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Zhu Z, Hu B, Zhu D, Li X, Chen D, Wu N, Rao Q, Zhang Z, Wang H, Zhu Y. Bromocriptine sensitivity in bromocriptine-induced drug-resistant prolactinomas is restored by inhibiting FGF19/FGFR4/PRL. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02408-0. [PMID: 38926262 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02408-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE At present, various treatment strategies are available for pituitary adenomas, including medications, surgery and radiation. The guidelines indicate that pharmacological treatments, such as bromocriptine (BRC) and cabergoline (CAB), are important treatments for prolactinomas, but drug resistance is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of drug resistance in prolactinomas is beneficial for clinical treatment. METHODS In our research, BRC-induced drug-resistant cells were established. Previous RNA sequencing data and an online database were used for preliminary screening of resistance-related genes. Cell survival was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assays and flow cytometry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to assess the molecular changes and regulation. The therapeutic efficacy of BRC and FGFR4 inhibitor fisogatinib (FISO) combination was evaluated in drug-resistant cells and xenograft tumors in nude mice. RESULTS Consistent with the preliminary results of RNA sequencing and database screening, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) expression was elevated in drug-resistant cells and tumor samples. With FGF19 silencing, drug-resistant cells exhibited increased sensitivity to BRC and decreased intracellular phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) levels. After confirming that FGF19 binds to FGFR4 in prolactinoma cells, we found that FGF19/FGFR4 regulated prolactin (PRL) synthesis through the ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways. Regarding the effect of targeting FGF19/FGFR4 on BRC efficacy, FISO and BRC synergistically inhibited the growth of tumor cells, promoted apoptosis and reduced PRL levels. CONCLUSION Overall, our study revealed FGF19/FGFR4 as a new mechanism involved in the drug resistance of prolactinomas, and combination therapy targeting the pathway could be helpful for the treatment of BRC-induced drug-resistant prolactinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - B Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pituitary Tumor Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - D Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pituitary Tumor Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - D Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - N Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Q Rao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Z Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - H Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pituitary Tumor Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Y Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
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Kang W, Wang C, Wang M, Liu M, Hu W, Liang X, Zhang Y. The CXCR2 chemokine receptor: A new target for gastric cancer therapy. Cytokine 2024; 181:156675. [PMID: 38896956 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and current treatments are still based on surgery and drug therapy. However, due to the complexity of immunosuppression and drug resistance, the treatment of gastric cancer still faces great challenges. Chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is one of the most common therapeutic targets in targeted therapy. As a G protein-coupled receptor, CXCR2 and its ligands play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. The abnormal expression of these genes in cancer plays a decisive role in the recruitment and activation of white blood cells, angiogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation, and CXCR2 is involved in various stages of tumor development. Therefore, interfering with the interaction between CXCR2 and its ligands is considered a possible target for the treatment of various tumors, including gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Kang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Chengkun Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Minhui Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
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Han J, Ji R, Zheng S, Xia X, Du W, He H, Han C, Zhao W, Li X, Wang Y, Zhang L. HOXB9 promotes osteosarcoma cell survival and malignancy under glucose starvation via upregulating SPP1 expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116208. [PMID: 38621423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116208] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) has been shown to play a critical role in several tumors. However, the precise biological mechanisms and functions of HOXB9 in osteosarcoma remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that HOXB9 was increased upon glucose starvation. Elevated HOXB9 suppressed osteosarcoma cell death and supported cell growth and migration under glucose starvation. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that HOXB9 directly bound to the promoter of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and transcriptionally upregulated SPP1 expression which then led cell death decrease and cell growth increase under glucose deprivation environment. Clinically, HOXB9 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma compared with normal tissues and increase of HOXB9 expression was positively associated with the elevation of SPP1 in osteosarcoma. Overall, our study illustrates that HOXB9 contributes to malignancy in osteosarcoma and inhibits cell death through transcriptional upregulating SPP1 under glucose starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Han
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China; Dalian NO.3 People's Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Renchen Ji
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China; College of Stomatology Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Shuo Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Xin Xia
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Wenxiao Du
- School of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Hongtao He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Chuanchun Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Wenzhi Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China.
| | - Xiaojie Li
- College of Stomatology Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China.
| | - Yuan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China.
| | - Lu Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China.
