-X6 increases mitochondrial metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, leading to ROS-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction, bioenergetic failure and cell death. Accordingly, we characterized erastin and the two most potent structurally unrelated lead compounds, X1 and X4, on ROS formation, mitochondrial function and cell viability. Erastin, X1 and X4 increased ΔΨ followed closely by an increase in mitochondrial ROS generation within 30-60 min. Subsequently, mitochondria began to depolarize after an hour or longer indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. N-acetylcysteine (NAC, glutathione precursor and ROS scavenger) and MitoQ (mitochondrially targeted antioxidant) blocked increased ROS formation after X1 and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction. Erastin, X1 and X4 selectively promoted cell killing in HepG2 and Huh7 human hepatocarcinoma cells compared to primary rat hepatocytes. X1 and X4-dependent cell death was blocked by NAC. These results suggest that ferroptosis induced by erastin and our erastin-like lead compounds was caused by VDAC opening, leading to increased ΔΨ, mitochondrial ROS generation and oxidative stress-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N DeHart
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Diana Fang
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Kareem Heslop
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Li Li
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John J Lemasters
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Center for Cell Death, Injury & Regeneration, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Eduardo N Maldonado
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Center for Cell Death, Injury & Regeneration, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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25
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Woo SU, Sangai T, Akcakanat A, Chen H, Wei C, Meric-Bernstam F. Vertical inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is synergistic in breast cancer. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e385. [PMID: 28991258 PMCID: PMC5668884 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have a major role in proliferation and cell survival in breast cancer. However, as single agents, mTOR inhibitors have had modest antitumor efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the effects of vertical inhibition of mTOR and Akt in breast cancer cell lines and xenografts. We assessed the effects of mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and Akt inhibitor MK-2206, given as single drugs or in combination, on cell signaling, cell proliferation and apoptosis in a panel of cancer cell lines in vitro. The antitumor efficacy was tested in vivo. We demonstrated that MK-2206 inhibited Akt phosphorylation, cell proliferation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in breast cancer cell lines. Rapamycin inhibited S6 phosphorylation and cell proliferation, and resulted in lower levels of apoptosis induction. Furthermore, the combination treatment inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and S6, synergistically inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis with a higher efficacy. In vivo combination inhibited tumor growth more than either agent alone. Our data suggest that a combination of Akt and mTOR inhibitors have greater antitumor activity in breast cancer cells, which may be a viable approach to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-U Woo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T Sangai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Akcakanat
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - F Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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26
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Jia J, Qiao Y, Pilo MG, Cigliano A, Liu X, Shao Z, Calvisi DF, Chen X. Tankyrase inhibitors suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth via modulating the Hippo cascade. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184068. [PMID: 28877210 PMCID: PMC5587291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous data indicate that Tankyrase inhibitors exert anti-growth functions in many cancer cell lines due to their ability to inactivate the YAP protooncogene. In the present manuscript, we investigated the effect of Tankyrase inhibitors on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and the molecular mechanisms involved. For this purpose, we performed cell proliferation assay by colony-forming ability in seven human HCC cells subjected to XAV-939 and G007-LK Tankyrase inhibitors. Noticeably, the two Tankyrase inhibitors suppressed the HCC cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Tankyrase inhibitors synergized with MEK and AKT inhibitors to suppress HCC cell proliferation. At the molecular level, Tankyrase inhibitors significantly decreased YAP protein levels, reduced the expression of YAP target genes, and inhibited YAP/TEAD luciferase reporter activity. In addition, Tankyrase inhibitors administration was accompanied by upregulation of Angiomotin-like 1 (AMOTL1) and Angiomotin-like 2 (AMOTL2) proteins, two major negative regulators of YAP. Altogether, the present data indicate that XAV-939 and G007-LK Tankyrase inhibitors could suppress proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and downregulate YAP/TAZ by stabilizing AMOTL1 and AMOTL2 proteins, thus representing new potential anticancer drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyuan Jia
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Maria G. Pilo
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Xianqiong Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zixuan Shao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Lowell High School, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- * E-mail: (XC); (DFC)
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (DFC)
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27
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Gong J, Qi X, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Lin X, Li H, Hu Y. Long noncoding RNA linc00462 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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28
