1
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Di YP, Kuhn JM, Mangoni ML. Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides: from host defense to therapeutic strategies. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1643-1677. [PMID: 39052018 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Representing severe morbidity and mortality globally, respiratory infections associated with chronic respiratory diseases, including complicated pneumonia, asthma, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are a major public health concern. Lung health and the prevention of pulmonary disease rely on the mechanisms of airway surface fluid secretion, mucociliary clearance, and adequate immune response to eradicate inhaled pathogens and particulate matter from the environment. The antimicrobial proteins and peptides contribute to maintaining an antimicrobial milieu in human lungs to eliminate pathogens and prevent them from causing pulmonary diseases. The predominant antimicrobial molecules of the lung environment include human α- and β-defensins and cathelicidins, among numerous other host defense molecules with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity such as PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) family proteins, elafin, collectins, lactoferrin, lysozymes, mucins, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor, surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D, and RNases. It has been demonstrated that changes in antimicrobial molecule expression levels are associated with regulating inflammation, potentiating exacerbations, pathological changes, and modifications in chronic lung disease severity. Antimicrobial molecules also display roles in both anticancer and tumorigenic effects. Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides are promising alternative therapeutics for treating and preventing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpu Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jenna Marie Kuhn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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2
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Lin Z, Assaraf YG, Kwok HF. Peptides for microbe-induced cancers: latest therapeutic strategies and their advanced technologies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4. [PMID: 39008152 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern associated with multiple distinct factors, including microbial and viral infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the role of microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as viruses for example human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the development of human malignancies. Substantial attention has been focused on the treatment of these microorganism- and virus-associated cancers, with promising outcomes observed in studies employing peptide-based therapies. The current paper provides an overview of microbe- and virus-induced cancers and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss an assortment of peptide-based therapies which are currently being developed, including tumor-targeting peptides and microbial/viral peptide-based vaccines. We describe the major technological advancements that have been made in the design, screening, and delivery of peptides as anticancer agents. The primary focus of the current review is to provide insight into the latest research and development in this field and to provide a realistic glimpse into the future of peptide-based therapies for microbe- and virus-induced neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Lab, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Instituteof Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
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3
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Papa V, Li Pomi F, Borgia F, Vaccaro M, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. Alarmins in cutaneous malignant melanoma: An updated overview of emerging evidence on their pathogenetic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic role. J Dermatol 2024; 51:927-938. [PMID: 38775220 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Malignant cutaneous melanoma is the leading cause of death for skin cancer to date, with globally increasing incidence rates. In this epidemiological scenario, international scientific research is exerting efforts to identify new clinical strategies aimed at the prognostic amelioration of the disease. Very promising and groundbreaking in this context is the scientific interest related to alarmins and their pioneering utility in the setting of the pathogenetic understanding, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for malignant cutaneous melanoma. However, the scientific investigations on this matter should not overlook their still well-presented dual and contradictory role. The aim of our critical analysis is to provide an up-to-date overview of the emerging evidence concerning the dichotomous role of alarmins in the aforementioned clinical settings. Our literature revision was based on the extensive body of both preclinical and clinical findings published on the PubMed database over the past 5 years. In addition to this, we offer a special focus on potentially revolutionary new therapeutic frontiers, which, on the strength of their earliest successes in other clinical areas, could inaugurate a new era of personalized and precision medicine in the field of dermato-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Papa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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4
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Zhang Z, Westover D, Tang Z, Liu Y, Sun J, Sun Y, Zhang R, Wang X, Zhou S, Hesilaiti N, Xia Q, Du Z. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development and therapeutic resistance of non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:565. [PMID: 38872189 PMCID: PMC11170811 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a critical pathway that influences development and therapeutic response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In recent years, many Wnt regulators, including proteins, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been found to promote or inhibit signaling by acting on Wnt proteins, receptors, signal transducers and transcriptional effectors. The identification of these regulators and their underlying molecular mechanisms provides important implications for how to target this pathway therapeutically. In this review, we summarize recent studies of Wnt regulators in the development and therapeutic response of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Zhang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - David Westover
- High-Throughput Analytics, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Zhantong Tang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jinghan Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Yunxi Sun
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Runqing Zhang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Shihui Zhou
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Nigaerayi Hesilaiti
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Qi Xia
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Zhenfang Du
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China.