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Ma Q, Li X, Wang H, Xu S, Que Y, He P, Yang R, Wang Q, Hu Y. HOXB5 promotes the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30445. [PMID: 38737261 PMCID: PMC11088325 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the involvement of the homeobox gene B5 (HOXB5) in the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Methods The expression of HOXB5 in human osteosarcoma tissues and its correlation with clinical indicators were investigated using bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical labelling. Human osteosarcoma cells (HOS, MG63, U2OS, and Saos-2) and normal human osteoblasts (hFOB1.19) were cultivated. The expression of HOXB5 in these cells was detected using western blotting (WB) and RT‒PCR. Two cell lines exhibiting elevated HOXB5 expression were chosen and divided into three groups: the blank group (mock), control group (control) and transfection group (shHOXB5). The transfection group was infected with lentivirus expressing shRNAs targeting HOXB5. The transfection efficiency was detected by WB. Cell proliferation suppression was measured by CCK-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays; the percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry; and cell migration and invasion were detected via the Transwell chamber test. WB was utilized to determine the protein expression of genes linked to metastasis (MMP2, MMP9), apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2), and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway (JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3). Results In osteosarcoma tissues, HOXB5 expression was elevated and strongly correlated with distant metastasis. Silencing HOXB5 reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells; prevented the progression and metastasis of tumours in tumour-bearing nude mice; and reduced the activation of key proteins in the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Conclusion Through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, HOXB5 plays a crucial role in the malignant progression of osteosarcoma and is a promising target for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Lu 'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, 237008, Anhui, China
| | - Huming Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Shenglin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yukang Que
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Peng He
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Qiwei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lu 'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, 237008, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
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Cai J, Lian C, Lu Z, Shang Q, Wang L, Han Z, Gu Y. FGF19-Based Mini Probe Targeting FGFR4 for Diagnosis and Surgical Navigation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3764-3777. [PMID: 38385325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent malignancy that has a high death rate and a high rate of recurrence following surgery, owing to insufficient surgical resection. Furthermore, HCC is prone to peritoneal metastasis (HCC-PM), resulting in a significant number of tiny cancer lesions, making surgical removal more challenging. As a potential imaging target, FGFR4 is highly expressed in tumors, especially in HCC, but is less expressed in the normal liver. In this study, we used computational simulation approaches to develop peptide I0 derived from FGF19, a particular ligand of FGFR4, and labeled it with the NIRF dye, MPA, for HCC detection. In surgical navigation, the TBR was 9.31 ± 1.36 and 8.57 ± 1.15 in HepG2 in situ tumor and HCC-PM models, respectively, indicating considerable tumor uptake. As a result, peptide I0 is an excellent clinical diagnostic reagent for HCC, as well as a tool for surgically resecting HCC peritoneal metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chen Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Zeyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qian Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhihao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yueqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostic Pharmacy, School of engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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Zhu Z, Zhou Q, Sun Y, Lai F, Wang Z, Hao Z, Li G. MethMarkerDB: a comprehensive cancer DNA methylation biomarker database. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1380-D1392. [PMID: 37889076 PMCID: PMC10767949 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, sparking substantial interest in the clinical applications of cancer DNA methylation biomarkers. Cancer-related whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data offers a promising approach to precisely identify these biomarkers with differentially methylated regions (DMRs). However, currently there is no dedicated resource for cancer DNA methylation biomarkers with WGBS data. Here, we developed a comprehensive cancer DNA methylation biomarker database (MethMarkerDB, https://methmarkerdb.hzau.edu.cn/), which integrated 658 WGBS datasets, incorporating 724 curated DNA methylation biomarker genes from 1425 PubMed published articles. Based on WGBS data, we documented 5.4 million DMRs from 13 common types of cancer as candidate DNA methylation biomarkers. We provided search and annotation functions for these DMRs with different resources, such as enhancers and SNPs, and developed diagnostic and prognostic models for further biomarker evaluation. With the database, we not only identified known DNA methylation biomarkers, but also identified 781 hypermethylated and 5245 hypomethylated pan-cancer DMRs, corresponding to 693 and 2172 genes, respectively. These novel potential pan-cancer DNA methylation biomarkers hold significant clinical translational value. We hope that MethMarkerDB will help identify novel cancer DNA methylation biomarkers and propel the clinical application of these biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiangwei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuanhui Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fuming Lai
