1
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Sankhe CS, Sacco JL, Lawton J, Fair RA, Soares DVR, Aldahdooh MKR, Gomez ED, Gomez EW. Breast Cancer Cells Exhibit Mesenchymal-Epithelial Plasticity Following Dynamic Modulation of Matrix Stiffness. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400087. [PMID: 38977422 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is essential for tissue and organ development and is thought to contribute to cancer by enabling the establishment of metastatic lesions. Despite its importance in both health and disease, there is a lack of in vitro platforms to study MET and little is known about the regulation of MET by mechanical cues. Here, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with dynamic and tunable stiffnesses mimicking that of normal and tumorigenic mammary tissue are synthesized. The platform is then utilized to examine the response of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells to dynamic modulation of matrix stiffness. Gradual softening of the hydrogels reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, breast cancer cells exhibit temporal changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression that are consistent with mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity as the stiffness of the matrix is reduced. A reduction in matrix stiffness attenuates the expression of integrin-linked kinase, and inhibition of integrin-linked kinase impacts proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression in cells cultured on stiff and dynamic hydrogels. Overall, these findings reveal intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal states as cells move along a matrix stiffness-mediated MET trajectory and suggest an important role for matrix mechanics in regulating mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay S Sankhe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jessica L Sacco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jacob Lawton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ryan A Fair
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | | | - Mohammed K R Aldahdooh
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Enrique D Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Esther W Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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2
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Cai Y, Xia L, Zhu H, Cheng H, Tian Y, Sun L, Wang J, Lu N, Wang J, Chen Y. MiR-3682-3p promotes esophageal cancer progression by targeting FHL1 and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2024; 119:111155. [PMID: 38565413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer (EC) is highly ranked among all cancers in terms of its incidence and mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to play key regulatory parts in EC. Multiple research studies have indicated the involvement of miR-3682-3p and four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) in the achievement of tumors. The aim of this research was to clarify the significance of these genes and their possible molecular mechanism in EC. METHODS Data from a database and the tissue microarray were made to analyze the expression and clinical significance of miR-3682-3p or FHL1 in EC. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of miR-3682-3p and FHL1 in EC cells. CCK8, EdU, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blotting assays were performed to ascertain the biological roles of miR-3682-3p and FHL1 in EC cells. To confirm the impact of miR-3682-3p in vivo, a subcutaneous tumor model was created in nude mice. The direct interaction between miR-3682-3p and FHL1 was demonstrated through a luciferase assay, and the western blotting technique was employed to assess the levels of crucial proteins within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RESULTS The noticeable increase in the expression of miR-3682-3p and the decrease in the expression of FHL1 were observed, which correlated with a negative impact on the patients' overall survival. Upregulation of miR-3682-3p expression promoted the growth and metastasis of EC, while overexpression of FHL1 partially reversed these effects. Finally, miR-3682-3p motivates the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction by directly targeting FHL1. CONCLUSION MiR-3682-3p along the FHL1 axis activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and thus promoted EC malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Cai
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lingling Xia
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hangjia Zhu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Liying Sun
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ning Lu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Yongshun Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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3
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Min K, Karuppannan SK, Tae G. The impact of matrix stiffness on hepatic cell function, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma-Based on quantitative data. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021306. [PMID: 38846007 PMCID: PMC11151446 DOI: 10.1063/5.0197875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, extensive research has explored the development of supportive scaffold materials for in vitro hepatic cell culture, to effectively mimic in vivo microenvironments. It is crucial for hepatic disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic evaluations, considering the ethical concerns and practical challenges associated with in vivo experiments. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on hepatic cell culture using bioscaffolds by encompassing all stages of hepatic diseases-from a healthy liver to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-with a specific focus on matrix stiffness. This review begins by providing physiological and functional overviews of the liver. Subsequently, it explores hepatic cellular behaviors dependent on matrix stiffness from previous reports. For hepatic cell activities, softer matrices showed significant advantages over stiffer ones in terms of cell proliferation, migration, and hepatic functions. Conversely, stiffer matrices induced myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells, contributing to the further progression of fibrosis. Elevated matrix stiffness also correlates with HCC by increasing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance of HCC cells. In addition, we provide quantitative information on available data to offer valuable perspectives for refining the preparation and development of matrices for hepatic tissue engineering. We also suggest directions for further research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Min
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Kumar Karuppannan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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4