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5
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Huang Q, Xiao Y, Lan T, Lu Y, Huang L, Zheng D. WNT7A promotes tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via activating FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 signaling. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:7. [PMID: 38246919 PMCID: PMC10800352 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling are critical pathway involved in organ development, tumorigenesis, and cancer progression. WNT7A, a member of the Wnt family, remains poorly understood in terms of its role and the underlying molecular mechanisms it entails in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). According to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), transcriptome sequencing data of HNSCC, the expression level of WNT7A in tumors was found to be higher than in adjacent normal tissues, which was validated using Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Unexpectedly, overexpression of WNT7A did not activate the canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway in HNSCC. Instead, our findings suggested that WNT7A potentially activated the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to enhanced cell proliferation, self-renewal, and resistance to apoptosis. Furthermore, in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor model, high expression of WNT7A and phosphorylated STAT3 was observed, which positively correlated with tumor progression. These findings underscore the significance of WNT7A in HNSCC progression and propose the targeting of key molecules within the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 pathway as a promising strategy for precise treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting Lan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youguang Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Dali Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Zhang H, Yuan X, Yang Y, Wanyan Y, Tao L, Chen Y. Cathelicidin LL-37 promotes EMT, migration and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and mouse model. Cell Adh Migr 2023; 17:20-34. [PMID: 36656313 PMCID: PMC9858423 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2023.2168231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of cathelicidin hCAP18/LL-37 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis remains unclear. Here, we confirmed that LL-37 expression enhanced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion in HCC cells. And the HER2/EGFR-MAPK/ERK signal participated in the process above. More frequent lung metastases were observed in an LL-37-overexpressing hematogenous metastasis model. Interestingly, 1,25(OH)2D3 together with si-LL-37 significantly enhanced 1,25(OH)2D3-induced inhibition of migration and invasion in PLC/PRF-5 cells, and also enhanced reversion of the EMT process. Therefore, LL-37 is involved in HCC metastases, and may act as an important factor to attenuate the inhibitory activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 on HCC metastasis. Targeting hCAP18/LL-37 may offer a potential strategy to improve the anticancer activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueli Yuan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangke Wanyan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,CONTACT Yuqing Chen Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, 1# Wenyuan Rd, Nanjing210000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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7
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Petrohilos C, Patchett A, Hogg CJ, Belov K, Peel E. Tasmanian devil cathelicidins exhibit anticancer activity against Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12698. [PMID: 37542170 PMCID: PMC10403513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is endangered due to the spread of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer with no current treatment options. Here we test whether seven recently characterized Tasmanian devil cathelicidins are involved in cancer regulation. We measured DFTD cell viability in vitro following incubation with each of the seven peptides and describe the effect of each on gene expression in treated cells. Four cathelicidins (Saha-CATH3, 4, 5 and 6) were toxic to DFTD cells and caused general signs of cellular stress. The most toxic peptide (Saha-CATH5) also suppressed the ERBB and YAP1/TAZ signaling pathways, both of which have been identified as important drivers of cancer proliferation. Three cathelicidins induced inflammatory pathways in DFTD cells that may potentially recruit immune cells in vivo. This study suggests that devil cathelicidins have some anti-cancer and inflammatory functions and should be explored further to determine whether they have potential as treatment leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleopatra Petrohilos
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Patchett
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Deņisova A, Pilmane M, Kažoka D. Antimicrobial Peptides and Interleukins in Cleft Soft Palate. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1162. [PMID: 37508659 PMCID: PMC10378461 DOI: 10.3390/children10071162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cleft palate is one of the most common and well-studied congenital anomalies; however, the role of protective tissue factors in its pathophysiology is still debated. The aim of our study was to evaluate interleukin and antimicrobial peptide appearance and distribution in cleft palate. Eight soft palate samples were obtained during veloplasty procedures. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect HBD-2-, HBD-3-, HBD-4-, LL-37-, IL-10-, and CD-163-positive cells via light microscopy. For statistical evaluation, the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used. A significant difference between study groups was observed for HBD-2 and IL-10 in epithelial and connective tissue as well as HBD-4 in connective tissue. The number of HBD-3-positive cells was moderate in the patients, and few were observed in the controls. The number of LL-37-positive cells varied from a moderate amount to a numerous amount in both study groups, whilst CD-163 marked a moderate number of positive cells in patients, and a few-to-moderate amount was observed in the controls. Numerous correlations between studied factors were revealed in cleft tissues. The increase in antimicrobial peptides HBD-2 and HBD-4 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 suggested a wide compensatory elevation of the local immune system against cleft-raised tissue changes. The correlations between the studied factors (HBD-2, HBD-3, HBD-4, LL-37, and IL-10) proved the synergistic involvement of common local defense factors in postnatal cleft palate morphopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arina Deņisova
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
| | - Māra Pilmane
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dzintra Kažoka
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
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Chang W, Zhu J, Yang D, Shang A, Sun Z, Quan W, Li D. Plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican as potential diagnostic markers for non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Res 2023; 24:140. [PMID: 37259101 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aimed to investigate the expression of plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with clinicopathological features, and to evaluate its diagnostic performance in NSCLC and its predictive function for NSCLC incidence and metastasis risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS There were 110 instances of NSCLC, 42 cases of benign lung disease, and 55 healthy controls from September 2018 to October 2020 at Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University. Blood was collected and plasma was separated before surgery, and plasma exosomes were extracted by ExoQuick kit. Morphological and molecular phenotype identification of exosomes was performed by transmission electron microscopy, Nanosight particle tracking analysis, and western blotting. Plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican were detected in all subjects to assess their expression levels and diagnostic value in NSCLC. Clinicopathological data were collected to explore correlations between abnormal plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican expression and clinicopathological parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to judge its diagnostic performance in NSCLC, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict the risk of NSCLC incidence and metastasis. RESULTS Plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican expression in NSCLC patients was significantly upregulated and was significantly higher in T3 + T4 patients compared with T1 + T2 patients (P < 0.05); the levels of plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastases (e.g., brain, bone), and mutation(e.g., EGFR,ALK)in NSCLC patients (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, ROC curve analysis showed that plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican had higher AUC values than NSE, CYFRA21-1, and SCC, and better diagnostic performance in NSCLC patients. However, the AUC and diagnostic performances of plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican in advanced-stage NSCLC patients were not shown to be significantly better than CEA. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of plasma exosomal versican had higher predictive value for lung cancer incidence, while high levels of plasma versican had higher predictive value for lung cancer metastasis. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that plasma versican and plasma exosomal versican might be potential diagnostic markers for NSCLC. High plasma exosomal versican expression can be used as a predictor of NSCLC risk and high plasma versican expression can be used as a predictor of NSCLC metastasis risk.