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhenji Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhigang Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Cao L, Liu M, Ma X, Rong P, Zhang J, Wang W. Comprehensive scRNA-seq Analysis and Identification of CD8_+T Cell Related Gene Markers for Predicting Prognosis and Drug Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2414-2430. [PMID: 37936457 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673274578231030065454] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor heterogeneity of immune infiltration of cells plays a decisive role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy response and prognosis. This study investigated the effect of different subtypes of CD8+T cells on the HCC tumor microenvironment about its prognosis. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptome, and single-nucleotide variant data from LUAD patients were obtained based on the GEO, TCGA, and HCCD18 databases. CD8+ T cells-associated subtypes were identified by consensus clustering analysis, and genes with the highest correlation with prognostic CD8+ T cell subtypes were identified using WGCNA. The ssGSEA and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to calculate pathway enrichment scores and immune cell infiltration levels between different subtypes. Finally, the TIDE algorithm, CYT score, and tumor responsiveness score were utilized to predict patient response to immunotherapy. RESULTS We defined 3 CD8+T cell clusters (CD8_0, CD8_1, CD8_2) based on the scRNA- seq dataset (GSE149614). Among, CD8_2 was prognosis-related risk factor with HCC. We screened 30 prognosis genes from CD8_2, and identified 3 molecular subtypes (clust1, clust2, clust3). Clust1 had better survival outcomes, higher gene mutation, and enhanced immune infiltration. Furthermore, we identified a 12 genes signature (including CYP7A1, SPP1, MSC, CXCL8, CXCL1, GCNT3, TMEM45A, SPP2, ME1, TSPAN13, S100A9, and NQO1) with excellent prediction performance for HCC prognosis. In addition, High-score patients with higher immune infiltration benefited less from immunotherapy. The sensitivity of low-score patients to multiple drugs including Parthenolide and Shikonin was significantly higher than that of high-score patients. Moreover, high-score patients had increased oxidative stress pathways scores, and the RiskScore was closely associated with oxidative stress pathways scores. And the nomogram had good clinical utility. CONCLUSION To predict the survival outcome and immunotherapy response for HCC, we developed a 12-gene signature based on the heterogeneity of the CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Cao
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Special Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Muqi Liu
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Wei Wang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410005, China
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8
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Hu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang X, Yang D, Liu Y, Li L. DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 134:104871. [PMID: 37696326 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chensheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xikun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Dongxia Yang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
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9
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Hu M, Xia X, Chen L, Jin Y, Hu Z, Xia S, Yao X. Emerging biomolecules for practical theranostics of liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101137. [PMID: 37451515 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are able to be diagnosed through regular surveillance in an identifiable patient population with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis. Nevertheless, 50% of global cases might present incidentally owing to symptomatic advanced-stage HCC after worsening of liver dysfunction. A systematic search based on PUBMED was performed to identify relevant outcomes, covering newer surveillance modalities including secretory proteins, DNA methylation, miRNAs, and genome sequencing analysis which proposed molecular expression signatures as ideal tools in the early-stage HCC detection. In the face of low accuracy without harmonization on the analytical approaches and data interpretation for liquid biopsy, a more accurate incidence of HCC will be unveiled by using deep machine learning system and multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis. A combination of molecular-secretory biomarkers, high-definition imaging and bedside clinical indexes in a surveillance setting offers a comprehensive range of HCC potential indicators. In addition, the sequential use of numerous lines of systemic anti-HCC therapies will simultaneously benefit more patients in survival. This review provides an overview on the most recent developments in HCC theranostic platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miner Hu