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Engl T, Rutz J, Maxeiner S, Juengel E, Roos F, Khoder W, Bechstein WO, Nelson K, Tsaur I, Haferkamp A, Blaheta RA. mTOR inhibition reduces growth and adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7064-7071. [PMID: 28901501 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is typically increased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A panel of HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B and HuH6) was exposed to various concentrations of the mTOR inhibitors, everolimus and temsirolimus, in order to investigate their effects on cell growth, clonal formation, cell cycle progression, and adhesion and chemotactic migration using MTT and clonal cell growth assays, fluorometric detection of cell cycle phases and a Boyden chamber assay. In addition, integrin α and β adhesion receptors were analyzed by flow cytometry and blocking studies using function blocking monoclonal antibodies were conducted to explore functional relevance. The results demonstrated that everolimus and temsirolimus significantly suppressed HCC cell growth and clonal formation, at 0.1 or 1 nM (depending on the cell line). In addition, the number of cells in G0/G1 phase was increased in response to drug treatment, whereas the number of G2/M phase cells was decreased. Drug treatment also considerably suppressed HCC cell adhesion to immobilized collagen. Integrin profiling revealed strong expression of integrin α1, α2, α6 and β1 subtypes; and integrin α1 was upregulated in response to mTOR inhibition. Suppression of integrin α1 did not affect cell growth; however, it did significantly decrease adhesion and chemotaxis, with the influence on adhesion being greater than that on motility. Due to a positive association between integrin α1 expression and the extent of adhesion, whereby reduced receptor expression was correlated to decreased cell adhesion, it may be hypothesized that the adhesion‑blocking effects of mTOR inhibitors are not associated with mechanical contact inhibition of the α1 receptor but with integrin α1‑dependent suppression of oncogenic signaling, thus preventing tumor cell‑matrix interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Engl
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jochen Rutz
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Maxeiner
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frederik Roos
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wael Khoder
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wolf O Bechstein
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karen Nelson
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roman A Blaheta
- Department of Urology, Goethe‑University, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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29
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Li H, Chen H, Wang H, Dong Y, Yin M, Zhang L, Wei J. MicroRNA-374a Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Targeting Mitogen-Inducible Gene 6 (MIG-6). Oncol Res 2017; 26:557-563. [PMID: 28734040 PMCID: PMC7844684 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x15000784459799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease with poor prognosis rates and ineffective therapeutic options. Previous studies have reported the involvement of mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG-6) as a negative regulator in tumor formation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of different types of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of miRNAs in HCC are poorly understood. This study was aimed to investigate the role of miR-374a in HCC and its role in the regulation of expression of MIG-6. The results showed that MIG-6 overexpression significantly inhibited cell viability of HepG2 cells after 4 days posttransfection. Moreover, MIG-6 was a direct target of miR-374a, and the expression of MIG-6 was remarkably downregulated by the overexpression of miR-374a in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of miR-374a promoted cell viability; however, the protective effect was abolished by MIG-6 overexpression. In addition, overexpression of miR-374a activated the EGFR and AKT/ERK signaling pathways by regulation of MIG-6. Our findings suggest that miR-374a could promote cell viability by targeting MIG-6 and activating the EGFR and AKT/ERK signaling pathways. These data provide a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Liver and Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Research Center, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Huicheng Chen
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Wang
- The Second Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Yilong Dong
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Min Yin
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Liver Disease Research Center, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Liver and Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Research Center, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
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30
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A cell-autonomous tumour suppressor role of RAF1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13781. [PMID: 28000790 PMCID: PMC5187498 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but its molecular heterogeneity hampers the design of targeted therapies. Currently, the only therapeutic option for advanced HCC is Sorafenib, an inhibitor whose targets include RAF. Unexpectedly, RAF1 expression is reduced in human HCC samples. Modelling RAF1 downregulation by RNAi increases the proliferation of human HCC lines in xenografts and in culture; furthermore, RAF1 ablation promotes chemical hepatocarcinogenesis and the proliferation of cultured (pre)malignant mouse hepatocytes. The phenotypes depend on increased YAP1 expression and STAT3 activation, observed in cultured RAF1-deficient cells, in HCC xenografts, and in autochthonous liver tumours. Thus RAF1, although essential for the development of skin and lung tumours, is a negative regulator of hepatocarcinogenesis. This unexpected finding highlights the contribution of the cellular/tissue environment in determining the function of a protein, and underscores the importance of understanding the molecular context of a disease to inform therapy design.
The kinase RAF1 usually exerts pro-tumorigenic functions promoting proliferation in RAS-driven cancers. Here, the authors using a mouse model of HCC and clinical data describe an unexpected oncosuppressor role of RAF1 in hepatocarcinoma development linked to a gp130-dependent Stat3 activation and YAP1 regulation.