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Grants
- 81902984, 81974314, 82072362, 82002223 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 81902984, 81974314, 82072362, 82002223 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 81902984, 81974314, 82072362, 82002223 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 81902984, 81974314, 82072362, 82002223 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- GWV-10.1-XK04 Shanghai Public Health System Construction Three-Year Action Plan
- 20204Y0070 Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jichao Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, 313003, China
| | - Dianyu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Zujun Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Wenqiang Quan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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10
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Yang M, Liu S, Zhang C. Antimicrobial peptides with antiviral and anticancer properties and their modification and nanodelivery systems. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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11
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Stakheev D, Taborska P, Kalkusova K, Bartunkova J, Smrz D. LL-37 as a Powerful Molecular Tool for Boosting the Performance of Ex Vivo-Produced Human Dendritic Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122747. [PMID: 36559241 PMCID: PMC9780902 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo-produced dendritic cells (DCs) constitute the core of active cellular immunotherapy (ACI) for cancer treatment. After many disappointments in clinical trials, the current protocols for their preparation are attempting to boost their therapeutic efficacy by enhancing their functionality towards Th1 response and capability to induce the expansion of cytotoxic tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide with strong immunomodulatory potential. This potential was previously found to either enhance or suppress the desired anti-tumor DC functionality when used at different phases of their ex vivo production. In this work, we show that LL-37 can be implemented during the whole process of DC production in a way that allows LL-37 to enhance the anti-tumor functionality of produced DCs. We found that the supplementation of LL-37 during the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs showed only a tendency to enhance their in vitro-induced lymphocyte enrichment with CD8+ T cells. The supplementation of LL-37 also during the process of DC antigen loading (pulsation) and maturation significantly enhanced the cell culture enrichment with CD8+ T cells. Moreover, this enrichment was also associated with the downregulated expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, significantly higher frequency of tumor cell-reactive CD8+ T cells, and superior in vitro cytotoxicity against tumor cells. These data showed that LL-37 implementation into the whole process of the ex vivo production of DCs could significantly boost their anti-tumor performance in ACI.
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12
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Tian S, Lu Y, Gao H, Chen Z, Niu M, Wang C, Liu B. Epirubicin may enhance the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by iodine‐125 seeds through downregulating WNT pathway. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2022; 19:355-364. [DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Tian
- Department of Interventional MedicineShandong Cancer Hospital and InstituteShandong First Medical UniversityShandong Academy of Medical Sciences JinanChina
| | - Yue Lu
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong University JinanChina
| | - Haifeng Gao
- Department of OncologyDongying People's Hospital DongyingChina
| | - Zitong Chen
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong University JinanChina
| | - Min Niu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryTraditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jiyang County JinanChina
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of RadiologyPeople's Hospital of Jiyang County JinanChina
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Interventional MedicineThe Second Hospital of Shandong University JinanChina
- Interventional Oncology Institute of Shandong University JinanChina
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Wu J, Chen G, Wang W, Yang Y, Yuan Y, Shang A, Quan W, Wang L. GTPBP4: A New Therapeutic Target Gene Promotes Tumor Progression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via EMT. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:2164897. [PMID: 36405249 PMCID: PMC9674418 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2164897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer has a complex etiology involving multiple regulatory systems. Uncertainty about the biology and evolution of lung cancer has made it difficult to improve its poor prognosis. To create efficient therapeutic targets and optimal molecular screening tools for lung cancer, the most important task seems to be to understand how it develops and progresses. The expression and regulation of GTPBP4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not well understood. Using methods such as knocking down GTPBP4 in lung cancer cells and establishing a mouse lung cancer model, we found that the expression of GTPBP4 was upregulated in human lung adenocarcinoma cells and tissues, and that knocking down the expression of the GTPBP4 gene in A549 and Calu-1 lung adenocarcinoma cells can inhibit the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells and reduce their invasion ability. The results of the mouse lung cancer model showed that the lung weight and the number of lung surface nodules decreased significantly in the LLC-GTPBP4 KO group. The mechanism by which GTPBP4 regulation affects the progression of lung adenocarcinoma may be related to the regulation of EMT. From this study, new research ideas emerge to explore GTPBP4 as a biomarker and therapeutic target for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlu Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Center for Laboratory Medicine and School of Clinical Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750003, Ningxia, China
| | - Guofei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Suzhou 215101, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tinghu People's Hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Radiology, Luodian Hospital, Baoshan District, Shanghai 201908, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Wenqiang Quan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Center for Laboratory Medicine and School of Clinical Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750003, Ningxia, China
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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14
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Lu F, Zhu Y, Zhang G, Liu Z. Renovation as innovation: Repurposing human antibacterial peptide LL-37 for cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944147. [PMID: 36081952 PMCID: PMC9445486 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display wide activities in innate host defense against microbial pathogens. Mammalian AMPs include the cathelicidin and defensin families. LL37 is the only one member of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides expressed in humans. Since its discovery, it has become clear that they have pleiotropic effects. In addition to its antibacterial properties, many studies have shown that LL37 is also involved in a wide variety of biological activities, including tissue repair, inflammatory responses, hemotaxis, and chemokine induction. Moreover, recent studies suggest that LL37 exhibits the intricate and contradictory effects in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that human LL37 including its fragments and analogs shows anticancer effects on many kinds of cancer cell lines, although LL37 is also involved in cancer progression. Focusing on recent information, in this review, we explore and summarize how LL37 contributes to anticancer effect as well as discuss the strategies to enhance delivery of this peptide and selectivity for cancer cells.