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Qiu H, Fu Y, Guo Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Wu H. Dysregulated microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs associated with extracellular matrix stiffness. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:114014. [PMID: 38547959 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness regulates development and homeostasis in vivo and affects both physiological and pathological processes. A variety of studies have demonstrated that mRNAs, such as Piezo1, integrin β1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP)/tafazzin (TAZ), can sense the mechanical signals induced by ECM stiffness and transmit them from the extracellular space into the cytoplasm. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been reported to play important roles in various cellular processes. Therefore, the interactions between ncRNAs and ECM stiffness, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, have become intriguing. In this review, we summarize recent findings on miRNAs and lncRNAs that interact with ECM stiffness. Several miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the progression of liver cancer, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, and cardiovascular diseases under the regulation of ECM stiffness. Through these ncRNAs, cellular behaviors including cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are affected by ECM stiffness. We also integrate the ncRNA signaling pathways associated with ECM stiffness, in which typical signaling pathways like integrin β1/TGFβ1, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and EMT are involved. Although our understanding of the relationships between ncRNAs and ECM stiffness is still limited, further investigations may provide new insights for disease treatment. ECM-associated ncRNAs may serve as disease biomarkers or be targeted by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Qiu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu, 200093, Shanghai, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Fu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhinan Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China; School of Sports and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Yangpu, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinjia Zhang
- School of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyue Wang
- School of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hailong Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Miao PD, Li Y, Jiang YD. Celestial Insights: Unraveling the Role of miR-3682-3p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2024; 15:e00690. [PMID: 38334941 PMCID: PMC11042776 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a formidable oncological challenge, calling for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. MicroRNAs have emerged as key regulators in cancer, and miR-3682-3p shows potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. We conducted a comprehensive study to uncover its role in HCC biology, revealing dysregulation and clinical associations. Target gene analysis provided insights into potential molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we explored its impact on the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and therapy responses. Our findings highlight miR-3682-3p as a promising candidate for further investigations and potential therapeutic strategies in HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Dong Miao
- Dalian No.3 People's Hospital, Department of Interventional Radiology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Dalian 7th People's Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Jiang
- Dalian No.3 People's Hospital, Department of Interventional Radiology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
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6
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Sleeboom JJF, van Tienderen GS, Schenke-Layland K, van der Laan LJW, Khalil AA, Verstegen MMA. The extracellular matrix as hallmark of cancer and metastasis: From biomechanics to therapeutic targets. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg3840. [PMID: 38170791 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg3840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell support during homeostasis and plays a critical role in cancer. Although research often concentrates on the tumor's cellular aspect, attention is growing for the importance of the cancer-associated ECM. Biochemical and physical ECM signals affect tumor formation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Examining the tumor microenvironment uncovers intricate ECM dysregulation and interactions with cancer and stromal cells. Anticancer therapies targeting ECM sensors and remodelers, including integrins and matrix metalloproteinases, and ECM-remodeling cells, have seen limited success. This review explores the ECM's role in cancer and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for cell-ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J F Sleeboom
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Gilles S van Tienderen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Monique M A Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Deng H, Shu X, Wang Y, Zhang J, Yin Y, Wu F, He J. Matrix Stiffness Regulated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-mediated Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma Cell through Ras Signal Cascades. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:839-850. [PMID: 37789235 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The modulating effects of matrix stiffness on spreading and apoptosis of tumor cells have been well recognized. Nevertheless, the detail road map leading to the apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms governing the cell apoptosis have remained to be elucidated. To this aim, we provided a tunable elastic hydrogel matrix that promoted cell adhesion by modifying the surface of polyacrylamide with polydopamine, with stiffness value of 1, 10, 30, and 250 kPa, respectively. While the cell spreading increased and the apoptosis decreased with the matrix stiffness, such modulating effect of matrix on cell spreading exhibited different time evolvement behaviors as a function of stiffness, which likely led to surprisingly similar apoptosis rates for the 30 kPa and 250 kPa samples. Matrix stiffness mediated the spreading and apoptosis of MG-63 cells by regulating cell adhesion to matrix and in particular cytoskeletal organization, which was dependent on Ras, Rap1 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and finally led to the apoptosis of cancer cells dominated by endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. Our results provided an insight into the regulation of tumor cell fate by the mechanical clues of ECM, which would have implication for future cancer research and the design of novel anticancer materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Xuedong Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Yao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Yue Yin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China.