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lichao Chen
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunpeng Jin
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenhua Hu
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China; Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shudong Xia
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xudong Yao
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
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Liu Q, Huang J, Yan W, Liu Z, Liu S, Fang W. FGFR families: biological functions and therapeutic interventions in tumors. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e367. [PMID: 37750089 PMCID: PMC10518040 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There are five fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), namely, FGFR1-FGFR5. When FGFR binds to its ligand, namely, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), it dimerizes and autophosphorylates, thereby activating several key downstream pathways that play an important role in normal physiology, such as the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, phospholipase C gamma/diacylglycerol/protein kinase c, and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Furthermore, as an oncogene, FGFR genetic alterations were found in 7.1% of tumors, and these alterations include gene amplification, gene mutations, gene fusions or rearrangements. Therefore, FGFR amplification, mutations, rearrangements, or fusions are considered as potential biomarkers of FGFR therapeutic response for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, it is worth noting that with increased use, resistance to TKIs inevitably develops, such as the well-known gatekeeper mutations. Thus, overcoming the development of drug resistance becomes a serious problem. This review mainly outlines the FGFR family functions, related pathways, and therapeutic agents in tumors with the aim of obtaining better outcomes for cancer patients with FGFR changes. The information provided in this review may provide additional therapeutic ideas for tumor patients with FGFR abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jiyu Huang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Weiwei Yan
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Zhen Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and DegradationBasic School of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Breast SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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11
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Sun Q, Dai H, Wang S, Chen Y, Shi H. Progress in research on the role played by myeloid-derived suppressor cells in liver diseases. Scand J Immunol 2023; 98:e13312. [PMID: 38441348 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13312] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) refer to a group of immature myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive capacity upon activation by pathological conditions. Because of their potent immunosuppressive ability, MDSCs have garnered extensive attention in the past few years in the fields of oncology, infection, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Research on MDSCs in liver diseases has gradually increased, and their potential therapeutic roles will be further explored. This review presents a summary of the involvement and the role played by MDSCs in liver diseases, thus identifying their potential targets for the treatment of liver diseases and providing new directions for liver disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dai
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siliang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huilian Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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12
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Tsai CY, Liao J, Lee YC, Yang YF. HOXC8 mediates osteopontin expression in gastric cancer cells. J Cancer 2023; 14:2552-2561. [PMID: 37670969 PMCID: PMC10475364 DOI: 10.7150/jca.84460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes of the homeobox (HOX) family encode transcription factors, which play a role in cancer progression. However, their role in gastric cancer has not been adequately evaluated. Herein, we evaluated the genetic changes and mRNA of target genes of the HOX family in gastric cancer patients using publicly available online datasets. We found that HOXC8 was amplified in gastric cancer tissues, and mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with tumor status (P=0.044) and poor overall survival (P<0.01). HOXC8 knockdown significantly reduced the viability of gastric cancer cell lines. HOXC8 modulated the expression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1, osteopontin) and phosphorylation of AKT/ERK in gastric cancer cells. Survival analysis demonstrated a decrease in overall survival rates among the high HOXC8/high SPP1 expression group compared with the low HOXC8/low SPP1 expression group. In conclusion, HOXC8 may be an independent prognostic factor and serve as a useful predictive biomarker for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yu Tsai
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia‑Bin Liao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Yang
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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13