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15
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TRIM50 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer via Promoting β-Catenin Degradation. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5936753. [PMID: 36046365 PMCID: PMC9423946 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5936753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis. Tripartite motif-containing 50 (TRIM50) belongs to the TRIM family and is reported to be related to numerous cancers. This study aimed to investigate the function of TRIM50 in GC. Methods Three microarray datasets (GSE13911, GSE79973, and GSE19826) containing GC and adjacent nontumor tissues were used for bioinformatics analysis to screen GC-related genes and assess the associations between GC development and TRIM50 expression. Then, TRIM50 expression in GC cells was detected at mRNA and protein levels. After TRIM50 was knockdown or overexpressed, the effect of TRIM50 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, scratch, and Transwell assays. The interaction between TRIM50 and β-catenin was analyzed. The expression of cell cycle-, migration-, invasion-, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins was detected by Western blot. Furthermore, we measured the role of TRIM50 overexpression on tumor growth as well as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vivo. In addition, XAV939 (a WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor) was used to clarify the mechanism of TRIM50 on GC. Results Bioinformatics revealed that TRIM50 expression was decreased in GC samples and associated with GC development. In vitro study revealed that TRIM50 overexpression impeded the GC cell proliferation and metastasis, while TRIM50 knockdown presented the opposite results. In addition, TRIM50 interacted with β-catenin to induce the degradation of β-catenin. In in vivo assay, TRIM50 overexpression inhibited tumor growth and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, TRIM50 knockdown-promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in GC cells were inverted by XAV939. Conclusion TRIM50 overexpression may inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis in GC via β-catenin degradation, indicating that TRIM50 could be a target for the treatment of GC.
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16
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Liang J, Chen J, Ye Z, Bao D. Cathelicidin LL-37 improves bone metabolic balance in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis via the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Physiol Res 2022; 71:369-377. [PMID: 35616038 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone microarchitecture due to the abnormal activity of osteoclasts. Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides present in the lysosomes of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. LL-37, a cathelicidin, induces various biological effects, including modulation of the immune system, angiogenesis, wound healing, cancer growth, as well as inflammation, and bone loss. A previous study reported direct involvement of LL-37 suppressing osteoclastogenesis in humans. Here, we examined the role of LL-37 in the treatment of osteoporosis using an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model. Our results showed that LL-37 significantly reduced bone loss and pathological injury in OVX rats with osteoporosis. Furthermore, we found that LL-37 significantly increased the activity of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in OVX rats with osteoporosis, including the increased expression of beta-catenin, Osterix (Osx), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), whereas XAV-939, an inhibitor of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, significantly blocked the effects of LL-37 on bone loss and abnormal bone metabolism. Altogether, our findings suggested that LL-37 exerted a protective role in regulating bone loss and abnormal bone metabolism in rats with osteoporosis by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, China.
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17
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Zhuang Y, Zhou J, Liu S, Wang Q, Qian J, Zou X, Peng H, Xue T, Jin Z, Wu C. Yiqi Jianpi Huayu Jiedu Decoction Inhibits Metastasis of Colon Adenocarcinoma by Reversing Hsa-miR-374a-3p/Wnt3/β-Catenin-Mediated Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Cellular Plasticity. Front Oncol 2022; 12:904911. [PMID: 35837105 PMCID: PMC9273741 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.904911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) accounts for 95% of colon cancer cases, with the 5-year survival rate significantly affected by local or distant metastases. Yiqi Jianpi Huayu Jiedu decoction (YJHJD), based on the theory of “nourish qi, invigorate the spleen, remove blood stasis, and detoxify”, has long been applied and shown to be remarkable in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of YJHJD have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we first confirmed hsa-miR-374a-3p as a tumor suppressor based on its lower expression in the plasma of patients with COAD with liver metastasis and association with more advanced local progression. We also verified WNT3 as a potential target of hsa-miR-374a-3p and observed its increased expression in COAD tissues. Furthermore, we showed that the hsa-miR-374a-3p/Wnt3/β-catenin axis was responsible for epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cellular plasticity in COAD, as well as poorer patient prognosis. Our results showed that YJHJD inhibited motility and colony potential in vitro, as well as liver metastasis of COAD in vivo. Moreover, YJHJD induced a reversal of EMT and cellular plasticity-related molecular expression, increased hsa-miR-374a-3p, and decreased Wnt3 and β-catenin levels. In addition, silencing of hsa-miR-374a-3p weakened YJHJD inhibition, whereas the β-catenin inhibitor XAV939 partially repaired it. Taken together, these results demonstrated that YJHJD suppressed the EMT and cellular plasticity of COAD by regulating hsa-miR-374a-3p/Wnt3/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shenlin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Department of Education, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhichao Jin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cunen Wu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Cunen Wu,
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18
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Cathelicidin hCAP18/LL-37 promotes cell proliferation and suppresses antitumor activity of 1,25(OH) 2D 3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:27. [PMID: 35039485 PMCID: PMC8763942 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidin hCAP18/LL-37 can resist infection from various pathogens and is an essential component of the human immune system. Accumulating evidence has indicated that hCAP18/LL-37 plays a tissue-specific role in human cancer. However, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. The present study investigated the effects of hCAP18/LL-37 on HCC in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that hCAP18/LL-37 overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation of cultured HCC cells and the growth of PLC/PRF-5 xenograft tumor. Transcriptome sequencing analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt pathway was the most significant upregulated pathway induced by LL-37 overexpression. Further analysis demonstrated that hCAP18/LL-37 stimulated the phosphorylation of EGFR/HER2 and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway in HCC cells. Furthermore, stronger EGFR/HER2/Akt signals were observed in the PLC/PRF-5LL-37 xenograft tumor. Interestingly, even though the expression of hCAP18/LL-37 was significantly downregulated in HCC cells and tumors, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly upregulated the hCAP18/LL-37 level both in HCC cells and xenograft tumors. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 together with si-LL-37 significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the PLC/PRF-5 xenograft tumor. Collectively, these data suggest that hCAP18/LL-37 promotes HCC cells proliferation through stimulation of the EGFR/HER2/Akt signals and appears to suppress the antitumor activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 in HCC xenograft tumor. This implies that hCAP18/LL-37 may be an important target when aiming to improve the antitumor activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation therapy in HCC.