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8
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Pan H, Zhu S, Gong T, Wu D, Zhao Y, Yan J, Dai C, Huang Y, Yang Y, Guo Y. Matrix stiffness triggers chemoresistance through elevated autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:7358-7372. [PMID: 37781974 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00598d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a signature of extremely high matrix stiffness caused by a special desmoplastic reaction, which dynamically stiffens along with the pathological process. The poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate of PDAC are partly owing to chemoresistance triggered by substrate stiffness. Understanding the potential mechanisms of matrix stiffness causing PDAC chemoresistance is of great significance. In this study, methacrylated gelatin hydrogel was used as platform for PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa2 cell culture. The results indicated that compared to soft substrate, stiff substrate distinctively reduced the gemcitabine sensitivity of pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, western blot and qRT-PCR assay showcased that the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3 were elevated. The observations indicate that matrix stiffness may regulate the autophagy level, which plays a vital role during chemoresistance. In brief, soft substrate exhibited low autophagy level, while the counterpart displayed elevated autophagy level. In order to elucidate the underlying interaction between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and chemoresistance, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted. We found that inhibiting cell autophagy dramatically increased the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine in the stiff group, while promoting autophagy-driven chemoresistance in the soft group, demonstrating that matrix stiffness modulated chemoresistance via autophagy. Furthermore, RNA-seq results showed that miR-1972 may regulate autophagy level in response to matrix stiffness. Overall, our research shed light on the synergistic therapy of PDAC combined with gemcitabine and chloroquine, which is conducive to promoting a therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haopeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Shajun Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Tiancheng Gong
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Di Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yahong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Jiashuai Yan
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chaolun Dai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yumin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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9
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Zhao B, Lv Y. A biomechanical view of epigenetic tumor regulation. J Biol Phys 2023; 49:283-307. [PMID: 37004697 PMCID: PMC10397176 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors depend on a complex regulation by not only biochemical cues, but also biomechanical factors in tumor microenvironment. With the development of epigenetic theory, the regulation of biomechanical stimulation on tumor progress genetically is not enough to fully illustrate the mechanism of tumorigenesis. However, biomechanical regulation on tumor progress epigenetically is still in its infancy. Therefore, it is particularly important to integrate the existing relevant researches and develop the potential exploration. This work sorted out the existing researches on the regulation of tumor by biomechanical factors through epigenetic means, which contains summarizing the tumor epigenetic regulatory mode by biomechanical factors, exhibiting the influence of epigenetic regulation under mechanical stimulation, illustrating its existing applications, and prospecting the potential. This review aims to display the relevant knowledge through integrating the existing studies on epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis under mechanical stimulation so as to provide theoretical basis and new ideas for potential follow-up research and clinical applications. Mechanical factors under physiological conditions stimulate the tumor progress through epigenetic ways, and new strategies are expected to be found with the development of epidrugs and related delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Zhao
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, No. 1 Sunshine Avenue, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430200, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Safaei S, Sajed R, Shariftabrizi A, Dorafshan S, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Dehghan Manshadi M, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:143. [PMID: 37468874 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Roya Sajed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shariftabrizi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Leili Saeednejad Zanjani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
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11
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Frtús A, Smolková B, Uzhytchak M, Lunova M, Jirsa M, Petrenko Y, Dejneka A, Lunov O. Mechanical Regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Function in a 3D-Engineered Liver Tumor Microenvironment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2408-2425. [PMID: 37001010 PMCID: PMC10170482 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
It has become evident that physical stimuli of the cellular microenvironment transmit mechanical cues regulating key cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and malignant transformation. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumor cells face variable mechanical stimuli that may induce metabolic rewiring of tumor cells. However, the knowledge of how tumor cells adapt metabolism to external mechanical cues is still limited. We therefore designed soft 3D collagen scaffolds mimicking a pathological mechanical environment to decipher how liver tumor cells would adapt their metabolic activity to physical stimuli of the cellular microenvironment. Here, we report that the soft 3D microenvironment upregulates the glycolysis of HepG2 and Alexander cells. Both cell lines adapt their mitochondrial activity and function under growth in the soft 3D microenvironment. Cells grown in the soft 3D microenvironment exhibit marked mitochondrial depolarization, downregulation of mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I, and slow proliferation rate in comparison with stiff monolayer cultures. Our data reveal the coupling of liver tumor glycolysis to mechanical cues. It is proposed here that soft 3D collagen scaffolds can serve as a useful model for future studies of mechanically regulated cellular functions of various liver (potentially other tissues as well) tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Frtús