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31
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Riedl A, Schlederer M, Pudelko K, Stadler M, Walter S, Unterleuthner D, Unger C, Kramer N, Hengstschläger M, Kenner L, Pfeiffer D, Krupitza G, Dolznig H. Comparison of cancer cells in 2D vs 3D culture reveals differences in AKT-mTOR-S6K signaling and drug responses. J Cell Sci 2016; 130:203-218. [PMID: 27663511 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.188102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models are used as preclinical systems to mimic physiologic drug responses. We provide evidence for strong changes of proliferation and metabolic capacity in three dimensions by systematically analyzing spheroids of colon cancer cell lines. Spheroids showed relative lower activities in the AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6K (also known as RPS6KB1) signaling pathway compared to cells cultured in two dimensions. We identified spatial alterations in signaling, as the level of phosphorylated RPS6 decreased from the spheroid surface towards the center, which closely coordinated with the tumor areas around vessels in vivo These 3D models displayed augmented anti-tumor responses to AKT-mTOR-S6K or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibition compared to those in 2D models. Inhibition of AKT-mTOR-S6K resulted in elevated ERK phosphorylation in 2D culture, whereas under these conditions, ERK signaling was reduced in spheroids. Inhibition of MEK1 (also known as MAP2K1) led to decreased AKT-mTOR-S6K signaling in 3D but not in 2D culture. These data indicate a distinct rewiring of signaling in 3D culture and during treatment. Detached tumor-cell clusters in vessels, in addition to circulating single tumor cells, play a putative role in metastasis in human cancers. Hence, the understanding of signaling in spheroids and the responses in the 3D models upon drug treatment might be beneficial for anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Riedl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Strasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Karoline Pudelko
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Mira Stadler
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Stefanie Walter
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Daniela Unterleuthner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Christine Unger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Nina Kramer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Strasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria.,Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals (UPLA), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Dagmar Pfeiffer
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Georg Krupitza
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, Vienna A-1090, Austria
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32
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Wu CH, Wu X, Zhang HW. Inhibition of acquired-resistance hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by combining sorafenib with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and rat sarcoma inhibitor. J Surg Res 2016; 206:371-379. [PMID: 27884331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide support for combined usage of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors or mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors together with sorafenib in treatment of sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sorafenib-resistant cell lines were established to evaluate the effects of MK-2206 2HCL, a dual PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, and PD0325901, an rat sarcoma (RAS) and/or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, on cell proliferation and apoptosis, as both single and combined treatments with sorafenib. In addition, multidrug resistance 1 gene expression, mutation status of key members in PI3K/mTOR, and RAS/ERK pathways and pathway activation were analyzed to identify predictors of drug response. RESULTS Molecular studies reveal that combining MK-2206 2HCL or PD0325901 with sorafenib not only has a synergistic effect, in suppressing PI3K/protein kinase B/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK signaling more effectively than either treatment alone, but also prevents the cross activation of the other pathway that occurs with single treatments in both sorafenib sensitive and resistant lines. PD0325901 exhibited a stronger synergic effect with sorafenib than MK-2206 2HCL. Sorafenib-resistant cell lines were characterized by activation of both of the two pathways, as indicated by multidrug resistance 1 gene expression profiles and pathway activity analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our studies have showed that both inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and RAS/ERK signaling are potentially effective antihepatocellular carcinoma drugs especially in treating sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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33
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Zhang L, Wang W, Li X, He S, Yao J, Wang X, Zhang D, Sun X. MicroRNA-155 promotes tumor growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting ARID2. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:2425-34. [PMID: 27035278 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of microRNA-155 (miR-155) has been reported in several human cancers and is associated with prognosis of patients. However, the clinical significance of miR‑155 and its underlying mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis remain to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-155 was elevated in both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines. Clinical association analysis revealed that high expression of miR-155 was correlated with malignant clinicopathological characteristics including large tumor size, high Edmondson-Steiner grading and TNM tumor stage. Furthermore, its high expression conferred a reduced 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival of HCC patients. Gain- and loss-of function studies revealed that miR‑155 promoted cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Mechanistically, we identified AT-rich interactive domain 2 (ARID2) as a direct downstream target and functional mediator of miR‑155 in HCC cells. Notably, alterations of ARID2 expression abrogated the effects of miR‑155 on HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. Moreover, we demonstrated that Akt phosphorylation is essential for the functional roles of miR‑155 through altering Cyclin D1 and p27, which were key components of cell cycle machinery. Finally, we disclosed that the downregulation of miR‑155 suppressed tumor growth of HCC by inhibiting Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR‑155 promotes tumor growth of HCC by targeting ARID2-mediated Akt phosphorylation pathway, and potentially serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Sai He
- Breast Cancer Program, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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