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Xiang F, Wang Y, Cao C, Li Q, Deng H, Zheng J, Liu X, Tan X. The Role of Kallikrein 7 in Tumorigenesis. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2617-2631. [PMID: 34525904 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210915104537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is a secreted serine protease with chymotrypsic protease activity. Abnormally high expression of KLK7 is closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of cancer. Therefore, KLK7 has been identified as a potential target for cancer drug development design in recent years. KLK7 mediates various biological and pathological processes in tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell metabolism, by hydrolyzing a series of substrates such as membrane proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, and cytokines. This review mainly introduces the downstream cell signaling pathways involved in the activation of KLK7 and its substrate-related proteins. This review will not only help us to better understand the mechanisms of KLK7 in regulating biological and pathological processes of cancer cells, but also lay a solid foundation for the design of inhibitors targeting KLK7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Xiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Yueqing Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Chunyu Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Qingyun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Hao Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China.,The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003. China
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Zhang QY, Yan ZB, Meng YM, Hong XY, Shao G, Ma JJ, Cheng XR, Liu J, Kang J, Fu CY. Antimicrobial peptides: mechanism of action, activity and clinical potential. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:48. [PMID: 34496967 PMCID: PMC8425997 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of bacterial infections is becoming a major clinical challenge due to the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria. As an excellent candidate to overcome antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are produced from the synthetic and natural sources demonstrate a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with the high specificity and low toxicity. These peptides possess distinctive structures and functions by employing sophisticated mechanisms of action. This comprehensive review provides a broad overview of AMPs from the origin, structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, biological activities to clinical applications. We finally discuss the strategies to optimize and develop AMP-based treatment as the potential antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue-Ming Meng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Hong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Shao
- Department of Oncology, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Jie Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu-Rui Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 555 Mission Bay Blvd. South, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jian Kang
- Oncogenic Signaling and Growth Control Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cai-Yun Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China.
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21
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Li W, Wu Y, Wang H, Dai L, Wang W, Zhu Y. Efficacy of continuous i.v. infusion of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced lung cancer. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:3278-3285. [PMID: 34017499 PMCID: PMC8129233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to observe the efficacy of continuous i.v. infusion of Recombinant Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor (rhVEGI) in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced lung cancer (ALC). METHODS Eighty-six patients with ALC treated at our hospital between November 2018 and May 2020 were divided into two groups of 43 patients each according to a random number table. The control group (CG) was treated with routine chemotherapy, and the experimental group (EG) was treated with continuous i.v. Infusion of rhVEGI plus chemotherapy. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy, toxic side effects, immune function (T-lymphocyte subsets CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+), changes in neovascular parameters (serum bFGF, VEGF, MMP-9), quality of life, and survival rate within 6 months between two groups. RESULTS The response rate (81.40%) was higher in the EG (60.47%) than in the CG (P<0.05). After treatment, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ increased in both groups, while CD8+, serum bFGF, VEGF, and MMP-9 levels decreased, and the improvement in the EG was better than that in the CG (P<0.05). Three months after treatment, all quality of life scores increased in both groups, and were higher in the EG than in the CG (P<0.05). The mortality rate (32.56%) was lower in the EG (32.56%) than in the CG (67.44%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Continuous i.v. infusion of rhVEGI combined with chemotherapy can effectively enhance clinical treatment efficacy, inhibit tumor cell growth, improve immune function, reduce mortality, and improve quality of life without increasing adverse effects in patients with ALC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityFuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityFuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lili Dai
- Department of Endocrinology, Funan County People’s HospitalFuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Funan County People’s HospitalFuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityFuyang, Anhui, China
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22