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Smolková
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Uzhytchak
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Lunova
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague 14021, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague 14021, Czech Republic
| | - Yuriy Petrenko
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
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12
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Han SJ, Kwon S, Kim KS. Contribution of mechanical homeostasis to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1119-1136. [PMID: 36149601 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system and bloodstream. With tremendous effort over the past decades, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of metastatic processes. Metastasis occurs through five steps, including infiltration and migration, intravasation, survival, extravasation, and colonization. Various molecular and cellular factors involved in the metastatic process have been identified, such as epigenetic factors of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell-cell interactions, soluble signaling, adhesion molecules, and mechanical stimuli. However, the underlying cause of cancer metastasis has not been elucidated. CONCLUSION In this review, we have focused on changes in the mechanical properties of cancer cells and their surrounding environment to understand the causes of cancer metastasis. Cancer cells have unique mechanical properties that distinguish them from healthy cells. ECM stiffness is involved in cancer cell growth, particularly in promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During tumorigenesis, the mechanical properties of cancer cells change in the direction opposite to their environment, resulting in a mechanical stress imbalance between the intracellular and extracellular domains. Disruption of mechanical homeostasis may be one of the causes of EMT that triggers the metastasis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jik Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
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13
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Motofei IG. Biology of cancer; from cellular and molecular mechanisms to developmental processes and adaptation. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:600-615. [PMID: 34695580 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer research has been largely focused on the cellular and molecular levels of investigation. Recent data show that not only the cell but also the extracellular matrix plays a major role in the progression of malignancy. In this way, the cells and the extracellular matrix create a specific local microenvironment that supports malignant development. At the same time, cancer implies a systemic evolution which is closely related to developmental processes and adaptation. Consequently, there is currently a real gap between the local investigation of cancer at the microenvironmental level, and the pathophysiological approach to cancer as a systemic disease. In fact, the cells and the matrix are not only complementary structures but also interdependent components that act synergistically. Such relationships lead to cell-matrix integration, a supracellular form of biological organization that supports tissue development. The emergence of this supracellular level of organization, as a structure, leads to the emergence of the supracellular control of proliferation, as a supracellular function. In humans, proliferation is generally involved in developmental processes and adaptation. These processes suppose a specific configuration at the systemic level, which generates high-order guidance for local supracellular control of proliferation. In conclusion, the supracellular control of proliferation act as an interface between the downstream level of cell division and differentiation, and upstream level of developmental processes and adaptation. Understanding these processes and their disorders is useful not only to complete the big picture of malignancy as a systemic disease, but also to open new treatment perspectives in the form of etiopathogenic (supracellular or informational) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Oncology/ Surgery, Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Bucharest, 020021, Romania.
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14
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Chen Q, Yang SB, Zhang YW, Han SY, Jia L, Li B, Zhang Y, Zuo S. miR-3682-3p directly targets FOXO3 and stimulates tumor stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via a positive feedback loop involving FOXO3/PI3K/AKT/c-Myc. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:539-555. [PMID: 36157524 PMCID: PMC9350627 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i7.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor recurrence and metastasis are key therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. MicroRNAs display therapeutic potential by controlling the properties of CSCs; however, whether an association exists between miR-3682-3p and CSCs is unknown.
AIM To investigate the mechanism by which miR-3682-3p promotes stemness maintenance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS MiR-3682-3p expression in HCC cell lines and 34 pairs of normal and HCC specimens was assayed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The functional role of miR-3682-3p was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed for target assessment, and western blotting was utilized to confirm miR-3682-3p/target relationships.
RESULTS We found that miR-3682-3p plays a key role in HCC pathogenesis by promoting HCC cell stemness. The upregulation of miR-3682-3p enhanced CSC spheroid-forming ability, side population cell fractions, and the expression of CSC factors in HCC cells in vitro and the tumorigenicity of transplanted HCC cells in vivo. Furthermore, silencing miR-3682-3p prolonged the survival of HCC-bearing mice. Mechanistically, we found that miR-3682-3p targets FOXO3 and enables FOXO3/β-catenin interaction, which promotes c-Myc expression through PI3K/AKT; c-Myc, in turn, activates miR-3682-3p, forming a positive feedback loop. Intriguingly, miR-3682-3p expression was induced by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and was involved in HBx-induced tumor stemness-related pathogenesis.
CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which miR-3682-3p promotes stemness in HCC stem cells. Silencing miR-3682-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Si-Bo Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ye-Wei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
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15
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Liu Z, Fu J, Yuan H, Ma B, Cao Z, Chen Y, Xing C, Niu X, Li N, Wang H, An H. Polyisocyanide hydrogels with tunable nonlinear elasticity mediate liver carcinoma cell functional response. Acta Biomater 2022; 148:152-162. [PMID: 35718101 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma development is closely related to the changes in tissue mechanics induced by excess collagen deposition and crosslinking, which leads to liver fibrosis and malignant progression. The role of matrix stiffness has been widely assessed using various linearly elastic materials. However, the liver, like many soft tissues, also exhibits nonlinear elasticity by strain-stiffening, allowing cells to mechanically interact with their micromilieus which has attracted much attention in cellular processes recently. Here, we use a biomimetic hydrogel grafting of GRGDS peptide with tunable nonlinear mechanical properties, polyisocyanides (PIC), to investigate the influence of strain-stiffening on HepG2 liver cancer cell behavior by tuning PIC polymer length. Compared to short PIC polymer with lower critical stress, PIC hydrogels composed of long polymer with higher critical stress promote the motility and invasiveness of HepG2 cells, and induce more actin stress fibers and higher expression level of mechanotransducer YAP and its nuclear translocation. Strikingly, the expression of calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1, an important biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma, is also affected by the mechanical property of PIC hydrogels. It was also shown that downregulating the KCa3.1 channel can be achieved by inhibiting the formation of actin fibers. Our findings imply that the strain-stiffening property of PIC hydrogels affects the expression of KCa3.1 potassium channel via mediating cytoskeletal stress fiber formation, and ultimately influences the liver carcinoma cell functional response. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of nonlinear elasticity by strain-stiffening, is assessed in HepG2 liver cancer cell behavior by using a biomimetic hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties, polyisocyanides (PIC). PIC gels with higher critical stress promote the motility and invasiveness of HepG2 cells and induce upregulated expression levels of KCa3.1 potassium channel and YAP, but which can be suppressed by inhibiting the formation of actin fibers. Our findings imply that the strain-stiffening property of PIC gels influences the expression of KCa3.1 potassium channel via mediating cytoskeletal stress fiber formation and, ultimately affects the liver carcinoma cell functional response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Jingxuan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Biao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Zhanshuo Cao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Yafei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Chengfen Xing
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Xuezhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
| | - Hailong An
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China.
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16
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Liu S, Wen Y, Quan B, Lin J, Zhu Z, Tang J, Han S. [High expression of miR-3682-3p is an unfavorable prognostic factor of hepatocellular carcinoma]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1885-1891. [PMID: 35012923 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.12.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of miR-3682-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis of HCC. METHODS We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of the expression of miR-3682-3p in HCC and its correlation with the patients' survival, and examined its expression in 18 pairs of fresh and 90 pairs of paraffin-embedded HCC and adjacent tissues using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization, respectively. The correlation of miR-3682-3p expression in HCC with the clinical parameters and prognosis of the patients was analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to explore the possibility of miR-3682-3p expression as an independent prognostic factor of HCC. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-3682-3p was highly expressed in HCC and significantly correlated with the survival time of HCC patients (χ2=8.793, P < 0.001). The expression of miR-3682-3p was significantly up-regulated in fresh HCC tissues as compared with the adjacent liver tissues (t=3.073, P=0.007). In paraffin-embedded samples, in situ hybridization revealed positive miR-3682-3p expression in the cytoplasm of HCC and adjacent tissues, and its expression was signifcantly up-regulated in HCC tissues (t=2.659, P=0.009). The expression level of miR-3682-3p was significantly correlated with American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC; 8th edition) stage (χ2=4.272, P= 0.039), HBV surface antigen status (χ2=5.143, P=0.023), recurrence (χ2=4.593, P=0.032), tumor size (χ2=4.580, P=0.032) and Edmondson Steiner grade (χ2=4.068, P=0.044). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a higher expression of miR-3682-3p was associated with a shorter overall survival time (χ2=4.169, P=0.041) and disease-free survival time (χ2=4.078, P=0.043) of the patients. Multivariate analysis suggested that miR-3682-3p expression was an independent predictor of the prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSION MiR-3682-3p is up-regulated in HCC to serve as a significant factor that contributes to the occurrence and a poor prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Y Wen
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China.,Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - B Quan
- Department of Oncology, Songshanhu Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - J Lin
- Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Z Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - J Tang
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - S Han