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Xie M, Lin Z, Ji X, Luo X, Zhang Z, Sun M, Chen X, Zhang B, Liang H, Liu D, Feng Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Liu B, Huang W, Xia L. FGF19/FGFR4-mediated elevation of ETV4 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by upregulating PD-L1 and CCL2. J Hepatol 2023; 79:109-125. [PMID: 36907560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metastasis remains the major reason for the high mortality of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to investigate the role of E-twenty-six-specific sequence variant 4 (ETV4) in promoting HCC metastasis and to explore a new combination therapy strategy for ETV4-mediated HCC metastasis. METHODS PLC/PRF/5, MHCC97H, Hepa1-6, and H22 cells were used to establish orthotopic HCC models. Clodronate liposomes were used to clear macrophages in C57BL/6 mice. Gr-1 monoclonal antibody was used to clear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in C57BL/6 mice. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the changes of key immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. RESULTS ETV4 expression was positively related to higher tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, poor tumour differentiation, microvascular invasion, and poor prognosis in human HCC. Overexpression of ETV4 in HCC cells transactivated PD-L1 and CCL2 expression, which increased tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) and MDSC infiltration and inhibited CD8+ T-cell accumulation. Knockdown of CCL2 by lentivirus or CCR2 inhibitor CCX872 treatment impaired ETV4-induced TAM and MDSC infiltration and HCC metastasis. Furthermore, FGF19/FGFR4 and HGF/c-MET jointly upregulated ETV4 expression through the ERK1/2 pathway. Additionally, ETV4 upregulated FGFR4 expression, and downregulation of FGFR4 decreased ETV4-enhanced HCC metastasis, which created a FGF19-ETV4-FGFR4 positive feedback loop. Finally, anti-PD-L1 combined with FGFR4 inhibitor BLU-554 or MAPK inhibitor trametinib prominently inhibited FGF19-ETV4 signalling-induced HCC metastasis. CONCLUSIONS ETV4 is a prognostic biomarker, and anti-PD-L1 combined with FGFR4 inhibitor BLU-554 or MAPK inhibitor trametinib may be effective strategies to inhibit HCC metastasis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Here, we reported that ETV4 increased PD-L1 and chemokine CCL2 expression in HCC cells, which resulted in TAM and MDSC accumulation and CD8+ T-cell inhibition to facilitate HCC metastasis. More importantly, we found that anti-PD-L1 combined with FGFR4 inhibitor BLU-554 or MAPK inhibitor trametinib markedly inhibited FGF19-ETV4 signalling-mediated HCC metastasis. This preclinical study will provide a theoretical basis for the development of new combination immunotherapy strategies for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuoying Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shangrao People's Hospital, Shangrao, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, China
| | - Danfei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bifeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, China.
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Zhao H, Wei S, Zhou D, Liu Y, Guo Z, Fang C, Pang X, Li F, Hou H, Cui X. Blocking the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis enhances the effects of doxorubicin in HCC by remodelling the tumour microenvironment via the NF-κB/IL-1β/CXCL1 signalling pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:120. [PMID: 37037815 PMCID: PMC10085981 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01424-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a core mechanism for oncogenesis. Chemokines act as important mediators of chronic inflammation and the tumour inflammatory response. However, there is limited information on chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a disease for which almost all cases are derived from chronic liver inflammation. Here, we explored the protumor effects of CXCL1, a commonly elevated inflammatory chemokine in cirrhosis, in HCC. The protumor role was confirmed in clinical samples from HCC patients. CXCL1 enhanced tumorigenesis in the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment directly by acting on tumour cells and indirectly through promoting the recruitment of macrophages. The increase in the number of macrophages in the tumour microenvironment (TME) promoted tumour cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and significantly increased CXCL1 levels in the TME partly through NF-κB/IL-1β activation. To investigate the potential therapeutic value of CXCL1 in HCC with an inflammatory background, an antibody blocking CXCL1 was used alone or combined with the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (DOX), with the goal of reshaping the TME. It has been shown that blocking CXCL1-CXCR2 inhibits tumour progression and reduces macrophage recruitment in the TME. The combination regimen has been shown to synergistically reduce the number of pro-tumour macrophages in the TME and suppress tumour progression. This provides insight into therapeutic strategies for treating HCC patients with high CXCL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dachen Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongfan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zicheng Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuibao Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoxi Pang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Hou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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15