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Xie J, Huang L, Lu YG, Zheng DL. Roles of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:590912. [PMID: 33469547 PMCID: PMC7814318 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.590912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck tumor. It is a high incidence malignant tumor associated with a low survival rate and limited treatment options. Accumulating conclusions indicate that the Wnt signaling pathway plays a vital role in the pathobiological process of HNSCC. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway affects a variety of cellular progression, enabling tumor cells to maintain and further promote the immature stem-like phenotype, proliferate, prolong survival, and gain invasiveness. Genomic studies of head and neck tumors have shown that although β-catenin is not frequently mutated in HNSCC, its activity is not inhibited by mutations in upstream gene encoding β-catenin, NOTCH1, FAT1, and AJUBA. Genetic defects affect the components of the Wnt pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate inhibitors of the Wnt pathway. This paper aims to summarize the groundbreaking discoveries and recent advances involving the Wnt signaling pathway and highlight the relevance of this pathway in head and neck squamous cell cancer, which will help provide new insights into improving the treatment of human HNSCC by interfering with the transcriptional signaling of Wnt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - You-Guang Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Li Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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23
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Jiang Y, Liao H, Zhang X, Cao S, Hu X, Yang Z, Fang Y, Wang H. IL-33 synergistically promotes the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vitro by inducing antibacterial peptide LL-37 and proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Immunobiology 2020; 225:152025. [PMID: 33190003 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, and the persistent inflammation is inextricably linked with the lung cancer tumorigenesis. Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-33 (IL-33) is able to serve as a potent modulator of cancer. Mounting evidence indicates IL-33 has significant effect on lung cancer progression by regulating host immune response, but the current opinions about the function and mechanism of IL-33 in lung cancer are still controversial. Meanwhile, antibacterial peptide LL-37 also exerts a momentous effect on immune responses to lung cancer. LL-37 is regarded as versatile, including antimicrobial activities, chemotaxis and immunoregulation. However, the immunomodulatory mechanism of IL-33 and LL-37 in lung cancer remains thoroughly not defined. Here, we determined the secretion of LL-37 was up-regulated in lung cancer serum samples. Similarly, the expression of CRAMP was enhancive in macrophages after co-cultured with lung cancer cells. Moreover, we expounded that IL-33 could up-regulate LL-37 secretion in macrophages, resulting in the massive releases of IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, LL-37 cooperated with IL-33 to increase the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 pathways, and augmented IL-6 and IL-1β secretion, which resulting in the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vitro. In conclusion, our study identified that IL-33 aggravated the inflammation of lung cancer by increasing LL-37 expression in macrophages, thereby promoting lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro. It is contributed to our present understanding of the immunomodulatory relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibacterial peptides in the tumor immune response, and offer a novel perspective for controlling the progress of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinting Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongyi Liao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Sijia Cao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xuexue Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuting Fang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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24
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Zheng H, Yang Z, Xin Z, Yang Y, Yu Y, Cui J, Liu H, Chen F. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β: a promising candidate in the fight against fibrosis. Theranostics 2020; 10:11737-11753. [PMID: 33052244 PMCID: PMC7545984 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis exists in almost all organs/tissues of the human body, plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases and is also a hallmark of the aging process. However, there is no effective prevention or therapeutic method for fibrogenesis. As a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr)-protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a vital signaling mediator that participates in a variety of biological events and can inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, thereby exerting its protective role against the fibrosis of various organs/tissues, including the heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Moreover, we further present the upstream regulators and downstream effectors of the GSK-3β pathway during fibrosis and comprehensively summarize the roles of GSK-3β in the regulation of fibrosis and provide several potential targets for research. Collectively, the information reviewed here highlights recent advances vital for experimental research and clinical development, illuminating the possibility of GSK-3β as a novel therapeutic target for the management of tissue fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Zheng
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Zhenlong Xin
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jihong Cui
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Fulin Chen
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
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Hu W, Wang G, Yarmus LB, Wan Y. Combined Methylome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets for EGFR Wild Type Lung Cancers with Low PD-L1 Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092496. [PMID: 32899191 PMCID: PMC7563876 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Low expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCs) are refractory, and only few therapeutic options exist. This study aims to clarify the molecular basis of this special subtype of NSCLC and identify potential therapeutic targets. We performed integrating data from multiple sources including transcriptome, methylome, and clinical outcome to uncover the effect of epigenetic changes acting this special subtype lung cancer. We elucidated both aberrant methylation and associated aberrant gene expression and the emerging methylation-transcription patterns were classified as HypoUp, HypoDown, HyperUp, or HyperDown. We found that the aberrant methylation-transcription patterns significantly affect the overall survival time of the patients. We used protein–drug interaction data and molecular docking analysis to identify potential therapeutic candidates. This study uncovered the distinct methylation-transcription characteristics of this special subtype lung cancer, and provided an adaptable way to identify potential therapeutic targets. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have demonstrated remarkable treatment efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, low expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type NSCLCs are refractory, and only few therapeutic options exist. Currently, combination therapy with ICIs is frequently used in order to enhance the treatment response rates. Yet, this regimen is still associated with poor treatment outcome. Therefore, identification of potential therapeutic targets for this subgroup of NSCLC is strongly desired. Here, we report the distinct methylation signatures of this special subgroup. Moreover, several druggable targets and relevant drugs for targeted therapy were incidentally identified. We found hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in three regions (TSS200, TSS1500, and gene body) are significantly higher than hypomethylated ones. Downregulated methylated genes were found to be involved in negative regulation of immune response and T cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, expression of four methylated genes (PLCXD3 (Phosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase C, X Domain Containing 3), BAIAP2L2 (BAR/IMD Domain Containing Adaptor Protein 2 Like 2), NPR3 (Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 3), SNX10 (Sorting Nexin 10)) can influence patients’ prognosis. Subsequently, based on DrugBank data, NetworkAnalyst 3.0 was used for protein–drug interaction analysis of up-regulated differentially methylated genes. Protein products of nine genes were identified as potential druggable targets, of which the tumorigenic potential of XDH (Xanthine Dehydrogenase), ATIC (5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide Formyltransferase/IMP Cyclohydrolase), CA9 (Carbonic Anhydrase 9), SLC7A11 (Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11), and GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) have been demonstrated in previous studies. Next, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to verify the structural basis of the therapeutic targets. It is noteworthy that the identified pemetrexed targeting ATIC has been recently approved for first-line use in combination with anti-PD1 inhibitors against lung cancer, irrespective of PD-L1 expression. In future work, a pivotal clinical study will be initiated to further validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilei Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China;
- Center for Disease Prevention Research and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Guosheng Wang
- The Pq Laboratory of Micro/Nano BiomeDx, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University—SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
| | - Lonny B. Yarmus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Yuan Wan
- The Pq Laboratory of Micro/Nano BiomeDx, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University—SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-607-777-5477; Fax: +1-607-777-5780
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26
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Alford MA, Baquir B, Santana FL, Haney EF, Hancock REW. Cathelicidin Host Defense Peptides and Inflammatory Signaling: Striking a Balance. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1902. [PMID: 32982998 PMCID: PMC7481365 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-defense peptides (HDPs) are vital components of innate immunity in all vertebrates. While their antibacterial activity toward bacterial cells was the original focus for research, their ability to modulate immune and inflammatory processes has emerged as one of their major functions in the host and as a promising approach from which to develop novel therapeutics targeting inflammation and innate immunity. In this review, with particular emphasis on the cathelicidin family of peptides, the roles of natural HDPs are examined in managing immune activation, cellular recruitment, cytokine responses, and inflammation in response to infection, as well as their contribution(s) to various inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, we discuss current efforts to develop synthetic HDPs as therapeutics aimed at restoring balance to immune responses that are dysregulated and contribute to disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A. Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Beverlie Baquir
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Felix L. Santana
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Evan F. Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Wu J, Wang X, Shang A, Vella G, Sun Z, Ji P, Yang D, Wan A, Yao Y, Li D. PLAC8 inhibits oral squamous cell carcinogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:128. [PMID: 32934697 PMCID: PMC7471733 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8) is closely associated with the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of several tumor cells. However, the expression and function of PLAC8 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the function and mechanism of PLAC8 in OSCC. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to quantify the expression of PLAC8 in OSCC cell lines. The function of PLAC8 in OSCC was investigated via transfection, the Transwell and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The results demonstrated that PLAC8 exspression was downregulated in OSCC cell lines. PLAC8 inhibited the cell proliferation in OSCC. In addition, PLAC8 restrained invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of OSCC cells. Furthermore, β-catenin helped to repress PLAC8 expression by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways in OSCC cells. Collectively, the results of the present study suggest that PLAC8 acts as a tumor suppressor in OSCC by downregulating β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlu Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Xuetao Wang
- Department of Radiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Giovanna Vella
- Department of Internal Medicine V Pulmonology, Allergology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg D-66421, Germany
| | - Zujun Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Ping Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Dianyu Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Aiming Wan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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28
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Zandsalimi F, Talaei S, Noormohammad Ahari M, Aghamiri S, Raee P, Roshanzamiri S, Yarian F, Bandehpour M, Zohrab Zadeh Z. Antimicrobial peptides: a promising strategy for lung cancer drug discovery? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1343-1354. [PMID: 32749935 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1791080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also called host defense peptides (HDPs), are identified in almost any form of life, which play an important role in innate immune systems. They have a broad spectrum of antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of global cancer-related death. Unfortunately, lung cancer chemotherapy is accompanied by serious side effects, nonspecific toxicity, and multidrug resistance. Hence, to overcome these drawbacks, anticancer peptides (ACPs) derived from AMPs may represent a potential promising synergistic treatment strategy for lung cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors provide the recent advancements in the use of AMPs for the treatment of lung cancer. Furthermore, the anti-lung cancer modes of action of these peptides have been fully reviewed. Importantly, various strategies for increasing the efficiency and safety of AMPs have been discussed. EXPERT OPINION The combination of AMPs and other cancer treatment approaches such as chemotherapy, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and photodynamic therapy can be used as a promising revolutionary strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. The most significant limitations of this strategy that need to be focused on are low efficiency and off-target events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshid Zandsalimi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Sam Talaei
- School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Noormohammad Ahari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Pourya Raee
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Roshanzamiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yarian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Zohrab Zadeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Ahvaz, Iran