- Department of Oncology, Songshanhu Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523000, China
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17
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Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhang W, Yue Y, Qian W, Wang Z. Matrix stiffness and its influence on pancreatic diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188583. [PMID: 34139274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The matrix stiffness of the extracellular matrix(ECM), which is the slow elastic force on cells, has gradually become investigated. And a higher stiffness could induce changes in cell biological behaviors and activation of internal signaling pathways. Imbalanced stiffness of ECM is associated with a number of diseases, including pancreatic disease. In this review, we discuss the components of the ECM and the increased stiffness caused by unbalanced ECM changes. Next, we describe how matrix stiffness transmits mechanical signals and what signaling pathways are altered within the cell in detail. Finally, we discuss the effect of ECM on the behavior of pancreatic diseases from the perspective of matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
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18
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Luo YH, Huang ZT, Zong KZ, Cao ZR, Peng DD, Zhou BY, Shen A, Yan P, Wu ZJ. miR-194 ameliorates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via targeting PHLDA1 in a TRAF6-dependent manner. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107604. [PMID: 33839577 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable pathological process in liver resection, shock and transplantation. However, the internal mechanism of hepatic IRI, including inflammatory transduction of multiple signaling pathways, is not fully understood. In the present study, we identified pleckstrin homology-like domain family member 1 (PHLDA1), suppressed by microRNA (miR)-194, as a critical intersection of dual inflammatory signals in hepatic IRI. PHLDA1 was upregulated in hepatic IRI with a concomitant downregulation of miR-194. Overexpression of miR-194 diminished PHLDA1 and inhibitors of the nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK) pathway, thus leading to remission of hepatic pathological injury, apoptosis and release of cytokines. Further enrichment of PHLDA1 reversed the function of miR-194 both in vivo and in vitro. For an in-depth query, we verified PHLDA1 as a direct target of miR-194. Notably, inflammatory signal transduction of PHLDA1 was induced by activating TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), sequentially initiating IKK and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), both of which aggravate stress and inflammation in hepatic IRI. In conclusion, the miR-194/PHLDA1 axis was a key upstream regulator of IKK and MAPK in hepatic IRI. Targeting PHLDA1 might be a potential strategy for hepatic IRI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hai Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zuo-Tian Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke-Zhen Zong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhen-Rui Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Da-Di Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bao-Yong Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ai Shen
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ping Yan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhong-Jun Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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19
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Yao B, Li Y, Chen T, Niu Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Wei X, Liu Q, Tu K. Hypoxia-induced cofilin 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the PLD1/AKT pathway. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e366. [PMID: 33784016 PMCID: PMC7982636 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth fatal malignant tumour type worldwide. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in HCC progression remains unclear. METHODS Three pairs of HCC and matched portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) tissue samples were analysed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay to investigate the differentially expressed proteins. Real-time quantitative PCR, immunostaining, and immunoblotting were performed to detect cofilin 1 (CFL1) in HCC and non-tumour tissues. CCK8 and EdU, and Transwell assays, respectively, determined cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Further, subcutaneous and tail vein injection were performed in nude mice for investigating HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Regulatory effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on CFL1 was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Finally, interaction between CFL1 and phospholipase D1 (PLD1) was studied using immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. RESULTS The iTRAQ analysis identified expression of CFL1 to be significantly upregulated in PVTT than in HCC tissues. Increased expression of CFL1 was closely associated with unfavourable clinical features, and was an independent risk predictor of overall survival in HCC patients. The knockdown of CFL1 inhibited cell growth viability, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in HCC cells. Furthermore, CFL1 silencing significantly suppressed the growth and lung metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. Next, HIF-1α directly regulated CFL1 transcription by binding to the hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) in the promoter. Moreover, we disclosed the interaction between CFL1 and PLD1 in HCC cells using IP assay. Mechanistically, CFL1 maintained PLD1 expression by repressing ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, thereby activating AKT signalling in HCC cells. Notably, the CFL1/PLD1 axis was found mediating the hypoxia-induced activation of the AKT pathway and EMT. CONCLUSION The analysis suggests that hypoxia-induced CFL1 increases the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in HCC by activating the PLD1/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yazhao Li
- Center for Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yongshen Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Xinyu Wei
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
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