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Wang Y, Wang C, Zhu Y. CARD9 contributes to ovarian cancer cell proliferation, cycle arrest, and cisplatin sensitivity. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:49. [PMID: 36443670 PMCID: PMC9703781 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-022-00447-0] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer recurrence and chemotherapy resistance are still urgent issues, and exploring the mechanisms of metastasis and chemotherapy resistance is beneficial to the development of therapeutic methods. Caspase recruitment domain family member 9 (CARD9) and homeobox B5 (HOXB5) are related and both are upregulated in ovarian cancer. This study aimed to define their functions in ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and cisplatin sensitivity. RESULTS The levels of CARD9 were detected in acquired ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. CARD9 was indeed abnormally upregulated in them. CARD9 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, cycle arrest, and cisplatin sensitivity. HOXB5 bound to the CARD9 promoter, and HOXB5 overexpression reversed the regulation by CARD9 knockdown in cells, as well as the activation of NF-κB signaling. This indicated that CARD9 was positively regulated by HOXB5 in ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSION Together, CARD9 is involved in ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and cisplatin sensitivity via NF-κB signaling after transcriptional activation by HOXB5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Wang
- grid.452867.a0000 0004 5903 9161Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the first Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, Section 5, Renmin Street, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, the 968th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, No. 9, Section 2, Chongqing Road, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning China
| | - Yan Zhu
- grid.452867.a0000 0004 5903 9161Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the first Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, Section 5, Renmin Street, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning China
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16
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Ya G, Ren W, Qin R, He J, Zhao S. Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the formation of pre-metastatic niche. Front Oncol 2022; 12:975261. [PMID: 36237333 PMCID: PMC9552826 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.975261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process, which depends on the interaction between tumor cells and host organs. Driven by the primary tumor, the host organ will establish an environment suitable for the growth of tumor cells before their arrival, which is called the pre-metastasis niche. The formation of pre-metastasis niche requires the participation of a variety of cells, in which myeloid-derived suppressor cells play a very important role. They reach the host organ before the tumor cells, and promote the establishment of the pre-metastasis niche by influencing immunosuppression, vascular leakage, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and so on. In this article, we introduced the formation of the pre-metastasis niche and discussed the important role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In addition, this paper also emphasized the targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit the formation of pre-metastasis niche, which provided a research idea for curbing tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqi Ya
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weihong Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weihong Ren,
| | - Rui Qin
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiao He
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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17
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Li W, Li Y, Li P, Ma F, Liu M, Kong S, Xue H. miR-200a-3p- and miR-181-5p-Mediated HOXB5 Upregulation Promotes HCC Progression by Transcriptional Activation of EGFR. Front Oncol 2022; 12:822760. [PMID: 35847904 PMCID: PMC9277860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.822760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a worldwide burden. However, the mechanisms behind the malignant biological behavior of HCC remain unclear. The homeobox (HOX) family could act as either promoters or suppressors in different kinds of malignancies. Our study discovered the role of HOXB5 in regulating HCC progression. Methods The HOXB5 expression was assessed by RT-PCR analysis in human HCC samples and cell lines. HOXB5 transcriptional regulation of the EGFR was verified by the luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment. The oncogenic role of HOXB5 in HCC progression was analyzed by CCK8, colony-forming, and transwell assays. Results Upregulation of HOXB5 was found in human HCC, and was strongly correlated with HCC tumor size, tumor-nodule metastasis, TNM stage, and relatively unfavorable OS and DFS. Ectopic expression of HOXB5 promoted the capacity of cell growth and clonogenicity, while the inhibition of HOXB5 decreased the proliferation and clonogenicity potential in vitro by CCK8 and colony-forming assays. In addition, HOXB5 also promoted cell migration by transwell experiment. Mechanism studies elucidated that HOXB5 triggers HCC progression via direct transcriptional activation of EGFR. The upregulation of HOXB5 is regulated by miR-200a-3p and miR-181-5p. Transfection of miR-200a-3p and miR-181-5p mimics blocked the cell proliferation and migration regulated by HOXB5, while overexpression of the 3′-UTR mutant HOXB5 abolished the suppressive effect of miR-200a-3p and miR-181-5p, but not the wild-type HOXB5. Conclusion HOXB5 is a promising prognostic factor in human HCC. Targeting miR-200a-3p and the miR-181-5p/HOXB5/EGFR signaling pathway may provide new options for the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingchao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peijie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fuquan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuzhen Kong