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Cheng Q, Zeng K, Kang Q, Qian W, Zhang W, Gan Q, Xia W. The Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Promotes Migration and Odonto/Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from the Apical Papilla through the Akt/Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway. J Endod 2020; 46:964-972. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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30
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Tzitzilis A, Boura‐Theodorou A, Michail V, Papadopoulos S, Krikorian D, Lekka ME, Koukkou A, Sakarellos‐Daitsiotis M, Panou‐Pomonis E. Cationic amphipathic peptide analogs of cathelicidin LL‐37 as a probe in the development of antimicrobial/anticancer agents. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3254. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Zhang H, Yang X, Hu F, Li C, Xu J, Nie W, Shen Y, Lou Y, Han B, Zhong H, Zhang X. <p>Expression Level of Wnt5a Was Related to the Therapeutic Effects of First-Generation EGFR-TKIs</p>. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5387-5394. [PMID: 32606756 PMCID: PMC7295535 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s250024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Hu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changhui Li
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianlin Xu
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinchen Shen
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Lou
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baohui Han
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xueyan Zhang; Hua Zhong Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 18017321319; +86 13818200560Fax +86-021-62821990 Email ;
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Sun L, Shi C, Liu S, Zhang E, Yan L, Ji C, Zhao Y. Overexpression of NuSAP1 is predictive of an unfavourable prognosis and promotes proliferation and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells via the Wnt/β-catenin/EMT signalling axis. Gene 2020; 747:144657. [PMID: 32298762 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We analysed the effect of expression of nucleolar spindle-associated protein 1 (NuSAP1) on the prognosis of breast cancer (BC) and investigated its potential mechanism of tumourigenicity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS We downloaded the RNA-seq breast cancer (BC) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and screened for the NuSAP1 gene using R software. The clinical data for patients with BC were screened and analysed using R software. A survival curve was drawn using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Cell proliferation and invasion were verified by the Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. Expression of NuSAP1, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition-related proteins in TNBC was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB). RESULTS Expression of NuSAP1 was upregulated in BC. The change in NuSAP1 expression levels was associated with multiple clinicopathological factors, and the higher the expression of NuSAP1 was, the shorter the survival time. In MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells, knockdown of NuSAP1 expression resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation and invasion; a decrease in expression of cyclin D1, vimentin, Slug, Twist, wnt3a, and pβ-catenin; and an increase in expression of e-cadherin. The results of the sh-NuSAP1 + ov-NuSPA1 group were the opposite of the results of the sh-NuSAP1 group. CONCLUSION NuSAP1 is a carcinogen that facilitates progression of TNBC through the Wnt/β-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Changlong Shi
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shaozhuang Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Enchong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Long Yan
- Department of the Fifth General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ce Ji
- Department of the Third General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Sui M, Wang Z, Xi D, Wang H. miR‐142‐5P regulates triglyceride by targeting
CTNNB1
in goat mammary epithelial cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:613-623. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MeiXia Sui
- College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Weifang University Weifang China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Universities Weifang University Weifang China
| | - ZongWei Wang
- Administrative Examination and Approval Service Bureau of Shouguang Weifang China
| | - Dan Xi
- College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Weifang University Weifang China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Universities Weifang University Weifang China
| | - HanHai Wang
- College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Weifang University Weifang China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Universities Weifang University Weifang China
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Lin X, Zuo S, Luo R, Li Y, Yu G, Zou Y, Zhou Y, Liu Z, Liu Y, Hu Y, Xie Y, Fang W, Liu Z. HBX-induced miR-5188 impairs FOXO1 to stimulate β-catenin nuclear translocation and promotes tumor stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7583-7598. [PMID: 31695788 PMCID: PMC6831466 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the key factor in determining cancer recurrence, metastasis, chemoresistance and patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of miR-5188 in cancer stemness has never been documented. In this study, we investigated the clinical and biological roles of miR-5188 in HCC. Methods: MiRNA expression in HCC was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and in situ hybridization. The biological effect of miR-5188 was demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies through the ectopic expression of miR-5188. The target gene and molecular pathway of miR-5188 were characterized using bioinformatics tools, dual-luciferase reporter assays, gene knockdown, and rescue experiments. Results: MiR-5188 was shown to be upregulated and confer poor prognosis in HCC patient data from TCGA database. MiR-5188 was subsequently identified as a significant inducer of cancer stemness that promotes HCC pathogenesis. Specifically, the targeting of miR-5188 by its antagomir markedly prolonged the survival time of HCC-bearing mice and improved HCC cell chemosensitivity in vivo. Mechanistic analysis indicated that miR-5188 directly targets FOXO1, which interacts with β-catenin in the cytoplasm to reduce the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and promotes the activation of Wnt signaling and downstream tumor stemness, EMT, and c-Jun. Moreover, c-Jun transcriptionally activates miR-5188 expression, forming a positive feedback loop. Interestingly, the miR-5188-FOXO1/β-catenin-c-Jun feedback loop was induced by hepatitis X protein (HBX) through Wnt signaling and participated in the HBX-induced pathogenesis of HCC. Finally, analyses of transcriptomics data and our clinical data supported the significance of the abnormal expression of the miR-5188 pathway in HCC pathogenesis. Conclusions: These findings present the inhibition of miR-5188 as a novel strategy for the efficient elimination of CSCs to prevent tumor metastasis, recurrence and chemoresistance in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study highlights the importance of miR-5188 as a tumor stemness inducer that acts as a potential target for HCC treatment.
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