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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18
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Xu H, Ma Z, Mo X, Chen X, Xu F, Wu F, Chen H, Zhou G, Xia H, Zhang C. Inducing Synergistic DNA Damage by TRIP13 and PARP1 Inhibitors Provides a Potential Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2022; 13:2226-2237. [PMID: 35517402 PMCID: PMC9066198 DOI: 10.7150/jca.66020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13), an AAA-ATPase, participates in the development of many cancers. This study explores the function of TRIP13 and synergistic effects of TRIP13 and PARP1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The dose-dependent effects of TRIP13 and PARP1 inhibitors on HCC cells proliferation or migration were investigated by the CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Using siRNA or lentivirus to knock down TRIP13, we tested HCC cell and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The DNA damage caused by TRIP13 and PARP1 inhibitors was measured by the phosphorylation of H2AX, one of the DNA damage biomarkers. The phosphorylation of H2AX was increased after treatment with DCZ0415 or TRIP13 knockdown. Combining DCZ0415 with PARP1 inhibitor, Olaparib induced synergistic anti-HCC activity. We also found that the overexpression of TRIP13 is significantly associated with early recurrent HCC and poor survival. Up-regulation of TRIP13 in HCC was regulated by transcription factor SP1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that DCZ0415 targeting TRIP13 impaired non-homologous end-joining repair to inhibit HCC progression and had a synergistic effect with PARP1 inhibitor Olaparib in HCC, suggesting a potential treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojun Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences &Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhijie Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences &Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao Mo
- Department of Pathology, The first people's hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528041, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences &Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fanggui Xu
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fubing Wu
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hongjin Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences &Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Guoren Zhou
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University& Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 2100092, China
| | - Hongping Xia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences &Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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19
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Han R, Wang Z, Yang Q, Huang Y, Yan Y. BLU-554, A selective inhibitor of FGFR4, exhibits anti-tumour activity against gastric cancer in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 595:22-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Dang Y, Yu J, Zhao S, Cao X, Wang Q. HOXA7 promotes the metastasis of KRAS mutant colorectal cancer by regulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:88. [PMID: 35183163 PMCID: PMC8858502 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02519-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
KRAS mutation accounts for 30–50% of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. Due to the scarcity of effective treatment options, KRAS mutant CRC is difficult to treat in the clinic. Metastasis is still the major cause of the high mortality associated with KRAS mutant CRC, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report a unique function of Homeobox 7 (HOXA7) in driving KRAS mutant CRC metastasis and explore therapeutic strategies for subpopulations of patients with this disease.
Methods
The expression of HOXA7 in a human CRC cohort was measured by immunohistochemistry. The function of HOXA7 in KRAS mutant CRC metastasis was analyzed with the cecum orthotopic model.
Results
Elevated HOXA7 expression was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, poor tumor differentiation, high TNM stage, and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Furthermore, HOXA7 was an independent prognostic marker in KRAS mutant CRC patients (P < 0.001) but not in KRAS wild-type CRC patients (P = 0.575). Overexpression of HOXA7 improved the ability of KRAS mutant CT26 cells to metastasize and simultaneously promoted the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). When MDSC infiltration was blocked by a CXCR2 inhibitor, the metastasis rate of CT26 cells was markedly suppressed. The combination of the CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610 and programmed death-ligand 1 antibody (anti-PD-L1) could largely inhibit the metastasis of KRAS mutant CRC.
Conclusions
HOXA7 overexpression upregulated CXCL1 expression, which promoted MDSC infiltration. Interruption of this loop might provide a promising treatment strategy for HOXA7-mediated KRAS mutant CRC metastasis.
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Luo N, Wen Y, Zou Q, Ouyang D, Chen Q, Zeng L, He H, Anwar M, Qu L, Ji J, Yi W. Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for clinical axillary lymph node metastasis in T1-2 breast cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:687. [PMID: 35027588 PMCID: PMC8758717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04495-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The current diagnostic technologies for assessing the axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) status accurately in breast cancer (BC) remain unsatisfactory. Here, we developed a diagnostic model for evaluating the ALNM status using a combination of mRNAs and the T stage of the primary tumor as a novel biomarker. We collected relevant information on T1-2 BC from public databases. An ALNM prediction model was developed by logistic regression based on the screened signatures and then internally and externally validated. Calibration curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were employed as performance metrics. The prognostic value and tumor immune infiltration of the model were also determined. An optimal diagnostic model was created using a combination of 11 mRNAs and T stage of the primary tumor and showed high discrimination, with AUCs of 0.828 and 0.746 in the training sets. AUCs of 0.671 and 0.783 were achieved in the internal validation cohorts. The mean external AUC value was 0.686 and ranged between 0.644 and 0.742. Moreover, the new model has good specificity in T1 and hormone receptor-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- negative (HR-/HER2-) BC and good sensitivity in T2 BC. In addition, the risk of ALNM and 11 mRNAs were correlated with the infiltration of M2 macrophages, as well as the prognosis of BC. This novel prediction model is a useful tool to identify the risk of ALNM in T1-2 BC patients, particularly given that it can be used to adjust surgical options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiongyan Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dengjie Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qitong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyun Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongye He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Munawar Anwar
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Limeng Qu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingfen Ji
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Qi L, Ye C, Zhang D, Bai R, Zheng S, Hu W, Yuan Y. The Effects of Differentially-Expressed Homeobox Family Genes on the Prognosis and HOXC6 on Immune Microenvironment Orchestration in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:781221. [PMID: 34950145 PMCID: PMC8688249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The homeobox (HOX) gene family encodes highly conserved transcription factors, that play important roles in the morphogenesis and embryonic development of vertebrates. Mammals have four similar HOX gene clusters, HOXA, HOXB, HOXC, and HOXD, which are located on chromosomes 7, 17,12 and 2 and consist of 38 genes. Some of these genes were found to be significantly related to a variety of tumors; however, it remains unknown whether abnormal expression of the HOX gene family affects prognosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) reshaping in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, we conducted this systematic exploration to provide additional information for the above questions. Methods RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and mRNA expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) combined with online tumor analysis databases (UALCAN, TIMER, PrognoScan) were utilized to explore the relationship among abnormal expression of HOX family genes, prognosis and the tumor immune microenvironment in CRC. Results 1. Differential expression and prognosis analysis: 24 genes were significantly differentially expressed in CRC compared to adjacent normal tissues, and seven upregulated genes were significantly associated with poor survival. Among these seven genes, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that only high expression of HOXC6 significantly contributed to poor prognosis; 2. The influence of overexpressed HOXC6 on the pathway and TME: High HOXC6 expression was significantly related to the cytokine pathway and expression of T cell attraction chemokines, the infiltration ratio of immune cells, expression of immune checkpoint markers, tumor mutation burden (TMB) scores and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) scores; 3. Stratified analysis based on stages: In stage IV, HOXC6 overexpression had no significant impact on TMB, MSI-H, infiltration ratio of immune cells and response prediction of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs), which contributed to significantly poor overall survival (OS). Conclusion Seven differentially expressed HOX family genes had significantly worse prognoses. Among them, overexpressed HOXC6 contributed the most to poor OS. High expression of HOXC6 was significantly associated with high immunogenicity in nonmetastatic CRC. Further research on HOXC6 is therefore worthwhile to provide potential alternatives in CRC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenyang Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wangxiong Hu
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Feng Y, Zhang T, Wang Y, Xie M, Ji X, Luo X, Huang W, Xia L. Homeobox Genes in Cancers: From Carcinogenesis to Recent Therapeutic Intervention. Front Oncol 2021; 11:770428. [PMID: 34722321 PMCID: PMC8551923 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.770428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox (HOX) genes encoding an evolutionarily highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcriptional factors are essential for embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. HOX genes are involved in cell identity determination during early embryonic development and postnatal processes. The deregulation of HOX genes is closely associated with numerous human malignancies, highlighting the indispensable involvement in mortal cancer development. Since most HOX genes behave as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in human cancer, a better comprehension of their upstream regulators and downstream targets contributes to elucidating the function of HOX genes in cancer development. In addition, targeting HOX genes may imply therapeutic potential. Recently, novel therapies such as monoclonal antibodies targeting tyrosine receptor kinases, small molecular chemical inhibitors, and small interfering RNA strategies, are difficult to implement for targeting transcriptional factors on account of the dual function and pleiotropic nature of HOX genes-related molecular networks. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the roles of HOX genes in human cancer and emphasizes the emerging importance of HOX genes as potential therapeutic targets to overcome the limitations of present cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongyue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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